Wesley Fofana
It was heartbreak for Chelsea after they conceded late against Arsenal
Paul Merson has accused Chelsea of showing a lack of fight in their League Cup semi-final defeat to . Liam Rosenior's side sat back and looked to prevent Mikel Arteta's side from scoring in the first half before the Blues' head coach introduced more attacking players after the break.
Rosenior, 41, watched his side fail to find the net before Kai Havertz, a former Blue, scored in added time to secure a 1-0 victory and 4-2 aggregate triumph. players were left devastated after the match, with some players like Wesley Fofana seen in tears.
The west Londoners were not able to create any chances of note, with Kepa Arrizabalaga's fine save from Enzo Fernandez in the first half being their only meaningful effort at goal. Despite the disappointment and sadness in the faces of the Chelsea players, Merson had no sympathy.
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Liam Rosenior's angry blast at Arsenal stars caught on camera before Chelsea clash](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelsea-rosenior-arsenal-league-cup-36665673)
He said: "I am numb, I am flabbergasted. I can't believe what I have just watched. I honestly can't believe hat I have just watched.
"Arsenal fans and the players themselves...this is Chelsea Club. They have got international football players, a World Cup winner.
"They have got players all over...this is not a bottom four or five team, they have just come here...they should be crying because they never had a go.
"I am lost for words, I cannot believe what's just happened. They have gone out with an absolute whimper in the semi-final of a big competition.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores their first goal past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026 in London, England
Havertz's counter-attacking goal secured Arsenal's place at Wembley Stadium
"If it worked it was great but if it hasn't worked, you can't gamble like that. Have a go and go out in a blaze of glory. Don't go out like that. I am lost for words."
Rosenior surprised the Gunners by deploying a back five with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap playing as a pair up-front. He reverted to a back four after the break by introducing Estevao and Cole Palmer for Jorrel Hato and Delap after half-time
He also brought on Alejandro Garnacho, but the ex-Manchester United forward, like his fellow substitutes, were not able to influence the game.
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