Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made errors that contributed to two of Arsenal’s three goals in a dramatic Carabao Cup semi-final first leg – but Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to keep Chelsea in the tie.
Sanchez failed to claim Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to head in Arsenal’s seventh-minute opener from close range – and the goalkeeper let a cross squirm through his fingers shortly after half-time for Viktor Gyokeres to make it 2-0.
Garnacho pulled one back 12 minutes into the second half, but Martin Zubimendi’s brilliant shimmy and finish restored Arsenal’s two-goal advantage.
The former Manchester United winger then volleyed in his second of the match after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clearance dropped at his feet.
Chelsea’s hopes of reaching Wembley to face either Newcastle or Manchester City remain alive, but they must overturn a one-goal deficit at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on 3 February.
Aside from Arsenal’s opening goal, the first half was a closely contested affair, with Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian having efforts saved for Chelsea. Arsenal’s Gyokeres, Zubimendi and William Saliba also sent shots either wide or over.
After Chelsea fell 2-0 behind, new head coach Liam Rosenior introduced Garnacho, who pulled one back by guiding Pedro Neto’s cross into the net. However, Zubimendi skipped past both Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana before finishing from just inside the box to restore Arsenal’s two-goal cushion.
Garnacho remarkably reduced the deficit again, and Estevao saw an excellent effort from the edge of the box saved, while Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino both had chances to further extend Arsenal’s lead.
Arsenal, who scored their 18th goal from a corner and 24th from set-pieces across all competitions this season, are now unbeaten in 10 matches. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won just three of their past 13 games, with Rosenior losing his first home match, having replaced Enzo Maresca last week.
