Arsenal completed the job and edged past Chelsea to book their place in the League Cup final where they will play either Manchester City (more likely) or Newcastle United for the season’s first piece of silverware.
The game itself was largely forgettable with some corners blaming Arsenal for that, which seems a bit bizarre given that Chelsea were chasing the tie and set up with 5 at the back to stifle Arsenal in the first half. Chances were at a premium and there was nothing of note in the first half, aside from a decent shot from outside the box from Piero Hincapie, with the rebound falling at the feet of Gabriel, who couldn’t bring it under control. At the other end, Enzo Fernandez brought a fairly comfortable safe out of Kepa and that was all either team could muster in a very tactical first half.
Not a great lot changed in the second half, although Chelsea did pick up the pace around the 60 minute mark with the planned introduction of Estevao and Cole Palmer however, it didn’t really change things a great deal. It was Arsenal who actually had the better chances with Marc Curcuella doing well to block a Gabriel header and a fairly decent shout for a penalty turned down, when Trevor Chalobah brought down Gabriel Martinelli with his trailing leg. In the end, it mattered little as Chelsea pushed players forward leaving huge gaps at the back which led to Declan Rice’s deflected switch arriving at the feet of Kai Havertz, who rounded Robert Sanchez to send the Emirates into raptures!
The celebrations soon went up a notch as the final whistle came seconds after the restart and Arsenal’s place at Wembley was finally confirmed. Over the two legs, Arsenal thoroughly deserved to go through and can look forward to having the first crack at breaking that trophy drought on the 22nd March at Wembley. Here’s how the players rated:
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
A nice save from Fernandez, but that aside, he had very little to do. Flapped at one corner and generally didn’t fill me with as much confidence as David Raya, who I expect to come in for the final.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Solid in defence, as very little got past him. Not quite as influential going forward as in recent weeks, taking too long at the ball and slowing things down at times. Looks more at ease with Bukayo Saka ahead of him.
William Saliba – 7
Similar to Jurrien Timber. Solid enough at the back, although he did struggle to get us pushing forward as well as he’s done in recent times.
Gabriel – 7
After Havertz’s goal you could really see the relief in Gabriel as he slumped to the ground. Defended like his life depended on it (so just the standard from Big Gabby!). Defended the box well and played a few nice paces out from the back as well. Thought he had scored the winner, but Marc Curcuella’s face got in the way!
Piero Hincapie – 8 PLAYER OF THE MATCH
His best performance in an Arsenal shirt. By a distance for me as well. So good defensively, against a number of different threats across the 90 minutes. Even had a decent shot from outside the box saved. A couple of nice crosses as well although it still feels like there is more to come from Hincapie from an attacking perspective. Maybe Riccardo Calafiori won’t just walk back into the team?!
Martin Zubimendi – 6
Battled well, but didn’t control the game as well as he would have liked. Some of his passes lacked their usual care and the connection between our midfield and attack suffered as a result.
Declan Rice – 7
More like it from Declan Rice. Battled for every ball, won plenty of duels, through his body in the way when he couldn’t reach it with a foot! Looked absolutely shattered by the end of the game, but still managed to summon one ounce of strength to force the ball across the pitch to Havertz in stoppage time. I’m missing his forward contributions a bit these days, since his move back to almost a double pivot alongside Zubimendi. We looked so much more assured with that base though, so in games like this, it makes complete sense.
Eberechi Eze – 6
Worked hard without ever really making a telling contribution. Felt like he was caught in between two worlds as he didn’t really get close enough to Havertz or the midfielders behind him and the game sort of passed him by as a result.
Noni Madueke – 7
Started the half well and looked a real threat at times and clearly had the beating of Curcuella, which is no mean feat, given the struggles Bukayo Saka usually has up against the Spaniard. Unfortunately for Madueke, it was the same old story as he failed to turn that threat into end product against his former team.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7 – Barely touched the ball in the first half but his work rate was really, really good and he made some good runs as the game opened up. Passed the baton to Havertz after doing his best to tire out the three Chelsea defenders, after doing all he could.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Excellent performance. Our best attacker on the day. The work rate he puts in his phenomenal. Gives so much for the team and you can see why Arteta loves his in these big matches. It wasn’t just work rate though as Martinelli kept the ball well and put in a few dangerous crosses. Ran through with Havertz to double up against Sanchez so that’s sort of an assist, right?
Subs:
Kai Havertz – 7 – Didn’t have a great deal to do, but put in a real shift and was the calmest man in North London as he walked round Sanchez to seal our place in the final. Love the badge pointing as well – this is not a guy who has strong connections to his former team at all!!
Leandro Trossard – 6 -Kept the ball under pressure, which helped us get up the pitch. A lively cameo. I do prefer him coming off the bench, he just seems so much hungrier.
Final note – Like most Gooners, I’ve been frustrated with Arsenal’s negative play over the past few weeks as it has ultimately cost us points however, tonight is different. It didn’t feel negative to me, it felt pragmatic and deliberate. Arsenal had Chelsa exactly where they wanted them all night – not the other way round. No one from social media or from Sky Sports is going to convince me of anything different. Job done – let’s pack our bags for Wembley! COME ON ARSENAL!!!