Havertz’s Late Strike Sinks Chelsea, Sending Arsenal to First Final in Six Years with Chance to End Trophy Drought
Arsenal exorcised their semi-final demons on a rain-lashed night at the Emirates, edging Chelsea 1-0 to secure a League Cup final berth for the first time in eight years. Substitute Kai Havertz was the late hero, his cool finish in the dying moments sealing a cathartic 4-2 aggregate victory and ending a painful run of four consecutive semi-final defeats in cup competitions.
The win sets up a Wembley showdown on March 22 against either Manchester City or Newcastle, offering Mikel Arteta’s side a golden opportunity to lift the club’s first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup and end a 31-year wait for the League Cup.
“It was a real battle. The resilience, the clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play—the boys did so well,” a relieved Arteta said, praising the “special atmosphere” from the home crowd. “We’ve been waiting a few years to get into this position, and we’re certainly going to enjoy it.”
The path to victory was far from smooth. Depleted by the absences of captain Martin Odegaard and the late withdrawal of Bukayo Saka, a gritty Arsenal weathered a tactical battle and torrential first-half rain. Chelsea, under new boss Liam Rosenior, stifled the hosts effectively for long periods but lacked a decisive touch in front of goal.
“It’s painful to lose,” admitted Rosenior, who suffered only his second defeat since taking charge. “We dominated the areas we wanted to, but we didn’t find that quality moment.”
As Chelsea pressed for a lifeline in the second half, the game opened up. The breakthrough came with virtually the last action, Havertz calmly rounding goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after a swift counter-attack to send the home support into delirium.
The triumph adds another layer to what is shaping up as a potentially historic season for Arsenal, who also sit atop the Premier League and cruised through their Champions League group. While critics have questioned their style, Arteta remains fiercely proud, recently claiming he has a “massive book of people” who believe his team is the “most exciting in Europe.”
For now, the only thing that matters at the Emirates is a hard-earned ticket back to Wembley and the chance to finally turn promise into silverware.
Similar Posts:
- Arteta Hails Perfect Ending as Arsenal Secure Final Return
- Arsenal’s Stunning Real Madrid Triumph Boosts Transfer Appeal, Says Arteta
- Arsenal Crushes Chelsea 5-0 in Spectacular Premier League Showdown (Video Highlights)
- Arteta Reveals Arsenal Injury Update Ahead of Liverpool Showdown
- Mikel Arteta Praises Arsenal Matchwinner Kai Havertz as “Exceptional Player” in 2-1 Victory Over Brentford
