Liam Rosenior: “We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn’t find that quality moment.

Arsenal know they were in for a game today, over both ties. I think there are clear improvements from the first leg to the second. Yes, it’s painful to lose – you want to go through. We just need to keep making improvements – which I’m seeing.”

Jurrien Timber: “Chelsea are a great team. They have some amazing players. Bringing Palmer and Estevao on, they also have amazing players coming off the bench. When you win over two legs twice, I think you have done an amazing job, so credit to the team.”

Arsenal clinched their place in the League Cup final after a dramatic 1-0 second-leg win over Chelsea, with William Saliba anchoring a resolute defense and Kai Havertz providing the late heroics.

​Mikel Arteta’s side booked their first major cup final appearance at Wembley since 2020 by maintaining their composure against a tactically shifting Chelsea side.

After a cagey first half, the Gunners weathered increased pressure in the second period before striking on the counter-attack in the final moments.

The aggregate 4-2 victory ensures North London will be represented in next month’s showdown against either Manchester City or Newcastle United.

​Kepa Arrizabalaga (7): The goalkeeper enjoyed a relatively serene evening against his former club. His most notable contribution was a confident save from an Enzo Fernandez long-range effort, which proved to be the only time he was truly tested throughout the match.

​Jurrien Timber (8): A standout performer in the backline, Timber was essential in neutralizing Chelsea’s counter-attacking threats. He showed great defensive discipline, particularly after the introduction of Estevao, and was instrumental in keeping the Blues’ left wing quiet.

​William Saliba (9): The heart of the Arsenal defense, Saliba was virtually flawless. His ability to remain calm under the pressure of the Chelsea press provided the foundation for the clean sheet, delivering the kind of elite performance that defines championship-caliber teams.

​Gabriel (8): The Brazilian was a dominant physical presence, though he might regret not finding the net himself. He had several headed opportunities across both halves that lacked the final touch but remained a bedrock of stability alongside Saliba.

​Piero Hincapie (8): In what was arguably his finest showing since joining the club, the left-back was a dual threat. His powerful strike forced a save that led to a goalmouth scramble, and his defensive positioning was impeccable against a rotating Chelsea attack.

​Martin Zubimendi (8): Functioning as the team’s heartbeat, the Spaniard controlled the game’s rhythm with ease. He was metronomic in possession and vital in disrupting Chelsea’s attempts to build momentum through the center of the pitch.

​Declan Rice (8): Despite a rare lapse in concentration with a wayward pass early on, Rice grew into the game’s protagonist. His energy galvanized the home crowd, and he ultimately provided the crucial assist for Havertz’s late winner.

​Eberechi Eze (6): It was a quiet night for the playmaker, who struggled to find his usual influence. He missed a decent opportunity when the ball fell to him in the area and was largely overshadowed by the game’s defensive intensity.

​Noni Madueke (6): Engaged in a grueling physical battle with Marc Cucurella, Madueke showed flashes of danger but lacked the clinical edge required to break the deadlock. He was withdrawn in the second half as Arteta sought fresh legs.

​Viktor Gyokeres (5): The striker found chances hard to come by against Chelsea’s three-man defense. While he worked hard to create space and provide crosses early in the second half, he was unable to register a meaningful shot on target.

​Gabriel Martinelli (7): The winger looked the most likely to score in the opening stages, seeing a goal-bound effort blocked by Malo Gusto. His persistent running behind the defense kept Chelsea on edge until the very end.

Substitutes

​Kai Havertz (7): Coming off the bench to haunt his former employers, Havertz showed composure when it mattered most. His late goal, rounding Robert Sanchez to finish into an empty net, sparked wild celebrations and secured the trip to Wembley.

​Leandro Trossard (6): Introduced to offer tactical flexibility, Trossard helped manage the closing stages of the game. His intelligent movement and defensive work rate ensured Arsenal maintained their lead until the final whistle.

