Manchester City lifted the 2026 Carabao Cup with a commanding 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley, thanks to a second-half masterclass from their creative stars, according to Super Eagles legend Sunday Oliseh.
While 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly grabbed the headlines with a quick-fire brace, Oliseh highlighted the decisive contributions of Jeremy Doku, Rayan Cherki, and Bernardo Silva in controlling the game.
“Big statement made by Manchester City to win the Carabao Cup. Man City’s creative players and ball jogglers like Doku, Cherki, Bernardo Silva made the difference,” Oliseh wrote on X.
The first half was cagey, with Arsenal’s disciplined pressing keeping City quiet.
However, the balance shifted after the break. City’s pacey dribblers created multiple 1v1 situations, ultimately dismantling Arsenal’s low block.
The breakthrough came in the 60th minute when Cherki’s incisive cross eluded goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, allowing O’Reilly to open the scoring.
Just four minutes later, Cherki was again involved, linking with Matheus Nunes to set up O’Reilly’s second.
Throughout the period, Bernardo Silva’s leadership and pressing kept Arsenal pinned, while Doku’s blistering runs stretched the Gunners’ defense, forcing errors and opening space.
Oliseh summarized City’s display succinctly as “Total domination by Manchester City of the second half though.”
Arsenal, despite their strong league form, struggled to respond, unable to create clear chances.
Oliseh noted that the Gunners can console themselves with the prospect of a Premier League title but were second-best in this cup final.
