Arsenal booked their place in the final of the Carabao Cup after edging past Chelsea 1-0 in a tense second leg at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory and keeping their quadruple dream alive.
In a match that offered few clear-cut chances, it was former Chelsea man Kai Havertz who delivered the decisive moment deep into stoppage time, breaking Blues hearts and sending the home crowd into raptures.
Cagey Derby Decided by One Moment
The second leg of this London derby was always expected to be tight, and it lived up to expectations. Both sides approached the game cautiously, with Chelsea needing goals and Arsenal focused on protecting their first-leg advantage.
The first half passed without much drama, as both defences stayed compact and chances were limited to long-range efforts and half openings. Chelsea showed energy and intent, but struggled to break through Arsenal’s well-organised back line.
Havertz Haunts Former Club
Just when the game looked destined to drift into extra time, Arsenal struck with ruthless efficiency.
A rapid counter-attack was launched by Declan Rice, who intercepted in midfield and drove forward before releasing Havertz into space. The German forward made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball past the Chelsea goalkeeper to make it 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.
For Havertz, it was a poetic moment — scoring the goal that eliminated the club he left for over £60 million in 2023.
Arteta’s Arsenal Still Unbeaten in 2026
This victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in 2026 and further strengthened their status as one of Europe’s most in-form teams.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are currently:
- Premier League leaders
- Champions League league-phase winners
- FA Cup fourth-round qualifiers
- Carabao Cup finalists
The possibility of a historic quadruple is no longer just a dream — it is a genuine target.
Chelsea Show Promise Despite Exit
For Chelsea, the defeat was painful but not without positives. New head coach Liam Rosenior praised his young side’s performance, highlighting their discipline and resilience in a hostile environment.
However, frustration remains among fans, especially given the lack of cutting edge in front of goal and another domestic cup exit.
Wembley Awaits
Arsenal will now head to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final, where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United. With silverware within touching distance and momentum firmly on their side, Arteta’s men are perfectly positioned to turn an already remarkable season into something truly historic.
Final Word
Kai Havertz’s late winner was more than just a goal — it was a statement. Arsenal are not just competing on all fronts; they are dominating them. If this level continues, 2026 could go down as one of the greatest years in the club’s modern history.
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