Arsenal take narrow advantage as Chelsea fight back in semi final first leg | OneFootball

Chelsea clinging on as Arsenal take Carabao Cup initiative

A Carabao Cup semi-final first leg often carries the feeling of incompleteness, a story paused rather than finished. At Stamford Bridge, that sense lingered long after the final whistle. Arsenal left with a 3-2 advantage, Chelsea with enough belief to imagine a different ending, and both clubs aware that control of the tie is still up for debate.

For Chelsea, the evening felt shaped by moments rather than momentum. Arsenal were sharper early, punishing uncertainty and turning set-pieces into leverage. Yet Chelsea refused to retreat, finding a lifeline through Alejandro Garnacho and carrying it into a second leg that now feels alive rather than academic.

Goalkeeping moments define early narrative

The opening goal arrived in the seventh minute and set the tone. Robert Sanchez misjudged Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to head in from close range. It was Arsenal’s 18th goal from a corner this season, a detail that speaks to rehearsal and ruthlessness.

Chelsea steadied themselves after that, matching Arsenal across midfield and creating chances of their own. Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian both tested Arsenal’s resolve, while at the other end Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and William Saliba were wasteful with half chances.

Shortly after half time, the tie tilted again. Sanchez allowed a cross to slip through his hands, gifting Gyokeres a simple finish for 2-0. It felt decisive in the moment, but Chelsea refused to accept the script.

Garnacho shifts momentum for Chelsea

Introduced by new head coach Liam Rosenior, Garnacho altered the rhythm immediately. Twelve minutes into the second half he guided Pedro Neto’s cross into the net, a goal built on pressing and intent rather than structure.

Arsenal responded with quality. Zubimendi skipped past Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana before finishing from just inside the box, restoring the two goal cushion. Yet Chelsea still had a reply. Garnacho volleyed in his second after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clearance dropped kindly, cutting the deficit to one and reigniting the contest.

Estevao went close again late on, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino threatened at the other end. The sense was of a game stretched by ambition rather than settled by control.

Arsenal depth underlines growing maturity

Mikel Arteta’s ability to rotate and still impose himself felt significant. Eight changes from the FA Cup win at Portsmouth did not dilute Arsenal’s authority, particularly from set-pieces. Their 24th set-piece goal in all competitions underlined a defining strength.

Gyokeres, who also assisted Zubimendi, offered a reminder of his value, while Arsenal extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches.

Chelsea, who have won only three of their last 13 games, now head to the Emirates on 3 February needing a response. With issues beyond Rosenior’s control still swirling, belief may be their most valuable asset.