Chelsea FC Arsenal FC: Arsenal win 1-0 (4-2 agg) to reach Carabao Cup final

Introduction — Why the tie mattered

The Carabao Cup semi-final between Chelsea and Arsenal carried significant weight for both clubs. A place in a domestic cup final offers silverware, momentum and a spotlight on squad development. For supporters and analysts watching the chelsea fc arsenal fc fixture, the two-legged tie provided a test of tactical resolve, squad depth and individual performances at a key point in the season.

Main body — Match details and reaction

Second leg at the Emirates

Arsenal secured progression with a 1-0 win in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on 3 February 2026, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory in the League Cup semi-final. The aggregate outcome followed a closely contested first leg at Stamford Bridge, which ended in a 3-2 victory for the Gunners. The decisive second-leg goal came on the break, and Arsenal’s counter-attack proved decisive when they hit Chelsea on the transition with a goal credited to Kai Havertz, sealing the tie on the night.

Chelsea’s approach and response

Chelsea, managed by Liam Rosenior, arrived in north London with a clear plan to nullify Arsenal and attempt an aggregate turnaround. Rosenior later praised his players’ application and effort, noting that his side threw everything forward in the closing stages in search of the crucial equaliser. That late commitment opened space for Arsenal to counter and ultimately cost Chelsea the tie.

Fans, lineups and ratings

Coverage of the fixture included post-match reaction and player ratings, with community assessments reflecting both legs of the semi-final. Chelsea supporters discussed preferred lineups to try to overturn the deficit, with some faith expressed in names such as Delap and Estêvão. Official galleries and highlight videos documented the second leg, while media outlets and supporter communities pooled ratings and tactical analysis following Chelsea’s elimination.

Conclusion — Significance and outlook

Arsenal advance to the Carabao Cup final, having managed the tie over two legs and capitalised on key moments. For Chelsea, the defeat is a setback but also a measure of the squad’s current form and areas for adjustment, particularly when chasing ties late on. Looking ahead, Arsenal will prepare for the final while Chelsea will reflect on tactical choices and personnel ahead of upcoming fixtures — with both clubs now refocusing on league and cup priorities for the rest of the season.