Arsenal are heading back to Wembley after a 1-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium secured their place in the League Cup final, sealing the semi final 4-2 on aggregate and bringing an end to a six year wait to return to the national stadium.
It was not a flowing contest, but Arsenal managed their advantage earned at Stamford Bridge and struck decisively in stoppage time through Kai Havertz, who rounded Robert Sanchez to score into an empty net as the visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser.
The goal confirmed a place in the final on March 22, where Arsenal will bid to win the competition for the first time since 1993, having also previously lifted the trophy in 1987.
The tie developed into a tactical contest between Mikel Arteta and Liam Rosenior, with Chelsea operating with three centre backs for much of the match before later introducing Estevao and Cole Palmer, while Pedro Neto and Jamie Gittens were unavailable.
Arsenal were without Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka, with Eberichi Eze operating in the number 10 role, and although they enjoyed more of the ball, Chelsea’s ‘masterplan’, hailed by Gary Neville on Sky Sports, produced nothing.
Clear chances were scarce in a cautious first half, though Piero Hincapie tested Sanchez from the edge of the area following a corner, while Enzo Fernandez forced a save from Kepa Arrizabalaga, with a long range effort.
The second half followed a similar pattern, tense and tightly contested, with Marc Cucurella clearing a header from Gabriel Magalhaes off the line. Despite needing a goal, the visitors managed only one shot on target across the entire match, and were ultimately punished when Havertz struck late to finish off his former club after a superb pass from Declan Rice.
After the match, Arteta said the achievement reflected years of work and the significance of finally breaking through at this stage. He said, “I can’t wait because we’ve been working really hard over the last few years. We’ve been very close many times and we really want to enjoy that moment.
“[I’m] very happy, especially the way we ended up at the end with Kai’s goal and the celebration of the players and staff, all together, because we knew how much it means.
“We really wanted to get to Wembley. I think overall, on the two legs, I think the team was extraordinary. I think we really deserved to be where we are and we play against a team that is very, very competitive and very difficult.
“With our people, I must say that the atmosphere they created was amazing tonight. We are where we want to be, so we’re going to be in Wembley in a few weeks’ time.”
The winning goal was Havertz’s second since returning from the knee injury sustained against Manchester United on the opening day of the season, and Arteta said the moment summed up the collective effort behind the scenes. He said, “That’s the moment when you work so hard and a lot of people work so hard every single day. It’s for those moments, to score that goal, all together, celebrating, a big smile and a lot of energy and pride. We fully deserve to be in Wembley in a few weeks’ time, so let’s enjoy it.”
With Arsenal now one match away from silverware and set to face either Manchester City or Newcastle, who trail Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0 after the first leg at St James’ Park, Arteta was clear about what the final represents.
He said, “Well, to make history with the club. That’s the first trophy that we’re going to have the opportunity to win. So, let’s go for it.”