Arsenal have booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after a thrilling victory over London rivals Chelsea on Tuesday night.
Substitute Kai Havertz delivered the decisive blow in the 97th minute, breaking away to score against his former club and seal a 1-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
The late drama gave the Gunners a 4-2 aggregate triumph and ended what had been a frustrating run of four consecutive semi-final defeats.
It was a moment of pure theatre as Havertz, who once wore Chelsea blue, sent the home crowd into raptures with his stoppage-time strike.
Arsenal star Kai Havertz scored late to make it 4-2 on aggregate against Chelsea
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Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp believes this result could be the catalyst for a trophy-laden campaign at the Emirates.
“Arsenal are ready to win,” he said. “They have had to suffer these last few years having come so close, but I look at the squad and the depth, and the way they are playing, they are by far the best team.”
The former midfielder reckons there’s no reason the Gunners can’t claim two or even three pieces of silverware this term.
With a six-point cushion at the Premier League summit, a spot in the Champions League last 16, and an FA Cup fourth-round tie still to come, Arsenal are competing on all fronts for the first time since lifting the FA Cup in 2020.
Mikel Arteta was absolutely delighted with what he witnessed at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta praised his Arsenal team for reaching the Carabao Cup final
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“We are so happy,” the Arsenal boss said afterwards. “I think overall, over the two games, we deserved to go through.”
He described the evening as “magical,” particularly praising how Havertz wrapped things up so beautifully in the dying moments.
The Spaniard also made a point of thanking the supporters, who had voiced their frustration with boos following the recent 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
“I think the crowd was brilliant today. They brought so much energy and belief to the team in different moments. I think we all deserve to be together in Wembley.”
Arteta had particularly warm words for his match-winner, whose season has been disrupted by injury problems.
Arsenal star Kai Havertz scored against his old side
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Tuesday’s goal came in just Havertz’s sixth appearance of the campaign, making the moment all the more special.
“I think everybody that knows Kai will feel happy for him in a special way because he deserves the best for the way he works, the way he treats people, the way he behaves every single day,” the manager said.
“Today was a special moment for him and I hope that he enjoyed it because he fully deserves it.”
Arsenal will now face either Manchester City or Newcastle in the final at Wembley on 22 March.
