Arsenal punish Chelsea errors to claim first-leg advantage | OneFootball

Arsenal will take a slim lead back to the Emirates after coming out on top in an entertaining 3-2 win over Chelsea in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors made the brighter start and were ahead inside seven minutes when Ben White was left free to nod in Declan Rice’s corner at the near post.

The Blues struggled to find any rhythm early on and were punished again just after the break, Viktor Gyökeres reacting quickest after a low ball across the box slipped through Robert Sánchez’s hands.

That second goal finally sparked Chelsea into life. Alejandro Garnacho made an immediate impact, driving forward before firing past Kepa Arrizabalaga to pull one back and shift the momentum.

The home side barely had time to build on it, though, as the Gunners struck again through Martin Zubimendi, who created space on the edge of the area and calmly picked out the corner.

Liam Rosenior's side refused to fold and Garnacho kept them in the tie with a second goal late on, volleying home after Arsenal failed to properly clear their lines.

The final minutes were tense, but Mikel Arteta's  managed the closing stages well to see out the win.

The tie remains finely poised, with Chelsea knowing a response is needed in north London next month, while Arsenal will feel they have done just enough to put themselves in control heading into the second leg.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Arsenal takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Chelsea. Ben White scores with a powerful header from just a few yards out after a corner kick.

7':

GOAL Arsenal: Ben White (Arsenal) scores!

Ben White scores goal number 1 in the competition (3 matches) Ben White scores goal number 8 for his team (175 matches)

15':

Missed opportunity! Viktor Gyökeres from Arsenal took a left-footed shot from the middle of the box, but it went wide to the right. He was assisted by Martín Zubimendi.

24':

Missed opportunity. Martín Zubimendi of Arsenal took a right-footed shot from the center of the box after a set piece, but it went wide.

28':

Missed opportunity. João Pedro from Chelsea took a right-footed shot from the middle of the penalty area.

34':

Missed opportunity! Leandro Trossard from Arsenal took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed high and to the left of the goal. He was set up by Declan Rice.

40':

Missed opportunity. Viktor Gyökeres of Arsenal directed a header from the center of the penalty area after a corner kick, but it went wide.

Chelsea 0, Arsenal 2. Viktor Gyökeres finds the net for Arsenal with a right-footed strike from just a few yards out, sending the ball into the bottom left corner.

49':

GOAL Arsenal: Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal) scores!

Viktor Gyökeres scores goal number 1 in the competition (2 matches) Viktor Gyökeres scores goal number 9 for his team (26 matches)

Chelsea 1, Arsenal 2. Alejandro Garnacho scores for Chelsea with a right-footed shot from the left side of the six-yard box, placing the ball into the bottom left corner. The assist came from Pedro Neto, who delivered a precise cross.

57':

GOAL Chelsea: Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea) scores!

Alejandro Garnacho scores goal number 3 in the competition (3 matches) Alejandro Garnacho scores goal number 7 for his team (23 matches)

59':

Missed opportunity! Martin Ødegaard from Arsenal took a left-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went wide to the left after a corner kick.

67':

Missed opportunity! Declan Rice of Arsenal took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area following a direct free kick, but it didn't hit the target.

Chelsea 1, Arsenal 3. Martín Zubimendi scores for Arsenal with a left-footed strike from the center of the box, finding the bottom left corner of the net. The assist came from Viktor Gyökeres.

71':

GOAL Arsenal: Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal) scores!

Martin Zubimendi scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

77':

Missed opportunity! Gabriel Magalhães of Arsenal heads the ball from just a few yards out, but it sails over the bar. The chance came after a corner, with Declan Rice providing the cross.

Chelsea 2, Arsenal 3. Alejandro Garnacho scores for Chelsea with a right-footed strike from the center of the box after a corner kick.