Manchester City and Arsenal will face each other in an all-important Carabao Cup final in 2026, which could define the path both clubs will take in the future. City are desperate to show that they still have the mantle to be feared, while the Gunners will want a first win against the side in this tournament’s showpiece to show they are the new force in the land. The teacher faces his student as manager Pep Guardiola, going head-to-head with Mikel Arteta, with both their futures tied to the outcome, more to the former and also the way the rest of the season ends.
A similar battle played out eight years ago that put the sides on opposite ends of the spectrum. Arsenal, managed by Arsene Wenger, was looking to give their departing legendary manager one last prize to usher in a new era with positivity, while the Spaniard was looking for his first silverware in England to start the reign of history-making dominance. It was the latter that came true with Wenger’s choice of going for a back-three to contain City’s dynamic 4-3-3 backfired as Guardiola’s side ran out 3-0 winners at Wembley in the 2018 showpiece.
Here, we look at both teams’ starting XI from that evening and look where they are now in their career eight years later
Arsenal
Goalkeeper: David Ospina - Atletico Nacional
Turned into first choice goalkeeper in that season, mostly due to Petr Cech’s injury, David Ospina started in place of the Czech shot-stopper in the Carabao Cup final but had an afternoon to forget. He was lobbed over by Sergio Aguero for the opener in a one-to-one situation and was ineffective in the close-range finishes by Vincent Kompany and David Silva. That was the last showpiece he ever played in his final season for the Gunners, where he made 70 appearances before departing for Napoli. The Colombian now finds himself playing in his home nation for local giants, Atlético Nacional.
Center-back: Calum Chambers - Cardiff City
The only active footballer of the back-three that started the final, Calum Chambers had an underwhelming time on the pitch like his teammates in defence but was the only center-back to be substituted after City’s third goal in the 65th minute for a striker Danny Welbeck, presently at Brighton, having also the only one to receive a yellow card in the back-three in the 47th minute. Despite being a great utility player but failed on his tag to be a future star for the club, Chambers failed to cement his place in the team in his career there. After a back-and-forth loan spell at Fulham, he joined Aston Villa permanently in 2022 before transferring to League One side Cardiff City two years later. He is presently helping them fight for promotion to the Championship at the age of 31.
Center-back: Shkodran Mustafi (Retired)
His appeal for a foul on the first goal as Aguero outmuscled him to get to the long ball and finish exquisitely went in vain as Shkodran Mustafi struggled massively at the heart of the back three. Despite having a positive start after joining Arsenal in 2016 from Valencia, Mustafi could not live up to his billing as he quickly turned out to be one of the bad signings the club has done this century. However, the German still made 151 appearances over five seasons for the Gunners before departing in 2021. After an injury-ridden time in his final club, Levante, Mustafi retired to become the assistant coach of Germany’s U17 men’s team in 2024, a post he held for a year.
Center-back: Laurent Koscielny (Retired)
Also started in the defence on the right of the back three was the captain, Laurent Koscielny, who was also his final showpiece in his second-last season for the club. The Frenchman established himself as a core member of the Arsenal team for nearly a decade, becoming a captain and a face for the side. He made 353 appearances for the side, more than the club’s legendary defenders like Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure and won five trophies, including scoring the equaliser in the 2013-14 FA Cup final, which ended a nine-year silverware drought. However, he ended as a runner-up in the League Cup for the second time and with faltering form, left Arsenal to join Bordeaux back in France in 2019. Koscielny is currently the sporting director of Ligue 1 club Lorient, having announced his retirement in 2022.
Right Wing-back: Hector Bellerin (Real Betis)
Normally a right-back, Hector Bellerin was deployed in a wing-back role on that flank, but he did not help, as the Spaniard was also booked in the first 24 minutes of the final and struggled to contain Leroy Sane. The now 31-year-old also served as an important member of Arsenal’s backline, unshaken from his role for eight years and won several accolades, including three FA Cup titles. Bellerin was the youth product of Arsenal’s academy and made 239 appearances for the senior team after making his debut at just 17 years of age in 2012. Like most other players who started the League Cup final in 2015, Bellerin eventually fell out of favour in Mikel Arteta’s era at the club and left in 2021. The full-back is now experiencing a third straight season in his second spell with Real Betis, back in his home nation.
Central Midfield: Jack Wilshere (Retired; Manager at Luton Town)
Arsenal’s beloved midfielder, but failed to achieve his potential due to an injury-ridden career, Jack Wilshere started in the middle of the park in the 2018 League Cup final, with this being his last showpiece appearance for the club as well. Another youth academy product, Wilshere, made 194 appearances in a decade-long stay with the team since debuting all the way back in 2008. However, it was not spontaneous, as the now 34-year-old had several loan spells in between. Not able to play regularly and missing big chunks of seasons due to continuous injury issues, he moved on from the club to join another of his boyhood clubs, West Ham, in 2018 and then, after brief spells with Bournemouth and in Denmark with AGF, decided to hang up his boots at just 30 years of age in 2022. Wilshere got into management quickly and, after managing junior sides of Arsenal, became the first-team manager of League One club Luton Town in October 2025.
