Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday night with a tense 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium. The result sealed a 4-2 aggregate win thanks to an injury-time strike from former Blues forward Kai Havertz.
The German broke away in the dying seconds to score against his old club, sending Arsenal through to their first Carabao Cup final since 2018.
Cagey Semi-Final at the Emirates
The semi-final second leg was tight and cagey for long spells, with both sides managing just two shots on target. Chelsea, trailing from the first leg, increased the pressure after the hour mark.
Head coach Liam Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer, Estevao, and Alejandro Garnacho in search of a decisive goal, but Arsenal remained composed under pressure.
Arteta Praises Arsenal’s Discipline
Havertz’s late goal crowned a disciplined display from Mikel Arteta’s side, who rarely looked troubled despite Chelsea’s late surge.
“There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium,” Arteta said. “We’ve been waiting a few years to get into this position and now we are going to have to go and win it.”
Arsenal End Semi-Final Hoodoo
The victory ends a run of four consecutive Carabao Cup semi-final exits for Arsenal. The result sends the Premier League leaders to Wembley, where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United on March 22.
Midfielder Declan Rice said the achievement reflected the team’s growing hunger.
“We deserve it,” he said. “We’ve been close for years, and this season we have that extra fire to go one step further.”
Chelsea React to Semi-Final Exit
Chelsea were left frustrated after a performance that showed improvement from the first-leg defeat at Stamford Bridge. Rosenior said Arsenal’s winner came as his side pushed forward late on.
“Ultimately their goal comes when we’re throwing the kitchen sink at the game,” he said. “There were aspects of our game I’m very happy with, and we can’t let this affect our future.”
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