Arsenal have sealed the first place in the 2025/26 Carabao Cup final after Kai Havertz’s late goal secured a 4-2 aggregate victory over Chelsea.
Both sides started slowly in a tense atmosphere at the Emirates, with neither team able to dominate possession or make their mark on a first half that contained barely any chances of note, with Piero Hincapie having a long-range effort saved and Malo Gusto recovering well to prevent Gabriel Martinelli firing in.
Each team was forced to start with more impetus in the second half but it hardly changed the state of the game, with Liam Rosenior’s side set up to nullify Arsenal but also offering precious little in attack themselves.
Even the introduction of Cole Palmer and Estevao failed to ignite a spark in the visitors and it played into Arsenal’s hands late on, with the visitors leaving themselves too much to do late on before a late Arsenal counter-attack saw Havertz and Martinelli race clean through.
And the German needed no invitation to round Robert Sanchez and tap in to give the Gunners the first final in what they hope might be a quadruple-winning campaign, with either Manchester City or Newcastle to come at Wembley in March.
Follow the latest updates and team news from the Emirates below:
Arsenal vs Chelsea live
- Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 in second leg of Carabao Cup semi-final to seal place in March's final
- 90 +7' GOAL! Havertz rounds Sanchez to seal tie [ARS 1-0 CHE, 4-2 agg]
- 77' CLOSE! Cucurella blocks Gabriel header [ARS 0-0 CHE, 3-2 agg]
- 34' CLOSE! Gusto dives in to prevent Martinelli goal [ARS 0-0 CHE, 3-2 agg]
How Chelsea’s dull and overthought tactics finally returned Arsenal to Wembley
22:31 , Chris WilsonA long-awaited return. Not just Arsenal's first cup final in six years but - perhaps more importantly to the wider season - another comeback goal from Kai Havertz. Many at the club see him as the difference.
He made the difference in an otherwise poor match, ending any late tension as he rounded Robert Sanchez in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory that was a 4-2 on aggregate, to secure a place in the Carabao Cup final.
Mikel Arteta’s side are right to happily celebrate that, in a season that could yet break through all manner of barriers. A second trophy of the Basque’s time, and the first for this specific group of players, is now within sight. They finally have a return to Wembley.
How Chelsea’s dull and overthought tactics finally returned Arsenal to Wembley
Inside the latest twists in a Premier League title race defined by volatility
00:00 , Chris WilsonThe article below is an excerpt from my latest newsletter– which includes exclusive deadline day insights for Inside Football members and Independent Premium subscribers only. To read the rest and get my latest reporting, insight, and commentary delivered straight to your inbox, become a member here.
As opposition coaches analyse Manchester City, they believe they have seen something shift. It may even fit with the volatility of the Premier League right now.
Put simply – and unlike for much of the last decade – if you can stay in a game with City, you now have a chance. The team of two years ago would, after all, probably have blown that Tottenham Hotspur side away in the first half.
Inside the latest twists in a Premier League title race defined by volatility
Arsenal fixture change
23:50 , Chris WilsonArsenal now have a date at Wembley on 22 March, so their Premier League match at Wolves on 21 March will now have to be rearranged.
That game has been confirmed for Wednesday, 18 February at the Molineux.
Arsenal quadruple odds: Can the Gunners complete an historic trophy haul?
23:40 , Chris WilsonIt’s been an impressive first half of the season for Arsenal as they look to finally see their efforts rewarded with some silverware, so much so that bookmakers have priced up an Arsenal quadruple.
They are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League, qualified first in the Champions League table, lead their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Chelsea (ahead of a second leg at home) and are through to an FA Cup fourth round tie against Wigan.
Talk of completing the quadruple is increasing and, as such, betting sites have cut the odds on the Gunners’ winning the lot, trimming them from 50/1 to 40/1 after they beat Leeds last time out in the Premier League.
Arsenal quadruple odds: Can the Gunners complete an historic trophy haul?
