The first leg of the semi finals brought together two London rivals in very different moments. Chelsea, still in reconstruction and playing only the second match under Liam Rosenior, hosted a confident Arsenal side, league leaders and extremely solid across all competitions. The expectation was clear: Arsenal as favourites, Chelsea forced to compete through mistakes and counter attacks.
And the game starts exactly like that. Arsenal come out sharper, more aggressive and are rewarded early. In the 7th minute, a cross creates chaos in the box, Sánchez comes out poorly, disturbed by Saliba, Ben White appears almost unmarked and makes it 1 0.
Chelsea try to respond with the ball and even have more possession than expected, but create very little. Enzo finds space outside the box, João Pedro moves well between the lines and Estevão once again shows that natural ability to unbalance defenders one against one. Still, everything lacks consequence. Arsenal, even without dominating possession, are always more dangerous when they accelerate, with constant combinations down the flanks.
The first half ends with balanced sensations, but a fair advantage for Arsenal, who were more effective and more dangerous in the key moments.
In the second half, Arsenal start very strong and score again early. A simple move, but a revealing one: a quick throw in, Saka wins his duel, White reaches the byline and Sánchez makes a serious mistake. Gyökeres only has to tap it in. 2 0 and everything seemed on track.
But this is where Chelsea’s chaotic side comes in. Garnacho comes on and completely changes the game. In just a few minutes he scores, gives life to the team and turns a controlled match into an open one. Chelsea grow, push Arsenal back and for a moment look capable of equalising.
That momentum does not last long though. And that says a lot. Ten minutes later, the team lose intensity, lose clarity and once again show collective difficulties. Arsenal sense it and Arteta reacts well. Zubimendi comes on and, three minutes later, with absolute composure, makes it 3 1. A goal from a team comfortable in chaos.
Chelsea still score again through Garnacho, with a fine first time finish after a rebound, turning the final minutes into a festival of transitions, balls into the box and total confusion. Even so, Arsenal never fully lose their structure.
Post-match
Arsenal leave Stamford Bridge with a huge victory. A 3 2 away win, in a semi final, against a direct rival, delivered with typical composure.
Chelsea had their moments and at times managed to push Arsenal into uncomfortable territory. Arsenal never lost their head. They suffered, yes, but always kept clarity in their decisions, knew when to accelerate and, above all, knew how to kill the game.
From Chelsea’s side, there are positives. Garnacho’s introduction completely changes the match, Estevão once again shows he is a natural game breaker and the team reacted with pride. But it is not enough. There is a lack of consistency and an inability to sustain good moments.
A fair result. Harsh on Chelsea, but entirely consistent with the current moment of both teams. Arsenal take a clear advantage into the second leg.