Kai Havertz scores deep into stoppage time as Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates to reach the EFL Cup final, winning 4-2 on aggregate.
Arsenal moved to within one game of silverware after edging Chelsea 1-0 to reach the EFL Cup final. Kai Havertz struck in the 97th minute at the Emirates Stadium to seal a 4-2 aggregate victory. The Gunners entered the night protecting a narrow first leg advantage and showed patience throughout. A tense semi-final only swung late, but Arsenal never lost control. Wembley now awaits next month.
The hosts started with authority, but Chelsea’s back five limited early chances. Arsenal dominated possession without carving clear openings in the opening exchanges. Piero Hincapie tested Robert Sanchez from range, forcing a comfortable save. Chelsea offered little going forward and focused on staying compact. The first half closed with the tie still delicately balanced.
Chelsea increased their attacking intent after the interval. Liam Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer and Estevao just before the hour. The changes stretched Arsenal slightly, though clear chances remained scarce. Enzo Fernandez forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a smart stop from distance. Despite Chelsea’s pressure, Arsenal’s defensive structure held firm.
The match reflected the tension of a semi-final second leg. Arsenal managed five shots overall, with only two on target. Chelsea attempted 14 efforts, though just five came from inside the box. Expected goals remained low for both sides, underlining the lack of clear openings. The contest felt destined for a single decisive moment.
That moment arrived deep into stoppage time. With Chelsea pushing bodies forward, Arsenal broke quickly from their own half. Declan Rice carried the ball before releasing Havertz into space. The substitute rounded Sanchez calmly and rolled the ball into an empty net. The Emirates erupted as Arsenal finally put the tie to bed.
Havertz, recently back from injury, delivered against his former club. His movement and composure stood out in a match short on attacking quality. Rice’s role was equally crucial, driving Arsenal forward when it mattered most. It was a finish worthy of a semi-final.
Arsenal reached their first EFL Cup final since 2018 and their first major final of any kind since 2020. They remain top of the Premier League and active in multiple competitions. The win also ended a run of four straight semi-final exits. Arteta’s squad continues to show maturity in high pressure moments. Defensive discipline again underpinned success.
Chelsea, by contrast, exit with encouragement despite defeat. Rosenior’s tactical changes tightened the tie after a chaotic first leg. However, their inability to create a clear chance proved costly. The Blues now turn attention back to the league where they travel to struggling Wolves next weekend.
Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United at Wembley on March 22. City hold a 2-0 lead heading into the second semi-final. Before then, Arsenal return to Premier League action where they play Sunderland as the title race intensifies. This late victory could provide vital momentum. One final now stands between Arsenal and long-awaited silverware.
