Arsenal News: Arsenal’s six-year trophy drought continues. Manchester City defeated the Gunners 2-0 in the 2026 Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. This loss ended North London’s hope for a historic quadruple. The defeat hurts because of how it happened. Specifically, fans are questioning Mikel Arteta’s choice to start Kai Havertz in the number ten role. Havertz’s performance at Wembley highlighted the mixed feelings Arsenal supporters have about the German midfielder.

Arteta placed Havertz in an advanced midfield position behind Viktor Gyökeres. This tactical plan made sense at first. Havertz gives Arsenal a way to beat the press. He can win long balls or drop deep to help the build-up play. This profile seemed perfect for facing Pep Guardiola’s team. However, the actual execution told a different story.

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The game started with promise. Zubimendi passed to Havertz for an early chance. Trafford saved the shot and then denied Saka twice on the rebounds. Arsenal looked sharp and purposeful during those first seven minutes. They seemed capable of breaking City down. Then, the momentum vanished instantly.

City’s high press slowly strangled Arsenal’s play. Havertz failed to link the midfield and the attack. He became isolated and could not influence the game in the middle third. Arsenal controlled much of the first half but fell behind after the break. They could not survive a long period of City pressure.

Nico O’Reilly scored the second goal in the 63rd minute. This goal effectively ended Arsenal’s chances. Mikel Arteta substituted Havertz and Piero Hincapie for Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke. Arteta’s early sub showed he knew the plan was failing.

However, we must look at the full season. Havertz is not a total failure. His late goal against Chelsea sent Arsenal to this final. He arrived at Wembley as a hero of the cup run. Football is cruel. The same player who carried the team to the final struggled when it mattered most.

Arsenal failed to take their early chances. A big mistake by Kepa Arrizabalaga gifted O’Reilly the opening goal. This loss gave the club a record seventh runners-up finish in this competition. Many people deserve blame, and Kepa’s error requires a close look. Still, Havertz carries a heavy weight. Arteta backed him to control the game, but he could not change the match while it sat at 0-0.

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Arsenal News will follow the fallout of this defeat. The Premier League title race remains active. The team is still competing in the Champions League. Fans still have reasons to stay optimistic. Even so, Wembley serves as a reminder. Results, not intentions, decide cup finals.