Carabao Cup: Arsenal beat Chelsea to reach first major cup final for almost six years

Nizaar Kinsella, journalist at Chelsea

Rosenior flexed his tactical muscles for the first time since being appointed Chelsea manager four weeks ago.

Until now, the Englishman had largely followed the system of his predecessor Enzo Maresca, reluctant to overload his players with too much information too soon.

However, after winning six of his first seven matches, including his first four Premier League matches, Rosenior had a surprise in store for his opposite number.

For the first time since March 2024, under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea fielded three central defenders. Thomas Tuchel adopted the format during the club’s 2021 Champions League triumph, and Antonio Conte during the 2017 Premier League title win.

Rosenior also took an extra gamble by leaving three players high up the pitch to counter-attack when Arsenal took corners. This approach gave Arsenal the opportunity to outnumber Chelsea in the box, but committing the same number of players up front would have exposed them to breaks.

Arsenal adapted by bringing more men into the dugout, giving goalkeeper Sanchez space to claim crosses – one of his main strengths.

This was in stark contrast to the way Chelsea performed in the first leg, conceding from corners early on and scoring three goals from set pieces.

For 45 minutes, Arsenal’s front four barely touched the ball and Rosenior’s adjustments paid off. Fernandez forced a save just before halftime in a cautious first half.

Chelsea made a double attacking substitution in the 59th minute, with Palmer and Estevao replacing Jorrel Hato and Liam Delap, to return Chelsea to their more familiar shape. Alejandro Garnacho then joined the fray as another attacking option, replacing midfielder Andrey Santos.

However, Arsenal, so assured defensively this season, have largely kept the door closed. They conceded only half a chance – a shot at the near post from Wesley Fofana from a corner in the 82nd minute – and a handful of long-range efforts from the in-form Fernandez.

As they looked to score a goal to maintain the tie, a familiar face in Havertz broke Chelsea’s hearts.

It was tough for Chelsea to lose that night, but even in defeat, Rosenior can be encouraged by a vastly improved performance compared to the first leg, where the tie had effectively slipped away.