Rosenior responds to pundit criticism
23:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Liam Rosenior has to say in response to criticism of his approach tonight:
"I've been a pundit. It's easy. It's easy in hindsight,” he said.
"So, if I go and attack the game, press really high and we concede two goals early, everyone says, 'what's he doing?' That's the reality of my job.
"The reality of my job is if you lose games, you'll be criticised. If you win, you're a genius. It's normally somewhere in between, I think,” he added.
Next up
23:25 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s next game sees them host Sunderland this weekend, with that one kicking off at 3pm on Saturday, 7 February.
Contrasting emotions at the Emirates
23:20 , Chris Wilson
‘I’m flabbergasted’: Paul Merson criticises Chelsea approach in Carabao Cup loss
23:10 , Chris WilsonFormer Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has criticised Chelsea’s approach in the 1-0 loss to the Gunners in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final, with the Sky Sports pundit saying he was “flabbergasted” at what he saw.
Chelsea travelled to the Emirates trailing by one goal after losing the first leg at Stamford Bridge, and while the Blues limited Arsenal in attack throughout the second leg they offered precious little in attack, with few clear-cut chances and little pressure despite needing to chase the game.
‘I’m flabbergasted’: Paul Merson criticises Chelsea approach in Carabao Cup loss
Arteta's post match thoughts
23:03 , Mike JonesTake a look at what Mikel Arteta had to say after Arsenal booked their place at Wembley:
"So happy" 😁
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 3, 2026
Mikel Arteta is delighted after Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup final ✅ pic.twitter.com/lG9qDY3q6F
More Arsenal reaction
22:59 , Mike JonesLet’s hear from Jurrien Timber now who told BBC Radio 5 Live: "The atmosphere at the end just makes me smile. On to Wembley! First of all, I didn't know if he [Kai Havertz] was going to pass. He went around the keeper and he did amazing.
"For Kai being out for so long and coming back and the love he gets from the fans says a lot. You could feel it coming, he goes around the goalkeeper, and you know everyone is going to go crazy. Chelsea are a great team. They have some amazing players.
“Bringing Palmer and Estevao on, they also have amazing players coming off the bench. When you win over two legs twice, I think you have done an amazing job, so credit to the team. The desire is there - we are very hungry. We are in an amazing position."
Do Chelsea have regrets from the first leg?
22:55 , Mike JonesLiam Rosenior added: "In the first leg, I'm not making excuses, but we had an illness go through the camp on the day of the game - we had four players missing - and I'd been in charge for three days. I cannot fault the application, intensity or the fight of the players.
"What we need to do is remember this is the start and I'm really, really happy with a lot of things I'm seeing. You want to get the results - but we need to make sure we rest and recover and we keep improving as we go."
How does Liam Rosenior think the second leg went?
22:51 , Mike JonesThe Chelsea boss explained: "We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn't find that quality moment.
"When you're pushing as we were, we put both defenders in the box and in the last few minutes of injury time that (conceding) can always happen.
"Arsenal know they were in for a game today, over both ties. I think there are clear improvements from the first leg to the second.
“Yes, it's painful to lose - you want to go through. We just need to keep making improvements - which I'm seeing."
Post match reaction from Mikel Arteta
22:47 , Mike JonesThe Arsenal manager told ITV: "Did I enjoy it? Very much - especially at the end. We knew it was going to be a real battle out there.
“That resilience, that clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play. We did that so well.
"There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference.
“We've been waiting a few years to get into this position and we're certainly going to enjoy it [the final]."
Arsenal's fantastic year
22:44 , Mike JonesArsenal are having a stellar year in 2025/26.
The club sit top of the Premier League and have a six point lead.
They finished top of the Champions League table and are into the last-16.
Mikel Arteta’s team are into the fourth round of the FA Cup.
They can also win the first trophy of the year by reaching the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Arteta: 'We've been waiting a few years'
22:41 , Chris Wilson"Did I enjoy it? Very much - especially at the end,” says Mikel Arteta on ITV.
