Forget the “Quadruple” talk for the Gunners. Yesterday at Wembley, it was all about the “Pep-ruple.” Manchester City’s 2-0 dismantling of Arsenal didn’t just put another silver pot in the Etihad trophy room; it officially cemented Pep Guardiola as the undisputed King of the League Cup.
By lifting the trophy for a fifth time, Pep has moved past the legendary quartet of Brian Clough, Sir Alex Ferguson, and Jose Mourinho (all on four) to become the most successful manager in the competition’s 66-year history.
The Sky Blue Stranglehold
Yesterday’s victory marks Manchester City’s ninth League Cup title. To put that dominance into perspective, City have now won five of the last nine editions of the tournament. They are now breathing down the necks of Liverpool, who hold the record with ten.
40 and Counting: The Guardiola Trophy Machine
The win over Arsenal wasn’t just a domestic milestone; it was a career-defining moment for the Catalan boss. This Carabao Cup triumph officially marks the 40th major trophy of Pep Guardiola’s coaching career.
He is now just nine trophies shy of Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-time record of 49. But while it took Sir Alex nearly 40 years to reach that summit, Pep has hit the big 4-0 in just 17 years of management. Since arriving in Manchester in 2016, he has amassed a staggering 19 trophies with City alone.
The City Haul (2016–2026):
• 6 Premier League titles
• 5 League Cups (Carabao Cup)
• 2 FA Cups
• 3 Community Shields
• 1 UEFA Champions League
• 1 UEFA Super Cup
• 1 FIFA Club World Cup
A Birthday to Remember
While Pep takes the records, the headlines belong to Nico O’Reilly. The academy graduate, who turned 21 just 24 hours before kickoff, became the youngest City player to score a brace in a Wembley final. His two headers in four minutes didn’t just sink Arsenal; they proved that even with a squad of global superstars, the “City Way” still starts in the youth ranks.
“I never get bored of this feeling,” a champagne-soaked Guardiola said post-match. With City still alive in the FA Cup and chasing Arsenal in the league, he might be getting that feeling a few more times before May.
