Arsenal secured their place in the Carabao Cup final with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the second leg of their semi-final at the Emirates Stadium, completing a 4-2 aggregate triumph and extending their unbeaten head-to-head run against the Blues to 10 matches.

With so much at stake, both sides began nervously. Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was forced into early action after dealing with two underhit backpasses, while Liam Delap narrowly missed the target following a mistake from William Saliba.

The match settled into a tense and cagey rhythm, with physical battles across the pitch. Marc Cucurella was heavily involved, while Piero Hincapié tested Sánchez with a curling effort in the 18th minute that drew an impressive save.

Slippery conditions caused by steady rainfall added to the uncertainty, and Trevoh Chalobah nearly produced a moment of brilliance from long range, only to scuff his attempt wide. Gabriel Martinelli later threatened Chelsea’s defence, but Malo Gusto tracked him well and blocked his effort.

Kepa Arrizabalaga was finally called into action shortly before half-time, producing a strong save to deny Enzo Fernández’s long-range strike.

Chelsea emerged after the break with renewed purpose, searching for the goal that would bring them back into the tie. João Pedro saw a deflected shot go behind, while Eberechi Eze was quick off his line to deny Jorrel Hato.

Manager Liam Rosenior responded by introducing Cole Palmer and Estêvão on the hour, injecting fresh energy into the attack. Soon after, Cucurella and Fernández both tested their luck from distance but failed to hit the target.

Mikel Arteta countered with attacking substitutions of his own in the 69th minute, and Arsenal began to apply more pressure. Their best chance fell to Gabriel Magalhães, whose header from Martín Zubimendi’s cross was blocked brilliantly by Cucurella.

Chelsea continued to push, with Chalobah’s volley deflected wide before Wesley Fofana headed narrowly off target from the resulting corner.

As the match entered stoppage time and Chelsea committed bodies forward, Arsenal struck decisively. Declan Rice surged through midfield and released substitute Kai Havertz, who calmly rounded Sánchez and slotted home the winner in the final moments.

The goal sealed Arsenal’s progression to their first major domestic cup final since lifting the FA Cup in 2020. For Chelsea, defeat extended their wait for a first League Cup triumph since 2015, with the two semi-final losses representing the only defeats of Rosenior’s tenure so far.