Arsenal 0-2 Man City: Nico O’Reilly’s fairy tale continues after a Wembley brace

Comes the hour, comes the man – With the telephone code ‘0161’ etched into his flesh, O’Reilly came calling on the big stage when City needed a hero to step up.

His first goal was possibly the easiest goal he would score in his career, as he crouched down near the goal line to head home after Kepa Arrizabalaga had flicked the ball his way.

The second goal after just four minutes was a brilliant header from a cross from Mateus Nunes, sealing the win for a delighted Guardiola who performed a joyful dance on the touchline.

O’Reilly impressed City fans after his goals and will have a double celebration this weekend after turning 21 on Saturday.

The only players younger than O’Reilly to have scored twice in the final of this competition are 20-year-old Wayne Rooney for Manchester United in 2006 and Ronnie Whelan for Liverpool in 1982.

The Englishman took his tally to eight goals this season and said: “It’s unbelievable to see all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. It feels really good and a great Christmas weekend.”

“My whole family came today. They’re all in the stands and I know they’ll be thrilled. I can’t wait to celebrate with them.”

It was O’Reilly’s second brace of the season too, after scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League a month ago.

Former England defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “Nico O’Reilly is quickly becoming one of the key members of the Manchester City team. He’s scoring goals, he’s making headlines. He’s a player at the top of his game.”

“Physically, he’s a machine. He’s got length, he can run, he’s got strength and athleticism.”