Arsenal Reach First Major Final in Six Years After Narrow Chelsea Win
Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, progressing 4-2 on aggregate.
Former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz delivered the decisive moment, rounding goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and finishing calmly deep into stoppage time to confirm Arsenal’s return to Wembley for their first major final since 2020.
Chelsea’s Defensive Setup Keeps Tie Alive
Trailing after the first leg, Chelsea approached the second meeting with a cautious and disciplined plan. Liam Rosenior deployed a defensive five-man backline designed to limit Arsenal’s attacking strengths — and for long periods, it worked.
Clear chances were limited throughout the opening half, with Piero Hincapié producing Arsenal’s only notable opportunity before the break when his long-range effort forced Sánchez into a save. Chelsea also disrupted Arsenal’s well-known set-piece threat by committing players forward during corners, reducing the hosts’ usual dominance in those situations.
Arsenal Manage Tension as Chelsea Push for Equaliser
Despite holding the aggregate advantage, Arsenal struggled to fully control the match during the second half as Chelsea increased attacking pressure.
Substitutions including Cole Palmer and Estêvão added energy for the visitors, while Marc Cucurella and Enzo Fernández both tested Arsenal from distance. As nerves began to show, Declan Rice was seen urging calm among teammates and supporters during a tense closing period.
Both sides created late opportunities, with Gabriel heading narrowly wide for Arsenal and Wesley Fofana going close from a Chelsea corner, but the crucial breakthrough never came for the visitors.
Havertz Punishes Former Club to Seal Wembley Return
With Chelsea pushing forward in stoppage time, Arsenal found space on the counterattack. Rice delivered a precise pass into Havertz’s path, allowing the German forward to round Sánchez and score the goal that secured Arsenal’s place in the final.
The result continues an outstanding season for Mikel Arteta’s side, who currently lead the Premier League by six points and finished top of their Champions League group with a perfect record.
Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, as they chase their first major trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2020.
