Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after edging past Chelsea 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final at the Emirates, and frustration among the Blues’ supporters quickly centred on one player’s below-par display.
Chelsea arrived in north London trailing 3-2 on aggregate, knowing they needed at least a goal to keep their hopes alive. However, clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides in a cagey encounter that never really caught fire.
Each team registered just one shot on target before the break, prompting Chelsea to introduce Estevao and Cole Palmer early in the second half.
Even with the added attacking spark, they failed to find a breakthrough. Their all-out push left gaps at the back, and Arsenal punished them late on as Kai Havertz struck in stoppage time to seal the tie and send the Gunners to Wembley.
Chelsea Fans Turn on Struggling Forward
It was a flat, frustrating night for Chelsea, who never looked settled or threatening in attack, despite starting with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap together up front.
The contrast between the two forwards has been stark this season. Pedro has played a key role in Chelsea’s run to the Champions League last 16, while Delap has managed just two goals all campaign. Any confidence the young striker had seemed to desert him during his hour on the pitch.
Deployed awkwardly on the right flank for long spells, the former Manchester City youngster was largely neutralised by Arsenal’s defence.
He found it difficult to link play, lost most of his aerial battles, and failed to provide flick-ons or support for Pedro or the overlapping Malo Gusto.
