Havertz Secures Dramatic Carabao Cup Final Berth for Arsenal with Late Winner
Arsenal have reached the Carabao Cup final for the first time in eight years, securing a 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea thanks to a late goal from Kai Havertz. The decisive moment came in a tightly contested second leg at Emirates Stadium, where a 1-0 win on the night propelled Arsenal into a final showdown with either Manchester City or Newcastle on March 22.
First-Leg Advantage
Arsenal carried a one-goal advantage into the second leg, built on goals from Viktor Gyokeres, Ben White, and Martin Zubimendi in the first encounter. However, the return fixture promised a stern test, with Chelsea historically capable of overturning first-leg deficits in the EFL Cup.
A Cagey First Half
The opening 15 minutes saw few clear-cut opportunities for either side. Chelsea, according to reports, had a strong record in progressing from this stage of the competition even after losing the first leg. Liam Delap’s early shot, described as “scuffed,” was the first attempt of note on a rain-soaked pitch. A flurry of corners for Arsenal nearly broke the deadlock, with Piero Hincapie unleashing a powerful drive that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez dramatically saved. Arsenal also threatened through Gabriel Martinelli, but his effort was thwarted by a recovering Malo Gusto. Chelsea grew in confidence as the half progressed, with Enzo Fernandez testing Kepa in the Arsenal goal.
Second-Half Tension and Havertz’s Decisive Strike
The second half began with a frantic melee in the Arsenal box following a corner, but Delap’s subsequent effort went narrowly wide. Noni Madueke proved a threat for Chelsea, beating defenders but failing to deliver telling crosses. Chelsea manager introduced Cole Palmer and Estevao in an attempt to find a goal, but Arsenal remained resolute.
The breakthrough arrived in the dying moments of the match. As Chelsea pressed for a late equalizer, Arsenal launched a swift counterattack. Leandro Trossard found Declan Rice, who expertly squared the ball to Havertz. The former Chelsea player, with space to maneuver, rounded Sanchez and slotted the ball into the net, sending the Arsenal faithful into raptures. “We managed to find spaces in the Chelsea defence,” a source noted, highlighting the tactical shift that led to the winning goal.
Penalty Claim Dismissed and Added Time Drama
Prior to Havertz’s goal, Arsenal had a penalty claim waved away after Martinelli went down under a challenge from Trevoh Chalobah. With six minutes of added time, Chelsea continued to push for an equalizer, but Arsenal’s defense held firm. A free-kick from Palmer was blocked, and Wesley Fofana’s follow-up went wide.
Looking Ahead
Following this Carabao Cup triumph, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday, February 7, hosting Sunderland at Emirates Stadium. A trip to Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium awaits on Thursday, February 12.
