Arsenal have ended a near six-year wait for a major final by beating Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate to reach the EFL (Carabao) Cup final at Wembley. The semi-final second leg at the Emirates finished in a tense, low-event fashion before Kai Havertz’s injury-time finish sealed the tie and ensured Arsenal a place in a final they have not reached under Mikel Arteta since the 2020 FA Cup. The victory on Tuesday underlined the defensive resilience and match management that have carried them this season, and left players and supporters visibly elated at the significance of the milestone. With the final scheduled for Sunday 22 March, Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle in a match that could shape the tone of the rest of their campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal progressed to the EFL Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, the decisive goal coming from Kai Havertz in injury time of the second leg.
- This will be Arsenal’s ninth EFL/League Cup final and their first cup final appearance under Mikel Arteta since the 2020 FA Cup victory.
- The semi-final match produced just two shots on target for each side, reflecting a tight, low-opportunity contest rather than an open spectacle.
- Arsenal lead the Premier League by six points at present and are still competing in the Champions League knockout phase and the FA Cup, keeping multiple trophies within reach.
- Since 2020, Arsenal have lost four semi-finals; closing out this tie may provide an important psychological boost ahead of March’s final.
- Seven of the last 12 EFL Cup winners have added at least one other trophy that same season, underlining the competition’s potential momentum value.
Background
Arsenal’s run to Wembley must be read against a recent pattern of near-misses. After winning the FA Cup in 2020, Mikel Arteta’s side have reached multiple late-stage ties—four semi-finals in recent seasons—without converting those runs into further silverware. That sequence left a perception among some fans and pundits that the team were consistently close but unable to take the final step, a narrative often summarized as being ‘nearly men’.
The club’s present campaign, however, has been one of sustained improvement across competitions. They sit top of the Premier League by six points, progressed from the Champions League group stage unbeaten, and continue in domestic cup competitions. The EFL Cup now represents a tangible chance to break a trophy drought and to build momentum for the tougher challenges ahead, including a congested fixture calendar that will test squad depth across the coming months.
Main Event
The second leg at the Emirates was a test of composure rather than spectacle. Opportunities were scarce—each side managed just two shots on target—and much of the tie hinged on defensive organisation and game management. Arsenal, aware of their aggregate lead, largely controlled tempo and limited clear Chelsea chances across both legs.
The climax came late: substitute Kai Havertz tucked away an injury-time finish that made the aggregate margin secure and sent the stadium into celebration. Players spilled onto the pitch and the emotional release was evident among fans who have endured several close calls in recent seasons. The finishing touch transformed a tight encounter into a decisive victory that takes Arsenal back to Wembley for a major final.
Post-match remarks from club figures reflected the weight of the moment. Manager Mikel Arteta praised the atmosphere and the group’s resilience, while captain-level voices emphasised the squad’s collective desire to convert near-misses into trophies. The immediate consequence is a place in the March final; the broader effect will depend on how the squad manages form and fitness in the weeks ahead.
Analysis & Implications
Psychologically, ending a run of semi-final exits matters. Winning close knockout ties builds belief and reduces the mental toll of prior setbacks; Arsenal closing out this tie could relieve pressure on players and staff who have been questioned for previous failures to progress. That relief can translate into more fluent performances in high-pressure league and European fixtures.
From a tactical and squad perspective, the result highlights Arsenal’s defensive solidity and match management. Matches with few clear chances reward organisation and concentration—areas where Arteta’s side have improved. However, a cup final is a different test: opponents, match tempo and single-game dynamics can expose underlying limitations, so Arsenal must avoid complacency in preparations.
There are also practical implications for resource allocation. With the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup still active, fixture congestion will require rotation and careful load management. Securing silverware early can validate rotation choices and provide a platform for momentum, but failure to balance competitions could jeopardise league ambitions or European progress.
Comparison & Data
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| EFL/League Cup finals reached (total) | 9 |
| Aggregate semi-final score vs Chelsea | 4–2 |
| Shots on target (second leg) | Arsenal 2 — Chelsea 2 |
| Semi-finals lost since 2020 | 4 |
| Premier League lead | 6 points |
The table places the recent win in numerical context: the aggregate margin, match statistics and the club’s domestic position all underline why this victory carries significance beyond a single tie. The compiled numbers do not guarantee success in the final, but they quantify the psychological and competitive standing Arsenal now hold entering a critical phase of the season.
Reactions & Quotes
Club reaction mixed relief with measured ambition. Arteta framed the evening as a deserved collective reward while warning that there is more work to do before any titles are secured.
“There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium… we’re certainly going to enjoy it.”
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal manager)
Midfield leader Declan Rice emphasised the squad’s hunger to convert near-misses into trophies and the motivation such a run provides for the rest of the campaign.
“We deserve it… we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further.”
Declan Rice (Arsenal midfielder)
Former players and pundits framed the win as a stepping stone. Ex-defender Matt Upson highlighted the long-term building process under Arteta, while pundits noted the potential for this victory to loosen nerves in future big matches.
“It has been a few years in the making… a steady build-up to this point for Arsenal.”
Matt Upson (former Arsenal defender, BBC Radio 5 Live)
Unconfirmed
- Whether winning the EFL Cup will permanently change the ‘nearly men’ label—this is a perception that depends on subsequent results, especially in the league and Champions League.
- Whether the final opponent (Manchester City or Newcastle) will materially affect Arsenal’s chances; stylistic matchups and form at the time will be decisive.
- The long-term impact on a potential multi-trophy season (treble/quadruple) remains speculative and contingent on fitness, draw luck and match-day performance.
Bottom Line
This victory is an important milestone for Arsenal: it ends a run of semi-final disappointments and returns the club to a major final for the first time under Arteta since 2020. The immediate benefit is psychological—confidence, reduced anxiety in knockout situations and momentum among supporters and players alike.
But one tie does not erase underlying tests. Arsenal must manage a congested schedule, avoid injuries, and prepare tactically for a single-match final where fine margins decide outcomes. If they convert this opportunity into a trophy in March, the label of ‘nearly men’ will be harder to sustain; if they fall short, questions about finishing at the highest level will likely resurface.