Arsenal survive two Alejandro Garnacho wahala dem throw come, come win 3-2 against spirited Chelsea for the first leg of EFL Cup semi-final for Stamford Bridge.
Gunners welcome Leandro Trossard and William Saliba back, while Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior complain say Cole Palmer, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo and Liam Delap no dey for him thin squad.
Arteta boys sharply take advantage as Ben White head the first goal from Declan Rice corner just 7 minutes into the game, na him first goal since him brace against Chelsea for April 2024.
Then right-back White assist Viktor Gyokeres to score second early second half, thanks to Robert Sanchez mistake. Chelsea still cut the lead to one through Alejandro Garnacho just before 60th minute.
Martin Zubimendi restore Arsenal two-goal advantage inside last 20 minutes, but Garnacho show him class again reduce to 2-3, make last 10 minutes nerve-wracking.
Still, Arsenal hold tight, break Arteta semi-final curse, win last-four game for first time as Gunners coach.
TPB Verdict
Arsenal last minutes stress no suppose too much, but dem don get priceless first-leg semi-final away win. Dem suppose be favourites from start, but as e be usual, dem no make am easy for themselves.
Chelsea Garnacho comeback show difference between first-choice Arsenal backline and backup, but Arsenal remain strong when dem score first, dem don win all 23 games this season after scoring first.
Rosenior Chelsea dem too easy for Arsenal to cut open sometimes, second leg for Emirates go almost certainly tough for Blues to turn. Still, Chelsea second-half fightback with missing key players give hope for future.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Highlights
Ben White goal vs Chelsea (7th min, Chelsea 0-1 Arsenal)
Rice send perfect corner, White nod ball into ground and net after Sanchez waka wrong. Gyokeres dey offside but VAR clear am.
Viktor Gyokeres goal vs Chelsea (49th min, Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal)
Saka run behind Chelsea defence, pass reach White, White send low ball inside six-yard box. Sanchez fumble, Gyokeres quick to smash empty net.
Alejandro Garnacho goal vs Arsenal (57th min, Chelsea 1-2 Arsenal)
Chelsea quick break, Neto cross, White clash with Fernandez, Garnacho alone back post, lash low shot make Blues back in game.
Martin Zubimendi goal vs Chelsea (71st min, Chelsea 1-3 Arsenal)
Saka poke pass inside to Merino, Merino find Gyokeres, Gyokeres flick to Zubimendi, Zubimendi fool Fofana, left-foot finish inside net.
Alejandro Garnacho goal vs Arsenal (83rd min, Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal)
Deja vu, Chelsea get second lifeline. Kepa fail punch corner, ball deflect Gabriel back, Garnacho half-volley score second.
Man of the Match – Alejandro Garnacho
White, Gyokeres and Zubimendi do well, but Garnacho brace off bench make difference. Him complete three successful dribbles and send message to Rosenior.
Chelsea vs Arsenal Match Stats
Possession: Chelsea 58%-42% Arsenal
Shots: Chelsea 10-17 Arsenal
Shots on Target: Chelsea 5-6 Arsenal
Corners: Chelsea 6-9 Arsenal
Fouls: Chelsea 12-14 Arsenal
Wetyn Next?
Everything still dey for play for semi-final tie, second leg go happen for Emirates on February 3. Before that, Arsenal dey go Nottingham Forest for Saturday Premier League match, Chelsea go host Brentford same day.