Arsenal Defeat Chelsea at Home in Carabao Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg

Arsenal claimed a crucial away victory after defeating hosts Chelsea 3–2 on Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final for the 2025–26 season.

Arsenal got off to a fast start as Ben White opened the scoring in the 7th minute. The visitors doubled their lead early in the second half through Viktor Gyökeres in the 49th minute.

Chelsea responded with Alejandro Garnacho, who pulled one back in the 57th minute. However, Martin Zubimendi restored Arsenal’s two-goal advantage with a strike in the 71st minute. 

Garnacho scored again late on, netting Chelsea’s second goal in the 83rd minute, but Arsenal held firm to secure a vital win ahead of the return leg.

The second leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, February 3. The first leg took place on Wednesday, January 14, at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal’s narrow victory puts them in a strong position ahead of the second leg, while Chelsea will need a comeback in north London to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.