LONDON: Manchester City defeated Arsenal 3-0 Sunday at Wembley Stadium and won manager Pep Guardiola his first trophy in England - the Carabao Cup,
Sergio Aguero, Vincent Kompany and David Silva were all on the scoresheet as City lifted the trophy, formerly called the League Cup, for the fifth time. Only Liverpool have won it more.
It was an impressive statement of intent from Guardiola's men after a shock FA Cup defeat to lowly Wigan last week ended their bid for an unprecedented quadruple.
"It was a difficult game, but as much space there was for us and Arsenal, we did well and controlled the space and I am proud of the team," said Kompany. "Winning 3-0 at Wembley is a massive result against any opponent.
"Before the game, I thought I was going to score. I came close during the game so there was some luck on the day, but also self-belief."
City opened the scoring in the 18th minute when a long punt upfield from goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was controlled by Sergio Aguero, who coolly lifted the ball over a helpless David Ospina in the Arsenal goal.
Captain Kompany doubled the lead in the second half with just over half an hour to go and Silva put the game out of the reach of Arsene Wenger's team.
The runaway Premier League leaders will be hoping to use the victory as a springboard to greater glory as the season approaches its final stretch but defeat for Wenger means he has never lifted the League-Carabao Cup.
On a bitterly cold, clear evening in London, City in their light blue kit took control early, playing measured football and enjoying the lion's share of possession against a side who have made Wembley a second home in recent years.
City look nailed on to win the Premier League and have virtually guaranteed a place in the Champions League quarter-finals after a 4-0 first win in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Basel.