Last-Minute Chaos: Havertz Sends Arsenal to Wembley

Arsenal reached the Carabao Cup final with a dramatic 1–0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium last night, sealing a 4–2 aggregate win thanks to a stoppage‑time strike from former Blues forward Kai Havertz.

Mikel Arteta’s side went into the semi‑final second leg holding a narrow advantage after their 3–2 success at Stamford Bridge in the first meeting, and they produced a controlled, disciplined performance to finish the job in front of their home crowd. Chelsea, needing at least one goal to keep the tie alive, enjoyed more of the ball but once again struggled to convert possession into clear‑cut chances.

In a tense first half, Arsenal carried the greater threat despite seeing less of the ball, forcing Chelsea into awkward defensive moments from crosses and set‑pieces. Chelsea’s best opening came when Enzo Fernández found space on the edge of the box, but his effort was well saved, while at the other end a drive from Piero Hincapié drew a strong stop to keep the game goalless before the break.
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After half‑time, Mauricio Pochettino’s team pushed higher up the pitch and pinned Arsenal back for spells, but the visitors’ attacking play repeatedly broke down in the final third. Cole Palmer saw a promising free‑kick blocked and Trevoh Chalobah’s volley was deflected wide, encapsulating a night of frustration in front of goal for Chelsea. Arsenal, content to protect their aggregate lead, focused on defensive solidity and looked to strike on the counter when opportunities arose.

The decisive moment arrived deep into added time as Chelsea committed bodies forward in search of an equaliser over the two legs. A long clearance released Arsenal on a rapid break, Declan Rice surged into space and calmly squared the ball for Havertz, who swept home a right‑footed finish in the 90+7 minute to spark wild celebrations inside the Emirates and end Chelsea’s hopes.

Statistics underlined the pattern of the contest: Chelsea finished with more possession and 14 shots, but generated only a modest expected‑goals total, while Arsenal’s five efforts included the game’s clearest openings and the late winner. The result sends Arsenal to Wembley for their first major final in six years, offering Arteta a chance to lift silverware and underline his team’s progress, while Chelsea are left to reflect on a semi‑final exit and another missed opportunity in a season of inconsistency.

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