Every football story that matters. Breaking news. In-depth analysis.

Chelsea 2 Arsenal 3 - A good night for Gyokeres? Should Garnacho have started? What did Rosenior change?

Arsenal lead 3-2 after a dramatic first leg at Stamford Bridge. Betting note: Arsenal are favourites to progress, but Chelsea’s two away goals and Alejandro Garnacho’s scoring form make “Both Teams to Score” and Arsenal to win by a one-goal margin attractive options for punters.

Arsenal edge Chelsea 3-2 in Carabao Cup semi first leg at Stamford Bridge

Match summary

Ben White’s early header from a Declan Rice corner put Arsenal ahead after seven minutes, the visitors taking advantage of set-piece space. The first half offered few clear chances thereafter until a second-half wobble from Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez allowed Viktor Gyokeres to tap in and make it 2-0. Alejandro Garnacho responded as a substitute, scoring twice to keep Chelsea firmly in the tie, either side of Martin Zubimendi’s emphatic third for Arsenal.

Key moments

Ben White’s header from a corner opened the scoring when Chelsea’s marking left him unchallenged. Sanchez then spilled a cross early in the second half, allowing Gyokeres to convert into an open net. Garnacho’s instant impact after coming on saw him score twice — first a composed low finish and later a poacher’s strike from a corner. Zubimendi restored a two-goal buffer with a smart finish after Gyokeres’ layoff.

Player notes

Viktor Gyokeres: Involved in both Arsenal goals with a composed finish and a crucial layoff for Zubimendi. Alejandro Garnacho: Two goals off the bench, becoming the first player since Edin Dzeko (2013–14) to score twice in both a League Cup quarter-final and semi-final in the same campaign. Robert Sanchez: Mixed night — errors led to two goals but he later produced a strong save to deny Mikel Merino.

Tactical analysis

Chelsea shifted between a 4-2-3-1 and a 3-4-3 in possession, using wing-backs to overload the midfield and create wide delivery opportunities. Defensive set-piece marking and goalkeeping decisions were costly; poor communication on corners allowed Arsenal to exploit space. Arsenal’s selection signalled intent, with Arteta deploying attacking options and later combining Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to vary movement and cause problems for Chelsea’s backline.

Context and selection

Chelsea were without several key players through suspension, illness or injury, including Cole Palmer, Reece James, Moises Caicedo, Liam Delap and Malo Gusto, which limited tactical options. Arsenal’s starting XI reflected the competition’s priority, and the bench impact — notably Garnacho for Chelsea — highlighted the role of substitutes in cup ties.

What it means for the second leg

The tie is finely poised heading to the Emirates on February 3. Arsenal’s 3-2 advantage is valuable but fragile given Chelsea’s two away goals. Arsenal will aim to protect set-piece vulnerabilities and manage game control; Chelsea will take belief from Garnacho’s form and the fact the scoreline keeps them very much in contention.

Betting implications

Arsenal remain favourites to progress, but the away-goal factor and Chelsea’s late goals make market options such as “Both Teams to Score” and Arsenal to win by a single-goal margin logical plays. Backing Garnacho as a goal threat from the bench may also offer value after his decisive cameo.