City triumph adds twist to EPL title race

Pep admits Arsenal still hold all the aces

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Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly lifts the trophy as City players celebrate after the English League Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

(AFP)

As Pep Guardiola wiped away the sting of the Champagne sprayed by his jubilant players after Sunday's League Cup final triumph against Arsenal, the Manchester City boss was confronted with a burning question.

Nico O'Reilly's second-half double had just sealed a 2-0 win in the Wembley showpiece, handing City a psychological boost at the expense of their Premier League title rivals.

But will Guardiola’s record fifth League Cup serve asa catalyst to catch Arsenal in the title race?

The City boss, who hadn’t masterminded a victory over his old assistant Mikel Arteta since 2023, knows beating Arsenal in a one-off showpiece occasion is difficult enough.

Finding a way to overhaul Premier League leaders Arsenal, who hold a nine-point advantage over second-placed City, is an even more daunting proposition.

“T would like to have nine points in front of Arsenal,” Guardiola said.