7M - Havertz Scores Late as Arsenal Beat Chelsea to Reach Final

Arsenal clinched a dramatic last-minute victory over Chelsea, winning 1-0 in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final and securing a 4-2 aggregate win. This result marks their 10th consecutive unbeaten match against the Blues.

The early stages were tense as both teams faced nervy moments, including two underhit backpasses by Robert Sanchez and a missed chance by Liam Delap after an error from William Saliba. The match was characterized by a duel for control, with Marc Cucurella making notable contributions. Piero Hincapie forced Sanchez into a stunning save with a curling shot in the 18th minute.

As rain fell at the Emirates Stadium, Trevoh Chalobah attempted a long-range shot that went harmlessly wide. Gabriel Martinelli later threatened to breach Chelsea's defense, but Malo Gusto managed to block his attempt. Kepa Arrizabalaga faced his first challenge in the 43rd minute, successfully parrying away Enzo Fernandez's ambitious strike.

Chelsea looked to level the tie after halftime, with Joao Pedro's shot deflected out and Eberechi Eze blocking a Jorrel Hato effort. Liam Rosenior responded by bringing on Cole Palmer and Estêvao, though Cucurella and Fernandez saw their outside-the-box efforts go off-target.

Mikel Arteta also made attacking substitutions in the 69th minute, but Arsenal's best opportunity came from Gabriel Magalhaes, whose header from Martin Zubimendi's cross was blocked by Cucurella. Chalobah's speculative volley was deflected, and Wesley Fofana later flicked the ball wide from a corner.

In the dying seconds of stoppage time, Declan Rice surged forward and found substitute Kai Havertz, who rounded Sanchez and slid in the winner for Arsenal. This victory sends the Gunners to their first cup final since winning the FA Cup in 2020. For Rosenior, these two legs mark his only losses in charge of Chelsea, who continue their wait for EFL Cup glory since 2015.