The midfielder scored a decisive brace to seal Carabao Cup win for his boyhood club
Local boy and Manchester City academy graduate Nico O’Reilly delivered a dream performance on Sunday to secure a 2-0 victory for Pep Guardiola’s team over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
The 21-year-old midfielder rose to the occasion with two goals in the second half to decide an attention-grabbing and thought-provoking final.
Both were headers, with four minutes separating them, and not only has the win ended Guardiola’s trophy drought, in the aftermath questions are being asked about whether City could gain momentum to trouble Arsenal in the final seven weeks of the Premier League.
A special, special talent ✨ pic.twitter.com/oRjE0iyFHS
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 22, 2026
Before the game, O’Reilly had revelled in the thought of playing for his boyhood club at England’s most important footballing venue.
“[Manchester] is where I grew up,” O’Reilly said. “It’s me, how I became who I am today. Growing up there, I really enjoyed it. I used to go out and play football every day with my friends. I’m still in touch with a lot of them. We still get along, I speak to them here and there.
“I’m from Collyhurst but recently moved away. I loved living there. I’m a bit out of the way now – I’m still with my family, which is good. They’re there to look after me and support me.”
Nico at the double to seal our ninth League Cup trophy 🏆🙌 pic.twitter.com/5mYKXROH3z
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 22, 2026
And after a game where he scored the decisive goals, recorded 83 touches and completed 43 of his 50 passes, the young midfielder struggled to fully process just what he had achieved.
“Unbelievable feeling,” O’Reily said. “To win a final, to beat this team we know how good they are. We need to build on it. It will give us good momentum. Buzzing with today.
“Bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. Really a good feeling.”
