Arsenal take narrow lead in Carabao Cup clash against Chelsea after Robert Sanchez howlers
Arsenal moved one step closer to their first League Cup final since 2018 with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight.
The Gunners wasted no time making their mark, taking the lead after just seven minutes through Ben White’s header.
It was a goal that highlighted Chelsea’s defensive frailties, with Robert Sanchez caught in no man’s land as Declan Rice’s corner delivery found White completely unmarked in the six-yard box.
The defender nodded into an empty net with ease, continuing Arsenal’s remarkable set-piece dominance this season.
Ben White nodded into an empty net after Robert Sanchez flapped at the ball from a corner, missing it completely
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Mikel Arteta’s side have now scored 24 goals from dead-ball situations across all competitions, including 18 from corners alone.
Sanchez’s evening went from bad to worse shortly after the interval when he allowed White’s low cross to slip through his grasp, gifting Viktor Gyokeres the simplest of finishes from close range.
The Swedish striker hadn’t found the net from open play in 16 appearances, making the goalkeeper’s error all the more costly.
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior responded by bringing on Alejandro Garnacho, and the Argentine made an instant impact.
Just four minutes after his introduction, Garnacho latched onto Pedro Neto’s cross at the back post and fired through Kepa Arrizabalaga’s legs to halve the deficit.
Alejandro Garnacho’s double for Chelsea keeps them in the tie
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Arsenal’s response was emphatic and beautifully crafted.
Gyokeres turned provider, laying the ball into the path of Zubimendi, who danced past two Chelsea defenders before unleashing a left-footed strike that Sanchez had no chance of stopping.
It was the Spaniard’s first goal in the competition and showcased the midfielder’s growing influence since arriving in England.
The beleaguered Chelsea goalkeeper did manage to salvage some pride late on, producing a brilliant reaction save to deny Mikel Merino’s goalbound volley.
It was a moment of redemption after a night he’d rather forget, keeping his side’s hopes alive in the tie.
Martin Zubimendi’s brilliant finish put Arsenal 3-1 up but the Gunners might be frustrated they did not put the game to bed
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Garnacho wasn’t finished, though, and his second goal of the night ensured a nervy conclusion for the visitors.
When a Chelsea corner wasn’t properly cleared, the ball dropped kindly for the substitute, who adjusted quickly to fire a bouncing shot past Kepa through a crowd of bodies.
Arsenal held firm through five minutes of added time, with Jurrien Timber picking up a late booking as the Gunners looked to see out proceedings.
