Arsenal took a significant step towards breaking their longstanding semifinal challenges by defeating Chelsea 3-2 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semifinal at Stamford Bridge on January 3, 2024. This victory positions the Gunners as strong favorites to reach the final, marking a potential turning point in a season filled with high expectations.
Under the management of Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has made steady progress over the past six years. The team now aims to translate their perceived superiority into tangible successes, particularly in knockout competitions. Historically, Arsenal has struggled in semifinal matches, having lost all six of their previous attempts, with a paltry two goals scored across those fixtures. Last season, they faced a harsh exit after being outclassed 4-0 on aggregate by Newcastle United.
Arteta expressed a mix of satisfaction and caution following the match. “It is another step but it is just halftime,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus as they prepare for the return leg at the Emirates Stadium. “We know the big fight we are going to have… I’m very happy with what we have done tonight,” he added.
The match began with Arsenal asserting their dominance early on. In the seventh minute, Ben White opened the scoring with a header, capitalizing on a mistake from Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez. The second goal came shortly after halftime when Viktor Gyökeres netted after another error from Sánchez, who allowed White’s cross to slip through his fingers.
Despite their struggles, Chelsea found hope when substitute Alejandro Garnacho scored in the 57th minute, finishing sharply inside the near post. This gave the Blues a glimmer of optimism, but Arsenal quickly regained control. An impressive play led to Martín Zubimendi‘s goal, showcasing the team’s attacking prowess.
Arteta’s men have not lost to Chelsea since 2021, a streak that now extends to nine matches. Chelsea’s new head coach, Liam Rosenior, faces pressure to turn around the team’s fortunes. Rosenior acknowledged the challenges he has encountered since taking over, particularly with key players unavailable due to injuries and suspensions.
“We had a lot of positive aspects from the group today,” Rosenior stated, despite the loss. He highlighted the importance of balancing immediate results with longer-term goals, as he aims to establish his influence on the team.
As Arsenal prepares for the crucial second leg on February 3, they hope that this victory will not only boost their confidence but also propel them toward success in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, where they currently lead the table. The journey to end their semifinal curse is far from over, but this match may represent a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s quest for silverware.