“We knew it was going to be a real battle out there. That resilience, that clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play...we did that so well,” explained the Spaniard.
"There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. It makes such a difference. We've been waiting a few years to get into this position and we're certainly going to enjoy it [the final],” he added.
Eze: 'This team is so good, we’re so strong'
22:36 , Chris WilsonArsenal forward Ebere Eze had this to say on Sky after the full-time whistle:
“We’ve been working so hard, I think when we’re putting in performance like this it’s what we deserve.
“they were with us throughout the whole game, when you’ve got a stadium like this it’s hard to play against us. It’s an important victory for us.
“This team is so good, we’re so strong, we trust ourselves and we’re going to keep pushing.
“It was a bit different from what we expected, I think we adapted well, we did what we needed to do and we fought well.
“That’s what’s required at this level, so i’m happy to do what I could,” he added.
Pundits react to odd Chelsea approach
22:28 , Chris Wilson"It was a tough watch. I could see what the plan was from Chelsea to stay in the game and then bring on the big guns. But it didn't happen. Arsenal weren't at their best but [it was] comfortable” says Jamie Redknapp on Sky.
Paul Merson is a little less composed: "I'm flabbergasted. I can't believe what I've just watched. Chelsea aren't a bottom-five team. They have World Cup winners,” he says.
"Fofana is crying. He should be crying because they never had a go. They've gone out with a whimper in a semi-final. It hasn't worked. Go out in a blaze of glory, don't go out like that."
Rice: 'They gave us problems'
22:23 , Chris WilsonArsenal's Declan Rice had this to say to ITV1:
"Credit to Chelsea to be fair. Since their new manager has come in they've been really, really good.
"They changed the formation tonight and gave us problems. On another night they could have scored but credit where it is due, our defence was incredible,” he explained.
"We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we're ready for it. When you play a team like Chelsea they throw so many things at you physically and mentally.
"You've got to have that resilience to stay strong and keep going.
"We deserve it. The last three or four years we've been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven't been good enough.
"That's why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There's a long way to go but to be a cup final with this club is amazing,” he added.
Carabao Cup Final
22:18 , Chris WilsonArsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the League Cup final on 22 March.
The Gunners have not won this competition since 1993 but they’ll be favourites whoever they face – and it’ll likely be Pep Guardiola’s side, who are currently 2-0 up ahead of tomorrow’s second leg against the Magpies.
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (agg 4-2)
22:14 , Chris WilsonA strange game in truth, with a tense atmosphere and not a lot of tempo for large parts, and you’d think Liam Rosenior and co. might feel like they could have troubled the hosts more.
Arsenal kept the visitors at arm’s length and didn’t really have to get out of second gear, though they rode their luck once or twice.
Overall an opportunity missed for Chelsea and a result that was expected – and potentially vital – for the hosts.
We’ll have all the reaction to come, with some interesting comments from Jamie Redknapp and Paul Merson on Sky...
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (agg 4-2)
22:08 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (agg 4-2)
22:00 , Chris WilsonThat is pretty much the last action of the half and Arsenal book their place in the final of the Carabao Cup!
Chelsea gave a good account of themselves but in truth it seemed a strange gameplan against probably the best defence on the continent
Arsenal face Newcastle or Man City in the first final of the season on 22 March!
GOAL! Arsenal 1-0 Chelsea (agg 4-2)
21:58 , Chris Wilson90 +8 mins
GOAL! Kai Havertz has sealed it against his old club!
The hosts win the ball and catch Chelsea short at the back. Trossard clips a pass to Rice and he looks up to find Havertz and Martinelli, who are 2-v-1 with Robert Sanchez.
Havertz has the option to square it but he doesn’t need him, dribbling past Sanchez before tapping into an empty net to send Arsenal into the final!
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:57 , Chris Wilson90 +7 mins
Still no whistle here as Arsenal break and they have a 3-v-1 here...
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:55 , Chris Wilson90 +6 mins
Poor from Garnacho as he gives the ball away far too easily near the edge of the Arsenal box, but he’s lucky as the hosts can’t mount a counter.
