Pep Guardiola has described Manchester City’s EFL Cup final victory over Arsenal as “special” because his side overcame the team he considers the best in Europe.
Pep Guardiola: Victory over Arteta’s Arsenal is a “special title”
City secured a 2-0 win at Wembley on Sunday, with two second-half goals from Nico O’Reilly sealing the trophy. The result defied pre-match expectations that had installed Arsenal as firm favourites.
Guardiola explained that the quality of the opposition made the triumph particularly meaningful. “It means a lot,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s always difficult to win trophies.
Alongside Bayern Munich and maybe Barcelona, to face the best team in Europe, they suffocated us for the first 15 minutes but after that we started to win a few more second balls.”
The City manager highlighted how his team weathered an early storm before gaining control.
“We won an incredible victory,” he added.
“The Carabao Cup is not the Premier League or the Champions League but a win against that team makes it a special title.”
Guardiola’s tactical approach played a key role in nullifying Arsenal’s attacking threats. City rarely pressed the Gunners’ backline aggressively.
Instead, they focused on screening passes into midfield, forcing Arsenal to circulate the ball wide. The strategy worked effectively, with City ending the match holding 62 per cent possession.
Arsenal entered the final with hopes of pursuing an unprecedented quadruple, still competing in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
However, Sunday’s defeat exposed familiar issues, as Mikel Arteta’s side again struggled to generate clear-cut chances from open play.
The result also carries implications for the title race. With both clubs battling for the Premier League crown, Guardiola will hope the Wembley victory provides momentum for the final weeks of the campaign.
Guardiola has now won six Premier League titles, one Champions League, two FA Cups and five EFL Cups during his time in England.
Speculation continues to surround his future, with reports suggesting the 2025-26 season could be his last at the Etihad. Should he depart, his record places him alongside the game’s most successful managers.
