Arsenal Moves Closer to Breaking Semi-Final Jinx, Yet Some Regrets Linger

Arsenal’s performance in semi-finals under manager Mikel Arteta has been far from encouraging. After experiencing a disheartening streak of four two-legged semi-finals without a single victory, the Gunners turned the tide with a 3-2 triumph against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

This victory positions them just one match away from their first major final since clinching the FA Cup in 2020. Historically, Arsenal struggled in their previous semi-final outings, managing to net only two goals across those four matches. However, the team now holds the advantage and is expected to prevail at the Emirates Stadium on February 3.

This season, Arteta’s squad has been exceptional, currently leading both the Premier League and Champions League standings, while also advancing to the fourth round of the FA Cup. With this match marking their 32nd game of the season, Arsenal has only suffered two losses, both occurring away against Liverpool and Aston Villa in league play.

Despite the positive results, Arteta and his players believe they could have secured an even larger margin before the return leg, as they aim for an early opportunity to claim silverware in the EFL Cup final on March 22. “I must commend the players for their outstanding performance against a formidable opponent,” Arteta remarked.

“After a dominant period and with a 3-1 advantage, we had two significant chances to extend our lead. The outcome could have been drastically different. However, they managed to create a corner and scored, bringing the match back into contention. While the feeling isn’t perfect, we must also appreciate what the team has achieved once more.”

Striker Viktor Gyokeres experienced a much-needed boost as he found the net for Arsenal after a challenging start since his £64 million transfer from Sporting. The Swedish forward’s goal against Chelsea marked his first from open play since November, following a drought that lasted since a penalty against Everton last month.

Gyokeres appeared to regain his confidence in this match, showcasing the talent that led him to score 97 goals in just 102 appearances for Sporting. He also contributed an assist to Martin Zubimendi, who netted the third goal for Arsenal, allowing the team to enter the second leg with a lead.

“That’s the level I need to maintain, and I can deliver even more often. We won today, and we aim to keep the momentum going,” Gyokeres stated. “While we still have the second leg ahead, it’s encouraging to walk away with a win and an advantage. We must continue performing well in the next match.”

Initially, when Arsenal surged to a 2-0 lead, it seemed they could score at will. However, Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho responded by narrowing the gap to 2-1, shifting the momentum. Zubimendi’s impressive goal restored Arsenal’s two-goal lead, only for Garnacho to strike again, reducing the deficit once more.

Had Arsenal maintained a two-goal advantage heading into the return leg at the Emirates, where they have yet to lose this season, they would have been in a commanding position. Nevertheless, Chelsea remains a threat in this contest. Defender Ben White reflected on the second half, acknowledging the team’s need to improve.

“We didn’t perform at our best in the second half, which allowed them to apply more pressure. That’s how we conceded those goals, which is disappointing. Overall, we secured the win, but it wasn’t up to our usual standards.”

Despite the mixed feelings surrounding the match’s conclusion, Arteta is shifting focus to their upcoming Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday at 17:30 GMT. “In just 20 minutes, I’ll begin preparations for Forest and ensure everyone recovers properly. That’s our routine. I’m pleased with tonight’s performance, but now we must concentrate on the next challenge,” he concluded.