Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal: Gunners have EFL Cup semi-final advantage but Garnacho gives Blues hope

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made errors which contributed to two of Arsenal’s three goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup semi-final first leg – but Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to keep Chelsea in a draw.

Sanchez failed to claim Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to head in from close range in Arsenal’s opener in the seventh minute – and the goalkeeper let a cross squirm through his fingers shortly after half-time for Viktor Gyokeres to make it 2-0.

Garnacho pulled back 12 minutes into the second half, but Martin Zubimendi’s brilliant shimmy and finish restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead.

The former Manchester United winger then fired his second volley of the match after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clearance fell at his feet.

Chelsea’s hopes of reaching Wembley to face Newcastle or Manchester City remain alive, but they must overcome a one-goal deficit at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on February 3.

Aside from Arsenal’s opening goal, the first half was a closely contested affair, with Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian saving efforts for Chelsea. Arsenal’s Gyokeres, Zubimendi and William Saliba also sent shots wide or over.

After Chelsea lost 2-0, new head coach Liam Rosenior introduced Garnacho, who pulled one back by guiding Pedro Neto’s cross into the net. However, Zubimendi got past Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana before finishing just inside the box to restore Arsenal’s two-goal lead.

Garnacho reduced the gap further in remarkable fashion, and Estevao saw an excellent effort from the edge of the box saved, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino both had chances to further extend Arsenal’s lead.

Arsenal, who scored their 18th goal from a corner and their 24th from set pieces in all competitions this season, are now undefeated in 10 matches. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won just three of their last 13 games, with Rosenior losing his first home game, after replacing Enzo Maresca last week.