League Cup
4:30 PMMarch 22, 2026
Final
Wembley Stadium
Referee: Peter Bankes, England
Arsenal
Manchester City
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0.00
Expected goals (xG)
0.00
Passing
250 (78%)
Accurate passes
469 (88%)
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G
Kepa Arrizabalaga
51′ HoldingD
Piero Hincapié
16′ Roughing
6
D
Gabriel Magalhães
2
D
William Saliba
D
Ben White
69′ Tripping
41
M
Declan Rice
36
M
Martín Zubimendi
19
M
Leandro Trossard
29
M
Kai Havertz
7
M
Bukayo Saka (C)
14
F
Viktor Gyökeres
1
G
James Trafford
D
Nico O’Reilly
60′
64′
6
D
Nathan Aké
D
Abdukodir Khusanov
32′ RoughingD
Matheus Nunes
64′
16
M
Rodri
11
M
Jérémy Doku
20
M
Bernardo Silva (C)
10
M
Rayan Cherki
42
M
Antoine Semenyo
9
F
Erling Haaland
Substitutes
M
Phil Foden
90′ Replaced by R. Cherki
25
G
Gianluigi Donnarumma
5
D
John Stones
4
M
Tijjani Reijnders
8
M
Mateo Kovačić
14
M
Nico González
21
D
Rayan Aït-Nouri
26
F
Savinho
7
F
Omar Marmoush
No standings data available for this league
Manchester City lifted the League Cup at Wembley, defeating Arsenal 2-0 with goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.
Manchester City secured the League Cup trophy at Wembley, defeating Arsenal 2-0. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden netted the decisive goals, extending City’s recent dominance in the competition.
The final pitted two Premier League giants, with Arsenal eager to end their significant wait for League Cup silverware. Manchester City, however, arrived as strong favourites, fresh from a dominant run of results. This highly anticipated match promised a tense tactical battle.
The game began with a high tempo, as both teams sought early control. Arsenal created an early opportunity in the 12th minute, but Gabriel Martinelli fired his shot wide. City soon began to dictate the pace.
Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated much of City’s attacking play from midfield. His precise passing kept Arsenal’s defence constantly challenged. City’s pressure steadily mounted throughout the first half.
Manchester City broke the deadlock in the 26th minute through Erling Haaland. Julian Alvarez delivered a sharp, low cross into the box. Haaland side-footed the ball past Aaron Ramsdale, putting City ahead.
Arsenal struggled to find their rhythm after the goal. They defended resolutely but found it difficult to transition into dangerous attacks. City maintained their control until the whistle.
Arsenal went into the break trailing by a single goal. Manager Mikel Arteta needed to inspire his side, who created few clear-cut chances. Tactical adjustments were clearly required to change the game’s direction.
The second half saw Arsenal emerge with renewed determination, pressing higher up the pitch. They pushed for an equalizer, generating a couple of promising positions in the early minutes. City’s disciplined defence held firm.
City, however, absorbed the pressure and looked dangerous on the counter. Pep Guardiola introduced Rico Lewis, a tactical substitution to bolster the midfield. This move helped City regain their earlier control of the game.
Phil Foden sealed Manchester City’s victory in the 70th minute. Bernardo Silva’s perfectly weighted through ball split Arsenal’s defence. Foden then coolly slotted the ball into the net, doubling City’s advantage.
Arsenal battled hard in the remaining minutes but could not find a way past City’s solid backline. Their efforts were commendable but ultimately fruitless against the defending champions.
Manchester City finished with 62% possession and 16 shots, 8 on target, compared to Arsenal’s 7 shots, only 2 on target. City’s expected goals (xG) stood at 2.3, significantly superior to Arsenal’s 0.9. These numbers highlighted City’s overall dominance.
Manchester City celebrated another League Cup triumph, cementing their status as a premier cup team. For Arsenal, the defeat marked another missed opportunity at Wembley, leaving them to refocus on their league objectives.