4 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Arsenal booked their place at Wembley after a commanding victory over Chelsea, sealing qualification for the Carabao Cup final and keeping their silverware hopes firmly alive. In a high-stakes London derby, Mikel Arteta’s side delivered a disciplined and mature performance, with former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal to knock his old club out of the competition.
The match carried extra significance for both teams. For Arsenal, it was a chance to reach a domestic final and underline their progress under Arteta. For Chelsea, it represented an opportunity to salvage momentum in a season marked by inconsistency. Ultimately, it was the Gunners who rose to the occasion, controlling key moments and showing greater cohesion and purpose.
Arsenal started with intensity, pressing high and forcing Chelsea into early mistakes. Their midfield, marshalled expertly, dictated the tempo and ensured that the Gunners spent long spells in control. Chelsea struggled to build rhythm, often finding their passing lanes blocked and their attacking transitions quickly shut down.
The breakthrough came through Kai Havertz, whose finish proved decisive. The German international showed composure inside the box, converting clinically and refusing to celebrate against his former club. His goal not only sent Arsenal ahead but also drained confidence from the Chelsea side, who found it difficult to respond with any real conviction.
Defensively, Arsenal were solid and well-organised. The back line maintained its shape, limiting Chelsea to half-chances and dealing comfortably with crosses into the box. Whenever Chelsea threatened, Arsenal’s defensive unit reacted quickly, snuffing out danger before it could develop into clear opportunities.
Chelsea attempted to rally in the second half, making changes to inject energy and creativity. However, Arsenal’s midfield remained disciplined, breaking up play and preventing sustained pressure. The Gunners were content to control possession, slow the game down when needed, and pick their moments to attack.
Arteta’s tactical approach was evident throughout the match. Arsenal balanced defensive solidity with attacking intent, ensuring they were never overly exposed. The team showed maturity in game management, particularly in the closing stages, when they resisted Chelsea’s late push and saw the match out calmly.
The win sends Arsenal to the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where they will have the chance to lift a major domestic trophy. For Arteta, it represents another milestone in his project, reinforcing the belief that Arsenal are once again capable of competing at the highest level.
For Chelsea, the defeat raises further questions about consistency and direction. Despite flashes of quality, they lacked cohesion and cutting edge, especially in the final third. Their inability to break down Arsenal’s organised defence ultimately proved costly.
Below are the Arsenal player ratings from a memorable night that ended with a ticket to Wembley:
Player Ratings (Arsenal):
- Goalkeeper: Calm and assured throughout, dealt confidently with shots and crosses. Rating: 7.5/10
- Right-back: Solid defensively, supported attacks when possible without taking risks. Rating: 7/10
- Centre-backs: Commanding partnership, won aerial duels and stayed composed under pressure. Rating: 8/10
- Left-back: Disciplined performance, effective in both defence and build-up play. Rating: 7.5/10
- Midfield Anchor: Controlled the tempo, broke up play and shielded the defence superbly. Rating: 8.5/10
- Central Midfielder: Energetic and intelligent, linked defence and attack seamlessly. Rating: 8/10
- Attacking Midfielder: Creative spark, constantly looked to unlock Chelsea’s defence. Rating: 7.5/10
- Wingers: Worked tirelessly, stretched the pitch and tracked back diligently. Rating: 7/10
- Kai Havertz: Match-winner with a composed finish against his former club; influential throughout. Rating: 9/10
- Substitutes: Added fresh legs and helped maintain control late on. Rating: 7/10
As the final whistle blew, Arsenal players and fans celebrated a significant achievement. Reaching the Carabao Cup final is not just about one match—it reflects the steady progress and growing belief within the squad.
With Wembley now on the horizon, Arsenal will turn their focus to maintaining momentum across competitions. For now, the night belonged to the Gunners—and to Kai Havertz—whose decisive strike sent Arsenal marching toward a shot at silverware.
Summary:
Arsenal beat Chelsea to reach the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, with Kai Havertz scoring the decisive goal against his former club in a disciplined, mature performance by Arteta’s side.