Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi helped Arsenal take a one-goal advantage into the second leg after a breathless 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
White headed home Declan Rice’s corner after seven minutes before Gyokeres tapped in White’s low cross early in the second half. Alejandro Garnacho halved the deficit for Chelsea, but Zubimendi rounded off a flowing move to restore Arsenal’s two-goal cushion and make it 3-1.
Garnacho then struck his second of the night seven minutes from time to set up a tense finish, but Arsenal held their nerve to ensure they take a slender advantage into the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on February 3.
Ben White gave Arsenal an early lead when he powered in a header from a corner, and the visitors remained on top for much of the opening period despite Chelsea creating chances through Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian.
Gyokeres doubled Arsenal’s advantage shortly after the restart, finishing from close range, according to Carabao Cup reports.
Chelsea responded strongly through substitute Garnacho, who guided Pedro Neto’s cross into the far corner to bring the hosts back into contention.
Arsenal quickly restored their two-goal lead when Zubimendi produced a composed finish after weaving past two defenders on the edge of the box.
Garnacho struck again late on, volleying in after a loose ball fell kindly inside the area to keep Chelsea firmly in the tie.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser, with Estevao denied by an excellent save, while Arsenal also threatened to add a fourth through Gabriel Magalhães and Mikel Merino.
Despite several high-profile absentees, Chelsea showed competitive spirit and encouraging signs under Liam Rosenior, whose pressing approach played a role in their fightback.
Arsenal, unbeaten in 10 matches, showed composure in key moments and will carry a one-goal advantage into the second leg on February 3.
(IANS)
