Manchester City lifted the League Cup for a record fourth consecutive time on Sunday as Aymeric Laporte’s header in the 82nd minute sealed a 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, with nearly 8,000 spectators in attendance.
City manager Pep Guardiola also acknowledged the presence of supporters, adding that it was much better to celebrate winning the Carabao Cup with them.
“It’s not full, but it is much better,” said Guardiola. “To celebrate with them is much better.
“We played really well. We are incredibly happy to win the first title, four in a row in this competition, but especially because in the last 33 games, we won 30.”
Spurs, who are yet to win a trophy in 13 years, looked to stay in contention for most part of the game. In the 82nd minute, however, defender Laporte met Kevin de Bruyne’s free-kick and headed past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to give City the lead.
“We have to keep this rhythm, this way to win more titles,” Laporte said.
It wasn’t until the 20th minute that Tottenham even had a shot on target. Giovani Lo Celso produced a curling shot early in the second half, but City’s goalkeeper Zack Steffen denied the side, which is just coming to terms with the sacking of their coach Jose Mourinho last week.
Harry Kane, who returned to the side following an injury, was unable to create an opportunity to score. Son Heung-min was reduced to tears after full-time after the team was outclassed by a far superior side.
“It’s difficult to take for everyone associated with the football club,” said Tottenham’s 29-year-old interim coach Ryan Mason.
“It hurts. I know that feeling and it is normal that they are hurting. This group of players care deeply about this football club. We tried, it wasn’t enough today and it’s tough to take.”