Manchester City have won the League Cup for a fifth time - only Liverpool have won it more often

Pep Guardiola secured his first trophy as Manchester City manager as they overpowered Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup in convincing fashion at Wembley.

City responded to Monday's shock FA Cup fifth-round defeat by League One Wigan Athletic in style as they swept aside Arsenal and now turn their attention to clinching the Premier League and continuing their Champions League campaign.

Sergio Aguero gave City an 18th-minute lead when he took full advantage of Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi's feeble challenge to latch on to keeper Claudio Bravo's goal-kick and loft a cool finish over David Ospina.

Arsenal were toothless apart from one early opening when Kyle Walker stopped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the six-yard area and the contest was effectively over when man-of-the-match Vincent Kompany swept in Ilkay Gundogan's cross-shot just before the hour.

David Silva put the final flourish on City and Guardiola's day with a powerful shot past Ospina before City closed out the most routine of victories.

There was one contentious note which may draw further attention from the Football Association as Guardiola wore his trademark yellow ribbon, which he displays in support of imprisoned politicians in his native Catalonia, despite facing a charge from English football's governing body for "wearing a political message".

Kompany's character reaps rich reward

City manager Guardiola demonstrated his faith in the ability and influence of captain Kompany on his side when he was selected ahead of £47.5m John Stones at Wembley.

The 31-year-old Belgian centre-back was the mainstay and leader of the Manchester City side who claimed Premier League titles under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini in 2012 and 2014 - but has waged a relentless battle against injuries in recent seasons.

In 2015-16, Kompany figured in only 22 of City's 59 games while in the following campaign he was involved in just 15 out of 56 - that is just 26.8%.

This term he has played in 13 out of 43 games but chose the Wembley stage to demonstrate exactly what he can still mean to Guardiola and City.

Kompany was at his imperious best, matching Aubameyang in a first-half race before brushing the Arsenal striker aside to snuff out a rare moment of danger.

And he was at the heart of the attacking action as City moved through the gears to exert complete control in the second half, seeing one shot deflected inches wide before reacting first to Gundogan's shot to turn in the crucial second.

Kompany celebrated like a man who has known the long, lonely hours searching for full fitness and was enjoying a moment of sweet elation.

He led from the back and at the front in a consummate performance.

Guardiola's new era leans on the old guard

Sergio Aguero (centre) and David Silva (right) have been at City since 2011 and 2010 respectively

This was the sort of day Manchester City's owners had in mind when they finally brought Guardiola to Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2016 - watching their side dominating at Wembley to secure his first trophy in England.

And while the 47-year-old has brought impetus, ideas and fresh young faces to City in the shape of forwards Leroy Sane and Gabriel Jesus, he has been careful to maintain and nurture the experienced heart of the side that brought the club's years in the wilderness to an end.

As well as Kompany, this EFL Cup victory was shaped by the predatory instincts of Aguero, still a world-class striker at 29. The Argentine set City on their way with his usual expertise as he took full advantage of flimsy defending from Arsenal's Mustafi.

And it was another member of the old guard, 32-year-old Silva, who provided his usual range of subtlety and creation in midfield, completing the win with a thumping finish across Ospina.

Guardiola's first silverware in England ushers in the new era for City - but he has wisely retained the battle-hardened core of the club's previous successes.

Weak Arsenal pay heavy price

Arsenal were shambolic for the opening goal and not much better after that

If one moment summed up Arsenal's performance, it was the dismal manner in which Mustafi was left appealing limply for a foul after failing to deal with a routine long goal-kick from Bravo, a light-as-a-feather touch from Aguero paving the way for him to beat the onrushing Ospina.

Arsenal, quite simply, were overpowered with no answer to City's quality once a lacklustre first 45 minutes gave way to a second half in which Guardiola's side camped out in Gunners territory.

Lightweight, loose in possession and defensively weak, Arsenal were no match for City.

When the final whistle blew, the portion of Wembley where Arsenal's fans were housed was virtually deserted, many taking Silva's third goal as the signal to head for the exits and beat the rush home. Few could blame them as this was a painful experience.

This was a chastening afternoon for Wenger as another trophy hope was ended - faced with the cold, hard reality that Arsenal look light years behind this burgeoning, developing Manchester City.

Man of the match: Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

Vincent Kompany has been at Manchester City for almost 10 years, winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and three League Cups

'It was so important after FA Cup defeat' - what they said

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "The first half was not good - too many mistakes with simple passes - but the second half we played with more courage, more personality. That is why we were outstanding after the break.

