Arsenal have booked their place in the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2018 after a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday night, February 3, 2026.
Kai Havertz scored the only goal of the match in the 93th minute at the Emirates Stadium, heading in from a perfectly weighted cross by Declan Rice to secure a 4-2 aggregate win for the Gunners (after the first leg ended 2-3 at Stamford Bridge).
The goal Havertz’s 11th of the season proved decisive in a tense, high-intensity encounter that saw both sides create chances but fail to convert until the German international rose highest to meet Rice delivery.
Arsenal will now face either Tottenham Hotspur or Manchester City in the final at Wembley on Sunday, March 1, 2026 (opponent to be decided after the second leg of Spurs vs City on Wednesday).
Mikel Arteta: “This is massive for us. Eight years is too long without a trip to Wembley in this competition. The players showed character, quality, and belief. Kai’s header was world-class, and now we go for the trophy.”
Kai Havertz: “Special moment. The fans deserved this. We fought together and now we have a chance to bring silverware home.”
Enzo Maresca (Chelsea): “Disappointing, but credit to Arsenal. We gave everything, but it wasn’t our night.”
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The victory keeps Arsenal’s hopes of a domestic cup double alive this season, having already reached the FA Cup fifth round. It also marks a statement win over their London rivals Chelsea, who had been unbeaten in their previous five meetings across all competitions.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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