Now or never for Chelsea with 30 seconds on the clock...
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:55 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Late pressure from Chelsea as plenty of passes find their targets around the edge of the area but there’s no space for a shot for Pedro or Palmer...
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:53 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Fofana and Acheampong are both now part of the Chelsea cohort camped high in the Arsenal half as the visitors attack.
However, the Gunners are doing all they can to slow the game down and break up play.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:50 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Into the first of six minutes of added time at the Emirates.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:50 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Caicedo slips in midfield and Arsenal have a chance to mount an attack, though Trossard is in no hurry to take an unnecessary risk and eventually they lose it.
No matter though, as Chelsea go up the other end before Fernandez fires over from distance.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:47 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Some late Chelsea pressure as crosses from Estevao and Fofana are cleared.
Rosenior makes another change as Acheampong comes on for Gusto.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:44 , Chris Wilson84 mins
HUGE shouts for a penalty for Arsenal as Chalobah slides in and originally gets the ball before the follow-through takes Martinelli down in the box.
Nevertheless, Chalobah definitely got the ball originally and VAR clears it, calling it “natural contact”!
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:42 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Fofana makes the run to the near post and he gets the connection but it’s too far from goal and it flies wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:41 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Chelsea win a dangerous free-kick right on the edge of the ‘D’ and Palmer looks very interested, as does Fernandez.
Arsenal do their best to run down the clock with some movement of the wall...
...and the set-piece is blasted into the wall before Chelsea win a corner with the rebound.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:38 , Chris Wilson77 mins
CLOSE! The best chance of the game so far!
Arsenal finally work a decent opportunity though they’re fortunate as Rice manages to win the ball from the initial free-kick before sliding a pass to Zubimendi in the area.
The Spaniard clips a lovely cross to the back post and Gabriel is arriving unmarked – he looks destined to power a header into the back of the net but Cucurella is there to block it!
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:36 , Chris Wilson76 mins
More scrappy play and it’s working in Arsenal’s favour at the moment, though neither side has been able to build any momentum.
This time the Gunners win a free-kick, around 35 yards out in a central area.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:34 , Chris Wilson73 mins
Another break in play as Santos makes a foul right after Chelsea were awarded a free-kick, and the referee has a word with both captains to try and calm things down.
Not a lot in the challenge from Santos but he’s taken off anyway, with the youngster replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:30 , Chris Wilson70 mins
It’s been scrappier over the last five minutes or so and there’s another yellow card as Estevao drags down Timber near halfway.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:28 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Gusto is the next player in the book as he dives when trying to win a free-kick off Hincapie.
Arsenal bring on Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard for Gyokeres and Madueke.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:27 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Pedro wants a penalty as he goes down after feeling an arm from Gabriel as he tried to latch onto a through ball. Nothing doing for the referee.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:25 , Chris Wilson65 mins
A couple of half-chances in as many minutes for Chelsea as Cucurella fires wide after a corner before Enzo Fernandez curls over from outside the area.
An uncomfortable moment for the hosts as Zubimendi loses possession, passing straight out for a throw, but the Gunners win it back soon enough.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:22 , Chris Wilson63 mins
So, what can those subs inspire for the Blues? They need to make something happen sooner rather than later.
Palmer has started in a deeper position around the centre, with Arsenal sitting back for the moment as the hosts concede a corner.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:19 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Chelsea make the first changes of the night, with Cole Palmer and Estevao coming on for Delap and Hato.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:19 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Madueke gets free on the right again but this time he sees his cross sail into the gloves of Sanchez. This game is definitely heating up though!
There is a brief break in play however, with Gusto down and needing treatment.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:15 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Delap does well at the other end to win a free-kick around 30 yards out, towards the wing.
Fernandez swings it in but Rice heads away before Eze charges down Hato and Madueke wins a free-kick by the touchline.