"It was so important we won this after going out of the FA Cup. Now we have to focus absolutely on the Premier League and trying to win the games we need to win the title and try and progress to the Champions League quarter-final.

"This win is not for me, it's for Manchester City."

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger: "When you lose a game like that everything is questioned.

Media playback is not supported on this device Wenger responds to criticism after League Cup final defeat

"But we played against a good side, you cannot say that we played against an average side. They dominate the Premier League and they have good players. It is difficult to come back."

Stats - Aguero is Europe's form striker in 2018

Manchester City's 3-0 win over Arsenal is their biggest ever cup final victory, as well as the Gunners' biggest ever loss in a cup final.

Manchester City have won the League Cup for a fifth time - only Liverpool (eight) have won it more often.

Arsenal have lost six of their eight League Cup finals, including each of their last three. The Gunners are the first side to lose in three successive appearances in the League Cup final (2007, 2011 and 2018).

City are one of four sides to lift the trophy on four successive League Cup final visits (Aston Villa, Liverpool and Manchester United).

No manager has lost more League Cup finals than Arsene Wenger (in 2007, 2011 and 2018), level with Sir Alex Ferguson, who also won the trophy four times.

Pep Guardiola has triumphed in seven of his previous eight major domestic and European finals, losing only to Real Madrid with Barcelona in the 2011 Copa del Rey final.

Sergio Aguero has scored in each of his last five games against Arsenal. He has scored 15 goals in 13 appearances in 2018 - more than any other player in the top five European leagues.

This was the biggest win by a Premier League team against another in a League Cup final since 2006 (Manchester United 4-0 Wigan), and biggest in a League Cup final at Wembley since 1996 (Aston Villa 3-0 Leeds).

What's next?

Both sides meet again in the Premier League on Thursday at Emirates Stadium (19:45 GMT). City then host Chelsea on Sunday (16:00), with Arsenal at Brighton earlier in the day (13:30).</s>Share this article with Google Plus

The League Cup reaches its final act this weekend after seven months of entertaining matches with Arsenal and Manchester City set to clash in tomorrow’s final.

Arsenal will be hoping to give their fans another joyous occasion at Wembley after a disappointing Premier League campaign so far.

Manager Arsene Wenger will also be hoping to create a bit of personal history himself by adding the EFL Cup to his collection of accolades during his time in England and thus completing the set of domestic honours.

Manchester City will be hoping to put their shock defeat against Wigan in the FA Cup behind them and secure the first piece of silverware on offer this season.

Pep Guardiola’s side have been in incredible form this season, and will be hoping to use the disappointment of their FA Cup exit to win a treble over the remainder of the season.

City have beaten West Brom, Wolves, Leicester and Bristol City en route to the final, whilst the Gunners have overcome Doncaster, Norwich, West Ham and Chelsea.

What time is Man City vs Arsenal kick-off?

The EFL Cup final will be held on Sunday 25 February at Wembley Stadium, with kick-off at 4.30pm.

Which channel can I watch Man City vs Arsenal on?

You can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Football and Main Event, with coverage starting at 4pm.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is confident that Welsh internation Aaron Ramsey will be ready to be involved at Wembley after a groin injury kept him out of the last three games.

Mesut Ozil is also expected to be available after illness while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can play having been ineligible in the Europa League.

Alexandre Lacazette (knee) and Santi Cazorla (Achilles) are out and Henrikh Mkhitaryan is cup-tied.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling is winning his battle with a muscular problem and could be included in the squad, according to reports today.

Striker Gabriel Jesus (knee) could come into the squad after almost two months out but left-back with Fabian Delph suspended.

Oleksandr Zinchenko or Danilo could feature with Benjamin Mendy (knee) out long term.

Manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed Claudio Bravo will retain his place in goal having featured in all domestic cup matches this season.

What are the odds? (Courtesy of Betfair)

MORE: Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus available to feature against Arsenal in Carabao Cup final

MORE: Arsene Wenger denies Pep Guardiola has raised the bar ahead of Arsenal v Manchester City Carabao Cup final</s>After an exciting seven months of Carabao Cup action that has whittled down 92 teams, we now have our gladiators Arsenal and Manchester City preparing to go head-to-head in the League Cup final.

