Kai Havertz struck late to send Arsenal into the League Cup final for the first time in eight years with a 1–0 victory over Chelsea in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side had taken control of the tie in the first leg and Havertz, introduced from the bench, sealed qualification with a decisive counter-attacking goal deep into stoppage time.
The win was a cathartic moment for Arsenal, who had suffered heartbreak in their previous four semi-final appearances, the 2025 Champions League and League Cup, the 2022 League Cup, and the 2021 Europa League.
Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final at Wembley on March 22. City hold a 2–0 advantage ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners have not lifted the League Cup since 1993 and lost their last three final appearances. Victory at Wembley would end that long drought and deliver Arteta his first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, still the only silverware of his tenure since taking charge in December 2019.
This season continues to gather momentum for Arsenal. They sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and reached the Champions League last 16 after winning all eight group-stage matches.
Despite their success, Arsenal have faced criticism for their reliance on goals from corners and set-pieces. Arteta dismissed those claims this week, insisting he has a “massive book of people” who believe his team are the most exciting in Europe.
Tuesday’s attritional contest may not quiet the critics, but Arteta will not mind after steering his side back to Wembley.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who had won six of his first seven matches since replacing Enzo Maresca, suffered his second defeat, both at the hands of Arsenal.
Knockout blow
Arsenal were without captain Martin Ødegaard, sidelined by a muscle injury, and winger Bukayo Saka, who was ruled out after picking up a knock in the pre-match warm-up at Leeds on Saturday. Lacking fluency, the hosts nonetheless found a way to grind out the result.
Rosenior left England international Cole Palmer on the bench and deployed a three-man defence for the first time, a move that helped Chelsea frustrate Arsenal during a scrappy, rain-soaked first half.
Piero Hincapié came closest for the hosts before the break, forcing Robert Sánchez into a save with a curling effort, while Chelsea’s only shot on target arrived late in the half when Enzo Fernández tested Kepa Arrizabalaga from distance.
Chelsea pushed for a breakthrough after the interval, with Liam Delap stabbing wide from a corner, but their momentum faded despite the introduction of Palmer and Estêvão Willian just past the hour mark.
The decisive moment arrived in the dying seconds of stoppage time. Caught on the counter, Chelsea were punished as Havertz rounded Sánchez and calmly slotted into an empty net to deliver the knockout blow.
Arsenal now stand one win away from ending a 31-year League Cup drought and adding further substance to what is shaping up to be a memorable season.
AFP
