Arsenal took a crucial step toward the EFL Cup final after defeating Chelsea 3-2 in the first leg of their semi-final clash at Stamford Bridge. Costly mistakes from goalkeeper Robert Sánchez proved decisive in a tightly contested London derby that remains open heading into the return leg.
The visitors wasted no time in taking the lead. In the seventh minute, a corner delivered by Declan Rice caught Sánchez out of position, allowing Ben White to head into an unguarded net and put Arsenal ahead.
Early in the second half, Arsenal doubled their advantage following another error at the back. A low cross flashed across the six-yard box, but Sánchez failed to gather the ball, letting it slip through his hands and gifting Viktor Gyökeres a simple finish.
Chelsea responded after turning to their bench. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho injected pace and urgency into the attack and pulled one back, giving the hosts renewed belief. That momentum was briefly halted when Martin Zubimendi restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion in the 70th minute with a composed finish.
Despite Arsenal’s control, Chelsea refused to go away. Garnacho struck again in the 83rd minute to complete his brace and cut the deficit to one goal, ensuring the tie remains alive ahead of the second leg.
The match marked Liam Rosenior’s first home game as Chelsea manager. The coach declined to single out Sánchez for criticism, instead emphasizing the collective responsibility and highlighting the team’s resilience despite several key absences.
The second leg will be played on February 3 at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal hold the advantage, but Chelsea’s late push leaves the semi-final finely poised. In the other semi-final, Manchester City lead Newcastle 2-0, setting up the possibility of a City–Arsenal final at Wembley
