Thanks to a Kai Havertz’ additional time winner, Arsenal have advanced to the final of the EFL Cup 2025/26 after a lone goal triumph over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday 3 February, 2026.
This mean Arsenal progressed with a 4-2 aggregate win over their London rivals.
At the end of the clash, German forward, Havertz, converted a cross from English midfielder, Declan Rice, dribbled past Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, and put the ball into an empty net to help the Gunners bag their passage to their first final since 2020.
The result puts to an end the run of four (4) back-to-back defeats in the semi final of the tournament for Arsenal under Spanish manager, Mikel Arteta.
The Blues, needing just a goal to push the showdown into extra time after losing 3-2 to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the tie, recorded fourteen (14) shots to five (5) by Arsenal, sadly, were not able to create clear goal chances.
Argetine midfielder, Enzo Fernandez, was the only Blues player to reasonably test Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arsenal goalkeeper, with his curling effort from outside the box in the first 45 minutes which was palmed away by the Spaniard.
The hosts were focused on protecting their 3-2 advantage, and only launched attacks on a couple of occasions before Havertz found the winner in the 7th minute of stoppage time.
But, mostly, Chelsea had more possession of the ball while Arsenal stayed back and ensured their progress in the tournament.
This outcome also means Arsenal have now emerged the first club in the major league in Europe to clinch a 20th clean sheet in all competitions this season.
Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Magalhaes went very close to making a breakthrough at the other end, which forced goalie Sanchez to make a save and having a header stopped by left wing-back Marc Cucurella respectively.
It was Germany international, Havertz, who punished his former Club on Tuesday night. His winner ignited heavy celebrations among home fans right inside the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal’s quest for a silverware on four fronts stays strong.
Arsenal’s next opponent in the EFL Cup 2025/26
Arsenal will prepare for a final showdown with whoever wins in the semi final of the EFL Cup between Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will lock horns with Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United in the semi final of the EFL Cup on Wednesday 4 February, 2026 at Etihad Stadium, Manchester.
The Cityzens already hold a two-goal lead over the Magpies. City defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the first leg at St. James’ Park in January with goals from new addition, Antoine Semenyo, and Ryan Cherki.
Mikel Arteta’s post-Chelsea comments
After Arsenal got past Chelsea on Tuesday in the EFL Cup to reach the final, Arteta said, his side “deserved” to progress.
The former Arsenal midfielder said, he expectd the match to last “long”, however, his side sealed it all up in a “beautiful way”.
Arteta said: “We are so happy. I think overall, over the two games, we deserved to be through.
“It was a long match. We expected that. We wrapped it up at the end in a beautiful way, with Kai scoring the goal in the manner that he did and the reaction from the crowd.
“The starters, the finishers, the staff all there. It was magical. Really happy because it was a really tough match against a great opponent and we are in Wembley.”
Photo: Kai Havertz dribbles past Chelsea goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, and scores fr Arsenal in the EFL Cup msemi final match at Emirates Stadium | ARSENAL
