Chelsea fall short as Arsenal seize edge in Carabao Cup thriller

Rosenior faces first real test at Stamford Bridge

Liam Rosenior’s first home match as Chelsea manager delivered drama, goals and frustration as Arsenal claimed a narrow 3–2 win in the Carabao Cup semifinal first leg. It was a night that showed promise for Chelsea, but also exposed the fine margins Rosenior must now address.

Arsenal arrived in confident mood and controlled large spells, but Chelsea’s late response ensures the tie remains alive heading into the second leg.

Arsenal strike first and control the tempo

The visitors wasted little time in asserting themselves. After seven minutes, Arsenal opened the scoring through Ben White, who nodded home from Declan Rice’s corner after Chelsea failed to defend the six-yard box. Poor positioning from Robert Sánchez only added to the hosts’ problems.

Chelsea grew into the game slowly, with Estêvão providing the brightest spark before the break. Despite improved pressure, it was Arsenal who came closest to a second when William Saliba curled a superb effort onto the roof of the net.

Costly errors shift the momentum

Any hopes Chelsea had of a reset after halftime were undone almost immediately. A routine cross from White should have been gathered comfortably by Sánchez, but the ball slipped through his hands and Viktor Gyökeres reacted quickest to make it 2–0.

Rosenior responded decisively. Alejandro Garnacho was introduced and changed the tone of the match within minutes, finishing calmly at the far post to halve the deficit and lift the crowd.

Chelsea’s momentum did not last long. Arsenal soon restored their two-goal cushion when Martín Zubimendi produced a moment of composure, creating space inside the box before firing low into the corner.

Garnacho gives Chelsea renewed belief

Just when the tie seemed to be slipping away, Garnacho struck again. Arsenal failed to deal with a corner and the winger reacted sharply, volleying into an empty net after Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to claim the ball.

Arsenal held firm late on, but Chelsea head into the return leg knowing one strong performance could yet turn the tie around.