Delap is booked for the challenge on the Arsenal winger.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:12 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Chelsea lucky to avoid giving away a free-kick in a dangerous area as Gusto and Delap have hands all over Martinelli and Hincapie before Pedro is fouled.
Arteta gets a yellow for his protestations.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:09 , Chris Wilson49 mins
Madueke gets away from Cucurella and clips a cross to the back post but there’s too much on it for Rice to connect.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:06 , Chris Wilson47 mins
An early check for a penalty here as Saliba is grappling with Pedro in the box before some pinball and then a shot flying wide.
‘Mutual holding’ is the call from VAR.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:04 , Chris WilsonWe’re back underway at the Emirates! A huge second half ahead as these two sides battle for a place in the League Cup final.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:02 , Chris WilsonCole Palmer and Estevao warming up on the Emirates pitch as we approach the second half.
A big second half up next as the players emerge from the tunnel in the capital.
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
21:00 , Chris Wilson“They haven’t laid a glove on Arsenal. They need to win the game – Arsenal don’t need to do anything” points out Paul Merson on Sky.
“It’s a dangerous game,” he adds as he ponders Chelsea’s tactics.
They’ve nullified the Gunners but they haven’t provided enough in attack to upset the hosts at all so far. That’ll need to change in the second 45 minutes.
Nevertheless, the Blues are still in this tie and they have plenty of options off the bench, not least Cole Palmer and the returning Estevao.
Arsenal are on their way to Wembley as it stands but there’s plenty of time left in this one!
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:55 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:49 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and the first half comes to an end in the capital.
It’s been a fairly tepid opening 45 minutes at the Emirates, with neither side producing a clear-cut chance but the Gunners looking the better of the two.
Chelsea started off the better of the two but they faded while the half went on, and while they have done well to limit Arsenal at times, the Gunners have still had the better of the chances, while limiting the Blues to almost nothing in attack.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:48 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Into one minute of added time at the Emirates. Gary Neville is highlighting how careful Arsenal need to be but someone should probably remind him of the aggregate score. Fair to say Chelsea don’t look like a side chasing a goal at the moment.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:45 , Chris Wilson42 mins
CHANCE! This is what Chelsea came for.
They win possession midway into the Arsenal half and suddenly there’s plenty of space to play into.
Cucurella lays it off to Fernandez and he lines the shot up from distance, but Kepa is across to beat it away easily.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Chelsea win a corner - the type that could change the tie if they’re lucky – but the delivery is tame and easily headed away.
Arteta is looking irritated on the sideline but his team don’t have a lot to worry about at present.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:40 , Chris Wilson38 mins
Chelsea enjoying a little spell of possession at the moment but they’re finding it difficult to mount any sort of meaningful attack.
Fofana does well – for the second time in a couple of minutes – to cover and dispossess Martinelli as he tries to launch an Arsenal attack.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:36 , Chris Wilson34 mins
CHANCE! A golden chance but some great defending from Gusto.
All of a sudden Arsenal try and srping into life as they find Martinelli with a clipped ball over the top.
The Brazilian gets in behind Gusto and manages to cut back and turn into space for the shot, but the Chelsea defender does very well to prevent him from getting his effort away.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:34 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Just one touch so far for Viktor Gyokeres, which tells you a lot about how Chelsea have nullified the Arsenal threat (as well as the Gunners’ tendency to play sideways and backwards in this opening 30 minutes or so).
Just one shot on target so far and it fell to Hincapie in the 17th minute.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:31 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Liam Rosenior has obviously set up to nullify Arsenal so far and it’s worked well, but it’s also not providing the visitors with the chances they need to get back into this tie (yet). If anything, the Gunners still look more dangerous.
Gusto gets forward down the right but once again the cross is just too tame and it’s easily cleared.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:28 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Chelsea have a corner but they can’t make anything of the delivery before the follow-up is blasted well off-target.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:26 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Neither side has been able to dominate so far this evening but Arsenal are just starting to get a little bit more adventurous in attack, and they’re limiting what Chelsea can do when they have the ball.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:22 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Arsenal are starting to threaten here, though a promising opening comes to nothing as Martinelli gets free down the left but can’t find Eze with his cutback.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:20 , Chris Wilson17 mins
CHANCE! First real chance of the game as a second corner comes back to Hincapie at the edge of the box.
