Kai Havertz scores in stoppage time as Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to reach the Carabao Cup final with a 4-2 aggregate victory at the Emirates

Arsenal booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, sealing a 4-2 aggregate triumph.

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In a tense and tactical contest with few clear chances, the breakthrough came deep into six minutes of stoppage time when substitute Kai Havertz struck the decisive goal to send the home crowd into celebration.

As Chelsea pushed forward in search of a late goal, Arsenal broke swiftly on the counter. Leandro Trossard released Declan Rice, who squared the ball to Havertz.

The German forward calmly rounded goalkeeper Robert Sánchez before slotting home the winner.

The goal ensured Arsenal’s first appearance in the Carabao Cup final in eight years and extended their unbeaten run against Chelsea to 10 matches in all competitions (W7 D3), their longest such streak since a 17-game run between 1999 and 2004.

Arsenal had carried a healthy advantage into the second leg following earlier goals in the tie from Viktor Gyökeres, Ben White and Martin Zubimendi, which put Mikel Arteta’s side in control ahead of the return fixture.

Chelsea, disciplined and organised for much of the match, were left heartbroken at the final whistle as their hopes of silverware this season suffered a major setback.

Arsenal will now face the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Wembley. City hold a two-goal advantage from the first leg at St James’ Park.

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The Gunners return to Premier League action on Saturday, February 7, when they host Sunderland, before travelling to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday, February 12.