Stark contrasts in the Carabao Cup final. A team in decline were brushed aside by a club on the rise. Manchester City are creating a dynasty in the Premier League and Europe and the last bastion of the legendary Arsenal of old seemed to disappear with a thoroughly poor display.
The Citizens went into the game as favourites having won the competition two years back. With his side in irrestitibe form in the Premier League this term, Pep Guardiola looked for his first piece of silverware since arriving at the Etihad.
It all seemed quite clear on paper. Arsene Wenger's men boast a dismal track record against 'big-six' clubs in the Premier League only taking six points from a possible 24 and Arsenal are without a League Cup win since 1993. Manchester City's 15 points from a possible 18 against rival 'top' competitors set them up for glory at Wembley.
Both game plans were made perfectly clear from the start. Manchester City moved the ball around nicely and Arsenal kept their shape well, patiently waiting for a chance to pounce on the counter. The Gunners briefly looked to be on the same level as the Premier League leaders and they even enjoyed the first big chance of the game, bursting into life with their first attack.
Jack Wilshere brought the ball forward and Aaron Ramsey eventually picked out Mesut Ozil in space on the right. The German playmaker squared for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was denied by a perfectly-timed tackle from Kyle Walker and a smart block from Claudio Bravo.
Pep Guardiola's side is famed for intricate build-up football, but they added another bow to their string to open up Arsenal. Sergio Aguero broke the deadlock after nineteen minutes, and it was as simple as you like. Claudio Bravo's goal kick played the striker through on goal and he calmly lifted the ball over David Ospina and into the back of the net. It was made possible by awful defending from Shkodran Mustafi, who misjudged Bravo's kick and was left in no-man's land, complaining about a nudge from Aguero.
- Arsenal hope -
Arsenal attacked a fair bit after going behind but never really troubled City, who seemed comfortable with their lead. Wenger couldn't find a tactical response to City's high pressure, and his team lacked the leadership and character on the pitch to get back into the fixture.
Having come from a goal down to win 2-1 in both of their previous League Cup final triumphs (1987 and 1993), Gunners fans seemed somewhat optimistic going into the break, but it soon came to an end as the Citizens continued with their dominant display. Vincent Kompany almost doubled his side's lead with a volley into the bottom corner but he would not have to wait long to find the back of the net.
- Game over -
Fernandinho trudged off the pitch with a hamstring injury and Guardiola showed great ambition by bringing on more firepower up front in the shape of Bernardo Silva and it paid off. What a moment is was for the captain, who defended brilliantly for 90 minutes and was rewarded at the other end. Kompany started things off by winning the corner and then he finished it, diverting Gundogan's shot into the bottom corner.
Arsenal were in need of something truly special and City fans sensed a first trophy under Pep Guardiola as they turned their backs do their 'Poznan' dance. It was utter resignation from the Gunners moments later as Danilo's pass allowed David Silva to turn in the box and the Spaniard fired low across Ospina.
- Like night and day -
At one end, City fans had their flags out, creating a nice sight. With over ten minutes to go, they knew it was done and dusted. A mass exodus of Arsenal fans ensued, with the team failing to show up on a day that will be remembered miserably at the Emirates.
After taking a first step towards putting the miserable evening at Wigan behind them, Manchester City continue to lick their wounds and now have two more trophies in their sights. The league, which is theirs to lose even if Mourinho's United refuse to let go. and the Champions League which remains a dream in the distance.