Arsenal Edges Chelsea in Thrilling EFL Cup Semi-Final First Leg

In a thrilling EFL Cup semi-final first leg, Arsenal edged out Chelsea with a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge. Key moments included goalkeeper Robert Sánchez's errors and Alejandro Garnacho's impactful performance for Chelsea. Arsenal's strength in set pieces was evident, with Ben White scoring the opener. Despite the loss, Chelsea's resilience kept the tie alive, setting the stage for an exciting second leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the final, making the upcoming match a must-watch.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 15, 2026, 10:09 IST

Match Overview

In a gripping EFL Cup semi-final first leg, Arsenal secured a 3-2 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Despite Chelsea's efforts, highlighted by Garnacho's contributions, mistakes from the goalkeeper and Arsenal's proficiency in set pieces proved pivotal in the match. The tie remains competitive as both teams prepare for the return leg.

Goalkeeping Errors Impact Chelsea

Robert Sánchez had a challenging evening, starting with a misjudged corner that allowed Ben White to score Arsenal's first goal. His struggles continued when he failed to handle a cross, leading to Viktor Gyökeres tapping in Arsenal's second goal. These blunders shifted the momentum in favor of Arsenal during this crucial semi-final.

Garnacho's Impact

Substituted in the second half, Alejandro Garnacho made an immediate impact, scoring two goals that brought Chelsea back into contention. His quick movements and finishing skills kept Chelsea within reach of Arsenal, ensuring the match remained competitive despite the loss.

Arsenal's Set-Piece Strength

Arsenal's first goal exemplified their ongoing dominance in set-piece situations. Ben White's header from a corner showcased their ability to capitalize on dead-ball opportunities, a crucial aspect of Mikel Arteta's tactical approach.

Chelsea's Resilience

Despite the defeat, Chelsea demonstrated determination in the second half, narrowing the score to 3-2. This performance keeps the semi-final alive, with the second leg set to take place at the Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2026, where both teams will vie for a spot in the final.

Gyökeres' Key Role

Viktor Gyökeres played a crucial role in Arsenal's victory, scoring the second goal and assisting Martín Zubimendi for the third. His blend of finishing ability and creativity was instrumental in securing the win, highlighting his significance in high-stakes matches.