The battle for the Carabao Cup trophy has entered its final stretch, which will decide whether Arsenal or Manchester City will claim the title.
On 22 March 2026, the 2025/26 Carabao Cup football competition concludes with the two finalists confirmed: Arsenal, the Gunners, versus Manchester City, the Sky Blues. The match will take place on the night of 22 March 2026 at 23:30 Thai time at Wembley Stadium.
Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have continued their excellent performance in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup. They defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0, Port Vale 2-0, and Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout 8-7 after a 1-1 draw, advancing to the semifinals against Chelsea. They won the first leg away at Stamford Bridge 3-2 and then secured a 1-0 home victory. The aggregate score of 4-2 sent them to the final, keeping them on course for a potential quadruple.
Manchester City, managed by Spaniard Pep Guardiola, defeated Swansea City 3-1, Huddersfield Town 2-0, and Brentford 2-0 to reach the semifinals against Newcastle United. They won the first leg away 2-0 and followed with a 3-1 home victory, advancing 5-1 on aggregate to the final. Regarding the League Cup, Guardiola's City had a golden era, winning the trophy four consecutive times from 2017-18 through 2020-21. This trophy remains a key target to restore confidence after missing out on the UEFA Champions League. In all competitions, the two teams have met 214 times, with Arsenal leading with 101 wins, 48 draws, and Manchester City with 65 wins.
In their last six encounters, Manchester City have not managed to defeat Arsenal.
6 August 2023 (Community Shield)
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City (Arsenal won 4-1 on penalties)
8 October 2023 (Premier League)
Arsenal 1-0 Manchester City
31 March 2024 (Premier League)
Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
22 September 2024 (Premier League)
Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal
2 February 2025 (Premier League)
Arsenal 5-1 Manchester City
21 September 2025 (Premier League)
Arsenal 1-1 Manchester City