Guardiola revels in Man City's 'special' League Cup win over Arsenal
Manchester City celebrate winning the League Cup final (Glyn KIRK) Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City's 2-0 win against Arsenal in the League Cup final as a "special" moment after a difficult period that threatened to derail their season. Nico O'Reilly capitalised on a blunder from Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to head City's second-half opener and the defender struck again moments later to seal the Wembley triumph on Sunday. City's victory was a sweet moment for Guardiola after a turbulent period that included a Champions League last-16 exit against Real Madrid.
Damaging Premier League draws against strugglers Nottingham Forest and West Ham have left them nine points behind leaders Arsenal. "We made an incredible victory. To win against that team makes it special," Guardiola said.
"It means a lot. Always winning a trophy is difficult, especially because, along with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, Arsenal are the best team in Europe. "We couldn't win against West Ham or Nottingham Forest.
We lost to Real Madrid at home and away. Nobody bet a pound on us to win. "It's special because we had a tough two weeks.
I'm really pleased because Mikel (Arteta) created a team that is almost unbeatable. A fifth League Cup in 10 years is not bad. " While Arsenal suffered due to Kepa's mistake, City enjoyed a crucial contribution from James Trafford, who made a brilliant triple save in the first half in a contrasting tale of two back-up keepers thrust into the spotlight.