Arsenal moved one step closer to the Carabao Cup final after claiming a thrilling 3–2 semi-final first-leg victory over Chelsea, extending their unbeaten run to ten matches across all competitions. The result also handed Liam Rosenior his first home defeat as Chelsea boss.
For football fans in Tanzania, this London derby delivered pure drama, goals, and momentum swings—exactly the kind of match that keeps knockout football exciting.
Fast Start as Arsenal Punish Early Mistakes
Despite Rosenior insisting Arsenal are not a team reliant on set pieces, the Gunners struck early from a dead-ball situation. Declan Rice delivered a precise ball into the box, and Ben White rose unmarked to head home after Robert Sanchez was caught out of position.
It was a soft goal to concede, but Arsenal deserved the early advantage due to their sharp movement and composure in possession.
Chelsea Shows Character but Remains Vulnerable
Chelsea responded positively. Enzo Fernandez pulled the strings in midfield, while Joao Pedro and Estevao both threatened, forcing saves from Kepa Arrizabalaga.
However, defensive gaps remained obvious. William Saliba nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead before half-time with a long-range effort that skimmed the roof of the net.
Second-Half Drama Lights Up the Semi-Final
Arsenal wasted no time after the restart. Bukayo Saka combined brilliantly with White down the right, and after Sánchez spilled the cross, Viktor Gyokeres reacted quickest to slide home Arsenal’s second.
Chelsea’s response was immediate. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho made an immediate impact, finishing clinically from Pedro Neto’s cross to make it 2–1.
Zubimendi’s Moment of Magic
Just as Chelsea sensed a comeback, Arsenal delivered a potentially decisive third goal. Gyökeres turned provider this time, teeing up Martin Zubimendi, who danced through Chelsea’s defence before firing an unstoppable left-footed strike past Sánchez.
Although the Chelsea keeper later redeemed himself with a fine save from Mikel Merino, the damage had largely been done.
Garnacho Keeps the Tie Alive
Chelsea refused to surrender. Garnacho struck again late on, capitalising after Neto’s corner was only half-cleared, firing a bouncing effort past Kepa to make it 3–2. The goal injects real tension into the second leg, ensuring the tie remains finely balanced.
What It Means Ahead of the Second Leg
Arsenal will feel they could have put the tie to bed, while Chelsea can draw confidence from their resilience and attacking threat. With just one goal separating the sides, the return leg promises another high-tempo encounter.
For Tanzanian football fans, this semi-final is a reminder of why English cup competitions remain among the most entertaining in world football.
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