Arsenal reach Carabao Cup final with victory over Chelsea
Arsenal have booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after a thrilling victory over London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday night. Substitute Kai Havertz delivered the decisive blow in the 97th minute, breaking away to score against his former club and seal a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium, reports BritPanorama.
The late drama gave the Gunners a 4-2 aggregate triumph and ended what had been a frustrating run of four consecutive semi-final defeats. Havertz’s stoppage-time strike not only delighted the home crowd but also marked a poignant moment for the player, who left Chelsea earlier this season.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes this result could be the catalyst for a trophy-laden campaign at the Emirates. “Arsenal are ready to win,” he stated. “They have had to suffer these last few years having come so close, but I look at the squad and the depth, and the way they are playing, they are by far the best team.”
The former midfielder suggested that there’s potential for the Gunners to claim multiple trophies this term. With a six-point cushion at the Premier League summit, a spot in the Champions League last 16 secured, and an FA Cup fourth-round tie looming, Arsenal are competing on all fronts for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 2020.
Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at the team’s performance at the Emirates. “We are so happy,” the Arsenal boss remarked. “I think overall, over the two games, we deserved to go through.” He described the evening as “magical,” particularly praising Havertz’s decisive goal in the dying moments.
The Spaniard also thanked the supporters, who had voiced their frustration with boos following the recent 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. “I think the crowd was brilliant today. They brought so much energy and belief to the team in different moments. I think we all deserve to be together in Wembley,” he stated.
Arteta highlighted Havertz’s contribution, especially given the player’s season has been disrupted by injury problems. “I think everybody that knows Kai will feel happy for him in a special way because he deserves the best for the way he works, the way he treats people,” the manager said.
With Tuesday’s goal coming in just Havertz’s sixth appearance of the campaign, the significance of the moment was heightened. Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle in the final at Wembley on 22 March.
As the Gunners prepare for their imminent showdown, one can’t help but think how the context of competition sharpens the excitement of the race for silverware. Football has a way of weaving narratives that reflect resilience and anticipation, reminding us that a single moment can tip the scales in this unpredictable sport.
