Arsenal quadruple dead after bottling the Nico O’Reilly final against Man City

The Carabao Cup is the perfect opportunity to create a platform for success, and Arsenal squandered that opportunity while Manchester City grabbed it with both hands in what will be remembered as the Nico O’Reilly final.

For Arsenal, it was the chance to take one huge step towards an unprecedented quadruple. It was the chance to kick-start a true dynasty under Mikel Arteta.

For Man City, it was about stopping any of those things from happening. And, of course, ensuring Pep Guardiola does not end a season trophyless for only the third time as a manager, and for the second year in a row.

It was also an opportunity for City to gain an edge in the Premier League title race, even if there were no points up for grabs.

Dealing such a…