ARSENAL TRIUMPH AGAINST CHELSEA IN THRILLING CUP SEMI-FINAL

Tuesday night saw Chelsea head to The Emirates for the return leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-final, hoping to come back from a 3-2 defeat at home to the Gunners. Pressure was on Mikel Arteta’s side to perform, as a loss would not only be disappointing but would also mean Arsenal would miss out on another final, not having been in one for 5 years. They were looking to extend their goal advantage and seal the deal on their side of London. Both teams were coming from wins at the weekend against Leeds and West Ham respectfully and were looking to build on that momentum.

The first half was rather flat, with the two London sides trying to gauge each other’s strengths .Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez came close to scoring before the half time interval, but Kepa was up to the task, saving the strike with a strong palm. The unease of who would score next trickled into the second half of the game. Chelsea star boys Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian came on at the 60th minute mark as Head Coach Rosenior looked to pull an upset for the ages. Subs were also introduced for Arsenal, as Kai Havertz was brought in by Arteta to find a winner against his former club. Leonardo Trossard was also introduced for the last 20 minutes of normal time. 

The nerves would last through the full ninety minutes, as Chelsea pressed harder for a goal that would see the match head into extra time, but Arsenal’s defensive line was too coordinated for any attack to have real danger behind it. All these made for The Blues to push more players into the final third, as there were only two minutes left in the six added on to normal time. This decision would come back to bite them however, as aforementioned ex Chelsea player Havertz punishes them as he rounds the keeper and scores from a well-executed counter attack by Declan Rice. The goal would seal a spot in the final for Arsenal as they look to win their first EFL Cup since 1993. They wait to see whether they will face Manchester City or Newcastle on the 22nd of March at Wembley Stadium.

Benita Ibrahin