Narrow Win Over Chelsea, Arsenal's Path to English League Cup Final Still Vulnerable

Arsenal returned from Stamford Bridge with a 3-2 victory over hosts Chelsea, but their ticket to the Carabao Cup final is not yet secured. The tight result from the first leg of the English League Cup semifinal means everything is still possible for the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal overcame Chelsea's challenge in the early hours of Thursday, January 15, 2026 WIB. This victory is an important asset ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium. Trailing by one goal, Chelsea's chance to turn things around in the second meeting is not entirely closed.

In this match, Arsenal's three goals were scored by Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres, and Martin Zubimendi. Meanwhile, Chelsea could only reduce the deficit through two goals from Alejandro Garnacho.

Both teams will meet again in the second leg of the English League Cup semifinal at Arsenal's home ground on February 4.

Mikel Arteta's squad only needs a Draw to advance to the final, while The Blues must win by a two-goal margin.

Arsenal Pressured, Chelsea Never Truly Surrendered

Arsenal appeared aggressive from the first minute by pressing Chelsea's back line. This pressure resulted in a goal in the 7th minute from a set-piece situation.

A corner by Declan Rice was met by Ben White's header that found the back of the Chelsea net. The score changed to 1-0 for Arsenal.

Chelsea responded by increasing the intensity of their attacks and created a chance through Estevao's shot, but it was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Entering the second half, Arsenal did not ease the pressure. Viktor Gyokeres doubled the visitors' lead to 2-0 after pouncing on a rebound in the 49th minute.

Trailing by two goals did not make Chelsea collapse. The Blues fought back and exploited gaps in Arsenal's defense. In the 57th minute, Alejandro Garnacho's shot found the Arsenal net, capitalizing on a cross from Pedro Neto.

However, Arsenal restored their two-goal lead when Martin Zubimendi's strike beat the Chelsea goalkeeper, making it 3-1 in the 71st minute.

Chelsea once again refused to surrender. Garnacho scored his second goal, reducing the deficit to 2-3 with seven minutes remaining in normal time.  

Although Chelsea pressed relentlessly in the remaining time to equalize, Arsenal defended resolutely until the final whistle.