❗️Graphical representation of the lineup to face Albacete. pic.twitter.com/vardFujPfJ

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) February 3, 2026

🚨🚨🎙️| Alejandro Garnacho on facing Arsenal tonight at the Emirates:

"Everyone knows how hard it is to play there.

But now I think the view is a little bit different. If, for example, Manchester United can beat them there, we can do it perfectly." pic.twitter.com/MVhDoEqgch

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 3, 2026

Pep Guardiola has hit back at claims that Manchester City buy their success, citing a “seventh-place” net spend ranking to pressure higher-spending rivals into winning major trophies.

Pep Guardiola has launched a defiant defense of Manchester City’s recent success, pointing to data that shows six Premier League rivals have outspent them over the last five years.

Despite high-profile signings like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guéhi this winter, the Catalan manager insisted his side’s “seventh-placed” net spend ranking places the burden of success on other clubs.

Guardiola humorously claimed to be “grumpy” with his board for not spending more.

The City boss challenged his rivals to match his team’s trophy haul, arguing that financial investment must translate into silverware.

He stated: “I want to be 1st! I don’t understand how the club don’t spend more money. So I’m a little bit more grumpy with them!”

He concluded by highlighting the pressure on high spenders: “Good luck to the six teams in front of us in net spend – I’m waiting…”

Newcastle United’s hopes of a Carabao Cup comeback have been dented by a worsening injury crisis, with Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley officially ruled out of the semi-final against Manchester City.

Newcastle United face a daunting Carabao Cup semi-final trip to Manchester City without several key stars.

Manager Eddie Howe confirmed that Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Miley will miss the second leg, joining Tino Livramento, Joelinton, Fabian Schar, and Emil Krafth on the sidelines.

The Magpies must overturn a 2-0 deficit to keep their hopes of a third final in four seasons alive.

While Sven Botman has been cleared to play, the loss of Guimaraes is a significant blow to Newcastle’s midfield.

Howe expressed cautious optimism for the near future but ruled the Brazilian out for Wednesday’s fixture.

Discussing the squad’s fitness, Howe stated: “Bruno’s doing well. Don’t think he’ll make this game, but there’s a chance for the weekend.” Botman’s return provides the only major boost.

Marcus Rashford has snubbed a potential return to Manchester United in favor of a permanent move to Barcelona, expressing full confidence in Hansi Flick’s project over the “searching” direction of his parent club.

Marcus Rashford has reportedly closed the door on a return to Manchester United, citing a lack of faith in the club’s current sporting direction.

Currently on loan at FC Barcelona, the England international is determined to make his stay in Spain permanent.

Despite interest from interim United boss Michael Carrick, Rashford remains unconvinced by the “uncertainty surrounding United’s long-term vision” compared to his current environment.

The 28-year-old forward believes his ambitions for major honors are best served under Hansi Flick.

Rashford has thrived in La Liga, tallying 10 goals and 12 assists this season while embracing the German manager’s tactical setup.

Emphasizing his commitment to the Catalan giants, Rashford stated: “What I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal… Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles.”

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly entered a “strike” at Al Nassr, refusing to play while key officials Jorge Jesus, Simão Coutinho, and Jose Semedo face potential exits amid allegations of institutional favoritism toward Al Hilal.

A leadership exodus looms at Al Nassr as head coach Jorge Jesus, sporting director Simão Coutinho, and CEO Jose Semedo reportedly consider resigning.

The turmoil stems from claims that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is actively undermining the club’s board while granting Al Hilal unfair advantages in the transfer market.

This internal power struggle has left the Riyadh-based club in a state of administrative paralysis.

Cristiano Ronaldo has escalated the crisis by refusing to take the pitch, signaling a personal protest against the perceived “internal sabotage” of his team.

While maintaining total silence, the captain’s absence delivers a blunt ultimatum to the PIF.

Ronaldo’s message is loud and clear: he will not play until the board’s authority is restored and the governing fund resolves the systemic favoritism favoring rival clubs.