Three Things We Learned: Manchester City 3-0 Arsenal

Manchester City celebrated their first silverware under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola as they secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Arsenal in the League Cup final. The Citizens dominated the proceedings from the off with Sergio Aguero taking advantage of a defensive lapse from the Gunners to open the scoring in the 18th minute. After the half-time break, Pep Guardiola’s side stepped up their game, and goals from skipper Vincent Kompany and David Silva ensured that they bagged their first trophy of the campaign.

Three Things We Learned:

Arsenal’s defensive frailties: Arsenal’s defensive setup was the prime concern heading into the encounter, and the decision to opt for a three-man backline did them no favours. An out-of-form Calum Chambers was trusted to partner Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi, and the Englishman was nervous throughout the game, and should have done better blocking the third goal. His teammate Mustafi was culpable for the opener as he waited for the referee to blow for a foul rather than shackling Aguero in his stride.

City on their way to a double: Manchester City came back from their FA Cup disappointment with a brilliant League Cup final triumph, and they are now on course to claim the double at the least. Guardiola’s men are currently 13 points ahead of second-placed Manchester United in the Premier League with a game in hand, and it is more of a foregone conclusion as to when they may lift the trophy. Should they continue their winning streak, City may have the chance to win the crown in the Manchester derby in April, which would undoubtedly delight their supporters.

Europa League or nothing for Arsenal: The season has added a bitter taste for the Gunners after their League Cup defeat. The Capital outfit have the opportunity to close the top-four gap to seven points with a win on Thursday, but very few would bet on their chances of beating Manchester City whom they face-off in their game in hand. Anything less than a win may see them focus on lifting the Europa League to qualify for next season’s Champions League, though they have to first bypass AC Milan in the round of 16 of the competition.

Image – Getty