Arsenal Beat Chelsea in Carabao Cup Five-Goal Thriller

Arsenal take control of Carabao Cup semi-final after dramatic 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

Arsenal delivered everything expected from a London derby in their Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea, as Mikel Arteta’s side claimed a thrilling 3-2 away victory to edge closer to the final.

The Gunners made the perfect start inside six minutes. Declan Rice whipped in a dangerous corner and Ben White escaped his marker to power a header past Robert Sánchez. It marked Arsenal’s 24th set-piece goal of the season and underlined their growing dominance from dead-ball situations.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

The early goal stunned Stamford Bridge and handed Arsenal immediate control of the tie.

Chelsea attempted to hit back despite missing several key players through injury. Enzo Fernández tested Kepa Arrizabalaga with a low drive, while Estevão Willian and Pedro Neto carried much of the attacking threat.

William Saliba anchored Arsenal’s defence superbly, dictating play from the back and completing more passes than any other player on the pitch. The Gunners absorbed pressure and went into half-time with their lead intact.

Gyökeres Doubles Arsenal Advantage

Arsenal struck again moments after the restart. A quick throw-in from White released Bukayo Saka down the right, and his low cross evaded Sánchez, allowing Viktor Gyökeres to tap home from close range.

The Swedish striker continued his outstanding debut season, showing sharp instincts to double Arsenal’s lead and swing momentum firmly in their favour.

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior reacted quickly, introducing Alejandro Garnacho and Benoît Badiashile. The changes transformed the game.

Within minutes, Garnacho arrived at the back post to chest down Pedro Neto’s cross and fire past Kepa, cutting Arsenal’s lead to 2-1 and reigniting the contest.

Chelsea pressed aggressively, dominating possession and pushing Arsenal deeper as the home crowd sensed a comeback.

Just as Chelsea threatened an equaliser, Arsenal produced a moment of composure. Saka found substitute Mikel Merino, who surged forward and fed Gyökeres. The striker held off his marker before laying the ball into the path of Martin Zubimendi.

The midfielder showed calm beyond his years, weaving past two defenders before slotting a precise finish into the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

Chelsea refused to surrender. In the 82nd minute, a corner fell kindly to Garnacho, who controlled brilliantly and smashed home his second of the night.

A frantic finale followed, with Arsenal forced to defend deep. Kepa produced vital saves, while Gabriel and Saliba made crucial blocks to preserve the narrow advantage.

Arsenal Manage the Game Professionally

Despite late pressure, Arsenal closed out the match with maturity and discipline. Arteta’s side controlled possession when needed and limited Chelsea to half-chances in stoppage time.

The final whistle confirmed a vital 3-2 away win, giving Arsenal a slender but valuable lead heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are now one game away from their first Carabao Cup final since 2018. The victory strengthens their pursuit of silverware alongside strong Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Chelsea remain in the tie, but Arsenal will enter the home leg confident, knowing that their attacking efficiency and set-piece strength could prove decisive once again.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.