By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Feb. 4, 2026
Arsenal reached the League Cup final after edging Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory.
Former Chelsea forward, Kai Havertz ,struck in injury time, sealing the semi-final second-leg win and sending Arsenal into their first final since 2018.
The opening hour was cagey, with both goalkeepers largely untested as the tie remained delicately balanced.
Chelsea Coach Liam Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer and Brazilian winger Estevao to inject attacking urgency.
Alejandro Garnacho, scorer of Chelsea’s two first-leg goals, later joined the push as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
However, Arsenal absorbed the pressure before Havertz finished a swift counterattack in the closing seconds.
Premier League leaders Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final, with City holding a 2-0 advantage ahead of Wednesday’s second leg.
