Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup final for the first time in eight years after substitute Kai Havertz scored a dramatic late winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in Tuesday’s semi-final second leg.

Having taken control of the tie with a strong first-leg performance, Mikel Arteta’s side completed a 4-2 aggregate triumph at the Emirates Stadium, with Havertz striking in stoppage time to seal progression.

The win marked a cathartic moment for the Gunners, who had been eliminated in their previous four semi-final appearances across major competitions, including the Champions League, Europa League, and EFL Cup.

Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final at Wembley on 22 March, with City holding a 2-0 advantage ahead of the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

It will be Arsenal’s first cup final in six years, and they will be hoping to end their long wait for EFL Cup glory, having last lifted the trophy in 1993. Success would also represent Arteta’s first silverware since winning the FA Cup in 2020.

Reflecting on the victory, Arteta praised his team’s resilience and mentality.

“We knew it was going to be a real battle,” he said. “The resilience and clarity to understand what kind of game we had to play were excellent. The atmosphere inside the stadium was special, and it makes such a difference. We’ve waited years to be in this position, and we’re going to enjoy it.”

The result capped another strong campaign for Arsenal, who sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and advanced to the Champions League last 16 after winning all eight group matches.

Despite their success, critics have questioned Arsenal’s reliance on set-piece goals. Arteta recently defended his side’s style of play, insisting many observers consider them among the most exciting teams in Europe. While Tuesday’s gritty performance may not have silenced doubters, the manager was focused solely on reaching Wembley.

Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior, who had won six of his first seven matches in charge, suffered only his second defeat since taking over — both coming against Arsenal.

“Over both legs, Arsenal knew they were in a game,” Rosenior said. “We dominated certain areas in the second half, but we lacked that decisive moment. It’s painful to lose, but I’m seeing improvement.”

Hard-Fought Semi-Final

Arsenal were without captain Martin Ødegaard, sidelined by injury, and winger Bukayo Saka, who was ruled out during the pre-match warm-up. Despite those absences, they managed to grind out the result.

Chelsea’s switch to a back three disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm in a scrappy, rain-soaked first half. Piero Hincapié forced a save from Robert Sánchez, while Malo Gusto recovered well to deny Gabriel Martinelli after a defensive lapse.

The visitors registered their first shot on target shortly before half-time, when Enzo Fernández’s long-range effort was saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Rosenior introduced Cole Palmer and Estêvão Willian after the hour mark in search of a breakthrough, abandoning his defensive setup. Estêvão quickly created a chance for Fernández, but Chelsea’s attacking threat soon faded.

As the Blues pushed forward in stoppage time, Arsenal struck decisively on the counter. Declan Rice released Havertz, who rounded Sánchez and calmly slotted into an empty net to deliver the knockout blow.

The goal sent Arsenal through to Wembley and kept alive their hopes of adding another trophy to what is shaping up to be a memorable season.