There was no wiping the smile off Jurrien Timber’s face after Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a 4–2 aggregate win over Chelsea.
The Dutchman beamed with pride as Kai Havertz rounded off the tie deep into stoppage time, sparking jubilant scenes at the Emirates and rewarding a disciplined, hard-fought team performance.
While the Carabao Cup may rank lowest among the four competitions Arsenal are contesting this season, a trip to Wembley on 22 March puts them just 90 minutes away from ending a trophy drought that stretches back to 2020.
“An amazing feeling, amazing feeling for the team, for Kai especially, for the fans,” reflected Timber.
“I think everyone deserved a moment like this. You could see how relieved everyone was and how happy that we’re going to Wembley as well.”
Leading 3–2 from the first leg, the Gunners knew control and concentration would be essential on a wet, blustery night in north London. Some questioned Mikel Arteta’s cautious approach, but limiting Chelsea to few clear chances before striking at the death offered a fitting response.
“It’s not always possible to play at your best, but I think this team does an amazing job in finding a way to win, no matter what,” said Timber.
“I think we’ve done it in a way at Chelsea where it’s not easy, and then at home as well. So I think it’s very deserved that we’re going through and going to Wembley together.
“We didn’t expect an easy match, not today, not the other day as well. It was going to be hard anyway. To be fair, that’s every game. There are no easy games. Chelsea have some amazing players, so it was going to be hard. So big credit to our team.”
When Havertz rounded Robert Sanchez to finish a fine counter-attack, the Arsenal bench was already spilling onto the pitch. After falling at the same stage last season, the moment felt like a release as much as a celebration.
“It’s hard to describe these kinds of moments,” said Timber.
“They happen a couple of times during the season, and I think you have to enjoy them. And as you could see, I think we did. And the fans as well. You want to give the fans moments like this. I think they deserve it and hopefully, there are more celebrations like this to come.
“It means a lot [to make it to Wembley], but I think to the whole club, to the whole team, we appreciate these moments, myself as well.
“Obviously, you want to win the final as well. So it’s the next step. We appreciate going to the final. We don’t take it for granted.
“We have an amazing squad, but these kinds of opportunities, they’re not easy to have. And I think the squad does an amazing job. I’m just proud to be part of this team.
“We don’t have anything yet, but we’ve put ourselves in an amazing position to win. The Carabao Cup final is coming early, so maybe that could be nice for us as a motivation and a boost towards the other cups as well.”
On Havertz’s decisive cameo, less than a month after returning from a knee injury that had sidelined him since August, Timber was full of praise.
“We spoke with Kai all the time [while he was out] and just his presence within the team makes a big difference, but also on the pitch.
“Everyone can see his amazing qualities, and also everyone can see how happy everyone was for Kai. So I hope he enjoys this moment and hopefully many more moments like this for Kai.”
As a result of reaching the Carabao Cup final, Arsenal’s Premier League match with Wolves at Molineux has been brought forward to Wednesday, 18 February. It’s an 8pm kick-off and will be broadcast in the UK by Sky Sports.