First, it was a solid professional win over Leverkusen (2-0) to progress to the Champions' League quarterfinals. Although Real knocked out City in that competition, they proved the better side today in winning the Carabao Cup, a trophy they win as often as not in recent years. We put out a strong side and the first half was evenly contested. But in the second, City was faster, stronger, and smarter, piling on the pressure until Kepa cracked and gave them their first goal by attempting to catch it when a simple punch would have sufficed. It slipped through his fingers and O'Reilly got his head to it as it floated across goal. The same player got a free header for City's second five minutes later. Arsenal never looked like scoring, although we did hit the woodwork twice late on after the game was lost.
I don't know why we looked so toothless. City defended well, but we seldom tested them. There must be lessons to learn here, and we better learn them, because I don't think Pep has given up on catching us for the league title--nor should he based on today's evidence. At least the press can stop yapping about a quadruple.
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