Late Havertz Strike Sends Arsenal Past Chelsea into Carabao Cup Final

Posted : 04 February 2026

Arsenal secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final after a narrow 1–0 victory over Chelsea in a tightly contested semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Holding a slim aggregate advantage from the first leg, Mikel Arteta’s side approached the match with caution, prioritising control and defensive discipline over attacking flair.

The game itself unfolded as a tense and tactical battle. Chelsea, knowing they needed a goal to keep their hopes alive, enjoyed spells of pressure but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Much of their attacking play came from distance or set pieces, neither of which truly tested Arsenal’s composure at the back. The hosts, meanwhile, were content to absorb pressure and wait for the right moment to strike.

That moment arrived deep into stoppage time. A quick Arsenal counterattack caught Chelsea stretched, and Kai Havertz — facing his former club — kept his nerve to round the goalkeeper and roll the ball into an empty net. It was a ruthless end to a match that had offered few obvious openings and underlined Arsenal’s efficiency in key moments.

Defensively, Arsenal were impressive throughout. Their compact shape limited space between the lines and frustrated Chelsea’s creative players, forcing the visitors into low-percentage efforts. While the match was not a spectacle, it was a demonstration of game management and maturity from a side growing increasingly comfortable with high-stakes encounters.

Chelsea will feel frustrated by the outcome. Despite seeing more of the ball as the match wore on, their lack of cutting edge proved decisive. Attacking substitutions brought urgency, but not the breakthrough required, and the late goal conceded summed up an evening where effort outweighed end product.

What’s Next?

For Arsenal, progression to the final represents a significant milestone in their season. A return to Wembley offers a clear chance to lift domestic silverware and adds momentum as they continue to compete on multiple fronts. The focus now shifts to preparation for the final, where belief and confidence will be high after navigating a demanding semi-final tie.

For Chelsea, the Carabao Cup exit sharpens attention on their remaining objectives. Improvement in chance creation and decision-making in the final third will be crucial as they look to regain consistency. With no time to dwell on disappointment, the priority is a swift response in upcoming league fixtures.

Late Havertz Strike Sends Arsenal Past Chelsea into Carabao Cup Final

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