Arsenal defeat Chelsea by 1-0 in EFL Cup Semi-Final
Arsenal defeat Chelsea by 1-0 in EFL Cup Semi-Final action on Tuesday night, as the Gunners finally shattered their long-standing semi-final hoodoo at the Emirates Stadium. In a match defined by high-stakes tension rather than fluid football, a 97th-minute strike from former Blue Kai Havertz ensured Mikel Arteta’s side secured a 4-2 aggregate victory and a prestigious place at Wembley.
Breaking the Semi-Final Curse
Coming into the second leg with a slender 3-2 lead from the first encounter at Stamford Bridge, Arsenal were determined to reach their first League Cup final in eight years. This victory was particularly cathartic for a side that had suffered heartbreak in their previous four major semi-final appearances across the Champions League and domestic cups.
The match at the Emirates was a tactical “war of attrition.” Chelsea, now under the leadership of Liam Rosenior—who has been at the helm for just 28 days—set up in a resilient back-five formation that stifled Arsenal’s creative outlets for much of the night. Despite the lack of goal-mouth action, the atmosphere remained electric as the Gunners fought to keep their quadruple hopes alive.
Havertz Haunts His Former Club
The breakthrough finally arrived in the dying seconds of stoppage time. With Chelsea pushing high up the pitch in a desperate search for an equalizer to send the tie to extra time, Arsenal launched a clinical counter-attack. Declan Rice drove through the heart of the midfield before squaring the ball to Kai Havertz, who showed immense composure to round Robert Sanchez and slot home.
For Havertz, it was the perfect “revenge act” against his former employers, sending the home support into raptures. The German international, who has become a pivotal figure in Arteta’s tactical setup, proved once again why he is considered a “big-game player.”
Match Statistics: Defensive Masterclass
| Statistic | Arsenal | Chelsea |
| Score | 1 | 0 |
| Aggregate | 4 | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 2 | 2 |
| Possession | 44% | 56% |
| Key Player | Gabriel (C) | Enzo Fernandez |
Arsenal keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was called into action late in the first half to deny a stinging 25-yard effort from Enzo Fernandez, but largely, the Gunners’ defense—led by captain-for-the-night Gabriel—remained “stubborn and resilient.”
The Quadruple Dream: 2025/2026 Season
With the EFL Cup final now booked for March 22, Arsenal remain the only team in England still competing on four fronts. Their current campaign is shaping up to be one of the most successful in the club’s modern history.
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Premier League: Currently 1st (6 points clear at the top).
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Champions League: Through to the Round of 16 after a perfect 100% record in the league phase.
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FA Cup: Safely into the Fourth Round.
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EFL Cup: Finalists (vs Manchester City or Newcastle).
Arsenal’s Path to the Final
| Round | Opponent | Result |
| Quarter-Final | Crystal Palace | 1-1 (8-7 Pens) |
| Semi-Final (1st Leg) | Chelsea | 3-2 (W) |
| Semi-Final (2nd Leg) | Chelsea | 1-0 (W) |
Rosenior’s Chelsea Transformation
Despite the defeat, Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior will take immense pride in his team’s performance over the two legs. After replacing Enzo Maresca, Rosenior has won six of his first eight matches, bringing a renewed sense of organization to the West London club. Introducing the likes of Estevao Willian and Cole Palmer on the hour mark gave Chelsea an “extra edge,” but they ultimately could not find a way through Arsenal’s low block.
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Conclusion: All Roads Lead to Wembley
The fact that Arsenal defeat Chelsea by 1-0 in EFL Cup Semi-Final play means that Mikel Arteta is now just 90 minutes away from ending the club’s six-year trophy drought. While critics may point to the “snooze fest” nature of the second leg, the Gunners’ ability to win “ugly” is a hallmark of champions.
As they prepare for their trip to Wembley, the focus remains on history. No English club has ever completed a clean sweep of all four major honors, but with the current form of Kai Havertz and a defense that refuses to buckle, the Emirates faithful are starting to believe that 2026 could be their year.
Media References
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Arsenal Official: Match Report: Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (4-2 agg)
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