Arsenal stun Chelsea in dramatic League Cup semi-final opener

Arsenal spoiled Chelsea’s new manager Liam Rosenior’s home debut with a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the League Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, edging closer to a Wembley final appearance.

Rosenior, who enjoyed a dream start last weekend with a 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of second-tier Charlton, faced a stark reality check against the Gunners. 

Arsenal’s dominance in set-pieces proved decisive early on, as they struck in the seventh minute. Declan Rice’s curling corner evaded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s grasp, allowing the unmarked Ben White to nod home a downward header into an empty net.

This marked White’s first goal since 2024, ironically against Chelsea, and Arsenal’s 24th set-piece strike across all competitions this season, including 18 from corners, the highest tally among Europe’s top five leagues. 

Chelsea mounted a response, with Kepa Arrizabalaga denying efforts from Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian to keep the visitors ahead.

The Gunners doubled their advantage just after halftime in the 49th minute, capitalizing on another Sanchez blunder. 

White’s low cross squirmed through the keeper’s hands, leaving Viktor Gyokeres with a simple tap-in for his first open-play goal in 16 matches. 

The Swedish forward, who joined from Sporting Lisbon last year, has endured criticism after netting only eight times in 26 outings, making this a timely redemption.

Rosenior reacted by introducing Alejandro Garnacho for Marc Guiu, and the substitute made an instant impact.

In the 57th minute, Garnacho fired home from close range after Arsenal’s defense failed to clear a dangerous ball.

Martin Zubimendi restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion in the 71st minute, collecting Gyokeres’ lay-off and slotting a precise finish from 10 yards out. 

However, Garnacho pulled Chelsea back into contention late on, drilling a shot past Kepa from a partially cleared corner in the 83rd minute.

Arsenal head into the return leg at the Emirates on February 3 as strong favorites to advance to the March final. In the other semi-final, Manchester City secured a 2-0 win at Newcastle on Tuesday.

The Gunners remain unbeaten in their last 10 games across all competitions, chasing their first silverware since the 2020 FA Cup triumph. 

This pulsating encounter sets up an intriguing second leg, with Chelsea needing a comeback to salvage Rosenior’s early tenure.