Arsenal edged past London rivals Chelsea to secure a 1–0 win in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 4–2 aggregate victory and booking their place in the 2026 Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The dramatic win was sealed by Kai Havertz, whose last-gasp goal in stoppage time ended Chelsea’s hopes and kept Arsenal’s trophy ambitions on track.
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Tense London derby lives up to occasion
The second leg unfolded as a gritty, tactical contest between two of England’s most storied clubs. Arsenal entered the night with a narrow 3–2 aggregate lead from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, where goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres and Mikel Merino had given the Gunners the edge. Chelsea knew they needed at least one goal to level the tie, but the Blues struggled to create clear chances against an organised Arsenal defence.
Across 90 minutes, both sides battled for control in midfield, with chances at a premium. Chelsea’s cautious setup under Liam Rosenior saw spells of possession but limited penetration, while Arsenal relied on disciplined defending and counter-attacks to blunt the visitors’ threat. Neither side found the net in regular time, pushing the tie towards its dramatic climax.
Havertz delivers when it mattered
In the 7th minute of added time, Arsenal finally broke the deadlock. A counter-attack saw the ball worked into the box, where Havertz kept his cool to slot the ball past Chelsea’s keeper, sparking wild celebrations among the Emirates faithful. The timing of the goal at the death of a tense semi-final amplified its significance, not only securing passage to the final but doing so with dramatic flair.
The strike was particularly meaningful for Havertz, whose contributions this season have been limited as he recovers form and fitness. In a campaign where Arsenal have competed on multiple fronts, the German’s timely finish under pressure exemplified the team’s resilience and hunger for silverware.
Arteta’s project edges closer to a trophy
For Mikel Arteta and his squad, the win represents another step in Arsenal’s long-awaited push for tangible success. The club’s last League Cup final appearance came in 2018, and their last major trophy was the 2020 FA Cup, adding weight to the significance of this journey to Wembley.
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Arteta has consistently guided Arsenal into contention in multiple competitions this season, blending tactical discipline with attacking intent. With momentum building, a potential Carabao Cup title would not only add silverware to the club’s cabinet but also underline the belief that Arsenal are legitimate contenders on every domestic front.
What lies ahead at Wembley
Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final on 22 March 2026 at Wembley Stadium, where they will aim to add a first League Cup crown in nearly four decades. Both potential opponents present formidable challenges: City’s sustained excellence under Pep Guardiola and Newcastle’s rising trajectory under Eddie Howe promise a compelling title match.
Arsenal’s route to the final has underscored their growing maturity as a squad capable of navigating knockout pressure, a trait that could prove decisive in the final. As the calendar progresses, Arteta’s side will balance league ambitions with cup glory, with this Carabao Cup final offering a first chance to convert season-long promise into silverware.
