The quadruple dream is still alive after Pep Guardiola led Manchester City to League Cup glory over Chelsea following a dramatic penalty shoot-out success.
However, the match will forever be associated with the truly remarkable moment Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga defied the orders of his manager Maurizio Sarri by refusing to come off the pitch towards the end of the second-half of extra-time.
Sarri attempted to substitute his keeper in order to bring on penalty expert Willy Caballero - who helped win Man City the trophy in 2016 after his exploits against Liverpool in the shoot-out - however, the £71million Spaniard simply refused to come off. A point-blank refusal, as he gestured widely in Sarri's direction, holding his ground and refusing to budge.
As you can imagine a seething Sarri was absolutely fuming at the shock snub from his keeper. Talk about being undermined. He threw a couple of bottles in disgust, stormed off towards the tunnel, only to turn around and continued venting.
Meanwhile, everyone in the stadium and watching on TV was absolutely bewildered at the unprecedented scenes that were being played out at Wembley.
Man City proceeded to edge out Chelsea 4-3 on penalties, leaving both Sarri and Kepa’s futures at Stamford Bridge in severe doubt.
Sarri was already under immense pressure heading into the game, but in his defence, the actions of Kepa were simply appalling.
What on earth will happen next? We’ll have to wait and see, but for now here’s the best of the reactions from social media.
Kepa either gets dropped or Sarri resigns. That’s it. (@ollieg21296)
Think Kepa won’t play again this season. Outrageous behaviour and deserves whatever punishment he gets. (@Memdozer)
I’d love to be in that Chelsea dressing room. Sarri gonna burn Kepa, Jorginho and David Luiz with his cigarettes before getting sacked (@JuanDirection58)
They need to get a pay per view up for Sarri vs Kepa in the locker room RIGHT NOW take all my money (@Basha)
Kepa Arrizabalaga has embarrassed himself massively. Regardless of the result, if your manager tells you to do something, you do it. It's literally that simple. (@ellis_platten)
Those who are defending Kepa, this was the prime example of player overpowering managers. As a manager, you're the boss of everything and even if he is making a wrong call, the players are still suppose to accept the manager's decision! Kepa was clearly on the wrong side here (@nomifooty)
Kepa needs to publicly apologize to the fans, to Sarri and to his teammates. Disrespected his teammates, coach as well as Zola publicly. Wanted to be the hero but ultimately turned into the villain. (@CFCMod_)
Maurizio Sarri tries to substitute Kepa Arrizabalaga for Willy Caballero, but Kepa refuses to come off and Sarri is absolutely FURIOUS! 😡
