Arsenal reach Carabao Cup final with late victory
Arsenal have secured their place in the Carabao Cup final following a 1-0 victory against Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, with a late goal from Kai Havertz sealing a 4-2 aggregate win, reports BritPanorama.
The match, marked by its lack of attacking flair, saw Arsenal manage only a single goal late in the 97th minute. Half the nation may have found the encounter tedious, but for Arsenal supporters, the final whistle brought a collective sigh of relief, ending a painful streak of four consecutive semi-final defeats.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle at Wembley on March 22, as they seek to add to the FA Cup they won in 2020. The occasion is particularly momentous as it marks their first trip to Wembley since falling to Manchester City in the 2018 Carabao Cup final.
In a game where both sides recorded only two shots on target throughout the 90-plus minutes, Chelsea’s approach was largely defensive. Despite this, the Blues put up a stubborn fight, suggesting their new manager’s tactics are beginning to take shape.
Arteta commended his players’ resilience, stating, “Did I enjoy it? Very much – especially at the end. We knew it was going to be a real battle out there… There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference.”
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior attempted to shift the momentum by substituting in fresh players, yet his efforts yielded little result as Arsenal’s solid defence held strong. Declan Rice, who received the Man of the Match award, lauded Chelsea’s effort while affirming Arsenal’s improved mentality this season: “When you play a team like Chelsea they throw so many things at you physically and mentally… We deserve it. There’s a long way to go but to be a cup final with this club is amazing.”
The victory not only allows Arsenal to pursue silverware but also reflects a growing confidence within the squad, showcasing Arteta’s ability to steer their ambitions into tangible success. As the final approaches, fans will eagerly anticipate if their team can now turn this hard-earned opportunity into glory at Wembley.
