Arsenal League Cup final ambitions became reality on Tuesday night as Mikel Arteta’s side edged past Chelsea with a 1-0 win in the second leg of their semi-final, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory and booking a long-awaited return to Wembley.
Playing at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal capitalised on the advantage built in the first leg and showed resilience under pressure before substitute Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to settle the contest. The result sends the Gunners into their first League Cup final in eight years and their first major final since 2020.
Arsenal end semi-final frustration
The victory marked a cathartic moment for Arsenal, who had previously lost four consecutive semi-finals across major competitions, including the Champions League and Europa League. Arteta’s men will now compete in their first final for six years, with Manchester City or Newcastle United awaiting them at Wembley on March 22.
City carry a 2-0 advantage into their second leg against Newcastle on Wednesday night at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal have not lifted the League Cup since 1993 and were beaten in their last three final appearances. A win in March would also deliver Arteta his first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, which remains the only silverware of his tenure since taking charge in December 2019.
Arteta praises resilience and atmosphere
“We knew it was going to be a real battle out there,” Arteta said after the match. “That resilience and clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play we did so well.
“There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We’ve been waiting a few years to get into this position and we’re certainly going to enjoy it.”
The semi-final success continues an impressive season for Arsenal, who sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and cruised into the Champions League last 16 after winning all eight group-stage matches.
Criticism persists despite strong campaign
Despite their form, Arsenal have faced criticism for an over-reliance on set-pieces and goals from corners. Arteta recently dismissed those claims, insisting many observers regard his team as among the most exciting in Europe.
Tuesday’s scrappy encounter may not have silenced critics, but progression to Wembley was all that mattered for the Arsenal boss.
Chelsea fall short under Rosenior
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who had won six of his previous seven matches since replacing Enzo Maresca, suffered only his second defeat both at the hands of Arsenal.
“Arsenal know they were in a game over both ties,” Rosenior said. “We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn’t find that quality moment.
“It’s painful to lose. We just need to keep making improvements, which I’m seeing.”
Havertz delivers the decisive moment
Arsenal were without captain Martin degaard due to a muscle issue and winger Bukayo Saka, who picked up an injury in the warm-up over the weekend. Chelsea’s switch to a back three disrupted the hosts early, producing a scrappy first half played in heavy rain.
Both sides struggled to create clear chances, though Arsenal threatened through Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Martinelli, while Chelsea finally tested Kepa Arrizabalaga just before halftime.
Chelsea pushed harder after the break, introducing Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian, but their momentum faded. In the dying moments of stoppage time, Arsenal struck decisively as Havertz rounded Robert Sanchez and slotted into an empty net on the counterattack to seal the tie.