Yesterday’s match-winning performance felt like another big step in the career of a Manchester City youngster
Yesterday’s match-winning performance felt like another big step in the career of a Manchester City youngster Nico O’Reilly has quickly risen from being a talented young player to become a key player for Manchester City. O’Reilly has played at left-back and subsequently moved into midfield. It is the ultimate compliment to Nico O’Reilly that Pep Guardiola trusts the 20-year-old in the biggest games in complicated roles.
O’Reilly was tasked with playing at left-back and also drifting forward into central areas during yesterday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Come the final whistle, Nico O’Reilly had scored a brace in his team’s 2-0 win , and O’Reilly’s performance felt like a huge step, and moment, in his career. Nico O’Reilly stepped up when Manchester City needed a match-winner against Arsenal at Wembley.
As yesterday’s Carabao Cup final ticked into the 60th minute, Manchester City were well on top of Arsenal. Pep Guardiola’s side had carried their impressive end to the first half into the second half. They had dropped Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to get out of their own penalty area, let alone their own half.
Pep Guardiola’s side needed a goal to take full advantage of their dominance. It arrived in the 60th minute, and it was Nico O’Reilly who scored the opening goal of yesterday’s Carabao Cup final. Bernardo Silva picked up the ball on the right and picked out Rayan Cherki in space on the right of Arsenal’s penalty area.
Cherki drilled in a cross that Arsenal keeper Kepa spilt. Nico O’Reilly had anticipated the ball arriving and he was on hand to head Manchester City into the lead. Nico O’Reilly has the goal scoring ability of an attacking midfielder.