Pep Guardiola's wild run and dance down Wembley's touchline demonstrated the hunger for success remains and his competitive fire still burns as fiercely as ever.

It came after Nico O'Reilly's second header in four minutes effectively sealed Manchester City's 2-0 Carabao Cup final victory against Arsenal, giving Guardiola a record fifth win in the competition.

Guardiola was lost in the moment as he pumped his fists in delight towards City's jubilant supporters, the significance of the victory underlined by the crushing bearhugs he gave his players and backroom staff after the final whistle.

"I wanted another yellow card and that is why I did it," joked Guardiola when quizzed about his celebration.

"If I can't celebrate in the moment against a team like Arsenal, and the way we were playing... my emotions are related to the way we are playing.

"I am not artificially intelligent, I am a human being, and I want to celebrate. It was not showing disrespect to Arsenal or for the other fans, I just celebrated with my people. And when I feel it, I express it."

Arsenal, by contrast, were desolate as they missed the chance to win a first trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, the result of a timid performance lacking in attacking ambition until it was too late.

City and Guardiola's mission was not simply to win the EFL Cup. It was to put on the sort of dominant performance that might sow seeds of doubt in Arsenal's minds as they hold a nine-point lead in the Premier League title race.

It was the ideal stage for both sides to make a statement. Manchester City made theirs. Arsenal fluffed every line.

Whether this result has wider ramifications remains to be seen.

Will it fuel City for a late rally in the league? Will the disappointment of this defeat derail Arsenal?

City must hope it has inflicted psychological damage on Arsenal. The Gunners must regroup and show the reserves of strength that have sustained their season.

What is beyond doubt is the better - much better - team prevailed on this day.

Manchester City may not have the relentless consistency of the Guardiola team that won four successive Premier Leagues, but this latter-day rebuilt version still looks the best football team in the country when they get it right.

-- Courtesy of BBC