Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz against his former club. The win ends a run of four consecutive semi-final defeats for Mikel Arteta's side and books a trip to Wembley for the first time since winning the FA Cup in 2020.
The match was a tense affair, with Arsenal struggling to impose themselves against a Chelsea side that had switched to a back three. Liam Rosenior's team, who needed to overturn a 3-2 deficit from the first leg, caused problems early on but lacked the cutting edge to capitalise. Chelsea's best chance came in the first half when Enzo Fernández tested Kepa Arrizabalaga from distance.
Arsenal, missing captain Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka through injury, laboured in attack. Eberechi Eze, handed a rare start, failed to make an impact as the hosts struggled to create clear opportunities. Gabriel Martinelli saw a shot blocked by Malo Gusto, while Gabriel Magalhães missed a golden chance 13 minutes from time when he headed wide from a corner.
Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer and Estêvão from the bench on the hour mark, switching to a back four and giving Chelsea more attacking impetus. Marc Cucurella and the Brazilian teenager both fired efforts wide as the visitors pushed for an equaliser. However, it was Arsenal who struck in stoppage time when Havertz broke away to score against his former club, sparking wild celebrations.
The victory sets up a potential final showdown with Premier League title rivals Manchester City, as Arsenal chase a quadruple. Arteta will hope this triumph marks the start of a trophy-laden period for his young squad, who have not won the competition since 1993.
