Chelsea’s Carabao Cup campaign ended in dramatic fashion at the Emirates Stadium as a stoppage-time strike from former Blue Kai Havertz handed Arsenal a 1–0 win on the night and a 4–2 aggregate victory in the semi-final on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
After producing a disciplined and resilient display for much of the contest, Chelsea were undone in the 97th minute when Havertz finished off a swift counter-attack to seal Arsenal’s place at Wembley and leave the visitors heartbroken.
Trailing 3–2 from the first leg, Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior set his side up to remain compact and frustrate the hosts. The approach proved effective for large spells, with Arsenal restricted mainly to long-range and speculative efforts.
Chelsea also created opportunities of their own. Enzo Fernández forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a sharp save with a powerful first-half strike, while Liam Delap dragged an effort narrowly wide. As the game wore on, the Blues sensed that a single goal could force extra time.
With seven minutes of added time signalled, Chelsea pushed men forward in search of an equaliser. However, that late gamble proved costly.
A hurried Arsenal clearance launched a devastating counter-attack, with Declan Rice releasing Havertz through the middle. The German calmly rounded Robert Sánchez before slotting into an empty net, sending the Emirates Stadium into raptures.
Arsenal now advance to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on March 22, where they will face Manchester City, who edged past Newcastle United in the other semi-final.
For Chelsea, focus now shifts back to the Premier League as they look to recover from another painful cup exit and strengthen their push for European qualification.
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Story by Samuel Annang | univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Erica Odeenyin Odoom
