Arsenal Edge First-Leg Thriller Despite Garnacho Brace

Arsenal demonstrated their trademark remorselessness and physical superiority at Stamford Bridge, securing a vital 3–2 advantage in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. While a spirited cameo from Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho—who struck twice late on—kept the tie mathematically alive, the evening belonged to Mikel Arteta’s men. Were it not for the Argentine’s clinical intervention, the contest might well have been declared over before the return leg at the Emirates.

Dominance through Set-Piece Superiority

Under Liam Rosenior, presiding over his first home game as Chelsea manager, the Blues struggled to cope with Arsenal’s aggression. The opening goal arrived with an air of inevitability. Ben White converted from a pinpoint Declan Rice corner, marking Arsenal’s 24th set-piece goal of the campaign. The strike exposed the ongoing fragility of Robert Sánchez, the Chelsea goalkeeper, who appeared hindered by his own defenders as he failed to command his six-yard box.

Sánchez’s night went from difficult to disastrous early in the second half. When Bukayo Saka released White on the overlap, the resulting low cross seemed a simple collection for any Premier League stopper. However, a bizarre handling error from Sánchez allowed Viktor Gyökeres to tap into an empty net, a gift the Swedish striker accepted with glee.

Financial and Administrative Discontent

As Arsenal toyed with their opponents, the atmosphere in the stands turned toxic. Chants against Chelsea’s ownership echoed around the Bridge, with co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali the primary target. The supporters’ frustration with the "youth-first" project and the current trading model was palpable, with nostalgic songs for former owner Roman Abramovich punctuating the air.

Garnacho’s Impact Amidst the Steel

Despite the gloom, Alejandro Garnacho provided a scintillating spark for the hosts. Introduced for the ineffective Marc Guiu, the substitute first pounced on a Pedro Neto cross to lash a finish past Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal responded almost immediately through Martín Zubimendi, who displayed "ice-cold" composure to fake out Wesley Fofana before sweeping home Arsenal’s third.

Garnacho’s second, a well-taken first-time shot following a half-cleared corner, gave the scoreline an unexpected gloss. While it offers Chelsea a glimmer of hope, Arsenal remain firmly in control. Arteta, often stung by semi-final exits in the past, looks poised to lead his side to the final as they chase their first piece of silverware since 2020.