Arsenal vs Chelsea: Havertz late strike sends Arsenal to final

4 February 2026 Sports and Match Reports

Introduction: Why Arsenal vs Chelsea mattered

The Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Chelsea carried weight beyond a single match — it decided who would reach a domestic final and tested both clubs’ form and resilience. Arsenal’s 1-0 win at home not only decided the tie on the night but ended a six-year wait for a final appearance, underlining the fixture’s significance for fans and the managers involved.

Main body: Key events and match details

Early set-piece breakthrough

Arsenal opened the scoring through Ben White, who gave the hosts an early lead with another set-piece goal. That opener set the tone for much of the tie, allowing Mikel Arteta’s side to defend a lead and manage the game’s tempo.

Late drama and decisive moment

The match remained tight until deep into stoppage time when Kai Havertz struck in the seventh minute of added time (90’+7′) to make it 1-0 on the night. The late goal, widely reported and captured in live match threads, confirmed Arsenal’s victory and secured a 4-2 aggregate win across the semi-final tie.

Reactions and analysis

Observers praised Arsenal’s defensive performance, labelling the back line ‘outstanding’ in keeping Chelsea at bay. Manager Mikel Arteta celebrated the achievement of reaching a final for the first time since 2020 and acknowledged that while the result was positive, there were areas where his side ‘could’ve been better.’ Commentators and fans noted Chelsea’s struggle to impose themselves, with some critics describing the away side as lacklustre during the match.

Conclusion: Significance and what comes next

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea and 4-2 aggregate success returns them to a cup final for the first time in six years, offering a tangible reward for a tense semi-final. The late drama of Havertz’s stoppage-time strike will be remembered by supporters, while Chelsea will face scrutiny over their performance and must regroup. For Arsenal, the result provides momentum and a concrete target — winning silverware — as they prepare for the final. For neutral observers, the tie reinforced the fine margins in knockout football and the lasting impact of set-pieces and late moments.