Arsenal beats Chelsea to reach Carabao Cup final
Kai Havertz scored against his former club as Arsenal clinched advanced the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 home win over Chelsea, sealing a 4-2 aggregate success.
Both teams struggled in attack throughout the semi-final second leg, with the lack of goalmouth action on offer a far cry from Arsenal's 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge 13 days ago.
Liam Rosenior set his Chelsea team up to keep things tight, though the Blues just left it too late to get on the front foot, and they were caught cold by Havertz in the 97th minute, ensuring Arsenal will face Manchester City or Newcastle United for the trophy at Wembley.
After Wesley Fofana was arguably fortunate not to be penalised from an early Arsenal corner, Piero Hincapie saw a rasping, left-footed strike beaten away by Robert Sanchez.
The next opening of a low-key first half saw Malo Gusto make a heroic block to deny Gabriel Martinelli, though Kepa Arrizabalaga had to stay alert to push Enzo Fernandez's curler away at the other end.
Arsenal did not attempt a single shot between the 35th and 77th minutes, with groans of frustration heard among the home fans as Chelsea grew in confidence.
However, the visitor was unable to carve out a clear-cut chance to force extra time, with Marc Cucurella and Fernandez – twice – firing off-target from range.
With Chelsea only leaving one defender back deep into stoppage time, Havertz took in Declan Rice's pass on the counter, rounded Sanchez, and tapped home to settle matters.