The Carabao Cup has provided us with some great and baffling moments such as Championship side Bristol City toppling giants Manchester United and Cricket legend Phil Tufnell and Rugby legend Matt Dawson doing the live draw.

Sportsmail provide you with all the information you need to know prior to Carabao Cup final kick-off.

When and where is the Carabao Cup final?

Carabao Cup final takes place on the Sunday 25th February at Wembley Stadium, London.

The League cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City will kick-off at 16:30 (GMT).

For our European and American readers you can catch the game at 17:30 (CET) and 11:30 (EST).

How to watch Arsenal vs Man City?

You can watch the Carabao Cup final on:

How did Arsenal and Manchester City reach the Carabao Cup final?



Who are the match officials taking charge of the final?

Wembley officials have been told to put a message on the big screen when a video assistant referee decision (VAR) is being made.

Previously, fans have been unaware of VAR decisions as officials provide no indication of the call being made. This has lead to the game grinding to a halt and fans being confused to why the game is stopping and starting.</s>Nigeria and Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho has congratulated his former club Manchester City who thrashed Arsenal 3-0 in the final of the Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola clinched his first trophy as a manager in England following Sunday’s impressive win against Arsenal.

Goals from Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva landed City their first trophy of the season.

Iheanacho, who featured for City’s senior side from 2015 to 2017 after coming through the youth ranks, was an unused substitute when they won the League Cup in 2016.

Iheanacho tweeted on Monday: “Congrats to the Shark boys, ManCity Shark team, Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany, David Silva.”</s>LONDON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Pep Guardiola claimed his maiden English silverware as his side thrashed Arsenal 3-0 in the League Cup final with Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva all on target in a disappointingly one-sided showpiece on Sunday.

The first meeting between the sides in a domestic final was no classic but Spaniard Guardiola will not care after his side's class eventually shone through at a freezing Wembley Stadium.

City, who will also win the Premier League title barring a monumental collapse, did not even have to hit top gear to lift the trophy for the third time in five years.

Aguero's 18th-minute goal gave City a halftime lead and Arsenal withered after the break as Kompany prodded in from close range after 58 minutes before Silva thumped home a left-footer seven minutes later.

Arsenal's fans left in droves in the final 20 minutes while City's fans decorated the stadium with sky blue.

After a trophy-less first season in charge of City, Guardiola's career major trophy haul as a manager stands at 19, having won 11 with Barcelona and seven at Bayern Munich.

"It's important. We're so happy, and a big congratulations to all of Manchester City, and our fans. This trophy is for Manchester City and not for me," Guardiola, whose side's bid for an unprecedented quadruple was wrecked by a shock FA Cup defeat by third-tier Wigan Athletic on Monday, said.

"The first half we were not good, there were a lot of mistakes, in the second half we played with a lot more courage and personality -- we were outstanding."

Arsenal have now lost a record six League Cup finals and it remains the only silverware manager Arsene Wenger has not won.

"We self-inflicted our punishment," he said. "We had an unbelievable chance at 0-0 and then gave them a goal."

Despite the 27 points separating the sides in the Premier League, Arsenal arrived at Wembley having won their last three domestic finals, all in the FA Cup.

Their pedigree in knockout play offered hope of some salvation for another disappointing league campaign, but from the moment Aguero opened the scoring it looked a lost cause.

For all City's dazzling football this season, the breakthrough came from an old-fashioned 70 metre hoof forward by City's keeper Claudio Bravo -- who had kept his place in favour of usual keeper Ederson.

Aguero got the better of Shkodran Mustafi all too easily and as the Arsenal defender stopped and appealed for a foul that never was, Aguero calmly advanced to dink a delicate finish over David Ospina as Laurent Koscielny tried to cover.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was in use for the first time in an English final and Wenger could have been excused for wanting to have a second look just to clarify how his side had been opened up in such schoolboy fashion.

Kevin de Bruyne volleyed into the side-netting before halftime but Arsenal barely conjured a chance apart from early on when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang somehow failed to beat Bravo from close range after Mesut Ozil's ball in.

City raised their level after the break and Arsenal lacked a chronic lack of belief that they could turn things around and win the trophy for the first time since 1993.

Kompany went close with a deflected effort and the next time the Belgian defender found himself in the Arsenal box, he poked out a leg to divert Ilkay Gundogan's low cross into the net.

