Arsenal are heading to Wembley after a tense 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026. The game looked set to finish scoreless, but Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to settle it and send the Gunners through 4-2 on aggregate.
The tie was still tight after Arsenal’s 3-2 first-leg win at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, led by Liam Rosenior, came to north London knowing a one-goal win would force extra time. Arsenal, top of the Premier League, stayed patient, kept their shape, and managed the match with smart spells of possession.
Match recap: Tight, cautious, then decided at the end
The first half didn’t offer many openings. Both teams played it safe and defended well. Arsenal’s center-back pair, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, kept Chelsea’s forwards quiet and limited them to low-percentage efforts. Robert Sánchez had little to do in the Chelsea goal, and Arsenal’s keeper, listed as David Raya in some reports (and Kepa in others), wasn’t seriously tested. Enzo Fernández’s long-range attempt stood out as one of the few moments with real bite.
Chelsea stepped it up after the break and pushed more players forward. That gave them more territory, but it also left space behind them. Arsenal handled the pressure and slowed the game when they could, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard helping set the tempo on the ball.
In stoppage time, after at least six minutes were added, Chelsea’s all-in push finally cost them. Arsenal broke from a long clearance, Leandro Trossard helped move it on, and Rice played the key pass across goal to Havertz.
The former Chelsea man stayed calm, rounded Sánchez, and rolled the ball into an empty net in the 96th minute (reported as 90+6 or 90+8 depending on the source). The Emirates roared as Havertz celebrated and pointed to the Arsenal badge.
That goal confirmed Arsenal’s place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, their first major final in almost six years. It also kept alive their hopes of winning multiple trophies this season. The win also ended a long wait for a League Cup title, with their last triumph in the competition dating back to 1993.
Arsenal’s performance and key stats
Arsenal showed real control across the two legs. They stayed organized, gave away very little, and took the chance when Chelsea overcommitted late.
| Statistic | Arsenal | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 0 |
| Shots (on target) | About 4-6 (limited details) | Few (one key effort) |
| Possession | Fairly even | Increased late |
| Key player | Kai Havertz (goal) | Enzo Fernández (long-range shot) |
| Aggregate score | 4-2 | – |
Chelsea’s push wasn’t enough
Chelsea competed hard but didn’t have the final pass or finish they needed. As they chased the game, gaps opened up, and Arsenal made them pay right at the end.
| Statistic | Chelsea | Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 0 | 1 |
| Shots (on target) | Limited | Threat on the break |
| Key moment | Late attacking surge | Havertz’s stoppage-time winner |
| Aggregate score | 2-4 | – |
Mikel Arteta credited his team’s discipline after the match, while Chelsea were left to reflect on a strong effort that came up short. Arsenal now wait to learn their opponent, with Wembley set for a shot at their first Carabao Cup in more than 30 years.
