Carabao Cup Semi-Final Wrap: City Win 2-0, Arsenal Edge Chelsea 3-2 | Return Legs Set for Feb 3 & 4

Arsenal have taken a significant step towards Wembley, edging Chelsea 3-2 in a pulsating Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. In a night of high drama, it was Viktor Gyokeres who stole the headlines, finally ending his goal drought to help the Gunners secure a slender aggregate advantage.

Mikel Arteta’s side wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Ben White nodding home a well-worked corner just seven minutes into the contest. The visitors controlled much of the early proceedings, but the real talking point came shortly after the break.

Gyokeres, whose recent lack of goals had become a growing narrative, silenced his critics in the 49th minute. Capitalizing on a spilled cross by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, the Swedish striker pounced to tap home his first goal in open play in over two months. The relief was palpable as he wheeled away in celebration, doubling Arsenal’s lead and seemingly putting the tie out of reach.

However, Chelsea refused to lie down. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho proved to be the game-changer for the Blues, injecting pace and directness that had been sorely missing. The Argentine pulled one back in the 57th minute, only for Martin Zubimendi to restore Arsenal’s two-goal cushion with a clinical finish moments later.

Just when it looked like Arsenal would take a commanding lead back to North London, Garnacho struck again late on, firing through a crowded box to reduce the deficit to 3-2. His brace ensures that the tie remains very much alive heading into the second leg.

While Arsenal will be disappointed not to have killed the game off, they return to the Emirates with the lead and the confidence of a striker who has rediscovered his touch.

Carabao Cup Semi-Final Updates

The road to Wembley continues next month. Here is the state of play for the return fixtures:

• Arsenal vs Chelsea (Second Leg)
  • Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
  • Current Aggregate: Arsenal 3-2 Chelsea
• Manchester City vs Newcastle United (Second Leg)
  • Date: Wednesday, February 4, 2026
  • Current Aggregate: Man City 2-0 Newcastle
  • (Note: City hold a comfortable lead after goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki secured a 2-0 victory at St James’ Park in their first leg.)