In a match defined by tactical chess and high-stakes tension, Kai Havertz returned to haunt his former club, scoring a 97th-minute winner to send Arsenal to the Carabao Cup final. The 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium secured a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, ending a string of four successive semi-final exits for Mikel Arteta’s side.
The second leg was a far cry from the five-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge last month. For over 90 minutes, a cagey affair seemed destined for a stalemate until a lightning-fast counter-attack in the dying seconds.
The goal (97'): Declan Rice intercepted a Chelsea clearance and released Havertz with a perfectly weighted pass. The German forward, who came on as a 69th-minute substitute, showed the same composure he did in the 2021 Champions League final-rounding Robert Sanchez and slotting into an empty net.
The irony: Havertz’s goal was virtually the last kick of the game, coming against the side he represented for three years.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior surprised the Emirates by opting for a back-five formation for the first time in his tenure. With captain Reece James failing a late fitness test and Cole Palmer starting on the bench, Chelsea’s plan was clear: frustrate and counter.
First half: Chelsea’s high-energy press successfully unsettled an Arsenal side missing the injured Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Enzo Fernandez forced a fine save from Kepa Arrizabalaga (facing his parent club) just before the break.
The double change (60'): Rosenior rolled the dice by bringing on Palmer and the teenage sensation Estevao. While Chelsea looked more threatening, they found the "best defence in England" impossible to breach.
Arsenal fans celebrated deep into the night, as the club eyes a potential historic season. They will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final on March 22.
This season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. To be in a cup final with this club is amazing.
Declan Rice, Arsenal midfielder
