Arsenal vs Chelsea Carabao Cup Semi-Final 2026: Arsenal Advance After Thrilling Second-Leg Victory

# Arsenal's Road to Wembley: How the Gunners Conquered Chelsea to Reach the Carabao Cup Final Arsenal have punched their ticket to the Carabao Cup final in spectacular fashion, overcoming London rivals Chelsea across two thrilling semi-final legs. The Gunners' 4-2 aggregate victory showcased their attacking prowess, defensive resilience, and championship mentality—qualities could see them lift silverware at Wembley on March 22, 2026. ## First Leg: Stamford Bridge Drama (Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal) The drama began on January 14, 2026, when Arsenal traveled to Stamford Bridge for what would become Liam Rosenior's first home game as Chelsea manager. Arsenal set the tone early, with Ben White breaking the deadlock in just the 7th minute. The defender rose perfectly to meet a trademark Declan Rice corner, heading home Arsenal's 24th set-piece goal of the season and stunning the home crowd. Chelsea struggled to respond in the first half, and Arsenal seized control early in the second period. In the 49th minute, Viktor Gyökeres doubled the lead with a close-range finish after Robert Sanchez failed to gather White's dangerous low cross. The ball spilled into Gyökeres' path, and the Swedish striker made no mistake—his second goal since early November couldn't have come at a better time. Chelsea responded immediately through substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who had just entered the match. The Argentine drilled home at the back post from a Pedro Neto cross in the 57th minute to give the Blues hope. However, Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion in the 71st minute when Martin Zubimendi finished off a flowing move with a well-taken strike inside the Chelsea box. The drama wasn't over. Garnacho struck again in the 83rd minute with his second of the night, bringing Chelsea right back into the tie and setting up a grandstand finish. While Arsenal held on for a 3-2 victory, the narrow margin meant everything was still to play for at the Emirates Stadium. ## Second Leg: Emirates Fortress (Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea) Three weeks later, on February 3, 2026, the sides reconvened at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal holding a slender one-goal advantage. Chelsea, backed by their traveling support, knew they needed at least one goal to force extra time and keep their Wembley dreams alive. The match was a tactical chess battle from the opening whistle. Chelsea controlled possession and applied high pressure, forcing Arsenal to sit deeper and wait for counterattacking opportunities. The first half was a cagey affair with few clear-cut chances, as both teams showed tremendous defensive discipline and caution befitting a semifinal second leg. Arsenal's defense, marshaled by William Saliba and Gabriel, stood firm against waves of Chelsea attacks. Kepa Arrizabalaga in Arsenal's goal made several crucial saves, including a spectacular stop to deny Enzo Fernández's powerful strike from distance. Gabriel Martinelli had Arsenal's best chance of the first half but couldn't convert in the six-yard box. The second half continued in similar fashion, with Chelsea dominating possession but struggling to break down Arsenal's well-organized defensive structure. As the clock ticked toward full-time, tension mounted inside the Emirates. Chelsea threw everything forward in search of that crucial goal, but Arsenal's backline refused to crack. Then came the moment that sealed Arsenal's passage to Wembley. Deep into stoppage time, in the 97th minute, Kai Havertz struck. The German forward, facing his former club, finished calmly to spark wild celebrations throughout the Emirates Stadium. It was a goal worthy of sealing a place in a cup final—composed, clinical, and perfectly timed. When the final whistle blew moments later, Arsenal had secured a 1-0 victory on the night and a commanding 4-2 aggregate triumph. ## What This Victory Means Arsenal's comprehensive victory over Chelsea across both legs sends a powerful message. This wasn't a fortunate scrape through—it was a dominant performance against quality opposition. Winning 4-2 on aggregate while keeping a clean sheet at home in the second leg demonstrates the kind of maturity and consistency required of champions. For Mikel Arteta, this represents another significant milestone in Arsenal's evolution. After coming close in recent Premier League campaigns, silverware would validate the progress made and potentially kickstart a trophy-laden era. The Carabao Cup may not be the most prestigious competition, but winning breeds confidence, and Arsenal are just 90 minutes away from lifting their first trophy since 2020. Multiple heroes emerged across both legs. Ben White was instrumental in both matches—scoring the opener and providing the assist for Gyökeres' goal in the first leg. Viktor Gyökeres ended his goal drought at the perfect time, while Martin Zubimendi's composed finish in the first leg proved crucial. And of course, Kai Havertz delivered the knockout blow against his former employers in stoppage time at the Emirates. The defensive unit deserves enormous credit too. Kepa Arrizabalaga made vital saves, while Saliba, Gabriel, and the entire backline showed tremendous resilience under sustained Chelsea pressure in the second leg. ## Looking Ahead to Wembley Arsenal now await the winner of the Newcastle vs Manchester City semi-final to discover who they'll face at Wembley on March 22, 2026. Regardless of the opponent, the Gunners will enter as favorites after this impressive showing. For Chelsea, despite Alejandro Garnacho's heroic brace in the first leg, the defeat adds pressure to their remaining campaigns in the Premier League and Champions League. Liam Rosenior's impressive start as manager hit its first significant bump, but there's still plenty to play for this season. As for Arsenal, the dream of silverware is now just 90 minutes away. After two commanding performances against one of England's elite clubs—including a masterful defensive display at home—the Gunners have proven they have what it takes to win when it matters most. This is Arsenal's first cup final appearance since 2017-18, and the hunger for success is palpable. Wembley awaits, and Arsenal are ready to seize their moment. **The Road to Glory Continues.**