The balance of power in English knockout football shifted once again at Wembley on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Following Manchester City's clinical 2-0 victory over Arsenal, the "Cityzens" have officially broken their tie with Manchester United to become the second most successful club in the history of the League Cup.
With 9 titles now in the trophy cabinet, only one club stands between Pep Guardiola’s side and total dominance of the competition.
The All-Time Leaderboard: Chasing the Reds
For years, the "Big Three" of the League Cup were locked in a tight race. After Sunday's final—decided by a historic brace from 21-year-old academy graduate Nico O'Reilly—City have finally pulled clear into the "silver medal" spot.
The "Pep" Dynasty: 5 in 9 Years
While Liverpool’s 10 trophies were spread across four decades, Manchester City’s rise has been an absolute sprint. Since Pep Guardiola arrived in 2016, the club has won 5 of the last 9 available League Cups.
The Managerial Record: Pep Guardiola is now the most successful manager in the competition's history, with 5 titles—surpassing Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, and Jose Mourinho (all with 4).
The Clinical Edge: City have won 9 out of the 10 League Cup finals they have ever contested, a staggering win rate of 90%.
The Next Target: With the 2026 title secured, City are just one win away from matching Liverpool’s all-time record of 10.
Wembley Recap: The O'Reilly Final
Arsenal entered the final as Premier League leaders and heavy favorites, but tactical discipline and a youth-led spark proved to be the difference for the Sky Blues.
60th Minute: A moment of chaos in the Arsenal box allows Nico O'Reilly to react quickest, heading home from point-blank range to break the deadlock.
64th Minute: Just four minutes later, O'Reilly doubles the lead with a clinical finish at the back post, silencing the red half of Wembley.
The Result: A 2-0 masterclass that gives Manchester City their first major silverware of the 2025-26 season and a massive psychological boost for the title race.