When the final whistle echoed around the Emirates Stadium, a palpable wave of relief washed over the Arsenal faithful. After enduring four consecutive semi-final defeats, Mikel Arteta's side have finally broken the hoodoo, booking their ticket to Wembley with a narrow but decisive 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
A Cagey Affair Settled in Stoppage Time
This match was a far cry from the thrilling 3-2 first-leg encounter at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal, holding a slender aggregate advantage, adopted a cautious approach, content to keep Chelsea at bay for much of the evening. The Blues, needing to overturn the deficit, struggled to break down a resolute defence, with the game appearing destined for extra time until the dramatic conclusion.
In injury time, substitute Kai Havertz—facing his former club—sealed the victory with a composed finish, rounding goalkeeper Robert Sánchez to spark jubilant celebrations. This goal not only secured Arsenal's progression but also highlighted their resilience under pressure, a trait that has often eluded them in recent cup campaigns.
Tactical Battles and Key Absences
Chelsea's manager, Liam Rosenior, sprung a surprise by opting for a back-three formation, leaving star player Cole Palmer on the bench initially. Arsenal were also without key figures, with captain Martin Ødegaard sidelined due to a minor muscle injury and Bukayo Saka rested as a precaution. Despite these absences, both teams fielded strong line-ups, setting the stage for a tense tactical duel.
The first half saw Chelsea's high-press causing Arsenal discomfort, but clear chances were scarce. William Saliba's early error gifted an opportunity to Liam Delap, but his shot sailed wide. Arsenal threatened from set-pieces, with Piero Hincapie's efforts kept out by Sánchez, yet the breakthrough remained elusive as the teams headed into the break goalless.
Second-Half Drama and Missed Opportunities
As the rain poured down, the intensity ramped up. Rosenior's introduction of Palmer and Estévâo on the hour mark injected urgency into Chelsea's play, leading to a flurry of attempts. Marc Cucurella and the Brazilian teenager both fired wide, while Arsenal had a golden chance when Gabriel's header was blocked by Cucurella's desperate intervention.
Controversy briefly flared when Chelsea appealed for a penalty after a free-kick struck Havertz in the wall, but replays confirmed it hit his shoulder. Wesley Fofana then volleyed wide from a corner, squandering Chelsea's best opportunity to level the tie. In the end, it was Havertz who capitalised, ensuring Arsenal's long-awaited return to a major final.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This victory marks a significant milestone for Arsenal, who haven't won the Carabao Cup since 1993 and suffered a humiliating 4-0 aggregate defeat to Newcastle in last season's semi-finals. Arteta, who lifted the FA Cup in his first season six years ago, now has the chance to add another trophy to his cabinet, with a potential final against rivals Manchester City adding extra intrigue.
For Chelsea, the defeat is a setback in Rosenior's early tenure, but their spirited performance suggests promise for the future. As Arsenal savour this hard-fought triumph, the focus shifts to Wembley, where they aim to end their trophy drought and cement their status as contenders under Arteta's guidance.
