Arsenal defeated Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium with a stoppage-time goal from Kai Havertz and advanced to the Carabao Cup final with a total score of 4-2.

At the end of a cagey game, substitute Havertz latched on to a cross from Declan Rice before dribbling the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and firing into an empty net to send Arsenal into their first cup final since 2020.

The victory ended a run of four consecutive semi-final defeats for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal and means they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle in the final at Wembley next month.

After a thrilling five-goal first leg at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea needed a goal to take the tie into extra time, having 14 shots to Arsenal’s five but failing to create any clear openings.

Enzo Fernandez was the only player to give Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga a meaningful test, having his curling shot from outside the penalty area saved in the first half.

The Gunners were mostly content to protect their lead, threatening only a few times before Kai Havertz’s 97th-minute winner, but they turned to a stellar defense to become the first club in Europe’s major leagues to keep a 20th clean sheet in all competitions this season.

Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Magalhaes came closest to breaking through at the other end, forcing Sanchez into a save and Marc Cucurella to block a header respectively, but Havertz had the final say against his former club.

After a season marred by injury, he clinically scored, sparking wild celebrations from the home fans inside the Emirates Stadium and ensuring a sickening climax for Liam Roney’s side while keeping Arsenal’s pursuit of trophies on four fronts.

Arteta: Havertz’s goal was a magical moment

arsenal manager Mikel Arteta He told a press conference: “We are very happy. I think overall, in these two games, we deserved to advance.

“It was a long game. We expected it. We ended it in a nice way with Kai scoring the way he did and getting a reaction from the crowd.”

“The starters, the finishers, the staff were all there. It was amazing. It was really nice because it was a very difficult game against a great opponent and we were at Wembley.

“I thought the crowd today was brilliant. They brought so much energy and belief to the team at different moments. I think we should all come together at Wembley.”

Merson: Chelsea have no chance

sky sports pound Paul Merson Said: “Chelsea are playing in second gear.

“It’s a cup semi-final. You go out in a big way. It’s not like a League One or League Two team coming to the Emirates Stadium and trying to keep the score down.

“Chelsea have had players mix it up with Arsenal. But they didn’t try. If they lost 3-0 but had shot after shot and Kepa was brilliant and they were scored three times, that would be it.

“(Wesley) Fofana played well but he was crying – he probably knows that as a player you’re going to be in the locker room after the game wondering why you didn’t try.

“I’ve been in games where when you come off the field you think we just got beat and didn’t really make a difference.”

Ronnie Orr: Let’s see how we deal with setbacks

chelsea manager Liam Ronnie Or At his press conference: “I think everyone can see the difference in our performance. I think you can too. I think that’s why you ask me that question. It’s really pleasing.”

“But, obviously, losing the game is not what we want.

“It’s been less than a month since I joined the team. We’ve already played eight games that month. So, for the players, first of all, to incorporate their performance into their performance and show me what they’ve learned, and by the way, the spirit, unity and fighting spirit of the team is there.”

“There are a lot of encouraging signs. Now I need to see where we are after the setback. We need to react positively.

“We have a tough game away at Wolves on Saturday and I need to see how we react to that.”

When will the Carabao Cup final be held?

The final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, March 22, and is expected to kick off at 4.30pm.