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• Player Ratings: Saliba 9, leads a professional display as Arsenal beat Chelsea to reach Wembley

  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.

• Player Ratings: Defenders star but Liam Delap leads 4/10s as Chelsea exit Carabao Cup after loss at Arsenal

  Arsenal progressed to the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 second-leg victory at the Emirates, eliminating Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea 4-2 on aggregate.

  ​Liam Rosenior’s quest for his first piece of silverware as Chelsea boss ended in disappointment as the Blues fell to a narrow defeat in North London.

  Despite an experimental tactical setup that initially stifled the Gunners, Chelsea struggled to generate meaningful offense.

  The tie was effectively ended late on when former Blue Kai Havertz struck on the break, ensuring Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United in the final.

  ​Robert Sanchez (6): The Spaniard produced a sharp save in the 18th minute to keep out a long-range effort from Piero Hincapie. He had a relatively quiet evening otherwise and was left exposed for the winning goal.

  ​Malo Gusto (5): While he executed a vital sliding challenge to stop Gabriel Martinelli in the first half, his offensive contributions lacked quality. A yellow card for simulation capped off a frustrating night for the full-back.

  ​Wesley Fofana (6): Utilizing his recovery speed in a hybrid defensive role, Fofana looked comfortable covering the right flank. He nearly snatched an equalizer late on but sent his header wide of the target.

  ​Trevoh Chalobah (6): The academy graduate was solid in the air and managed the physical threat of Viktor Gyokeres effectively. He provided a steady presence in the heart of the Chelsea defense throughout the match.

  ​Jorrel Hato (6): Positioned on the left side of a defensive trio, Hato was industrious and made several key interceptions. He was replaced at the hour mark as Chelsea shifted to a more attacking shape.

  ​Marc Cucurella (8): The standout performer for the visitors, Cucurella dominated his individual duel with Noni Madueke. His heroic block in the 77th minute prevented a certain goal from Gabriel Magalhaes.

  ​Andrey Santos (6): The young midfielder showed composure on the ball and intercepted several Arsenal passes during the first period. He was tactically sacrificed in the second half for more attacking impetus.

  ​Moises Caicedo (7): One of the few Chelsea players to display creative vision, Caicedo nearly unlocked the Arsenal defense with a clever through ball. He remained a consistent engine in the middle of the park.

  ​Enzo Fernandez (5): The Argentine struggled to dictate the tempo of the game and found himself marginalized for long stretches. His attempts from distance failed to trouble the Arsenal goalkeeper.

  ​Joao Pedro (5): Despite coming into the game in high spirits, the Brazilian found himself isolated. He worked hard to hold up play but never received the service necessary to test the defense.

  ​Liam Delap (4): Tasked with a wider role than usual, Delap failed to make an impact. He missed an early opportunity and was largely anonymous before being substituted early in the second half.

  Substitutes 

  ​Estevao Willian (6): Returning to the squad, the youngster showed flashes of his technical ability on the left wing. However, he was unable to produce the decisive moment Chelsea desperately required.

  ​Cole Palmer (5): Introduced as a second-half savior, the talismanic playmaker was kept quiet by a disciplined Arsenal setup. He struggled to find the pockets of space where he usually thrives.

  ​Alejandro Garnacho (N/A): Brought on late in the proceedings, the winger didn’t have sufficient time to influence the outcome of the semi-final.

• Mamadou Sarr returns to Chelsea from Strasbourg loan

  Chelsea have officially recalled 20-year-old defender Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg following his successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Senegal.

  Mamadou Sarr has returned to Chelsea following a productive loan spell with Strasbourg. The 20-year-old, who signed for the Blues in June, made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 and the Conference League.

  Sarr previously debuted for Chelsea during their successful Club World Cup campaign against ES Tunis, solidifying his status as a rising prospect within the first-team setup before his move to France.

  The defender returns to London as a continental champion after earning his first Senegal caps in November.

  Sarr featured throughout the Africa Cup of Nations, ultimately starting the final where Senegal secured a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco.

  After proving his mettle on the international stage and gaining consistent European experience, the versatile youngster now rejoins Enzo Maresca’s squad for the season’s remainder.

• Liam Rosenior delivers latest Chelsea injury updates ahead of Arsenal

  Liam Rosenior has confirmed Jamie Gittens is an injury doubt and Estevao Willian remains on compassionate leave as Chelsea prepare to face Arsenal in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

  Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has revealed uncertainty surrounding his squad for the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.

  Winger Jamie Gittens is a major doubt after suffering a hamstring injury during the weekend’s win over West Ham.

  “Jamie unfortunately felt his hamstring, I don’t know the extent of the injury,” Rosenior admitted, expressing disappointment for the youngster following his early withdrawal at Stamford Bridge.

  The Blues are also monitoring Estevao Willian, who remains on compassionate leave for personal reasons.

  Rosenior emphasized a patient approach for the Brazilian teenager: “I won’t put any pressure on him. It has to be right for him.”

  Meanwhile, goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is nearing a return to fitness. Chelsea must overturn a 3-2 aggregate deficit tomorrow evening at the Emirates to secure a Wembley final.

• Chelsea have recalled Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg loan with Anselmino heading the opposite way

  Chelsea have cut Mamadou Sarr’s Strasbourg loan short to bring him into the first team on Deadline Day, replacing him in France with Aaron Anselmino.

  Chelsea have officially recalled Mamadou Sarr from his loan at Strasbourg to bolster Liam Rosenior’s defensive options immediately.

  The 20-year-old Senegal international, who recently captained Strasbourg and won the Africa Cup of Nations, arrived in London on Monday to finalize his integration.

  This tactical shift follows the Blues’ decision to accelerate Sarr’s development after missing out on other primary winter targets.

  To facilitate the move, Chelsea redirected Aaron Anselmino to Strasbourg as Sarr’s replacement for the remainder of the season.

  The reshuffle comes as Liverpool reportedly secured a pre-agreement for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, a long-term Chelsea target.

  Reflecting on his future before the recall, Sarr stated: “Absolutely (I want to play for Chelsea next season). I want to make a good season with Strasbourg, then join the Chelsea group in June.”