In a thrilling showdown at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal clinched a dramatic 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea to storm into the Carabao Cup final after eight long years. Substitute Kai Havertz emerged as the match-winner, slotting home a cool finish in the dying moments to seal the deal and send the Gunners’ fans into ecstasy.
Arsenal had taken a slender 3-2 lead into the second leg, courtesy of strikes from Viktor Gyokeres, Ben White, and Martin Zubimendi. Buoyed by that advantage, Mikel Arteta’s side started confidently, dominating possession and pressing high from the outset. Their fluid attacking play kept Chelsea on the back foot early on.
Chelsea, under Liam Rosenior, opted for a defensive masterclass with a five-man backline, stifling Arsenal’s creativity for much of the first hour. Introductions of Estevao and Cole Palmer aimed to spark a Blues comeback, but Arsenal’s backline, led by resolute defending, held firm against mounting pressure.
As the clock ticked down, Chelsea pushed forward desperately, leaving gaps at the rear. Seizing the counter-attack opportunity, the returning Havertz – fresh from injury – displayed ice-cold composure. He deftly rounded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and fired into the net, igniting wild celebrations.
This triumph marks Arsenal’s first Carabao Cup final appearance since 2017. They now await the winners of Manchester City vs. Newcastle United in the other semi-final second leg on Wednesday evening. With momentum surging, Arsenal return to Premier League action against Sunderland at home, followed by a trip to Brentford on February 12. The Gunners are dreaming big once more.