Arsenal have navigated a tricky semi-final tie against Chelsea to advance to the Carabao Cup final, thanks in large part to a late winner from Kai Havertz that sealed a 1-0 victory for the Gunners. The 97th-minute strike came after Arsenal had largely defended with discipline and absorbed much of the pressure in the first half.
Chelsea, on the other hand, were unable to create any clear chances throughout the match, despite being out-shot by their opponents four times. The Blues' frustration was evident as they searched desperately for a leveller, but ultimately fell short against a well-organized Arsenal side that were determined to see the tie through.
Havertz's goal marked a welcome end to a run of consecutive semi-final defeats under manager Mikel Arteta, while also sending the Emirates Stadium crowd into raptures. The win has also given the Gunners their first Cup final appearance since 2020 and sets them up for a potential showdown with Manchester City or Newcastle in the March 22 Wembley encounter.
Arsenal's performance was marked out by their defensive solidity, which earned them a 20th clean sheet in all competitions this season. The win also highlighted the importance of their young core, as players like Gabriel and Declan Rice shone brightly throughout.
However, not all is rosy for Chelsea, who were widely criticized by pundits for their lacklustre display. Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp led the chorus of criticism, with Merson suggesting that the Blues had failed to take advantage of Arsenal's youthful inexperience.
In contrast, Liam Rosenior was more measured in his assessment of the defeat, but still acknowledged that it would be a difficult pill to swallow for his team. The former Chelsea player stated that he needed to see how his side responded to the setback and vowed to make positive changes ahead of their next game against Wolves on Saturday.
The Carabao Cup final is now just around the corner, with Arsenal set to face either Manchester City or Newcastle in the March 22 Wembley encounter.
Chelsea, on the other hand, were unable to create any clear chances throughout the match, despite being out-shot by their opponents four times. The Blues' frustration was evident as they searched desperately for a leveller, but ultimately fell short against a well-organized Arsenal side that were determined to see the tie through.
Havertz's goal marked a welcome end to a run of consecutive semi-final defeats under manager Mikel Arteta, while also sending the Emirates Stadium crowd into raptures. The win has also given the Gunners their first Cup final appearance since 2020 and sets them up for a potential showdown with Manchester City or Newcastle in the March 22 Wembley encounter.
Arsenal's performance was marked out by their defensive solidity, which earned them a 20th clean sheet in all competitions this season. The win also highlighted the importance of their young core, as players like Gabriel and Declan Rice shone brightly throughout.
However, not all is rosy for Chelsea, who were widely criticized by pundits for their lacklustre display. Paul Merson and Jamie Redknapp led the chorus of criticism, with Merson suggesting that the Blues had failed to take advantage of Arsenal's youthful inexperience.
In contrast, Liam Rosenior was more measured in his assessment of the defeat, but still acknowledged that it would be a difficult pill to swallow for his team. The former Chelsea player stated that he needed to see how his side responded to the setback and vowed to make positive changes ahead of their next game against Wolves on Saturday.
The Carabao Cup final is now just around the corner, with Arsenal set to face either Manchester City or Newcastle in the March 22 Wembley encounter.
! i love how mikel arteta's squad came together to get the job done, and can't wait to see them take on whoever is left standing in the final... fingers crossed it's man city tho! 
what a match! Kai Havertz's winner was the difference maker, and I think Arsenal really showed their defensive chops. Arteta's tactics were spot on, keeping Chelsea at bay for most of the game. Those young Gunners are looking sharp too - Gabriel and Rice were instrumental in keeping the Blues from scoring.
. Can't blame them for wanting more from their team, but it's harsh to say they didn't capitalize on Arsenal's youth.
. Kai Havertz's late winner was the perfect result - I mean who doesn't love a 97th-minute goal? 
the way they defended as a team was solid, like they really worked together to keep Chelsea at bay. Gabriel and Declan Rice were also on fire, those two young guns are going to be superstars in no time 
️
. You gotta feel for Chelsea though, they just couldn't get anything going and it's clear they're gonna be gutted about that 1-0 loss 
.
. They need to figure out why their big-name stars aren't delivering when it matters most.
. Bring on March 22nd and let's see what we've got 
. They had so much possession but just couldn't create anything concrete. It's clear they need to make some serious changes if they want to stay competitive in the Premier League.
. Bring on March 22nd! 
they played so defensive and absorbed all the pressure, then bam! Kai Havertz comes from nowhere 
. arseneal's young core did amazing, gabe and declan rice were 
. now they're set up for a big cup final vs either man city or newcastle on march 22... who do you think will come out on top? 
. paul merson's criticism of chelsea is spot on, but liam rosenior has to agree with him, it'll be tough for chelsea to bounce back from this one 
.
solid, and they showed great 
! The young guns like Gabriel and Declan Rice are 
, and they're gonna need a serious 
mikel arteta's got some serious game planning skills too, totally outmaneuvered chelsea in that semi final 
now let's see how they handle man city or newcastle in the final 
i swear it was so vivid, i even smelled the scent of old books and dust 
anyway, back to football... have you tried that new pizza place downtown? 
their margherita is literally the best thing since sliced bread
️ i mean kai havertz's goal was literally the best feeling for them, all those fans screaming at emirates 
anyway, this win marks a huge milestone for arsenal, first cup final since 2020 and who knows maybe they can bring home that trophy 
. But Chelsea's performance was just so underwhelming...I mean, four shots on target? That's just embarrassing 
! And let's give credit to the Gunners' defense, holding strong for most of the match 
. It's gonna be a tough one either way, but I think Arsenal have a good shot against City or Newcastle 
. Maybe Mikel Arteta's tactics were just what they needed to shake things up 
. Either way, can't wait for the big day!
. As for Chelsea, yeah they just couldn't get anything going 
... guess you could say they were out-classed by the Gunners this time around. I think Merson's harsh criticism is a bit unfair though 
, but hey, that's just pundit life. Liam Rosenior made some good points about needing to make changes, though 
Just when I thought it was safe to go back in the pool... 
They were OUTSHOT by their opponents FOUR TIMES 
. Mikel Arteta's squad depth is looking 
. 20 clean sheets for Arsenal this season? 
. And now they're gonna have to wait and see who they get in the final - hope it's not City, that would be a tough one for the Blues 
. On the other hand, Arsenal are looking strong at the moment, especially with that young core of theirs