Chelsea might have stopped Arsenal from putting one foot in the Carabao Cup final, but the Gunners will certainly fancy their chances against Liam Rosenior’s side in the second leg next month.
A brilliant game at Stamford Bridge saw Chelsea eventually lose 3-2, but it was a Chelsea side that had a bit of fight about them. Liam Rosenior has got his side working hard, running and battling until the end.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, Robert Sanchez made two glaring errors that gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead. One in the first 45, as Ben White nodded in a corner, and then in the second, allowing Viktor Gyokeres to net.
Sanchez’s dismal showing in goal earned the Spaniard a 2/10 rating, but he wasn’t the only player to struggle. Bukayo Saka got the better of Marc Cucurella, and others in a Chelsea shirt had a quiet night.
Do Chelsea still have a chance of reaching the final? 🤔
Plenty of positives, plenty of negatives…
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Not Alejandro Garnacho, however. The Argentina winger came off the bench to score twice, having been somewhat poor against Charlton last time out. There were plenty of positives, but also negatives, as well.
What Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres noticed about Chelsea last night
One frustration for Chelsea will be that they allowed Arsenal’s struggling centre-forward to score, when so many others have got the better of him. Chelsea will now have to do something not done this season.
Viktor Gyokeres
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Indeed, Chelsea will have to go to Arsenal and win, which no other club has managed during 2025-26. Despite Chelsea’s defeat, Arsenal striker Gyokeres was impressed with his opponents, as per BBC Sport.
“It was a tough game. We defended well. They were, as always, dangerous when they had counterattacks, but I think we defended well. Unfortunate to have conceded two. We scored three, so happy with that.”
Does Viktor Gyokeres give Chelsea a chance of reaching the final?
The two teams will have to wait until February 3 before they can do battle again, and the identity of the finalists will be learnt. As things stand, Arsenal are firm favourites given their lead and home advantage.
Certainly, Kai Havertz won’t be booed at The Emirates, like he was at Stamford Bridge. Do Chelsea have any hope of reaching the final? Gyokeres remains cautious, but knows the win gives Arsenal a big chance.
Who was Chelsea’s biggest disappointment on the night? 😡
Some terrible performances on such a big night…
Chelsea v Arsenal - Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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“It’s still a second leg but of course it’s good to come away with a win and advantage for the second leg, but we still have to do a good performance in the second match,” the summer signing from Sporting said.
For now, Chelsea’s focus will return to the Premier League after two successive cup matches. Rosenior will manage his first Premier League match, as Chelsea face a third consecutive London side, in Brentford.
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