Arsenal have finally broken their semi-final hoodoo, booking a spot in the Carabao Cup final with a tense 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, sealed by a dramatic late goal from substitute Kai Havertz.
A Night of Relief and Redemption for the Gunners
When the final whistle blew, a palpable wave of relief swept across the Emirates. Despite not delivering a convincing performance against a Chelsea side that posed persistent threats, Mikel Arteta and his team will be utterly unconcerned. This victory marks a significant milestone, ending a run of four consecutive semi-final defeats and propelling Arsenal to Wembley for the first time in this competition since their last triumph in 1993.
Cagey Affair Settled in Stoppage Time
Following the high-scoring drama of the first leg at Stamford Bridge, which ended 3-2 in Arsenal's favour, this return fixture was a much more cautious and tightly-contested battle. Chelsea, managed by Liam Rosenior, arrived in north London needing to overturn the deficit, but Arsenal largely succeeded in keeping their rivals at arm's length for much of the evening.
The Gunners rarely looked like extending their aggregate lead, but the primary objective was always progression. After last season's disappointing 4-0 aggregate semi-final exit to Newcastle, this was a moment to savour for Arteta and his squad. A potential final showdown with title rivals Manchester City now looms, adding an extra layer of anticipation as Arsenal edge closer to their first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.
Team News and Tactical Surprises
Liam Rosenior sprang a surprise with his team selection, opting for a back three for the first time and leaving key attacker Cole Palmer on the bench. Chelsea were also without captain Reece James, who failed a fitness test. Arsenal had their own absentees, with skipper Martin Ødegaard missing due to a minor muscle injury and Bukayo Saka not risked because of a hip issue.
Arteta fielded a near full-strength side, with former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga between the posts and Eberechi Eze handed a rare start. The historical odds were against Chelsea, as no team has overturned a first-leg home deficit in the semi-finals of this competition since 1987, when Arsenal did so against Tottenham.
Match Analysis: A Tale of Two Halves
The match began with a raucous atmosphere despite miserable weather, and Chelsea's high-energy press initially unsettled Arsenal. An early mistake by William Saliba gifted Liam Delap a chance, but his shot went wide. Arsenal threatened from set-pieces, with Piero Hincapie's header deflected over and a powerful shot saved by Robert Sánchez.
Chelsea adapted well to their unfamiliar formation, with Malo Gusto making a crucial block to deny Gabriel Martinelli. Their best first-half opportunity fell to Enzo Fernández, whose long-range effort was comfortably saved by Arrizabalaga, leaving Arteta looking concerned at the break.
The second half saw Chelsea grow in confidence after Rosenior's tactical switch to a back four and the introductions of Cole Palmer and Estévâo. They created several chances, with Marc Cucurella and the Brazilian teenager firing wide. Arsenal had a golden opportunity when Gabriel met a Hincapie cross, but Cucurella's headed block kept the scores level.
Controversy arose when Chelsea appealed for a penalty after a Palmer free-kick struck Havertz in the wall, though replays indicated it hit his shoulder. Wesley Fofana then volleyed wide from a corner, setting the stage for Havertz's decisive moment. In injury time, the German substitute rounded Sánchez and slotted home, securing Arsenal's passage to the final and sparking jubilant celebrations.
This victory not only ends Arsenal's semi-final woes but also reignites their pursuit of silverware under Mikel Arteta, with the Carabao Cup final now firmly in their sights.
