Manchester City Fan View: Pep's men kick off a dynasty as old heroes lead the way on special Wembley day

Manchester City strolled to a League Cup final victory over Arsenal on Sunday to claim the first title of the Pep Guardiola era.

With Wembley resplendent on a crisp but sunny day in the capital, City were far superior to Arsene Wenger’s men and fully deserved to add the silverware to their trophy cabinet.

AS IT HAPPENED: Arsenal vs Manchester City, Carabao Cup final

READ MORE: Guardiola thrashes Wenger for first English trophy

Double Assured

Wembley finals are always a special occasion for supporters. The pre-match build up is a steadily growing charge as supporters prepare themselves for a potentially nervy 90 minutes ahead.

Fans in the pubs around the stadium belt out chants for their heroes, hoping they’ll etch their name into Wembley folklore in the coming hours. They expectantly make the famous walk up Wembley Way, that glorious arch dominating the skyline ahead of them. All you can do at that point is hope the day goes your way.

Go our way it did. City were far from their best in the first half but a magnificent Sergio Agüero goal, assisted by a long-kick from Claudio Bravo, was the difference at half time. Kun finished beautifully, knocking the ball over David Ospina for his 30^th of the season.

The second half was much better from Pep’s men. Vincent Kompany and David Silva put the game beyond doubt. The Arsenal end of Wembley started to drain itself of supporters long before the final whistle, leaving the side decked in blue and white to enjoy themselves virtually alone.

With the Blues 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand over second placed Manchester United, it’s only a matter of time before they wrap up the title. Following a trophyless debut season at the Etihad, Guardiola is now assured of a double in his sophomore year.

Here’s to you, Vincent Kompany

It didn’t go unnoticed that while this was an occasion that kicks off a new era, it was the old guard that really delivered. Agüero, Silva and Kompany have all been fundamental fixtures of this era of success; this was their seventh major trophy since 2011. As the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sané lead City into the most exciting period of the club’s history, the legendary trio still lead the way.

That was particularly poignant for Kompany. No player in the current squad is loved in the same way he is. His passion for the club shines through everything he does. He’s a leader and an imperious footballer. Denied the right to be the best defender in the world throughout his peak years by a body that has seriously let him down – he’s had 41 injuries – this day really belonged to him.

Kompany has been written off countless times including, I must admit by myself. On Sunday, he scored his first cup final goal for the club that he loves so much, and that loves him back at double the measure. Nobody deserves that moment like he does and his celebration was one for the ages. His face showed the purest burst of happiness you could ever wish to see.

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Starting a dynasty

The League Cup might be the least prestigious of the four trophies City entered this season, and the dominance of the Premier League certainly outranks it, but the final remains a magnificent occasion. This time, City’s victory might prove to be symbolic. As the first trophy of this era, this could be the moment that ushers in a truly dynastic period in English football.

Only time will tell how much City can make of the potential they have, but you’d be a fool to bet against them dominating for the next few years. They have the best manager in the game and the resources to back him as much as he needs. He has proven himself to be a cut above his rivals and has orchestrated a style of football that has not been seen before on these shores. Football always catches up with new ideas as tactics evolve.

It will take more than an evolution to stop Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City now – it will take an English revolution.