Arsenal vs Chelsea: Gunners vying for first cup final since 2020 as Blues hunt dramatic comeback

Arsenal head into Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea buoyed by the emphatic 4-0 win at Leeds United, a performance that underlined their intent to finish the job and book a place in the final.

That victory at Elland Road came at a timely moment and served as a reminder of the level Arsenal can reach when their rhythm returns.

Mikel Arteta’s side return to the Emirates Stadium holding a slender but valuable 3-2 aggregate advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners know that protecting that lead will be enough, but the nature of the tie suggests caution alone will not suffice.

Arsenal raced into an early lead in the first meeting and showed their attacking quality, yet defensive lapses allowed Chelsea to stay alive and ensure the contest remains finely balanced.

Still, the response since then, capped by the dominant display against Leeds, suggests Arsenal have steadied themselves after a brief wobble.

That result also reinforced the sense that this competition represents a genuine opportunity for silverware.

With the Premier League and European commitments stretching the calendar, the Carabao Cup stands as the most immediate route to a trophy and a chance to set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

Arteta has not guided Arsenal to a cup final since lifting the FA Cup in 2020, and this tie offers a chance to address that narrative.

The Emirates Stadium has been a difficult venue for Chelsea in recent seasons, and Arsenal’s strong record in this fixture provides further confidence.

However, the visitors arrive with belief of their own.

Chelsea’s comeback win over West Ham United at the weekend, secured by a stoppage-time goal, highlighted their resilience and willingness to take risks when chasing a result.

Under Liam Rosenior, they have shown a capacity to respond to adversity and will travel knowing that a single goal could swing the tie.

That reality places pressure on Arsenal to manage the game intelligently while still playing on the front foot.

The Gunners’ attacking depth, illustrated again at Leeds, gives them options to hurt Chelsea if space opens up.

At the same time, the narrow margin means concentration will be vital from the first whistle.

This second leg shapes as a test of Arsenal’s maturity as much as their quality.

They have laid down a marker with their latest performance and now have the chance to turn momentum into a place at Wembley.

If Arsenal can combine the control shown at Elland Road with the edge required in knockout football, they will be well placed to seal qualification and move one step closer to a first trophy of the season.

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