Arsenal took a significant step towards the EFL Cup final with a thrilling 3-2 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Ben White headed Arsenal ahead in the seventh minute, courtesy of Declan Rice’s corner kick. Gyokeres doubled the lead early in the second half, benefiting from Robert Sanchez’s mistake.

Garnacho pulled one back for Chelsea, but Martin Zubimendi restored Arsenal’s two-goal cushion.

Garnacho’s second goal late on made it 3-2, but Arsenal held on to secure a slender advantage heading into the second leg on February 3.

Gyokeres, who scored his first EFL Cup goal since 2020, and Garnacho, who netted five goals off the bench this season, were the standout performers.

Liam Rosenior’s first home game as Chelsea manager ended in defeat, with his side’s chances now relying on a strong performance at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s next game is against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, while Chelsea host Brentford.