Manchester City win the EFL Cup

Manchester City beat Arsenal at Wembley in the EFL Cup final to claim their first title of the season.

Manchester City have already secured a trophy. Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal at Wembley thanks to a superb second half. O’Reilly’s goals underlined Manchester City’s superiority in the second 45 minutes. The first half was more evenly matched, with the ‘Gunners’ even holding a slight advantage. However, after the break, Manchester City took control.

Pep Guardiola has thus established himself as one of the most successful managers in the world with 40 titles in 17 seasons, leaving him just nine short of the great Sir Alex Ferguson. The Catalan manager will be looking to add to that tally this season, as Manchester City can still win the Premier League and are in the FA Cup round of 16.

Going for the treble

This final was the first round of the battle both teams will wage in this final stretch of the season. With the EFL Cup title going to Manchester City, both teams are in contention for a total of three trophies. Pep Guardiola’s side are in the running to win the Premier League and the FA Cup; Mikel Arteta’s side are also in the running for the FA Cup and the coveted Premier League, as well as the most prized of all, the Champions League.

What is certain is that at least one of Manchester City or Arsenal will win the Premier League. The ‘Gunners’ lead their rivals by nine points, although they have played one more game. If Guardiola’s side win their remaining fixture, they will close the gap to six points. Furthermore, on 19 April, the two sides will face off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that could decide the title. Especially if Arsenal manage to pick up points.

But they could also face each other in the FA Cup. If both qualify for the semi-finals, that clash would take place again at Wembley. In that case, it could be the semi-final, if the draw so determines, or the final if both reach it. The truth is that the end of the season in England looks set to be a thrilling one, with Manchester City and Arsenal battling it out for a treble.