Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (4-2 Aggregate): Havertz Strike Sends Gunners to Carabao Cup Final

Kai Havertz late goal seals Arsenal win over Chelsea as Arteta’s side reach first Carabao Cup final since 2018.

Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after edging past Chelsea 1-0 on the night at the Emirates Stadium, completing a 4-2 aggregate win. A dramatic stoppage-time finish from former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz proved decisive, sparking jubilant scenes as Mikel Arteta’s side finally ended their recent semi-final hoodoo.

Holding a 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal approached the second leg with control and discipline rather than risk. Chelsea, now managed by Liam Rosenior, needed a minimum of two goals to force extra time, but struggled to break down an organised Arsenal side.

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The match lacked fluidity and clear-cut chances, with both teams prioritising structure over attacking freedom. Goalkeepers Kepa Arrizabalaga and Robert Sánchez were largely untroubled, as midfield battles dominated proceedings.

Arsenal Defence Stands Firm Under Pressure

Chelsea showed more urgency after the break, particularly from set-pieces, but Arsenal’s backline remained resolute. Gabriel led the defensive effort superbly, while Declan Rice screened the defence with authority.

Arsenal nearly doubled their aggregate lead midway through the second half when Martín Zubimendi floated a teasing ball to Gabriel at the back post, only for Marc Cucurella to produce a heroic goal-line block with his face to deny a certain goal.

As six minutes of stoppage time were added, Chelsea committed bodies forward in desperation — a gamble that ultimately cost them. In the 97th minute, Arsenal broke with purpose.

Leandro Trossard found Declan Rice, who calmly squared the ball to Kai Havertz. The German forward rounded Sánchez before finishing into an empty net, sealing the win on the night and confirming Arsenal’s progression to Wembley.

It was a moment rich in narrative, with Havertz scoring against his former club to send Arsenal into their first major final in six years.

Standout Performers for Arsenal

Arsenal’s defensive unit once again laid the platform for success, continuing a run of disciplined knockout performances. Rice was influential throughout, combining ball-winning with composure in possession and providing the assist for the winner.

Havertz’s goal marked his 31st for Arsenal in 93 appearances, underlining his growing importance in Arteta’s system despite ongoing external scrutiny.

Chelsea enjoyed spells of possession but lacked incision in the final third. Cucurella’s defensive commitment stood out, yet Rosenior’s side failed to generate the quality required to overturn the deficit.

Arteta Praises Maturity as Arsenal Reach Final

Speaking after the match, Arteta highlighted his team’s control and patience.

“We managed the game really well and took our moment when it arrived.”

Arsenal now await their opponents in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley next month, with a chance to claim Arteta’s first League Cup as manager. The victory also ends a run of four consecutive Carabao Cup semi-final exits, underlining the club’s progress in high-pressure knockout ties.

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