The Ecuadorian tries to find the far corner with a curling effort but Sanchez beats it away.
It falls straight to the feet of Gabriel but he can’t react in time to take a proper shot and it bounces away for a goal kick.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:19 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Madueke gets his first real run at Cucurella and he manages to win a corner, much to the delight of the home fans.
The Blues opt to keep two or three players near halfway, hoping to prevent Arsenal’s usual corner technique.
It doesn’t really work though, as the box is bare and Hincapie almost directs a header towards goal but Fofana deflects it behind.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:14 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Not a lot of action so far in truth, with both sides trying to feel their way into the game.
Both are settled with the ball at their feet but there’s no desire to force the issue at the moment.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:11 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Pedro works half a yard with a superb touch but Cucurella sees his cross cleared too easily. The visitors are beginning to settle in possession now.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:08 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Half a chance for Delap as Saliba fluffs his lines with an attempted clearance and the Chelsea man gets the opportunity for a snapshot attempt, but he scuffs his effort wide.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
Chelsea get their first foray forward but Cucurella is taken down off the ball and Joao Pedro is too isolated.
Arsenal back in possession but nothing in terms of chances yet.
Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea (agg 3-2)
20:04 , Chris Wilson3 mins
A tepid start at the Emirates, with the Gunners keeping the ball and Chelsea looking to press high early on.
KICK-OFF! Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in the capital! The hosts get us started at the Emirates.
'Arsenal are an outstanding team'
19:58 , Chris Wilson"Great challenge. Players have been outstanding in the last few weeks, and we have to be outstanding again to come through this tie, said Liam Rosenior just before kick-off.
"Arsenal are an outstanding team, but if we do the things which I expect them to do we have a good chance. Selection is to be strong , take the game to Arsenal and play in our way,” he added.
Arsenal vs Chelsea live
19:57 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel at the Emirates, so we’ll be underway soon here.
It has all the makings of a classic in the capital, but will both sides deliver as they look to make the first major final of the season?
Gunners 'one step away from Wembley'
19:51 , Chris Wilson"Win the game from the first minute. That's the way we prepare for every single game,” says Mikel Arteta as he speaks to ITV before kick-off.
"One step away from Wembley and there is a lot of things you have to do."
On Chelsea, he adds: "They have been with Liam a little longer, and it looks like today and throughout the game they will change [tactics]. We are looking forward to it.
"You put the work in every single day to be in these situations,” he explains as he finishes.
Arsenal vs Chelsea live
19:46 , Chris Wilson
Gyokeres 'has been much more consistent'
19:41 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Mikel Arteta had to say on his decision to start Viktor Gyokeres up front this evening:
“His all round play and performances - he has been much more consistent in actions," explains Arteta.
"His movement, understanding his runs, his presence inside the box - he has been more prolific,” adds the Spaniard.
'We deserve to be here'
19:37 , Chris Wilson"We deserve to be here, and it is a huge night and a big game,” says Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli on Sky Sports.
"It has been six years and a half [since he joined Arsenal] and it means a lot to be here,” he adds.
Arsenal vs Chelsea
19:33 , Mike JonesThe fans are flocking to the Emirates Stadium for this one.
It feels like a big night for both teams with a place at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final at stake.
Match stats
19:30 , Chris WilsonChelsea have progressed to the League Cup final from 10 of their last 16 semi-finals, including the past three.
Arsenal have reached the League Cup semi-final for the second consecutive term and the fifth time in the last 18 seasons.
Head-to-head
19:24 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 213 times in the past, with Arsenal winning 85, Chelsea winning 66 and 62 ending as draws.
The most recent match between them was of course that first leg, though as mentioned before, Chelsea have just one win against the Gunners in all competitions since 2020, though the Blues did battle to a 1-1 draw in the league earlier this season.
