Kobbie Mainoo needs a power boost, Everton revel in home comforts but Brentford must rediscover their buzz
Premier League top scorers: check the latest standings
One theory behind Manchester City’s subpar 18 months is that the end is sliding into view on Pep Guardiola’s glorious reign, and the fact that he may be considering life after City is transmitting itself to his players. Sunday’s Carabao Cup win goes some way to refuting that. Not only did he see off the challenge of his former apprentice Mikel Arteta, but it was vintage Guardiola on the touchline. He looked gobsmacked when decisions didn’t go his side’s way, produced a Chuck Norris tribute kick to an advertising hoarding when City took the lead then sprinted down the touchline, fists pumping, when Nico O’Reilly scored his second of a fairytale final for the club’s local lad. If Guardiola’s intense level of care has dropped, he’s disguising it well. Anybody writing off him – and City’s league title ambitions – would do well to remember just what level of manager we are dealing with here. Alex Reid
Match report: Arsenal 0-2 Manchester City
Arsenal finally lose a game (that really matters). Throughout a high-flying but still inconsistent season, Arteta has raised his team after setbacks. Dropped points in the Premier League have usually been followed up by a run of good results; a drab display in Leverkusen led to Arsenal dominating the second leg in the Champions League last 16. But defeat in a final leaves no recourse to rally in that competition. Victory on Sunday would have delivered the double delight of a first League Cup since 1993 and relieved pressure by putting some silverware in the cabinet. It’s simple to write off this defeat in isolation – Kepa Arrizabalaga’s error led to Manchester City’s breakthrough and he will be replaced by a superior goalkeeper in David Raya – but that cannot mask an insipid performance. Arteta has to lift his side and the players must show their mettle after the international break. This is the biggest test yet of Arsenal’s bouncebackability. AR
