Arsenal vs Man City: Carabao Cup Final 2026 – Live Updates & Preview

March 22, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

Wembley Stadium hosted a tense, goalless first half in the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday, March 22, 2026, as both Premier League powerhouses battled for the first major trophy of the English football season.

The match, a precursor to a potential triple-trophy showdown between the league’s top two teams, saw Arsenal begin with a period of sustained pressure. Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford was called into action early, denying Kai Havertz in the seventh minute and then producing a double save to thwart Bukayo Saka’s follow-up attempt.

The physical nature of the contest quickly became apparent, with both sides engaging in a fierce battle for midfield dominance. Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie and Manchester City’s Abdukodir Khusanov were both cautioned by referee Peter Bankes for robust challenges, highlighting the intensity of the encounter.

As the first half progressed, Manchester City gradually gained a foothold in the game, with Antoine Semenyo proving a constant threat down the right flank. Erling Haaland, however, was unable to capitalize on a couple of opportunities created by Semenyo’s deliveries.

Arsenal’s starting lineup featured Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal, a back four of Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba and Hincapie, with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice shielding the defense. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Leandro Trossard supported lone striker Viktor Gyokeres. Manchester City countered with Trafford in goal, a defense of Matheus Nunes, Khusanov, Nathan Ake, and Nico O’Reilly, while Bernardo Silva and Rodri anchored the midfield. Antoine Semenyo, Rayan Cherki, and Jeremy Doku provided attacking support for Haaland.

The first half concluded with the score remaining 0-0, setting the stage for a potentially explosive second period. City’s Cherki found Semenyo, who laid the ball off to Haaland in the 49th minute, but the Norwegian striker’s shot lacked the necessary power to trouble Kepa.

Manchester City reached the final after a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over Newcastle United in the semi-finals, having previously overcome Huddersfield, Swansea, and Brentford in earlier rounds. Arsenal secured their place in the final with a 4-2 aggregate win against Chelsea, preceded by victories over Port Vale, Brighton, and Crystal Palace – the latter two decided by penalty shootouts.

City entered the match seeking their ninth League Cup title, and their first since 2021, while Arsenal aimed to conclude a 33-year drought, having last lifted the trophy in 1993.