How Much Manchester City Made After Carabao Cup Final Win vs Arsenal
- Manchester City edged past Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final to secure the first major silverware of the 2025/26 season
- A brace from Nico O’Reilly proved decisive against a below-par Gunners side, who suffered a seventh final defeat in the competition
- Meanwhile, details of the prize money awarded to City for their Wembley triumph have now emerged
Manchester City secured their ninth Carabao Cup title on Sunday, March 22, with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Wembley.
A second-half double from academy graduate Nico O'Reilly proved decisive, handing Pep Guardiola a record fifth title in the competition.
Source: Getty Images
How Man City beat Arsenal in Carabao Cup final
Arsenal came into the final with momentum and started brightly. They nearly took the lead early on, but goalkeeper James Trafford produced a stunning triple save to keep City level.
That moment shifted the tone of the game. City settled, grew in confidence, and began to impose themselves, with Antoine Semenyo heavily involved in their attacking play.
The breakthrough arrived after the break. A mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga allowed O’Reilly to pounce and head home from close range.
Minutes later, he doubled the lead with a near-identical finish, this time meeting a precise cross from Matheus Nunes.
Watch Man City's triumph over Arsenal on YouTube:
How much City earned from Carabao Cup triumph
The victory further reinforces Man City’s dominance in the competition, having claimed five titles in the last 10 editions, while also marking Semenyo’s first career trophy. However, despite its prestige, the Carabao Cup comes with relatively modest financial rewards.
According to The Sun, City will receive £100,000 for lifting the trophy, while Arsenal take home £50,000 as runners-up.
In addition, the winners earn a place in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
However, with City on course for a UEFA Champions League spot, that place is expected to pass down the league standings.
Source: Getty Images
Guardiola speaks about EPL chase with Arsenal
Meanwhile, the rivalry between the two sides is far from over. In the Premier League, Arsenal remain nine points clear at the top, with City in pursuit and holding a game in hand.
A crucial meeting between the two in April could shape the title race.
"I would love to be nine points in front to be honest," he said, as quoted by BBC Sport.
"It's in their hands. We need time, an incredible break. I am exhausted and after we see step by step."
Both teams are also still in the FA Cup, where another meeting remains a possibility, but before then, they will have to navigate their way through the quarter-final fixtures.
City will face Liverpool, while Arsenal travel to take on Southampton as they continue their push for more silverware.
Why Semenyo's teammate was ineligible for final
Earlier, YEN.com.gh explained why Manchester City used only one of their January signings in the Carabao Cup final.
Although Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi had impressed since their arrival at the club, only the Ghana international was eligible to play against Arsenal due to competition rules.
Source: YEN.com.gh
