Arsenal are heading to Wembley. A dramatic, stoppage-time winner from Kai Havertz secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Tuesday night, sending the Gunners to the Carabao Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate win. It marks Arsenal’s first appearance in the final since 2018.
The match, played at a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium, was a cagey affair for much of the 90 minutes. Arsenal carried a one-goal advantage into the second leg, built on goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Ben White and Martin Zubimendi in the first encounter. However, clear-cut chances proved elusive for both sides throughout the evening.
Chelsea, having progressed in three of their last four EFL Cup semi-final ties when losing the first leg, attempted to replicate that form. Liam Delap had the first notable effort of the match, a scuffed shot, while later in the half, Eberechi Eze set up Piero Hincapie for a powerful drive that was well-saved by Robert Sanchez. Arsenal also threatened, with Gabriel Martinelli getting clear of Malo Gusto, but his attempt was thwarted by a recovering challenge from the Chelsea defender. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez also tested Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa.
The second half continued in a similar vein, with few openings. Delap came close again early on, poking an effort just wide after a scramble in the box. Chelsea introduced Noni Madueke and later Cole Palmer and Estevao in an attempt to find a breakthrough, but Arsenal’s defense remained largely resolute.
As the clock ticked down, both teams pushed for a goal. Arsenal’s Declan Rice played a key role in the build-up to the decisive moment, finding Martin Zubimendi, whose ball found Gabriel. The header was cleared by Marc Cucurella, but the clearance only set up the opportunity for Havertz.
With six minutes of added time announced, Chelsea continued to press, but Arsenal managed to break away. A well-weighted pass from Trossard found Rice, who squared the ball to Havertz. The former Chelsea player calmly rounded Robert Sanchez and slotted the ball into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Arsenal faithful. The goal sealed a 1-0 win on the night and a 4-2 aggregate triumph.
Havertz’s late strike not only secured Arsenal’s place in the final but also extended their unbeaten run against Chelsea to ten games across all competitions (W7 D3), their longest such streak against the Blues since a 17-game run between 1999 and 2004.
Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle in the final, which will be held at Wembley on March 22.
Following this Carabao Cup success, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday, February 7, hosting Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium. A further league match awaits on Thursday, February 12, with a trip to Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium.
