Havertz Seals Cup Final Berth for Arsenal After Late Goal

Kai Havertz's decisive goal in the 97th minute secured Arsenal's progression to the EFL Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. The match saw Chelsea's head coach, Liam Rosenior, implement a strategy of patience, which ultimately backfired. This approach involved delaying significant offensive efforts until an hour into the second leg of the semifinal tie. Rosenior cited fitness concerns for key players like Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Reece James as reasons for their limited involvement. Estevao, who had returned from Brazil, was also not in the starting lineup. Arsenal's formidable defense, spearheaded by William Saliba, proved difficult for Chelsea to penetrate. The Blues' attacking play lacked urgency and directness for much of the contest. Rosenior acknowledged the psychological importance of the tie and his decision to introduce attacking talent like Cole Palmer and Estevao later in the game, believing it would open up the contest. However, the impact was minimal. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, commended his team's resilience and the energy provided by the home crowd, despite challenging weather conditions. Ultimately, Chelsea's tactical decisions and a perceived lack of urgency were highlighted as critical factors in their exit from the competition, while Arsenal looks ahead to the final.