Gary Neville predicts Premier League title winners after Arsenal bowed to City in Carabao Cup final

Gary Neville says Manchester City have delivered a major psychological setback to Arsenal in the Premier League title race following their Carabao Cup final victory.

City secured a 2-0 win at Wembley, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice in quick succession during the second half to decide the contest.

Neville criticises Kepa error

Neville pointed to a costly mistake from Kepa Arrizabalaga as a turning point in the match.

The goalkeeper, preferred over David Raya for the final, spilled a routine cross from Rayan Cherki, allowing O’Reilly to open the scoring.

“It’s a really bad one from the goalkeeper. Kepa, it’s a real howler in a massive moment,” Neville said.

He also criticised Kepa’s overall decision-making, adding: “He hasn’t helped himself… he was drawing Man City onto him.”

Title race implications

Neville believes the result could have wider implications beyond the cup final.

“They’ve landed a major blow, Manchester City,” he said. “The impact that might have… Man City needed something to lift them and they’ve just got it.”

Despite the defeat, Arsenal remain in a strong league position, holding points advantage at the top.

However, Neville warned that the psychological impact of the loss could test the squad’s resilience.

“Arsenal need to recover… but Mikel has a big job on his hands now,” he added, referring to manager Mikel Arteta.

City’s victory also secured a fifth EFL Cup title for Pep Guardiola, giving them a boost heading into the final stretch of the season.