Key Takeaways:
- Last night, Arsenal advanced to the Carabao Cup final after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium
- Kai Havertz scored the decisive goal in the 97th minute, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory for the Gunners
- Chelsea extended their winless run against Arsenal in all competitions to ten consecutive matches
Match Overview
Arsenal clinched their place in the Carabao Cup final following a narrow 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, adding to their earlier 3-2 away success at Stamford Bridge for a 4-2 aggregate triumph. Kai Havertz netted the only goal deep into injury time, ensuring the Premier League leaders remain in the hunt for the season’s first major trophy under Mikel Arteta. The encounter was largely uneventful, lacking significant opportunities until the dramatic late finish.
The second leg at the Emirates lacked goalmouth action, with both defences holding firm and clear-cut chances at a premium. The deadlock was only broken in the 97th minute, when Declan Rice broke forward on the left and laid the ball to Havertz, who calmly rounded Sánchez and slotted home.
WE'RE THE FAMOUS ARSENAL AND WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY. pic.twitter.com/6i8sjFbDga
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 2026
Team News and Tactical Setups
Arsenal was forced to make changes, with Bukayo Saka sidelined due to an injury sustained during the warm-up before a recent clash with Leeds, and Martin Ødegaard also unavailable. As a result, Noni Madueke began on the right wing, Eberechi Eze featured in midfield, and Viktor Gyökeres led the attack. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus started on the bench, while Kepa Arrizabalaga took his place between the posts.
Chelsea, without Reece James, included Estevão among the substitutes after his recent return from his home country for family reasons. Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho, who netted twice in the first leg, were also named as substitutes. Up front, Liam Delap and João Pedro started as Liam Rosenior opted for a back three and no natural wingers.
First Half: Few Opportunities Created
In the opening quarter of an hour, both teams matched each other evenly, with Chelsea attempting to press high whenever Arsenal built from the back. The hosts gradually gained a foothold in possession, advancing into Chelsea’s territory. The first real moment of quality came in the 18th minute when Hincapié unleashed a low drive from the edge of the area, only for Sánchez to respond with a sharp save. Eze could not connect for the rebound.
For the remainder of the half, play remained cautious, as neither side committed numbers forward. Chelsea managed to gain more possession in Arsenal’s half but failed to trouble Kepa’s goal. In the 34th minute, Martinelli chased a long pass into the penalty box, only for Gusto to recover and block his attempt. The Blues’ only shot on target arrived in the 43rd minute, as Enzo Fernández fired from 22 metres following Cucurella’s pass, but Kepa dealt with it comfortably. The first half thus ended with just one shot on target apiece.
Second Half Developments and Key Substitutes
Immediately after the restart, Kepa mishandled a corner delivery from Enzo, but Delap could not capitalise and the danger abated. After an hour, Rosenior introduced Palmer and Estevão for Delap and Hato, while Chelsea looked more ambitious, albeit without accuracy in front of goal.
Arteta made offensive changes in the 70th minute, bringing on Havertz and Trossard for Madueke and Gyökeres. Garnacho then entered the fray for Chelsea, as the away side sought an equaliser. Arsenal nearly took the lead in the 77th minute, when Zubimendi floated a cross towards Gabriel. The defender nodded the ball from six metres, but his effort struck Cucurella in the face.
Two minutes later, Chelsea earned a free-kick just outside the penalty arc after Estevão was fouled, but Palmer’s strike struck the wall. The visitors appealed for a handball, but no penalty was awarded. Arsenal also appealed unsuccessfully in the 84th minute when Martinelli went down in the area following a challenge from Chalobah, but the defender appeared to play the ball.
Decisive Moments and Final Whistle
Chelsea pressed for a goal in added time, surrounding Arsenal’s box without fashioning a clear-cut opportunity. Instead, the Gunners struck on the counter in the 97th minute. Rice powered down the left and played in Havertz, who bypassed Sánchez and rolled the ball into an unguarded net, securing Arsenal’s place at Wembley on 22 March.
Match Statistics
| Team | Score (Second Leg) | Aggregate Score | Goalscorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1 | 4 | Kai Havertz (97′) |
| Chelsea | 0 | 2 | – |
What’s Next
The remaining semi-final second leg will take place tomorrow, as Manchester City host Newcastle while holding a two-goal lead from the first match. Arsenal, meanwhile, look forward to contesting the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 22 March. Chelsea’s derby drought against the Gunners now stretches to ten successive matches without a win.
