Antoine Semenyo marked his arrival at Manchester City in style by claiming his first major trophy, as the Ghanaian winger played a pivotal role in the Blues’ 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. The win delivered Pep Guardiola a fifth League Cup success and shattered the Gunners’ dreams of an unprecedented quadruple.
Having joined from Bournemouth for £64 million in January 2026, Semenyo quickly adapted to life at the Etihad, contributing goals in the semi-final against Newcastle to help secure City’s path to Wembley.
Entering the final as strong favourites given their dominant Premier League position, Arsenal started brightly and nearly took the lead early when Kai Havertz was denied by a superb leg save from James Trafford inside the opening ten minutes.
Manchester City struggled to create clear chances in the first half, registering no shots on target until a late effort in the 44th minute. The turnaround came after the break, however, as City emerged with greater intensity, pressing high and dominating possession to pin Arsenal back.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, already on a booking for fouling Jérémy Doku after misjudging a long ball, then gifted the breakthrough in a moment of high drama. Rayan Cherki’s drifting cross was met with a flapping punch from the Arsenal keeper, who inadvertently sent the ball looping over his own head into the six-yard box.
Semenyo reacted with lightning sharpness, stealing in ahead of Martín Zubimendi to nod home the opener and spark wild celebrations among the City faithful.
Mikel Arteta turned to his substitutes in search of an equaliser, but City responded ruthlessly in true Guardiola fashion, striking again almost immediately to kill off the contest. Rodri and Matheus Nunes combined cleverly down the right, with Nunes whipping in a precise cross that Semenyo attacked with perfect timing. The new signing powered a decisive header past a helpless Kepa, leaving Bukayo Saka standing frozen as the ball rippled the net for a second time.
Arsenal’s further changes failed to ignite any real comeback, and the Gunners never seriously threatened to turn the tide. The final whistle confirmed a fourth successive Carabao Cup final defeat for Arsenal, a heavy psychological blow for a team still chasing their first Premier League title in over two decades and a potential first Champions League crown.
For Manchester City, the triumph provided fresh silverware and a perfect debut season highlight for Semenyo, whose clinical contributions underlined his rapid integration and the club’s enduring appetite for success.
