Arsenal took a commanding first-leg lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, despite a late double from Chelsea substitute Alejandro Garnacho. The Gunners won 3-2, with goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyökeres and Martín Zubimendi, but Garnacho's two strikes kept Chelsea alive ahead of the second leg in February.
Arsenal dominated the physical battle, scoring the opener from a Declan Rice corner, their 24th set-piece goal this season. White headed in after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was caught in no man's land. Sánchez's error also gifted Arsenal's second goal early in the second half, fumbling a low cross from White for Gyökeres to tap in.
Garnacho pulled one back for Chelsea, but Zubimendi restored Arsenal's two-goal lead with a superb finish. Garnacho then scored again late on to give Chelsea hope. Manager Liam Rosenior praised his team's spirit, but Arsenal remain strong favourites to progress.
Rosenior was without injured duo Reece James and Cole Palmer, as well as suspended Moisés Caicedo. Liam Delap also missed out through illness. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta named a strong side, with only Kepa Arrizabalaga replacing David Raya in goal.
