Chelsea were unable to produce a surprise result at The Emirates on Tuesday night as Arsenal secured a place in the Carabao Cup final, with Arsenal scoring a late winner to win 1-0 on the night.
In what was Liam Rosenior’s toughest game yet as Chelsea manager, the Blues boss had to secure a win to take Arsenal into extra time at least after The Gunners beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 3-2 last month.
Interestingly, and for the first time since he arrived, Rosenior started with a back three. It saw Jorrel Hato start alongside Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah, with Liam Delap largely playing on the right flank.
Chelsea kept Arsenal at bay in the first half and pushed for a goal in the second 45, and despite a decent attempt by Chelsea and Rosenior, Arsenal are in the final as Kai Havertz scored a very late winner.
Enzo Fernandez on the left…?
What do you make of Liam Rosenior’s starting side?
Arsenal v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Chelsea’s player ratings in second-leg against Arsenal
Robert Sanchez – 7
Good save to deny Piero Hincapie in the first half, as Sanchez continues to rebuild his stock after the mistakes he made in the first leg. Nearly a clean sheet, deserved one, but could do nothing about Havertz’s goal.
Robert Sanchez v Arsenal.
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Malo Gusto – 6
Brilliant bit of defending to deny Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, when he looked odds-on to score. Rightly booked for an embarrassing dive in the second half.
Trevor Chalobah – 8
Solid at the back without being largely troubled. Good tackle on Martinelli early in the second half, nullifying the danger. Completely got the better of Gyokeres and then his last-ditch tackle late on kept Chelsea alive.
Is Liam Delap not good enough for Chelsea or are we not playing to his strengths?🤔
Liam Delap's display vs Arsenal
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Wesley Fofana – 6
Similarly to Chalobah, Fofana was comfortable in possession and largely untroubled by Gyokeres, who managed one touch after 30 minutes. Decent outing from the Frenchman.
Jorrel Hato – 6
A surprise inclusion in the side after his West Ham showing, but given a new role and looked more comfortable. Good covering for Chalobah in the second half.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Battled well and won more than his fair share of duels. Close with an effort from 25 yards just after the hour mark. Might have got away avoiding a second yellow, but a brilliant block in the 77th minute.
Marc Cucurella v Arsenal.
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Moises Caicedo – 6
Kept things ticking in the Makelele role, but lacked his normal long-range shooting boots. Continued to dictate the tempo until the game got more ragged towards the end.
Andrey Santos – 8
Back in the starting line-up after dropping out against West Ham and for large parts of the first half, he got the better of Declan Rice. Made many interceptions, his intelligence shining through. Was everywhere.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Good strike from 25 yards towards the end of the first half, well-saved by Kepa. Probably the only player to provide any attacking impetus in the first half but offered little in the second.
Liam Delap – 4
A tricky outing for £30m signing Liam Delap, who was largely tasked with playing on the right of midfield when Chelsea didn’t have the ball. Worked hard, but his hold-up play was poor, losing possession nine times.
Liam Delap v Arsenal.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Joao Pedro – 5
Had to come deep to get involved in the first half, but when he did, Chelsea lacked anything up top. Good battle with Gabriel and Saliba but ultimately, the Arsenal duo came out on top.
Subs:
Estevao – 6 (replaced Hato, 60)
Nice footwork when he did get the ball, but had limited chances to impress.
Cole Palmer – 6 (replaced Delap, 60)
Struggled to get involved in the game. Poor free-kick in a brilliant position.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6 (replaced Santos, 75)
Not involved.
Josh Acheampong – (replaced Gusto, 87)
N/A.
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