Pep Guardiola has insisted the thrill of winning never fades after Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup.
Under the Wembley arch, City delivered when it mattered most, as Nico O’Reilly struck twice in quick succession shortly after the hour mark to seal the club’s first silverware of the 2025/26 campaign.
As the final whistle sounded, Guardiola celebrated yet another milestone, his fifth League Cup success and 19th trophy at City, further cementing his legacy.
“I still enjoy it,” he said reflecting on winning the trophy. “Today was a real challenge and nobody gives us anything.
“Today we saw ourselves and our level against the best team. We were what we are. That is the proof and challenge. That’s what we’re about.
“We don’t regret the challenge, sport is that. They are the best so far. Second half, I could not believe we could do that against Arsenal but we did it.”
In addition, the triumph carried extra significance for several City players experiencing a major final for the first time.Guardiola highlighted how such moments can spark belief and fuel future success.
“When we played first Carabao Cup here against Arsenal it was the same,” he added.
“For James [Trafford] it was the first final he played, [Abdukodir] Khusanov just a year here, Nico O’Reilly has impressed me in his first full season and Antoine [Semenyo] played his first final.
“There are many players who have had a first experience but that is good, that’s what we need. That tells us okay we can do it.
“Still we are much better than last season but not the team we should be. That requires time. Hopefully next season and the end of this season we can do it.”
Meanwhile, attention now quickly shifts to the challenges ahead. City remain in contention across competitions, with an FA Cup clash against Liverpool looming and the Premier League title race still alive: albeit with Arsenal holding the advantage.
“I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal,” he added on the title race.
“[This game] will have no impact, it’s different competitions. They will be more concerned when they come to the Etihad, this will help us at the Etihad against Liverpool.
“The Premier League is in their hands, they punish us a lot. There were two periods, the three draws with Sunderland, Brighton and Chelsea and then this one with Forest and West Ham.
“If they drop points, we are going to try to win our games and we will see what happens.”
All things considered, City head into the international break with momentum firmly on their side: silverware secured and belief restored as they continue their pursuit of further success this season.
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