In the second pairing of the English League Cup semi-finals, a true London derby delivered plenty of excitement. Chelsea hosted Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but in a thrilling five-goal battle the Blues unfortunately let their chance slip — 2:3.
The match started at a fast pace. The Gunners opened the scoring as early as the 7th minute through White, disrupting the hosts’ plan right away. Chelsea tried to respond quickly, but couldn’t restore parity before the break.
The second half was even more intense. Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 49th minute via Gyökeres. Chelsea refused to give in: after coming on, Garnacho scored in the 57th minute to pull his team back into the game. But Arsenal stepped away again with a Subimendi strike in the 71st minute.
Still, the intrigue didn’t fade. Garnacho completed his brace in the 83rd minute to make it 2:3 and briefly lit up Stamford Bridge. Yet Chelsea’s late pressure brought no reward — the visitors held on for the win.
All eyes now turn to the return leg: the second match will be played on 3 February at Arsenal’s ground. Chelsea’s task is clear — show character away from home and keep the dream of the final alive.
Recall that in the first match of the other semi-final pairing, Manchester City beat Newcastle 2:0.
English League Cup. Semi-final (first leg)
Chelsea — Arsenal 2:3
14 January, Stamford Bridge
Goals: Garnacho (57, 83) — White (7), Gyökeres (49), Subimendi (71).
Chelsea — Sanchez, Achimpong (Badiashile, 53), Chalobah, Fofana (Hato, 75), Cucurella (Adarabioyo, 81), Santos, Fernandes, Estevao, Neto, Pedro (Mheuka, 81), Guiu (Garnacho, 53).
Arsenal — Arrizabalaga, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber, White, Rice (Havertz, 82), Subimendi, Odegaard (Merino, 68), Saka, Trossard (Martinelli, 68), Gyökeres (Jesus, 82).
Bookings: Estevao (42), Trossard (42), Cucurella (44), Badiashile (65), Arrizabalaga (76), Merino (78), Neto (90).
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