When Silva buried a low shot past Ospina from Danilo's pass seven minutes later it threatened to get ugly for Arsenal.

They were spared further torment but the thousands of empty red seats behind Bravo's goal spoke volumes. (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar)</s>Pep Guardiola secured his first trophy as Manchester City manager as they overpowered Arsenal to win the Carabao Cup in convincing fashion at Wembley.

City responded to Monday’s shock FA Cup fifth-round defeat by League One Wigan Athletic in style as they swept aside Arsenal and now turn their attention to clinching the Premier League and continuing their Champions League campaign.

Sergio Aguero gave City an 18th-minute lead when he took full advantage of Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi’s feeble challenge to latch on to keeper Claudio Bravo’s goal-kick and loft a cool finish over David Ospina.

Arsenal were toothless apart from one early opening when Kyle Walker stopped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the six-yard area and the contest was effectively over when man-of-the-match Vincent Kompany swept in Ilkay Gundogan’s cross-shot just before the hour.

David Silva put the final flourish on City and Guardiola’s day with a powerful shot past Ospina before City closed out the most routine of victories.

There was one contentious note which may draw further attention from the Football Association as Guardiola wore his trademark yellow ribbon, which he displays in support of imprisoned politicians in his native Catalonia, despite facing a charge from English football’s governing body for “wearing a political message”.

City manager Guardiola demonstrated his faith in the ability and influence of captain Kompany on his side when he was selected ahead of £47.5m John Stones at Wembley.

The 31-year-old Belgian centre-back was the mainstay and leader of the Manchester City side who claimed Premier League titles under Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini in 2012 and 2014 – but has waged a relentless battle against injuries in recent seasons.

In 2015-16, Kompany figured in only 22 of City’s 59 games while in the following campaign he was involved in just 15 out of 56 – that is just 26.8%.

This term he has played in 13 out of 43 games but chose the Wembley stage to demonstrate exactly what he can still mean to Guardiola and City.

GUARDIOLA TO CONTINUE TO WEAR YELLOW RIBBON: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola will “always” wear a yellow ribbon in support of imprisoned politicians in Catalonia – despite being charged by the Football Association for doing so.

The former Barcelona coach was given two formal warnings about the issue in December but has not been dissuaded.

He has until 18:00 GMT on 5 March to respond to a charge of breaching kit and advertising regulations.

“Before a manager, I am a human being,” the 47-year-old Spaniard said.

“They [the FA] know I’ll wear the yellow ribbon always. It’s not about politicians, it’s about democracy; it’s about helping the people who didn’t do absolutely anything.”

The charge was triggered when Guardiola again wore the ribbon on his jacket pitchside – he is free to wear it elsewhere – during City’s shock FA Cup defeat by Wigan.

He wore it again on his jumper – under his coat – during his side’s Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal on Sunday.

“I can wear it somewhere else, not just on my chest. They know I’ll wear it,” he said.

“If I broke the rules, I accept the fine. There are four guys in prison. There are other guys, who are outside of Catalonia; when they come back, they are going to be jailed, imprisoned for rebellion and sedition.</s>Pep Guardiola claimed his maiden English silverware as goals by Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva gave his Manchester City side an easy 3-0 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup final on Sunday.

The first ever domestic final clash between the sides was a largely disappointing affair at a freezing Wembley Stadium but runaway Premier League leaders City had far too much for an Arsenal side who suffered a forgettable afternoon.

Aguero’s 18th-minute goal gave City a halftime lead and Arsenal withered after the break as Kompany prodded in from close range after 58 minutes before Silva effectively ended the contest seven minutes later with a left-foot finish.

After a trophy-less first season in charge of City, Guardiola’s career trophy haul as a manager now stands at 19, having won 11 with Barcelona and seven at Bayern Munich.

Arsenal have now lost a record six League Cup finals while City have won it three times in five years.</s>Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United and Liverpool for Jean Michael Seri, according to reports.

Seri can leave Ligue 1 side Nice for just £35million in the summer, as per his release clause, and has been attracting interest from suitors all over Europe.

Barcelona are also in the race, but United were thought to be leading the hunt for his signature.

However, The Sun claim that Seri is now a target for Arsenal - and Arsene Wenger will try and sign the Ivory Coast international in the morning.

Arsenal have reportedly already enquired about the all-action midfielder and could be seen as a potential replacement for Granit Xhaka, who has not impressed since his 2016 move.

Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has hit out at Arsenal's 'pathetic' performance in the Carabao Cup, has called for Arsene Wenger to stand down.

The Gunners were battered by Pep Guardiola's swashbuckling Manchester City side, who won the final 3-0 at Wembley Stadium.

Sergio Aguero opened the scoring for the Citizens in the first half before Vincent Kompany and David Silva put the game to bed after the break.

Arsenal have now lost six of their eight EFL Cup finals, including each of their last three, and the trophy remains the only domestic accolade Wenger has failed to win with the club.

Arsenal fans 'give up on team and probably Arsene Wenger'

In the end, it turned into one of the most one-sided Wembley cup finals of all time.

It was a timely reminder of just how far Manchester City are ahead of Arsenal.

The sorry truth was that City did not even need to be at their very best to embarrass and overrun Arsenal .

If Pep Guardiola’s first trophy signals the start of a new era of success at the Etihad then this defeat should also signal the beginning of the end for Arsene Wenger .</s>Manchester City won the 2018 Carabao Cup at Wembley Stadium as they crushed Arsenal 3-0 in Sunday's final.

Pep Guardiola's side were dominant from start to finish, and goals by Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva gave City a comfortable win over a disappointing Arsenal side.

Stuart Brennan of the Manchester Evening News shared the two teams:

Manchester City started the game brightly, but Arsenal had the clearest chance of the opening exchanges. Mesut Ozil sent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in on goal, and he looked set to score until Kyle Walker got a foot in and allowed goalkeeper Claudio Bravo to claim the ball. ESPN FC's Jonathan Smith felt Aubameyang might have been offside in any case:

City took the lead after just 18 minutes following some poor defending by Shkodran Mustafi. Bravo launched a kick upfield, which caught Mustafi the wrong side of Aguero. The striker then raced through on goal and dinked the ball over David Ospina.

Sports writer Ben Fairthorne said it was unacceptable defending by Mustafi:

On the touchline, managers Guardiola and Arsene Wenger indulged in an argument following the goal, though it ended with a handshake and a hug.

Arsenal had few sights of goal in the first half with Kompany doing a fine job in containing Aubameyang. Granit Xhaka clipped a ball through for the striker, but Kompany showed fine pace to catch up with him and then eased him off the ball.

City reached half-time with their lead intact, but they were far from their best, as The Independent's Miguel Delaney explained:

Guardiola's side continued to threaten after the break, as Kompany went close with an effort that just deflected off Laurent Koscielny and flew wide. City were also forced into a change as Fernandinho picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Bernardo Silva.

Arsenal almost had a goal after a mistake by Bravo. A hopeful ball by Hector Bellerin found Aubameyang, and although Bravo came flying out of his area, he did not make contact with the ball. The striker could not take advantage, however, and ended up being penalised for a foul on the goalkeeper.

City then made their dominance count by adding a second goal on 58 minutes. Kevin De Bruyne played a corner to Ilkay Gundogan on the edge of the box, and his ball into the area was diverted past Ospina by Kompany.

Henry Winter of the Times relayed how City fans celebrated the goal:

Manchester City wrapped up the win shortly afterwards when Danilo found David Silva, who fired a shot across the goal and past a diving Ospina. Former striker Alan Shearer highlighted the gap in quality between the two teams:

It was a dismal showing by Arsenal, who were weak defensively and could not match the commitment and attitude of their opponents. In contrast, City will hope this is their first trophy of many this season. The win will also be made all the sweeter by the goals, which were scored by three of the club's greatest players.</s>Arsenal and Manchester City go head-to-head for the season’s first piece of silverware in the EFL Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

The Gunners beat Chelsea last month to reach their first League Cup final since 2011 and manager Arsene Wenger will be desperate to lift the trophy and salvage a disappointing campaign for the club.

City head into the game on the back of Monday’s shock FA Cup defeat at Wigan Athletic that ended their hopes of winning the Quadruple.

In-form winger Raheem Sterling misses out for City with a hamstring injury, while Aaron Ramsey returns to Arsenal’s starting XI after recovering from a groin strain.

Pep Guardiola’s side are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Arsenal and are strongly fancied to emerge victorious this weekend.

City are priced at 4/5 to win in 90 minutes, with Arsenal on offer at 29/10. The draw is available at 3/1.
Manchester City beat Arsenal 3–0 at Wembley Stadium to win the 2017–18 EFL Cup for the fifth time.