Arsenal moved a step closer to ending their long wait for major silverware after edging past Chelsea to book a place in the Carabao Cup final.
Holding a 3–2 advantage from the first leg, the Gunners completed the job with a dramatic late goal in a tense second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the seventh minute of added time when substitute Kai Havertz kept his composure to score the winner. The German forward skipped past goalkeeper Robert Sanchez before calmly finishing to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in next month’s final at Wembley, as they chase their first major trophy since 2020.
Arsenal began the match on the front foot but found clear chances hard to come by in the opening half, with Chelsea setting up in a defensive back five. The visitors stayed compact and frustrated the hosts for long periods.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior tried to change the momentum just after the hour mark by introducing attacking options, including Cole Palmer, but Arsenal remained organised and rarely looked troubled at the back.
As the game drifted towards extra time, Arsenal continued to push, and their persistence was rewarded in the dying moments. Havertz, recently back from injury, showed sharpness and confidence to deliver the decisive goal and secure a 4–2 aggregate victory.
The Gunners last lifted a major trophy when they beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final in Arteta’s first season in charge. They had not reached the League Cup final since 2018.
This latest success underlines Arsenal’s progress this season. They sit top of the Premier League, remain active in other cup competitions and now have a clear chance to turn their strong form into silverware.
With a settled squad and growing belief, Arteta’s side will head to Wembley hopeful that this could be the start of a trophy-winning chapter.
