HAVERTZ SENDS ARSENAL INTO LEAGUE CUP FINAL AFTER CHELSEA WIN
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Arsenal booked their place in the League Cup final for the first time in eight years after Kai Havertz struck late to secure a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Having taken control of the tie in the first leg, Mikel Arteta’s side completed the job through substitute Havertz, who rounded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in stoppage time to seal a hard-fought aggregate win.
The victory was a cathartic moment for Arsenal, who had suffered heartbreak in their previous four semi-final appearances across the Champions League and domestic competitions. It also sends the Gunners to their first final in six years, where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United at Wembley on March 22. City currently hold a 2-0 advantage ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal have not lifted the League Cup since 1993 and lost their last three final appearances in the competition. The upcoming final offers them a chance to end that long drought and claim their first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup — the only silverware Arteta has won since taking charge in December 2019.
The Gunners’ progress caps an impressive campaign so far, with Arsenal sitting six points clear at the top of the Premier League and reaching the Champions League last 16 after winning all eight group matches.
Despite their success, Arteta’s side have faced criticism over their reliance on goals from set-pieces. The Arsenal manager recently defended his team’s style, insisting many view them as one of Europe’s most exciting sides. Tuesday’s attritional contest may not sway critics, but Arteta will be satisfied with another trip to Wembley.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who had won six of his seven matches since replacing Enzo Maresca, suffered the only two defeats of his brief reign at the hands of Arsenal. His decision to deploy a three-man defence and leave Cole Palmer on the bench initially helped stifle the hosts in a scrappy first half played in torrential rain.
Arsenal, missing captain Martin Odegaard through injury and winger Bukayo Saka after a pre-match setback, struggled to impose themselves early. Piero Hincapie forced Robert Sanchez into action with a curling effort, while Malo Gusto narrowly averted danger after misjudging a pass that let Gabriel Martinelli through on goal.
Chelsea registered their first shot on target late in the half through Enzo Fernandez, but Kepa Arrizabalaga dealt comfortably with the effort. After the break, Liam Delap missed a gilt-edged chance from a corner before Rosenior abandoned his back three and introduced Palmer and Estevao Willian.
Although Chelsea briefly threatened, their momentum faded, and Arsenal struck decisively on the counter in stoppage time. Havertz calmly rounded Sanchez and rolled the ball into an empty net to send the Emirates into celebration and confirm Arsenal’s place in the final.
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