Central Midfield: Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)
His midfield partner in the final, Granit Xhaka, also failed to make any real impact like him, has had quite a mixed relationship with the Arsenal faithful since his move as a talented midfielder from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach back in 2016. His infamous incident while getting substituted in a game against Crystal Palace in the following season of that final made him fall out with the fans and stripped off the captaincy band. The Swiss international departure could have been quicker had he not turned into an important figure when Arteta came into the club, almost leading the side to a Premier League title in his final season, which was also his best individually and going on to win a historic Bundesliga title with Bayer Leverkusen after his eventual departure in 2023. Xhaka made his return to the Premier League last year and captains Sunderland now.
Left Wing-back: Nacho Monreal (Retired)
Nacho Monreal barely lasted 26 minutes on the pitch in the final as he was taken off due to an injury and replaced by Sead Kolasinac, now at Atalanta, so it is hard to analyse his impact in the showpiece. Like Bellerin, he was deployed in the wing-back position on the opposite flank to deal with the marooning Kyle Walker, but he failed at the duels in the early exchanges. Monreal, too, was one of the central figures of Wenger’s squad in that period, making over 250 appearances for the club since arriving in 2013 as a sought-after fullback from Malaga and winning six trophies in England. Not as adventurous as Bellerin, the now 40-year-old was praised for his defensive attributes and good crossing ability. He was a mainstay on the left flank for the Gunners until he departed in 2020 for Real Sociedad, where he played for two more years before retiring from the sport.
Right Wing: Mesut Ozil (Retired)
Like most others, Mesut Ozil also cut a frustrated figure, other than creating an early chance for Aubameyang, where Arsenal almost took the lead. Yet, it was a familiar story for the German international who received the criticism for not turning up in big moments for the club despite being one of the best playmakers of his generation, while arriving at the club in 2013 from Real Madrid. Ozil made 98 goal contributions in 254 appearances for the Gunners, also recording the second most assists in a single Premier League season with 19 and won several FA Cups with the side. Despite having some moments to cherish, he could not live up to the desired expectations and his fallout with manager Arteta and the club over several issues post-pandemic ultimately caused his departure to Turkish side Fenerbahce in 2021, ending an eight-year stay. Ozil called on his retirement at 34 years of age in 2023 after one year at Istanbul Başakşehir, citing recurring injury problems.
Left Wing: Aaron Ramsey - Pumas
Even more ineffective on the left-hand side was Aaron Ramsey, who played in a more advanced position as an unorthodox winger, as he was shadowed by Walker each time and was replaced by now Fulham player, Alex Iwobi. The Welshman was also a key player for Wenger in that era and one of the vital pieces in midfield, contributing to 120 goals in 366 appearances, having arrived at the club from Cardiff City in the modern era as early as 2008. He also won five trophies during his 11 years at the club and was voted Arsenal's Player of the Season in the 2013-14 season. Ramsey departed Arsenal in 2019, not out of any disagreement with the manager or the hierarchy, but for genuine interest from Juventus, who would ultimately snap him up. However, he had become injury-prone by then, with his career going downhill after leaving the North Londoners. After a mixed time with the Turin giants, a forgetful loan spell at Rangers, Nice and returning to his childhood club Cardiff City for two seasons, Ramsey now ply his trade with Mexican side Pumas.
Forward: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - Marseille
The only player to produce some sparks from Arsenal at Wembley, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, came close to opening the scoring, but after his tame shot from Ozil’s pass, which was saved by Claudio Bravo, he could not connect with the rebound, allowing the Chilean to collect. He caused a little bit of issues for the City defence with his directness and runs in behind, but not to a bigger effect. The Gabon international was one of the biggest hits since joining in 2018 for a then club record fee, but more individually than as a team. He brought his scoring spree from Dortmund, sharing the Golden Boot in the debut season and helping the club reach the League Cup final. Aubameyang also contributed to the FA Cup success in 2020, but his form collapsed in the season after that, leading to his exit two years later to Barcelona with 92 goals scored in 163 appearances for the Gunners. He is presently leading the attack for Marseille in Ligue 1.
Manager: Arsene Wenger
The 2018 League Cup final was the last showpiece managed by Arsene Wenger, as he decided to step down from his managerial role at the end of the season, marking an end to a 22-year legacy with Arsenal. The Frenchman became the longest-serving and most successful manager in club history, transforming them in the modern era and becoming an iconic figure for the side. Wenger delivered three Premier League titles for the London club, including the unmatched ‘invincible’ campaign of the 2003-04 season. He also made the English giants record winners of the FA Cup after winning the competition seven times during his tenure. The only domestic silverware Wenger failed to win was the League Cup and the opportunity was spurned in this final. Nevertheless, the longest-serving Premier League manager is now at the role of FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development since 2019.
