Arsenal edge Chelsea 3-2 as Gyokeres and Zubimendi outshine Garnacho brace

Arsenal took a slender but significant step towards the Carabao Cup final after claiming a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge.

The Gunners will carry a one-goal advantage into the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium, with the tie finely poised but firmly in their hands.

Mikel Arteta’s side struck early and never fully relinquished control, even as Chelsea rallied late to keep themselves in contention.

Ben White set the tone inside seven minutes when he headed home from close range after Declan Rice’s corner caused chaos in the Chelsea box.

It was another reminder of Arsenal’s growing authority from set-pieces and their ability to punish even the smallest lapse in concentration.

Chelsea struggled to settle and were repeatedly pressed into hurried decisions as Arsenal dictated the physical and tactical rhythm.

The visitors continued to threaten after the break and doubled their lead when Viktor Gyokeres capitalised on a handling error to score his goal.

The striker was central to Arsenal’s best attacking moments, combining power with composure to stretch Chelsea’s back line.

Gyokeres later turned provider with a clever lay-off that allowed Martin Zubimendi to glide into space and finish clinically for Arsenal’s third.

That goal appeared to put daylight between the sides and underlined Arsenal’s control at a crucial stage of the contest.

Chelsea found renewed belief through Alejandro Garnacho, who was introduced from the bench and immediately injected urgency into the hosts’ attack.

The winger pulled one back with a sharp finish from Pedro Neto’s cross, briefly swinging momentum back towards the home side.

Arsenal responded well and continued to create openings, showing maturity in how they managed the game state.

Garnacho struck again late on, volleying home after a loose clearance to reduce the deficit and ensure the tie remains alive.

Despite that late push, Arsenal rarely looked flustered and saw out the closing stages with discipline.

The performance extended Arsenal’s strong recent run and reinforced their credentials as serious contenders for silverware this season.

Arteta selected a strong side and was rewarded with a display that blended intensity with control on a demanding away night.

With the second leg to come in North London, Arsenal will feel confident of finishing the job on home soil.

The advantage is slim, but the Gunners have placed themselves firmly on the front foot as they edge closer to a return to Wembley.

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