Arsenal take a narrow EFL Cup semi-final lead at Chelsea, but Alejandro Garnacho’s late double keeps the tie finely balanced.
Arsenal claimed a slender advantage in their EFL Cup semi-final after a thrilling 3-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners scored three times away from home but were unable to fully silence the hosts. Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half brace ensured Chelsea head into the return leg with genuine belief. The tie now looks set for a tense finish in north London.
Mikel Arteta’s side struck early and controlled long spells of the contest. Chelsea, under new head coach Liam Rosenior, showed resilience despite defensive errors. Both teams traded momentum in a high tempo encounter. The result leaves everything to play for in the second leg.
Arsenal wasted little time asserting themselves. Ben White opened the scoring in the seventh minute, heading home Declan Rice’s corner from close range. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez failed to deal with the delivery, allowing the defender a simple finish. It was Arsenal’s 24th set-piece goal of the season in all competitions.
The remainder of the first half was evenly matched. Enzo Fernandez and Estevao tested Kepa Arrizabalaga at the other end. Arsenal threatened through Gyokeres and Zubimendi but lacked precision. Chelsea reached the break only one goal down and very much in the contest.
Arsenal doubled their lead four minutes into the second half. Sanchez again struggled, letting a low cross slip into Viktor Gyokeres’ path for a close-range finish. It was the striker’s first goal since Christmas and a timely confidence boost.
Chelsea responded quickly after Rosenior turned to his bench. Substitute Garnacho pulled one back in the 57th minute, guiding Pedro Neto’s cross into the net. Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion on 71 minutes. Martin Zubimendi skipped past two challenges before firing low into the corner following good work from Gyokeres.
Just as Arsenal looked comfortable, Garnacho struck again. The Argentine volleyed home from a loose clearance in the 83rd minute to make it 3-2. Stamford Bridge erupted as belief surged through the home crowd. Chelsea pushed for an equaliser late on but Arsenal held firm.
The visitors finished with more shots and territory. However, defensive lapses prevented them from fully taking control of the tie. Chelsea’s fightback ensured the margin remains slim heading into February.
Arsenal registered 17 shots to Chelsea’s 10 on the night. They also dominated the expected goals battle, creating the clearer chances. The Gunners are now unbeaten in 10 matches across all competitions. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won only three of their last 13 games.
This was Rosenior’s first home match in charge since replacing Enzo Maresca. Injuries and suspensions limited his options, but the response after halftime will encourage him. Arsenal, by contrast, will feel they could have put the tie to bed.
Ben White’s early goal set the tone and underlined Arsenal’s set-piece strength. Gyokeres impressed with a goal and an assist, offering physical presence throughout. Zubimendi’s composure in midfield stood out in key moments. For Chelsea, Garnacho’s impact off the bench changed the dynamic completely.
Chelsea return to Premier League action at home to Brentford this weekend before hosting Pafos in the Champions League. Arsenal travel to Nottingham Forest in the league, then face Inter Milan away in Europe. The decisive second leg takes place at the Emirates Stadium on 3rd February, with a Wembley final at stake.
