Aguero, Kompany And Silva Score As Manchester City Trounce Arsenal 3-0 In Carabao Cup Final

Vincent Kompany’s celebration said it all as he wheeled away having scored the goal which helped steer Manchester City to their first trophy under Pep Guardiola.

One of the main men from the club’s first era of success kicked off what they hope will be a sustained second, when he deflected Ilkay Gundogan’s shot into the net following a Kevin De Bruyne corner.

The Belgian centre back has suffered a string of injuries during the past few seasons, which has led to a nightmare period for such a dedicated professional and club captain, but in this final he was able to live a more enjoyable dream.

It was a game which belonged to City’s old guard, with Sergio Aguero giving them the lead in the first half, and David Silva scoring an excellent third to put the win beyond any doubt.

Although in truth there was never really any question of who would be lifting the trophy at the end of ninety minutes.

Arsenal picked up from where they had left off in their embarrassing display against Swedish minnows Ostersunds FK, who defeated them in the second leg of their Europa League tie. Despite the North Londoners going through on aggregate, a smattering of boos were heard towards the end of the second leg game which they lost 2-1.

Here they were arguably worse, with a flimsy defence, sluggish midfield, and an attack which was difficult to judge as it was barely visible.

There was some early encouragement for Arsene Wenger’s side, though, as Claudio Bravo retained his place in City’s cup side. It was considered a risky selection from Guardiola, especially after their recent FA Cup exit at Wigan, and especially when the alternative is the excellent Ederson.

But the Chilean justified his inclusion on this occasion with an Ederson-esque punt which earned him an assist for the opening goal.

Ederson has become well known as a goalkeeper who can also play football, and his ranging goal kicks have provided City with yet another attacking weapon. Bravo may not be as assured in his build-up play, but here he showed he can boot the ball long with the best of them.

His goal kick found Aguero who had brushed off Shkodran Mustafi with ease. The Argentine took the ball out from under his feet before finishing with a typically cool dink over the onrushing David Ospina.

These were two pieces of game-changing play from the City players stationed at opposite ends of the pitch, but Mustafi’s pitiful attempt at dealing with Aguero, appealing for something, who knows what, as he was on the wrong side and brushed aside, was equally responsible for the goal.

Arsenal struggled to keep possession, which is normally the case for sides playing against Guardiola’s City, but the Gunners had plenty of opportunities to make their mark on the game but lacked and structure.

An early chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went begging after good work from Jack Wilshere and a cross from Mesut Ozil, though the forward may have been given offside by the VAR.

City themselves were not the smooth, precise passing unit they usually are, and even De Bruyne hit a few wayward passes from his now unfamiliar role on the right, but his side were gifted a half time lead.

They were also lucky not to lose Fernandinho for the second period following a late challenge on Wilshere which should have brought his second yellow, but referee Craig Pawson kept his cards in his pocket.

The second half was more like the team City fans are used to seeing, and on one occasion it was more like the Bravo they’re used to seeing. They had been probing and pushing in attack, barely letting Arsenal out of their own half, but the goalkeeper almost let Aubameyang in when he failed to sweep up effectively.

Kyle Walker looked to have the situation under control, using his pace to overtake the Gabon international, but the keeper had strayed from his area but missed his kick. Luckily, he was given a second chance to clear up and Aubameyang fouled him, but City hearts were in mouths for a few seconds.

Kompany’s joyous goal came shortly after this. It led to a release of emotion for the player who couldn’t have celebrated his goal any more passionately, and the strike eased City fans’ nerves after Bravo’s wobble and sent them into party mode.

The Poznan was present in the stands, and Silva was present in the opposition area when Danilo played the ball into the area. The Spaniard’s first touch was sublime as he turned Callum Chambers, and the finish was just as good with his left foot, giving Ospina no chance.

The goal had been coming and Arsenal were showing little fight. Danny Welbeck added some from the bench, but the rest of the team appeared to have given up by then.

Guardiola put the icing on the cake by sending Gabriel Jesus and Phil Foden onto the pitch for the latter stages of the game, which delighted the fans further. Their Brazilian star, who is set to lead the line for his country at the World Cup, is back from injury, and their local youth product was able to make an appearance in this cup win which could stand him in good stead for future experiences.

This will be the first trophy the club lift this season but it won’t be the last. The runaway Premier League leaders are set to claim that particular title, but Guardiola will also be looking to go far in the Champions League.

“Before the game I thought I was going to score,” beamed Kompany after the game, and as he lifted the trophy for his side all those hours of rehabilitation from injury troubles were now worth the toil.