Ian Wright has questioned Arsenal’s mentality following their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, suggesting their performance at Wembley fell short of the standards required to win major trophies.

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Mikel Arteta’s side were second best after the break as City found another gear, with Nico O’Reilly scoring twice in quick succession to seal a deserved victory and leave Arsenal still waiting for silverware.

What Ian Wright said after full-time whistle

"A very disappointing one for me… a really poor performance."

Ian Wright reacts to a disappointing afternoon at Wembley for his beloved Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/jj8KhOPk33

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 22, 2026

Speaking on Sky Sports via BBC Sport, Wright made it clear that the display raised concerns, particularly when viewed against Arsenal’s ambitions in the Premier League title race.

“Arsenal’s project is about them trying to win the league. It’s a different team that’s going out there [in the league]. The mentality has got to be better than it was today.”

The former Gunners forward’s comments point towards a gap between Arsenal’s league form and what they produced on the biggest domestic stage, with the performance lacking both intensity and belief once City took control.

Arsenal performance raises questions ahead of title run-in

There is no doubt that Arsenal remain in a strong position domestically, sitting top of the Premier League table, but this defeat will inevitably raise questions about how they handle pressure in decisive moments.

Declan Rice, who has been widely praised this season and even tipped as a Player of the Season contender, was among those criticised after the match for failing to influence the midfield battle, with City’s technical quality proving decisive.

Arteta’s decision to persist with Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal also came under scrutiny after the Spaniard’s costly error led to the opening goal, a moment that shifted the momentum firmly in Manchester City’s favour.

With a crucial run of league fixtures still to come, including a meeting with City at the Etihad Stadium, Wright’s warning about mentality could prove significant if Arsenal are to turn their promising campaign into tangible success.

For a team chasing the title, performances like this serve as a reminder that consistency in high-pressure matches remains the final step in their development.

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There was a notable moment of sportsmanship involving Kepa Arrizabalaga after Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, with players from both sides offering support following the final whistle at Wembley.

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The Spanish goalkeeper endured a difficult afternoon, with his costly error leading to City’s opening goal before Pep Guardiola’s side went on to secure victory with a dominant second-half display.

What happened to Kepa after the final whistle

According to BBC Sport reporter Alex Howell at Wembley, the immediate reaction from fellow goalkeepers highlighted the respect within the position.

“The goalkeepers union really is a thing.

All of the goalkeepers on the pitch from both Manchester City and Arsenal have consoled Kepa Arrizabalaga and had some words for him.”

It was a small but telling moment after a high-pressure final, with the 31-year-old clearly affected following a mistake that ultimately shifted the momentum of the contest in City’s favour.

Kepa error proved decisive in Arsenal defeat

The Arsenal stopper had been trusted to start in the competition ahead of first-choice David Raya, despite some uncertainty from Mikel Arteta earlier in the week when discussing his selection, and that decision unfortunately backfired in the second half.

Kepa’s dropped cross allowed Nico O’Reilly to head City in front, and the same player doubled the lead just minutes later, leaving Arsenal chasing the game with little response.

That contrasted sharply with Manchester City’s own goalkeeping display, with James Trafford producing a crucial triple save in the first half to keep his side level before the breakthrough arrived.

Declan Rice was among those criticised after the match for failing to influence proceedings in midfield, but it was the decisive moment involving the Spain international that proved the turning point in a final where fine margins were always likely to be decisive.

Despite the disappointment, the reaction from both teams’ goalkeepers ensured Kepa was not left to dwell on the error alone, underlining the unique bond that exists within the position even on football’s biggest stages.

The post What opposition players did to Kepa after Arsenal final loss appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Declan Rice faced criticism following Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, with the midfielder unable to impose himself on a game that swung decisively in the second half at Wembley.

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Mikel Arteta’s side had competed well during a cagey first period, but were ultimately overpowered after the break as City found another level, scoring twice in quick succession to secure the first trophy of the season.

What has been said about Declan Rice performance

Writing in The Guardian, Daniel Harris offered a blunt assessment of Rice’s display, suggesting the England international struggled to match the technical quality of City’s midfield.

“I know Declan Rice is a fantastic player, but what we saw – or didn’t see – from him today is why I rank him just below the top tier.

“He didn’t affect the match at all, the superior craft of the City midfielders too much for a player who is too heavily reliant on physicality.”

It is a harsh critique of a player who has been central to Arsenal’s push at the top of the Premier League this season, but it reflects the reality of a final where the midfield battle ultimately slipped away from Arteta’s side.

City midfield dominance exposes Arsenal limitations

The contrast between the two midfields became more apparent as the game wore on, with Manchester City increasing the tempo and control after half-time while Arsenal struggled to regain their earlier foothold.

Rice, so often the driving force behind Arsenal’s best performances, found it difficult to influence proceedings either defensively or in possession, with City’s movement and technical sharpness limiting his usual impact.

Performances like this are why pundits like Paul Scholes have criticised the former West Ham midfielder.

That will inevitably fuel debate, especially given that the 27-year-old has been tipped as a Player of the Season contender for his consistency, leadership and ability to dominate matches physically and technically.

However, this was one of those occasions where the England international couldn’t dictate the rhythm or wrestle control back, and with Arsenal chasing the game after Nico O’Reilly’s quickfire double, the midfield became an area where City’s superiority was clear.

For a player of Rice’s stature, performances in games of this magnitude often shape wider perceptions, and this was a difficult afternoon for the Arsenal No.41 to assert himself against elite opposition.

The post ‘Below the top tier’ – Rice criticised after Arsenal defeat to Man City appeared first on CaughtOffside.