Arsenal sink Chelsea to reach League Cup final
Arsenal advanced to the League Cup final after an eight-year absence, thanks to Kai Havertz who netted the winner in a 1-0 victory over Chelsea during the semi-final return leg on Tuesday.
Mikel Artetas team had already gained the upper hand in the opening match, and Havertz entered as a substitute to confirm the 4-2 overall success right at the end at the Emirates Stadium.
This victory brought a sense of relief to the Gunners, following defeats in their prior four semi-final outings in the 2025 Champions League and League Cup, the 2022 League Cup, and the 2021 Europa League.
In their initial final appearance in six years, Arsenal are set to meet Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley on March 22.
City enjoy a 2-0 advantage against Newcastle before Wednesdays return leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal last lifted the League Cup in 1993, and they have fallen short in their three most recent final outings.
This gives them an opportunity to break that sequence by securing the clubs first piece of silverware since the 2020 FA Cup.
That is the only trophy Arteta has claimed since taking charge in December 2019.
"We realised it would be a tough fight on the pitch. Our determination and focus on the required approach worked brilliantly," Arteta commented.
"The vibe in our stadium was electric. It truly changes everything. We have anticipated this moment for several years, and we intend to savour it fully."
The season is turning into a remarkable one for Arsenal, who lead the Premier League by six points and progressed to the Champions League knockout stage by topping their group with eight straight wins.
Even with their achievements, Arsenal face scrutiny over their dependence on corner kicks and set-piece goals.
Arteta strongly supported his teams playing style earlier this week, mentioning he possesses a "huge collection of supporters" who view his squad as the "most thrilling in Europe".
The gritty contest on Tuesday may not quieten Arsenals detractors, yet Arteta will pay no mind after guiding his players to Wembley.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior had triumphed in six of his seven fixtures across competitions since joining from Strasbourg to succeed Enzo Maresca.
However, Rosenior could not crack the Arsenal puzzle, as the Gunners inflicted both losses during his short tenure.
"Arsenal understood they faced a contest across the two matches. We controlled the zones we aimed for in the latter period, yet we lacked that decisive spark," Rosenior remarked.
"Losing stings. We must continue progressing, a trend I noticed from the initial leg to this one."
Decisive strike
Missing captain Martin Odegaard due to a muscular issue, and winger Bukayo Saka who picked up an injury during the warm-up before the Leeds game on Saturday, Arsenal were not at full strength but managed to secure the result.
Roseniors adjustment to a three-centre-back setup helped Chelsea contain Arsenal in a physical opening half.
The Gunners momentarily broke free when Piero Hincapies effort from near the edge curled towards goal, only for Robert Sanchez to push it aside.
The downpour was intense in the first half, forcing Rosenior to remove his drenched spectacles to observe the action.
Peering through the heavy rain gave Rosenior a worrying sight as Malo Gustos error allowed Gabriel Martinelli a chance, though the Chelsea back managed to recover and deflect the effort.
Chelsea waited until the 43rd minute to register an attempt on target, with Enzo Fernandezs strike from distance cleared by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Needing to attack for a score, Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian after 60 minutes, abandoning the three-at-the-back formation.
Estevao quickly assisted Fernandez for a bending shot that sailed high, but Chelseas danger faded away.
Havertz landed the crucial hit in the dying moments of added time, evading Sanchez to tap into the unguarded goal after Chelsea were hit on the break.