By Our Reporter
Arsenal reached their first cup final in six years after edging Chelsea 1–0 at the Emirates to complete a 4–2 aggregate victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Kai Havertz struck late against his former club to settle a largely subdued contest, adding to Arsenal’s 3–2 first-leg advantage and sending Mikel Arteta’s side through to next month’s final at Wembley.
While the match itself offered few clear chances, the result capped another strong showing in a season where Arsenal remain top of the Premier League, are through to the Champions League last 16, and still alive in the FA Cup. The final will be their first opportunity for silverware since lifting the FA Cup in 2020.
Chelsea, needing to overturn the deficit, struggled to generate momentum. Liam Rosenior opted for a back five that limited Arsenal’s attacking flow in the first half but blunted Chelsea’s own threat. A second-half switch, aided by the introduction of Cole Palmer and Estevao, brought brief energy but failed to shift the tie.
Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final at Wembley on March 22, as they look to end a long wait for Carabao Cup success, last winning the competition in 1993.