Arsenal have reached the League Cup final for the first time in eight years, thanks to a late strike from Kai Havertz that sealed a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side had established a strong position from the first leg, and Havertz came off the bench to finish the job in stoppage time, sending Arsenal to Wembley for the first final in six years. They will face either Manchester City or Newcastle on March 22, with City currently leading 2-0 ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Etihad Stadium.
This victory is a significant moment for Arsenal, who have lost their previous four semi-finals in the Champions League, League Cup, and Europa League, and haven’t lifted the League Cup since 1993. It also gives Arteta the chance to secure his second trophy since taking charge in December 2019, following the 2020 FA Cup.
Despite their success this season—six points clear at the top of the Premier League and unbeaten in Champions League group play—Arsenal have faced criticism for relying heavily on goals from set-pieces. Arteta defended his tactics this week, insisting Arsenal remain “the most exciting team in Europe” according to his assessment.
Scrappy Semi-Final Battle
Arsenal played without captain Martin Odegaard, sidelined by a muscle injury, and Bukayo Saka, who was injured in the pre-match warm-up. Chelsea, under new manager Liam Rosenior, set up in a three-man central defence, which limited Arsenal in a scrappy first half.
Opportunities were scarce, with Piero Hincapie’s effort saved by Robert Sanchez and a brief chance for Gabriel Martinelli blocked by Chelsea’s Malo Gusto. Chelsea’s first shot on target came in the 43rd minute from Enzo Fernandez, which Kepa Arrizabalaga punched away.
Chelsea pushed harder in the second half after substitutions, with Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian creating chances, but Arsenal’s defence held firm. In the final moments of stoppage time, Havertz capitalized on a counterattack, rounding Sanchez to slot the ball into the empty net and deliver the knockout blow.
Arsenal now look to end a long trophy drought, aiming to claim their first silverware since the 2020 FA Cup and continue a memorable season under Arteta.
