Mikel Arteta praised Arsenal’s resilience after a hard-fought win over Chelsea sealed their place in the EFL Cup final at Wembley.
Arsenal booked their place in the EFL Cup final for the first time in eight years after edging past Chelsea in a tense semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz came off the bench to score the decisive goal in a 1-0 win on the night, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory and sparking celebrations among the home fans.
The Gunners had the advantage from the first leg and showed composure to protect their advantage under pressure. Havertz’s late strike proved the difference in a game that demanded patience and discipline.
The win was particularly satisfying for Mikel Arteta’s side, who had endured heartbreak in recent semi-finals, including exits in the Champions League and Europa League. This victory marked a turning point, finally carrying Arsenal through to a final after several near misses on the big stage.
Arsenal will now head to Wembley on 22 March, where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle. City currently hold a 2-0 advantage ahead of the second leg of the other semi-final, putting them in pole position to meet the Gunners in the final.
Arsenal so far this season:
🏆 Through to the #CarabaoCup Final
📈 6pts clear at the top of the PL
⭐️ Finished top of the UCL League phase
✅ FA Cup 4th RoundHow many trophies can they win this season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/gKJmnUaVfZ
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 3, 2026
Despite their domestic success, Arsenal have not lifted the EFL Cup since 1993 and have lost each of their last three appearances in the final. Victory at Wembley would also deliver Arteta his first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, ending a five-year wait for silverware.
Arteta was full of praise for his players after the match, describing the contest as a “real battle.” He highlighted his team’s resilience, tactical understanding, and the impact of the Emirates crowd, saying the atmosphere played a huge role in driving the players over the line.
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who had enjoyed a strong start to his tenure, admitted frustration at falling short despite a dominant second half. Arsenal’s victory may not silence all critics of their style, but after steering his side back to Wembley, Arteta will be focused solely on the chance to add another trophy to the club’s cabinet.
