Arsenal took a strong lead in their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday. The first leg was played at Emirates Stadium in London. Arsenal scored three times to build an advantage ahead of the second leg.
The opening goal came in the 8th minute. Gabriel Jesus finished from close range after receiving a pass in the box. The goal put Arsenal ahead early. Arsenal continued to press forward throughout the first half.
Chelsea equalised in the 15th minute. Cole Palmer scored with a low shot from inside the penalty area. The score became 1-1 soon after Arsenal’s opening goal. Palmer’s strike came after a team move down the right flank.
Arsenal regained the lead before halftime. Bukayo Saka scored in the 40th minute. He fired a shot from outside the box that beat Chelsea’s keeper. The goal made it 2-1 going into the break.
Arsenal added a third goal early in the second half. Gabriel Martinelli scored in the 53rd minute. He finished from inside the area after a cutback from the left. The score became 3-1.
Chelsea made substitutions as the match progressed. Manager Mauricio Pochettino introduced attacking players to chase goals. The changes increased Chelsea’s pressure but did not produce another goal.
Arsenal also made tactical changes to maintain their lead. Manager Mikel Arteta brought on defenders and midfielders to protect the advantage. Arsenal’s keeper made key saves late in the match to deny scoring chances.
Chelsea’s keeper also prevented further goals with several stops. Both teams attempted shots from distance and inside the box. The first leg ended with Arsenal holding a two-goal advantage.
The result gives Arsenal the upper hand ahead of the second leg. The return match will take place at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea must overcome the deficit to reach the final.
Arsenal’s goals came from a mix of playmaking and finishing. Jesus and Saka scored in open play, while Martinelli added the third. Palmer’s goal provided Chelsea’s only score.
Officials confirmed the final score as 3-1 to Arsenal. The referee issued several yellow cards during the game. There were no red cards shown in the match.
Arsenal aims to use the advantage in the second leg. Chelsea will prepare for the return fixture with adjustments to their lineup. The two teams compete for a place in the League Cup final later in the season.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/advantage-arsenal-league-cup-sem-final-after-win-chelsea-2026-01-14/
