Cometh the hour, cometh the man – with the ‘0161’ phone code inked on his body, O’Reilly came calling on the big stage when City needed a hero to step up.
His first finish was the easiest goal he is likely to score in his career, stooping close to the goalline to head in after Kepa Arrizabalaga fumbled the ball into his path.
The second just four minutes later was a brilliantly-placed header from Matheus Nunes’ cross, effectively sealing victory for a jubilant Guardiola who performed a jig of delight on the touchline.
O’Reilly took the adulation of the City fans after his goals and it will be a double celebration this weekend after turning 21 on Saturday.
The only players younger than O’Reilly to score twice in the final of this competition were 20-year-olds Wayne Rooney for Manchester United in 2006 and Liverpool’s Ronnie Whelan back in 1982.
The Englishman took his goalscoring tally to eight for the season and said: “Bit of disbelief seeing all the fans cheering like that when I scored those goals. Really a good feeling and a great birthday weekend.
“My whole family came down today. They are all in the stand and I know they will be buzzing. I can’t wait to celebrate with them.”
This was O’Reilly’s second match-winning double of the season as well, after scoring twice in the 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle a month ago.
Former England defender Matt Upson said on Radio 5 Live: “Nico O’Reilly is fast becoming one of the key members in this Manchester City side. He gets the goals, he gets the headlines. He is a player in top form.
“Physically, he is a machine. He’s got height, he can run, he has got the strength and physicality.”