In total, across the last 15 matches between these two sides, Chelsea have two wins while Arsenal have nine.
Arsenal vs Chelsea live
19:17 , Chris Wilson
Mikel Arteta has ‘book of people’ who feel Arsenal are ‘most exciting in Europe’
19:10 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has launched a passionate defence of Arsenal’s style of play by revealing he has a “massive book of people” who feel his side are the “most exciting in Europe”.
Arsenal are six points clear at the top of the Premier League, and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League as group winners after tasting victory in all eight of their matches.
Arteta’s men are also just one game away from next month’s Carabao Cup final. They meet Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night holding a 3-2 advantage from the opening rubber.
Mikel Arteta has ‘book of people’ who feel Arsenal are ‘most exciting in Europe’
Team news
18:58 , Chris WilsonChelsea boss Liam Rosenior makes four changes to the starting XI that launched that comeback against West Ham. Benoit Badiashile makes way for Wesley Fofana in defence, while Marc Cucurella replaces Jamie Gittens and presumably moves to left wing-back in a back five.
Elsewhere, Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho drop out in favour of Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos.
Team news
18:53 , Chris WilsonMikel Arteta has made three changes to the side that beat Leeds 4-0, with Kepa Arrizabalaga replacing David Raya in goal while Ebere Eze comes in for Kai Havertz in midfield. The last change is on the left of the forward line, where Gabriel Martinelli comes in for Leandro Trossard.
Line-ups
18:48 , Chris WilsonChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Enzo, Delap, Pedro.
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Holland, Palmer, Estevao, Garnacho, Guiu, Mheuka.
Our XI versus Arsenal! ✊#CFC |#CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/FUWDZa5jzS
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 3, 2026
Line-ups
18:46 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Kepa; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Rice, Zubimendi, Eze; Madueke,, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Subs: Raya, Mosquera, White, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 2026
🧤 Arrizabalaga in goal
🔟 Eze the creative spark
⚡️ Martinelli our threat down the left
Let's do this, Gunners 😤
Presented by @deel 🤝
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Arsenal are without Mikel Merino, who was ruled out for the rest of the season, while Bukayo Saka is a doubt. Max Dowman remains out due to an ankle problem.
Chelsea will likely reward Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella starts after making a big impact off the bench against West Ham, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia and Jamie Gittens are injured. Levi Colwill remains sidelined with a long-term injury. Estevao is missing on compassionate leave.
Rosenior: 'I don't have a best XI'
18:30 , Chris WilsonAnd this is what Chelsea’s Liam Rosenior had to say ahead of the game:
“The reality is that Arsenal are favourites for the tie. They're a goal up and they're at home, so they'll expect to go “through.
We need to take it as far as we can and as deep as we can, then hopefully the second half will be massive in terms of turning the tie around,” he explained.
He added that his players "can play in big games and they can perform in big games - and it is definitely a big game on Tuesday."
“I don't have a best XI. I never have done in all of the clubs that I've worked with. Why? Because of the physical demands.
“You need a squad, and you need to use the players in the correct way to challenge over the course of the season,” he added,
Arteta: 'We have a lot to do'
18:20 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had to say about the challenge poised by Chelsea tonight:
“We go day by day and competition by competition. Tomorrow we have the home advantage, but we have a lot to do to beat a really good Chelsea side.
“Every team has their own things. I think Liam is doing an incredible job. The tie has a context, a very specific one. We need to make it very concrete to win it.
“The next one is the most important one, and it's the closest, to reach a final. With our people we need to create the energy and the atmosphere,” he added.
Match stats
18:10 , Chris WilsonThis is the seventh season Chelsea and Arsenal have met in the League Cup, and the third at the semi-final stage. Chelsea have won four of the previous six meetings.
However, the Blues have won just one of their past 14 games in all competitions against Arsenal since January 2020.
Liam Rosenior says Estevao under no time pressure to return from Chelsea compassionate leave
18:00 , Chris WilsonChelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said Estevao will not be pressured to return to the club after flying to Brazil on Saturday.
