LONDON — The Arsenal team is on the brink of overcoming its semifinal jinx, with the possibility of significant implications for their season ahead.
The Gunners are strong contenders to reach the Carabao Cup final after securing a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of their semifinal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal has shown steady development over the last six years, yet the final hurdle remains: consistently clinching trophies and converting their perceived squad superiority into results when it truly counts.
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Previously, reaching the semifinal stage had proven to be a daunting challenge for Arteta’s side. They entered four semifinal ties, losing all six matches and scoring a mere two goals. In last year’s competition, Newcastle United dominated Arsenal with a 4-0 aggregate win, reigniting concerns about their trophy-winning potential.
Their FA Cup triumph in 2020 now feels like a distant past, making the current semifinal matchup feel especially crucial.
“It’s another step, but it’s just halftime,” Arteta remarked.
“We understand the tough contest we will face at the Emirates in a few weeks as they are a quality side.
“In just 20 minutes, I’ll shift my focus to preparing for Forest, ensuring everyone recovers well. That’s our usual routine. I’m pleased with tonight’s performance but now we must concentrate on the next challenge.”
“[This is] excellent for our momentum, especially given how difficult it is to play here. The quality they possess is astonishing, capable of breaking through defenses in an instant. That’s why I truly appreciate what our team accomplished tonight.”
Arsenal reinforced their dominance over Chelsea, who managed to hold their own despite being reduced to 10 players for nearly an hour during their Premier League encounter in late November.
Under a new head coach, Liam Rosenior, who has taken over from Enzo Maresca, Chelsea continues to face challenges, marking him as the seventh consecutive manager to fail to secure a victory in their first home game.
Previously, Arsenal had not lost to Chelsea since 2021, a streak that now extends to nine matches. However, substitute Alejandro Garnacho managed to score twice in the second half, providing a glimmer of hope for an unlikely comeback.
From the outset, Arsenal took control of the match when Ben White scored a header just seven minutes in, partly due to a mistake by goalkeeper Robert Sánchez.
Sánchez faltered again shortly after the second half began, allowing Viktor Gyökeres to score from close range after failing to handle a cross from White effectively.
Garnacho struck back for Chelsea in the 57th minute with a well-placed shot before Martín Zubimendi scored a stunning goal, weaving through defenders and finishing with finesse. Arteta’s response was a blend of joy and disbelief at the spectacle.
Gyökeres had a standout performance, contributing an assist in addition to his first goal since November 1.
Arsenal hopes that reaching the final will provide the confidence booster necessary to secure victory in the other competitions they are targeting, including leading the Premier League and challenging in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite the challenges, Chelsea continued to press, with Garnacho scoring again from a corner that Arsenal failed to clear, yielding hope for a comeback in the second leg scheduled for February 3. Rosenior can take some encouragement from his team’s resilience, especially given the obstacles he outlined afterward.
“Cole [Palmer] wasn’t ready for the game,” Rosenior clarified.
“With luck, he can train on Friday and be available for Saturday’s game. He had a minor thigh strain, and rushing him back could lead to a six-week setback, which we can’t afford to lose him for. He’s too crucial for us.
“Reece [James] took a nasty knock to his hip and couldn’t play due to the pain. Jamie Gittens was unwell last night, and Liam Delap was unable to play after falling ill just hours before kickoff.
“Moi Caicedo was suspended, and Malo Gusto was also unavailable. Nonetheless, there were many positive aspects from everyone today.”
Rosenior finds himself balancing the authoritative demands of his role while maintaining the humility required as he steps into this position.
“It’s only been six days and two matches for me,” he reflected, referencing a recent 5-1 FA Cup victory against Championship side Charlton Athletic.
“I’m not asking for time, as I believe this team can win now, but it’s essential for me to impose my vision on the team; otherwise, my presence would lack purpose. It’s all about finding that balance, and I hope the fans can see the team’s progress while we aim for victories.”
Advancing and winning—this is the place where Arsenal is striving to remain.