LONDON – Arsenal grabbed a 3-2 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. The result gives Mikel Arteta’s team a one-goal lead going into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3. Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea are behind, but their late push keeps the tie wide open.
This London derby had a bit of everything. Arsenal made their set pieces count and took their chances. Chelsea kept coming back, led by a big night from substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
Arsenal came out sharp and took the lead in the 7th minute. Declan Rice swung in a corner, and Ben White climbed above the defense to head past Robert Sanchez. Sanchez got caught between coming and staying, and the ball flew in.
Chelsea settled after the early shock and had more of the ball for stretches. Arsenal stayed organized at the back, with William Saliba keeping things tight. Chelsea’s best first-half opening fell to Brazilian winger Estêvão, whose driven shot forced a strong save from former Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Mistakes After the Break, Arsenal Punish
The second half started at full speed. Four minutes after the restart, Sanchez misjudged a low cross and couldn’t deal with it. The ball spilled into danger, and Viktor Gyokeres was there to finish from close range for 2-0. It was a simple tap-in, but Arsenal earned it by pressing the moment.
Rosenior answered quickly with changes, including bringing on Garnacho. The move paid off fast. In the 57th minute, Pedro Neto’s corner dropped into a crowd, and Garnacho found space to tuck the ball home and cut it to 2-1.
Arsenal didn’t panic. They slowed Chelsea’s momentum and hit back in the 71st minute through Martin Zubimendi. He skipped past two defenders, then drove a low shot into the bottom corner. At 3-1, Arsenal looked set for a comfortable finish.
Garnacho Pulls Chelsea Back Into It
Garnacho Pulls Chelsea Back Into ItChelsea didn’t fold. They pushed late and found another goal from a corner in the 83rd minute. Kepa’s clearance didn’t travel far, and Garnacho reacted quickest, volleying in his second of the night to make it 3-2.
Stamford Bridge came alive for the closing minutes, but Arsenal saw it out under pressure. They leave west London with a deserved win and a slim edge for the return leg.
Rosenior, managing his first home match as Chelsea boss after his recent appointment, praised the effort but pointed to costly defending. Arteta highlighted his side’s intensity and was pleased to take a lead back to the Emirates.
Chelsea’s late rally means the second leg should be lively, and the Carabao Cup semi-final is far from done.
Chelsea Current Premier League Position (as of mid-January 2026)
Chelsea are sitting in mid-table after an up-and-down run, with injuries and discipline issues hurting their rhythm.
| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Chelsea | ~21 | ~9 | ~4 | ~8 | ~35 | ~32 | 31 |
(Note: Approximate based on recent reports, Chelsea have been well off the top spots.)
Arsenal Current Premier League Position (as of mid-January 2026)
Arsenal are right in the title race and have stayed strong across competitions in recent weeks.
| Position | Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Arsenal | ~21 | ~15+ | ~4+ | ~1-2 | ~45+ | ~18 | 50+ |
(Arsenal are top or close to the top of the Premier League table this season.)
Keywords for Google Search: Chelsea vs Arsenal 3-2 result, Carabao Cup semi-final first leg 2026, Alejandro Garnacho double Chelsea, Arsenal Chelsea match report January 2026, Ben White goal Arsenal, Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal goal, Martin Zubimendi strike, Liam Rosenior Chelsea debut home loss, Stamford Bridge Carabao Cup drama.
