Arsenal Claim Narrow 3-2 Victory Over Chelsea in Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg

Arsenal secured a vital 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on January 14, 2026, at Stamford Bridge. The result gives the Gunners a narrow advantage heading into the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium on February 3.

The match delivered end-to-end entertainment from the opening whistle. Arsenal took the lead in the seventh minute when Ben White rose highest to meet Declan Rice's corner with a powerful header, catching Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez off guard after a defensive mix-up. The visitors doubled their advantage shortly after halftime. Viktor Gyokeres capitalized on another Sanchez error, tapping in from close range following a low cross that the keeper failed to claim cleanly.

Chelsea responded with determination. Substitute Alejandro Garnacho, introduced in the second half, pulled one back in the 57th minute with a calm finish from Pedro Neto's precise delivery. Arsenal restored their two-goal cushion in the 71st minute through Martin Zubimendi, who showed excellent footwork to weave past defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner after a neat layoff from Gyokeres.

The drama reached its peak late in the game. Garnacho struck again in the 83rd minute, volleying home from a poorly cleared corner to set up a tense finale and keep the tie very much alive.