With all eyes on North London on Tuesday evening, Arsenal scored their first EFL Cup final ticket in eight years as they secured a 4-2 aggregate victory against Chelsea.
After claiming a 3-2 first-leg lead at Stamford Bridge on January 14, the Gunners have been firmly in the driver’s seat and have taken another big step towards completing what would be an iconic silverware fixture.
While the odds may have been better here with both Premier League giants failing to find their clinical best in the final third, it was an ex-Chelsea star returning to haunt his former teammates.
Mikel Arteta’s side officially completed the task when Germany international Kai Havertz headed home late in stoppage time and will make their first appearance in an EFL Cup final since losing to bitter rivals Manchester City in 2018.
With the Sky Blues welcoming Newcastle to Manchester in 24 hours for their respective second leg, we could expect a blockbuster repeat.
On a night when Arsenal claimed local bragging rights and put their ticket to Wembley on the market, we took a look at some of the key talking points from the Emirates.
Arsenal are taking a big step towards a domestic victory
Forced to settle for another silver medal among England’s elite last season and sign off on the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles, Arteta was open about the pressure on his shoulders this time around.
However, the Gunners have their sights set on completing an iconic domestic silverware run in 2026 as they drew a line under their minor Premier League mistake last weekend as they powered their way to an emphatic 4-0 draw at Leeds.
Now almost universally regarded as a firm favorite to clinch their first Premier League crown since 2004, Arsenal have built a fearsome reputation across the continent.
Similarly, Arsenal are the only club from all of Europe’s elite to boast a 100% record, having ended their Champions League group stage adventure with an action-packed 3-2 win against Kairat Almaty last week.
After returning to Wembley on Tuesday night and claiming a heavyweight local scalp, Arteta’s camp have taken another big step towards breaking even more records.
Rosenior’s camp fails to make another great comeback
Chelsea missed the chance to claim a crucial first-leg advantage at Stamford Bridge on January 14 when they ultimately lost 3-2 and were always faced with a major challenge as they toured the capital on Tuesday evening.
Despite mustering just a few shots on target here and failing to complete a sensational turnaround, Chelsea will be confident of dusting themselves off immediately.
While the Blues may have missed the opportunity to book a trip to Wembley here, they will take away many positives from what has been a bright start to life under new boss Liam Rosenior.
While there may have been many raised eyebrows across the continent last month when Rosenior was announced as Enzo Maresca’s replacement in SW6, the former Strasbourg manager has made an immediate impact.
After booking their place in the last 16 of the Champions League last week when they recorded a thrilling 3-2 victory at Italian giants Napoli, they should be confident of claiming an immediate response when they travel to Wolves this weekend.
All eyes now fall on the Etihad
After getting the job done on Tuesday night and getting past their historic local rivals on the way to Wembley, all of Arsenal’s attention will now turn to the blue half of Manchester in 24 hours’ time.
As Manchester City suffered another high-profile Premier League crisis this weekend as they ultimately had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at Tottenham, Pep Guardiola’s superstar side saw their title dreams take a major blow.
With Manchester City now six points behind the Gunners, they know that success in the EFL Cup could be their most realistic chance of lifting a piece of domestic silverware in 2026.
After securing a gritty 2-0 victory when they traveled to St. James’ Park for their first match on January 13, the former English champions return to their homeland with a commanding lead.
But considering how the Gunners last traveled to Wembley for their EFL Cup final against City in February 2018 in a routine 3-0 draw, Arsenal will be confident they can get long-awaited revenge.
Match report
Arsenal: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres
subtitles: Havertz, Trossard
Chelsea: Sánchez, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Gusto, Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez, Pedro, Delap
subtitles: Garnacho, Palmer, Estevao, Acheampong
Goals: Havertz (90+7′)
Yellow cards: Gusto, Delap, Estevao
Red cards: N/A
Referee: Peter Bankes
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