Sanchez Errors Hand Arsenal Edge Over Chelsea Despite Garnacho Brace

Sanchez Errors Hand Arsenal Edge Over Chelsea Despite Garnacho Brace

Arsenal seized the advantage in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, defeating Chelsea 3–2 at Stamford Bridge after a dramatic contest shaped by costly errors from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and a spirited brace from Alejandro Garnacho.

Sanchez was at fault for two of Arsenal’s goals, beginning with the opener in the seventh minute when he failed to deal with Declan Rice’s corner, allowing Ben White to head home from close range. Shortly after the break, the Chelsea goalkeeper again faltered, letting a cross slip through his hands for Viktor Gyokeres to make it 2–0.

Chelsea responded when Garnacho, introduced by new head coach Liam Rosenior, pulled one back by steering Pedro Neto’s cross into the net. However, Arsenal quickly restored their two-goal cushion as Martin Zubimendi skipped past defenders Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana before finishing superbly from the edge of the box.

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The former Manchester United winger was not done yet, volleying in his second goal of the night after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clearance dropped kindly at his feet to make it 3–2 and keep Chelsea firmly in the tie.

The first half was evenly balanced apart from Arsenal’s early breakthrough, with Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian testing the Arsenal defence, while William Saliba, Gyokeres and Zubimendi all went close for the visitors.

Arsenal had chances to extend their lead late on, with Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino both denied, while Estevao forced a fine save from distance for Chelsea.

The result leaves Arsenal unbeaten in 10 matches and underlines their dominance from set-pieces, having now scored 18 goals from corners and 24 from set-plays this season. Chelsea, by contrast, have won just three of their last 13 games, with Rosenior suffering defeat in his first home match since replacing Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea must now overturn a one-goal deficit at the Emirates Stadium on February 3 if they are to book a place at Wembley, where Newcastle or Manchester City await in the final.

Sanchez Errors Hand Arsenal Edge Over Chelsea Despite Garnacho Brace