Arsenal have taken a significant step toward ending their long-standing semi-final frustrations under Mikel Arteta, securing a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.
The win at Stamford Bridge puts the Gunners within touching distance of their first major final since lifting the FA Cup in 2020. However, despite the positive result, lingering regrets remain over missed opportunities that could have effectively sealed the tie before the second leg.
Arsenal’s Semi-Final Struggles Finally Show Signs of Ending
Arsenal’s recent record in two-legged semi-finals has been bleak. Before this match, Arteta’s side had failed to win a single leg in their previous four semi-final appearances, scoring just two goals in total.
That trend finally shifted in west London. Ben White’s opener, followed by goals from Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, handed Arsenal a crucial away victory and a narrow advantage heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on 3 February.
With Arsenal unbeaten at home all season, they will be heavy favourites to reach the EFL Cup final at Wembley on 22 March.
Dominance Undermined by Costly Lapses
For long periods, Arsenal looked capable of putting the tie beyond Chelsea’s reach. After racing into a 2–0 lead, the Gunners appeared in full control, moving the ball with confidence and cutting through Chelsea’s defence at will.
But defensive lapses allowed Alejandro Garnacho to pull Chelsea back into the contest—twice. Each time Arsenal established a two-goal cushion, they failed to shut the door completely, leaving the tie alive heading into the return leg.
Arteta admitted afterward that the margin of victory could—and perhaps should—have been greater.
“After the 1–3 and the dominant period we had, we had two massive chances to score the fourth,” Arteta said.
“That would have made the result very different. Instead, they scored from a corner and suddenly it’s game on.”
Gyökeres Delivers Much-Needed Confidence Boost
One of the night’s biggest positives for Arsenal was the performance of Viktor Gyökeres, whose early months in north London have been challenging following his £64m summer move from Sporting.
The Swedish striker had not scored from open play since November and had appeared short of confidence in recent weeks. Against Chelsea, however, he looked far closer to the prolific forward who netted 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting.
Gyökeres scored Arsenal’s second goal and assisted Martin Zubimendi’s decisive third, contributing directly to two of the Gunners’ three goals.
“That’s what I need to do and I can do it more often,” Gyökeres said.
“It’s good to come away with a win and an advantage, but it’s still only the first leg.”
Arsenal’s Remarkable Season Continues
The Chelsea win marked Arsenal’s 32nd match of the season, with just two defeats so far—both away from home in the Premier League against Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Arteta’s side currently sit top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables, while also progressing to the FA Cup fourth round. Their consistency across competitions has reinforced belief that silverware is a realistic expectation this season, not just a distant ambition.
Yet even amid success, the manager’s standards remain uncompromising.
Ben White Reflects on Defensive Drop-Off
Ben White, who scored his first goal of the season in the match, acknowledged Arsenal’s second-half shortcomings.
“We didn’t play very well in the second half and gave them more pressure,” White said.
“That’s how we conceded the goals. It’s not up to our standards really. It’s disappointing—but a win.”
Taking a two-goal advantage back to the Emirates would have all but sealed the tie, especially given Arsenal’s formidable home form. Instead, Chelsea remain a threat, even if Arsenal hold the upper hand.
Arteta Already Focused on Premier League Test
Despite the significance of the semi-final win, Arteta quickly turned his attention to Arsenal’s next challenge—a Premier League clash away at Nottingham Forest.
“In 20 minutes I’m going to start thinking about Forest,” Arteta said.
“That’s the routine. I’m very happy with what we’ve done tonight. Now we move on.”
The approach reflects Arsenal’s maturity this season: celebrate progress briefly, then refocus immediately.
What Comes Next for Arsenal?
With momentum firmly on their side, Arsenal will aim to:
- Finish the job in the Carabao Cup semi-final at the Emirates
- Maintain their lead in the Premier League title race
- Push deep into the Champions League knockout stages
Ending their semi-final hoodoo would be a symbolic milestone for Arteta’s project—proof that Arsenal are not just contenders, but closers.
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