Havertz’s stoppage-time strike sinks Chelsea to send Arsenal to Wembley
Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory.
A tense and cagey contest was settled deep into stoppage time when substitute Kai Havertz struck against his former club.
The goal sparked scenes of relief and celebration as Arsenal ended a run of four successive semi-final exits in this competition.
Mikel Arteta’s side entered the night holding a narrow first-leg advantage and approached the return fixture with caution and control.
Rather than chasing the game, Arsenal focused on managing space and limiting Chelsea’s opportunities to build momentum.
Chelsea attempted to disrupt that rhythm with an aggressive press and a change of shape that caused occasional discomfort.
William Saliba was forced into an early recovery after a loose touch allowed Liam Delap a sight of goal, though the chance came to nothing.
Arsenal responded with sustained pressure from set pieces, with Piero Hincapie drawing a sharp save from Robert Sanchez after Chelsea failed to clear.
Despite territorial control, clear openings were scarce and the first half passed without a breakthrough.
Chelsea’s best moment before the interval came from distance as Enzo Fernandez tested Kepa Arrizabalaga with a low strike.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Arsenal content to protect their lead while waiting for spaces to appear.
Liam Rosenior altered the balance of the game on the hour by introducing Cole Palmer and switching to a back four.
The change brought more urgency as Chelsea pushed bodies forward and tested Arsenal’s concentration.
Marc Cucurella and Fernandez both went close from range while the visitors appealed in vain for a penalty from a free kick.
Arsenal carried their own threat and nearly settled the tie when Gabriel Magalhaes met a cross late on, only for Cucurella to block.
As the match drifted towards extra time, nerves spread around the stadium.
That tension evaporated in the closing seconds when Declan Rice broke forward and found Havertz in space.
The forward kept his composure, rounded Sanchez and slid the ball into the net to decide the tie.
The finish underlined Arsenal’s patience and maturity over two legs.
It also marked a personal moment for Havertz, who delivered the decisive blow against his former side.
Arsenal will now head to Wembley for their first Carabao Cup final since 2018.
It represents a significant step forward for Arteta, who will now lead Arsenal into their first cup final since lifting the FA Cup in 2020.
With a place in the final secured, Arsenal remain firmly in contention for silverware this season.
The focus now turns to completing the job under the arch.
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