Softfootball understands that Arsenal took a significant step toward the Carabao Cup final with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Chelsea in the semi-final first leg.
extending their unbeaten run to 10 matches in all competitions and handing Liam Rosenior a defeat in his first home game as Blues head coach. After the game Arsenal shared a post about the result via their official X account.
Following a 4-1 FA Cup victory against Portsmouth and a 0-0 draw against Liverpool, The Gunners made a fast start and, somewhat ironically, struck early from a set-piece after Rosenior had insisted pre-match that Arsenal were far more than just a dead-ball team.
Declan Rice’s delivery caused immediate chaos in the Chelsea box, with Robert Sánchez caught in no man’s land as Ben White rose unchallenged to head home. It was White’s first goal since his brace against Chelsea back in April 2024, and a moment that underlined the hosts’ shaky defending.
Chelsea did respond with some encouragement. Enzo Fernández slipped a clever pass through to João Pedro, but the Brazilian dragged his effort wide.
Estêvão then threatened with a direct run down the right, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga into a near-post save. Arsenal, however, continued to look dangerous, and William Saliba came close to doubling the lead with a long-range effort that skimmed the roof of the net in an open and intriguing first half.
Just five minutes after the restart, Arsenal struck again. Bukayo Saka released White down the right, and his cross somehow slipped through Sánchez’s grasp, allowing Viktor Gyökeres to slide in and finish from close range.
Rosenior reacted quickly by introducing Alejandro Garnacho, and the change paid off almost instantly. Within four minutes, Garnacho halved the deficit, clinically finishing at the far post after meeting Pedro Neto’s inviting cross.
Chelsea sensed a way back, but Arsenal delivered a potentially decisive third goal. Gyökeres turned provider this time, teeing up Martín Zubimendi, who danced through the Chelsea defence before unleashing a stunning left-footed strike past the helpless Sánchez. The Chelsea goalkeeper later redeemed himself with an excellent save to deny Mikel Merino.
Despite Arsenal’s control, Chelsea refused to fold. Garnacho struck again to make it 3–2, firing home after Neto’s corner was partially cleared into his path.
The Blues pushed for an equaliser but fell short. While Arteta may feel Arsenal missed a chance to put the tie to bed, Rosenior will take pride in his side’s spirit. With the second leg still to come, this semi-final is far from settled.
