It was not the most entertaining game, but that does not matter for Arsenal as they got the job done and secured their place in the EFL Cup final.
MikelArteta'sside had a one-goal lead from the first leg, and that can sometimes be a dangerous scoreline, as if Chelseahad scored early, it would be a level game once again.
Liam Rosenior set up his side to remain compact and stay in the tie and then with the intent of causing the home side problems later in the game. As it was, they had a fair share of the ball in attacking positions but were not able to carve out clear openings.
If the match had finished 0-0, the Gunners would still have been satisfied as they would have done the job and protected their lead.
As it was, in stoppage time they broke away and a **Kai Havertz**goal ensured that they were winners on the night and winners of the tie. The former **Chelsea**player was able to go round the **Chelsea**keeper **Robert Sanchez**and this led to wild celebrations from the **Arsenal**squad.
Winning is what matters
There may be critics of Arsenal who say that it was not a great performance and that they would have expected more, but ultimately, it is the win that matters, and that is what sends them to Wembley.
Sometimes, to win a semi-final, it is about showing a different side to your game, and there is more than one way to win a game of football.
Particularly with knockout football, there is a value to winning 'ugly' and just getting the job done. Previously, teams have gone on to win trophies without hitting top gear and putting on their best displays.
This was not a bad showing from Arsenal because Chelsea are a strong side so Arteta's men will take pride in their clean sheet and the way they dealt with the threats posed to them.
Semi-final progression
After five semi-final defeats, Arsenal have managed to win and make it to the final. That represents success, and if they are to go on and have success this season, either in Europe, thePremier League,or the cup competitions, then this could be a crucial moment.
Last year in the two-legged EFL Cupsemi-finals, they lost 2-0 in each game to Newcastle United, and it was inevitably a disappointing outcome.
It is also their first appearance in a cup final since 2020, when they lifted the FA Cup.
Did Arteta need this?
Since becoming manager in December 2019, Mikel Arteta only has one trophy and that is the 2020 **FA Cup**where they defeated **Chelsea**2-1 in the final.
In the last few seasons, Arsenal have been competing for league titles and have come very close to pushing Manchester City, particularly in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Ultimately, they ended up falling short and finishing second.
Last season, in theUEFA Champions League, they went out at the semi-finals and lost in the semi-finals of theEFL Cup.Nothing has been achieved yet in terms of silverware, as the final will be the ultimate test, but it is a big hurdle and one that gives Arteta a chance of delivering success.
Could there be an impact on the rest of the season?
The win at Leeds United last weekend put an end to a run that included two 0-0 draws and a defeat. Fortunately for Arsenal, Manchester City and Aston Villa had missed several chances to close the gap to them at the top of the table due to dropped points.
However, it may have been a run that would have started to worry some people and add pressure on Arteta's side to get the job done. Progressing from this semi-final would pose a test, and the achievement should not be underestimated as they did a professional job and, for the most part, looked comfortable.
There may be a sense that this can give them a bit of momentum going into games in the coming weeks. From the celebrations at the end, it was clear that the squad is together and they will need that spirit during the title run-in.
There is also the fact that they will face Manchester City in the final next month and that game could potentially have an impact on the outcome of the title race.
A win for Arsenal in the final would possibly give them an extra edge going into those final games and there would be a lot of confidence to take from securing silverware.
Arteta will know there is a long way to go, and his focus will now be on thePremier League game this weekend, but he will be proud of their work in the week. It is not always easy to go into a tie as favourites but that is something that Arteta's side will be wanting to get used to.