Key Takeaways:
- Arsenal triumphed 3:2 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday
- Alejandro Garnacho scored twice as a substitute to keep Chelsea’s ambitions alive for the second leg on 3 February
- Arsenal have extended their unbeaten run against Chelsea to nine matches in all competitions
Match Analysis: Arsenal’s Narrow Victory Over Chelsea
Arsenal emerged with a 3:2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a pulsating opening leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final between the London rivals. The result puts the Premier League leaders in a promising position ahead of the return fixture at Emirates Stadium on 3 February. Mikel Arteta’s side were twice two goals to the good, thanks to strikes from Ben White (7’), Viktor Gyökeres (49’), and Martín Zubimendi (71’), before substitute Alejandro Garnacho netted twice for Chelsea (57’, 83’) to keep the tie well poised.
ADVANTAGE ARSENAL 🅰️
Let's finish the job back home 👊 pic.twitter.com/0ziSUZDmW9
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 14, 2026
Managers’ Selection and Tactical Changes
This match marked the Stamford Bridge debut for Chelsea’s new manager Liam Rosenior, whose tenure began promisingly with a 5:1 win against Charlton in the FA Cup at the weekend, ending a five-match winless run for the Blues. Keen to freshen his lineup from that outing, Rosenior made eight changes, retaining Josh Acheampong, Andrey Santos, and Marc Guiu, as well as giving Marc Cucurella a start. He was forced to do without Moisés Caicedo, absent through suspension, and omitted Cole Palmer, Reece James, and Liam Delap from the squad.
Mikel Arteta similarly adjusted his side, also making eight changes from the recent victory over Portsmouth. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, and Gabriel held on to starting berths. Jurriën Timber featured at left-back, while William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, both doubtful beforehand, started – meaning Gabriel Martinelli, Sunday’s hat-trick hero, was named among the substitutes. Arsenal’s selection included Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Viktor Gyökeres.
Key Match Events and Statistics
Arsenal made an immediate impact, opening the scoring after their first corner. Declan Rice’s delivery was mishandled by Robert Sánchez, allowing Ben White to head in from close range for Arsenal’s 23rd set-piece goal this campaign. Both teams exchanged chances in an open first half, with Enzo Fernández and João Pedro threatening for Chelsea, while Trossard and Saliba came close for Arsenal.
Shortly after the interval, Arsenal doubled their advantage. A quick throw allowed Bukayo Saka space on the right, who combined with White before the latter’s low cross prompted a misjudgement from Sánchez; Viktor Gyökeres pounced amidst defensive confusion to finish from close range.
Chelsea responded swiftly via substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who converted Pedro Neto’s excellent far-post cross in the 57th minute, just four minutes after coming on. Arsenal restored a two-goal gap in the 71st minute when Saka outmanoeuvred Cucurella to find Merino, who laid the ball to Gyökeres for a cutback that Zubimendi powered home.
Garnacho ensured the tie remains alive ahead of the second leg, notching his second in the 83rd minute. A Neto corner was only partially cleared, allowing Garnacho to volley home as the ball bounced into the net past Kepa. Chelsea pressed for a late equaliser, narrowly missing the opportunity when a late penalty was ruled out for offside.
| Competition | Fixture | Score | Goal Scorers | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carabao Cup Semi-final (1st Leg) | Chelsea vs Arsenal | 2:3 | Ben White (7’), Viktor Gyökeres (49’), Martín Zubimendi (71’) – Alejandro Garnacho (57’, 83’) | Thursday | Stamford Bridge |
Team Context and Notable Stats
Chelsea’s quest for a first domestic trophy since the 2017/18 season – and a first League Cup since 2015 – continues as they seek to overturn the deficit in the return leg. For Arsenal, this victory maintains their campaign on four competitive fronts and extends their unbeaten run against Chelsea in all competitions to nine matches. The Gunners boast nine wins in their last ten matches across all competitions and are still in pursuit of their first Carabao Cup triumph since 1993.
Second Leg Awaits
The sides will reconvene at the Emirates Stadium on 3 February to determine which London club progresses to the Carabao Cup final.