Manchester City
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Retired)
Claudio Bravo was deployed as a first-choice goalkeeper for cup competitions only, after Ederson’s arrival at Manchester City following the Chilean’s disastrous debut campaign since joining from Barcelona in 2016. The shot-stopper did well by denying Aubameyang and also acting as a sweeper on a couple of occasions, as he kept a clean sheet in his first silverware victory with the club. However, he spent only one more campaign at the club, making just one appearance, but winning two Premier League titles before returning to Spain as he joined Real Betis in 2020. After four seasons there, Bravo laid down his gloves after a stellar career.
Right-back: Kyle Walker - Burnley
One of the key contributors to Pep Guardiola’s undisputed reign in England, the 2018 League Cup was the first trophy Kyle Walker won since joining Manchester City that season from Tottenham Hotspur. He was influential in the cup success as well as other trophies that landed in the club cabinet, including three more League Cups, two FA Cups, the Champions League title in 2022–23 and the six Premier League titles. Walker’s incredible pace, physicality and being one of the best in both attacking and defensive attributes made him a mainstay in the right-back role for his entire City career. However, his pace and form dropped post-2024, with age acting as a factor too. Guardiola also trusted others in the role over him, which led to his departure. After an unsuccessful loan spell with AC Milan last season, Walker has returned to the Premier League to play for promoted side Burnley in the 2025-26 season.
Center-back: Vincent Kompany (Retired) - Manager at Bayern Munich
Captain, Leader, Legend, Vincent Kompany found himself on the scoresheet on a big occasion again as he poked in İlkay Gündoğan’s low drive from a Kevin De Bruyne corner for the second goal for City in the final. Along with that, the Belgian commanded the defence with grace as usual. Although Aubameyang caused him some issues that led to his booking in the 80th minute, he remained composed in his task. Having already been established as one of the prime players of the club’s transformation since the takeover, Kompany's role got even heightened under Guardiola, being one of the few players to remain in the setup after the Spaniard took charge. He landed the first silverware for the club in this era with this League Cup victory. In total, he won four Premier League titles among other honours in his 11 years at City before departing in 2019. After leaving for his boyhood club Anderlecht, Kompany took the rare player-manager role initially, but then took the head coach role completely, with managerial stints at Burnley back in England and Bayern Munich followed, also winning the Bundesliga in the first season with the latter.
Center-back: Nicolás Otamendi - Benfica
Kompany center-back partner on that afternoon, Nicolás Otamendi, helped form a solid duo in mopping up whatever attack Arsenal managed, complementing each other’s effort at the back. Joined from Valencia in 2015, he became a key player in City’s defence that won two Premier League titles, including the 100-point season in 2017-18 and the domestic treble the following season. This was also the second of the four League Cup titles he won with the Premier League giants. However, a drop in form in the disastrous 2019-20 season and falling out of favour after new reinforcements in defence, Otamendi made the transfer to Benfica in 2020, where he has remained since. The 38-year-old has won the league and cup with the Portuguese giant in the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons, respectively, alongside winning the World Cup with Argentina.
Left-back: Danilo - Flamengo
Making the back four in the defence, Danilo spent two seasons at Manchester City after joining from Real Madrid in 2017. Even though he wasn’t active as Walker on the other flank, the Brazilian remained solid in his position as he won his first piece of silverware at the club. The versatile fullback would go on to win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and another League Cup title with the side before accepting a package from Juventus in 2019. Trophies arrived there too as he won the Serie A in his debut season in Italy and also added two Coppa Italia in his list of honours. After five years at the Turin giants, Danilo decided to go back to Brazil to join Flamengo in 2025, helping them win the Copa Libertadores and the league title, among others, in his first year with the club.
Central Midfield: İlkay Gündoğan - Galatasaray
Providing the crucial assist for the second, İlkay Gündoğan ran the show in City’s midfield alongside Kevin De Bruyne and provided difficulty to the opposition with his cunning movement and passes. The German international became an influential player during his tenure at the Cityzens, having joined Guardiola’s team as one of the most in-demand midfielders back in 2016 from Borussia Dortmund. While his debut season was riddled with injuries, Gündoğan started showing his potential in the following campaigns and, like many others, earned the first piece of silverware in City colours with this triumph. The academy product of the side became the clutch player for the big moments, winning five Premier League titles and a Champions League title, contributing to 97 goals in 304 appearances in his first spell with the club. After a season stint with Barcelona after leaving in 2023, he returned to the Premier League giants only to make a move again to Turkish giants Galatasaray following a trophyless season.
