Published: 09:09, February 4, 2026
Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to reach League Cup final
By Reuters
Arsenal's Kai Havertz (center left) and Chelsea's Alejandro Garnacho challenge for the ball during the English League Cup semifinal second leg soccer match between Arsenal and Chelsea in London, Feb 3, 2026. (PHOTO / AP)

LONDON - Arsenal booked their spot in the League Cup final by beating Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday thanks to an injury-time goal by former Blues attacker Kai Havertz, sealing an aggregate 4-2 win over their London rivals.

After a cagey first hour of the semifinal second leg, with each goalkeeper making only one save, Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior switched to a more attacking formation by bringing Cole Palmer and Brazil winger Estevao off the bench.

Chelsea's English midfielder #10 Cole Palmer (right) hits this freekick into the defensive wall during the English League Cup semi final second leg, football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium, in London on Feb 3, 2026. (PHOTO / AFP)

They were followed by Alejandro Garnacho – scorer of both Chelsea’s goals in Arsenal's 3-2 first-leg win at Stamford Bridge – as the visitors went in search of the goal they needed to level the aggregate score.

But Mikel Arteta's men held out against the pressure before Havertz scored the only goal of the game in a breakaway move in the dying seconds.

READ MORE: Arsenal edge Palace on penalties to reach League Cup semis

In their first League Cup final since 2018, the Premier League leaders will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United who play their semifinal second leg on Wednesday with City 2-0 ahead from the first leg.