The 18-year-old returned home after being given compassionate leave to deal with a personal matter and is unlikely to be available for Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg away to Arsenal.
He is in his first season in England after moving from Sao Paulo in the summer where he played for boyhood club Palmeiras.
Chelsea put no pressure on Estevao to return from compassionate leave
Merino ruled out for the remainder of the season
17:50 , Chris WilsonArsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is set to be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a fractured right foot which requires surgery.
Merino sustained the injury in Arsenal's defeat against Manchester United last month, and the loss of the Spaniard briefly prompted the Gunners to consider making a midfield signing before the transfer window closes yesterday.
Former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is currently training with the club’s Under-21 squad, having been a free agent since leaving Besiktas.
When asked if the 32-year-old could be snapped up, Arteta said: “We explore every option.”
Noni Madueke epitomises the reason why Arsenal can finally win the Premier League
17:40 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s how Arsenal got on at the weekend...
It was a significant investment to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea in the summer, but it was moments like this that are why Arsenal may start seeing a real return.
The sight of Bukayo Saka walking off during the warm-up with a physio by his side before this clash with Leeds would have sent shivers down the spines of Gunners supporters and maybe even the rest of the squad in previous seasons.
Of course, it won’t have been a moment that filled them with joy and they will wait nervously to see how long their talisman will be out for.
Noni Madueke epitomises the reason why Arsenal can finally win the Premier League
The Liam Rosenior touch that’s building a different legacy at Chelsea
17:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from last time out, on a dramatic night at Stamford Bridge...
For Chelsea, that’s how you build a connection, and a team. As for West Ham United, that’s how you get into another tailspin, but it’s still hard to say how they threw that away.
It was probably the substitutions of both managers.
Whatever you put it down to, Chelsea went from getting booed off at half-time when 2-0 down to scoring a vintage stoppage-time winner for a 3-2 victory. The melee at the end, which resulted in a Jean-Clair Todibo red card, only fed into the raucous feeling.
It is actually the first occasion in Premier League history when the five-time Premier League champions have come back from two down at half time. A different legacy is building.
The Liam Rosenior touch that’s building a different legacy at Chelsea
When is Arsenal vs Chelsea?
17:20 , Chris WilsonArsenal’s clash with Chelsea kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday 3 February at the Emirates Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event as well as ITV1. Fans can also stream the game on Sky Go, if you have a subscription, and ITVX.
Predicted line-ups
17:15 , Chris WilsonArsenal XI: Arrizabalaga; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Team news
17:10 , Chris WilsonChelsea will likely reward Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella starts after making a big impact off the bench against West Ham, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia and Jamie Gittens are injured. Levi Colwill remains sidelined with a long-term injury. Estevao is missing on compassionate leave.
Team news
17:06 , Chris WilsonArsenal are without Mikel Merino, who was ruled out for the rest of the season, while Bukayo Saka is a doubt. Max Dowman remains out due to an ankle problem.
Arsenal vs Chelsea live
17:03 , Chris WilsonArsenal will hope to stave off a Chelsea comeback as they bid to book their place in the Carabao Cup final and keep their quadruple hopes alive.
The Gunners go into their semi-final second leg with the advantage after sealing a narrow 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in the first meeting, though Alejandro Garnacho’s brace that night means Liam Rosenior’s side are still very much in this tie.
Arsenal’s unshakeable home record has also been pierced of late, with the club suffering their first defeat at the Emirates of the season to Manchester United nine days ago.
Mikel Arteta’s side bounced back from that blow by thrashing Leeds on the weekend and will hope to make easy work of their London rivals in their pursuit of silverware.
Good evening
16:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg between Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Gunners lead 3-2 after the first leg at Stamford Bridge and they’ll feel like they have one foot in the final as they welcome the Blues, with Liam Rosenior’s side having it all to do if they want to book a place in the final in March.
And we’ll have all the latest team news and updates right here.