Central Midfield: Fernandinho (Retired)
Anchoring the defensive midfield role, as always, was Fernandinho, but the Brazilian had to be taken off in the 52nd minute due to a hamstring injury. However, his absence in the latter stages wasn’t felt as City added two more shortly later to kill off the tie. Even though he did not survive the entire 90 minutes in the final, his impact was undeniable as he was one of the best in his role, which allowed Guardiola not only to win this trophy but a lot more on the waỵ. Aside from Kompany, David Silva and Sergio Aguero, Fernandinho was the only player in this starting eleven to retain his place despite not being a signing in the Spaniard’s era. Having already tasted silverware before the most successful era at the club after joining them back in 2013, Fernandinho contributed to it with his experience and elevated his level to be a renowned player in his position. When he left for Athletico Paranaense in Brazil in 2022 and announced his retirement after three seasons there, he had already won 15 titles with the English side and six League Cup honours, this being his third.
Central Midfield: Kevin De Bruyne - Napoli
The clever corner from the Belgian got City’s second, but Kevin De Bruyne did more than just that moment to help his side win the League Cup final, which was the second silverware of his trophy-laden City career, with his first trophy in England in 2015, joining from Wolfsburg that year, was also winning this tournament. Whatever said his less for the midfield maestro as he turned into a legend for the club and became one of the best creators in Premier League history. De Bruyne won 19 major titles during his time with the club, including this trophy five times, contributing to a staggering 246 goals in 422 appearances until his departure in 2025 with a status of a cult hero. The 34-year-old joined Serie A side Napoli last summer and while he is experiencing an injury-stricken debut season there, he will be determined to showcase his class to the world again.
Right Midfielder: David Silva (Retired)
Alongside De Bruyne, there was another top creator who already defined an era before the Belgian arrived at the club in the form of David Silva, who struck the last nail in the coffin by finding the bottom corner with a brilliant left-footed drive in the 65th minute. It was already the fourth trophy in the City shirt for one of the Premier League’s finest and one of the players who drove the club’s transformation to be a giant in the division. Since arriving from Valencia in 2010, the Spaniard quickly turned into an icon for the side, making 436 appearances and contributing to 194 goals with 13 honours won. Silva kept City fans on the edge with his artistic play, excellent control, unreal creativity and flair until 2020 when he returned to Spain with Real Sociedad. He achieved success there as well, delivering European football to La Real before retiring in 2023 due to an ACL injury, ending a legendary career at the age of 37.
Left Midfielder: Leroy Sane - Galatasaray
While he was the player who made less impact than the other members of the front-three, Leroy Sane’s darting runs on the left helped City push more in attack, with the right side of Arsenal’s defence having trouble containing him. The player who joined in 2016 as one of the exciting wingers in the world at his time from FC Schalke made an immense contribution in his second season with the club by becoming the key component in the record-breaking 2017-18 league title win, alongside the League Cup victory. He won the title again the following season, going even better with his individual outfit, attracting overseas interest. However, disaster struck in just his second game of his third season with City when he tore his ACL, bringing his career with the Premier League side to an abrupt end. Amid his recovery, Sane made the move to German giants Bayern Munich in 2020 and while he won prizes there, being a key performer, he failed to live up to his true heights again. The German international looked for a new adventure when he ended a five-season stay there to join Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Forward: Sergio Aguero (Retired)
Manchester City is in a decisive situation and Sergio Aguero won’t score does not simply make the script as the Argentinian goal-machine scored the emphatic opener to allow the club to take another silverware at home. It was one of his several strikes that ultimately made him the all-time top scorer in the club’s history with 260 goals, the highest goal-scoring foreigner in league history and a folklore figure for generations to tell. From putting City to this status with the legendary goal that brought the club the first title after joining from Atletico in 2011, as one of the early stars in the making signings of the takeover, to establishing themselves as not only Premier League but European giants, Aguero did it all, winning 15 titles overall. The great ended his decade-old stay at the club in 2021 after his contract expired and he joined Barcelona in the subsequent summer. However, a heart condition within just months of donning the Catalan shirt forced him to make a retirement decision at the age of 32 on the advice of doctors.
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Still at the club, Pep Guardiola not only produced the most successful era at Manchester City by completely transforming the club, but also revolutionised the Premier League with his brand of football, similar to what his opposite man in the dugout of the 2018 League Cup final, Wenger, did with Arsenal in the early 2000s. The Spaniard delivered six Premier League titles to the club, including a 100-point season in the 2017-18 season and winning an unprecedented four-in-a-row league titles from 2020-21 to 2023-24. He also delivered a treble in the 2022-23 season with a first Champions League triumph, something which only their city rivals Manchester United achieved before as an English team. Alongside the Premier League, the former Barcelona manager landed two FA Cups and four League Cups as domestic success.
