date: 2026-02-03 11:46:00,
We host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at Emirates Stadium at 8pm (UK time), looking to reach our first final in the competition for eight years.
Goals from Ben White, Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi helped us take a 3-2 lead back to N5, with a draw or win over Liam Rosenior’s side enough to see us through to the final at Wembley on March 22.
Read more
Highlights: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal
Table of Contents
- 1. Highlights: Chelsea 2-3 Arsenal
- 2. resurgent under Rosenior
- 3. Semi-final ready: The best snaps before Chelsea
- 4. what the managers say
- 5. Every word from Arteta’s pre-Chelsea presser
- 6. Team news
- 7. Arteta provides injury update on Saka and Merino
- 8. Talking Tactics
- 9. Facts and Stats
- 10. Match Officials
- 11. Could the game go to extra-time?
- 12. When ‘lucky Arsenal’ beat Chelsea in a semi-final
- 13. London Derbies
- 14. From the vault: Six fine home wins against Chelsea
- 15. Live Coverage
- 16. How to watch Arsenal v Chelsea live on TV
- 17. What are the predicted starting lineups and key players to watch for the Chelsea vs Arsenal match at Stamford Bridge?
- 18. Preview: Chelsea v Arsenal | Pre-Match Report | News
resurgent under Rosenior
Liam Rosenior has enjoyed a fine start to life as Chelsea boss. The former defender has won all of his league matches in charge, as well as two Champions League victories and a 5-1 win over Charlton in the FA Cup.
Rosenior’s one blemish is the 3-2 defeat to us at Stamford Bridge last month, as the Blues look to overturn a first-leg loss to make a fourth Carabao Cup final in seven years.
Chelsea’s most recent result saw them come from 2-0 down to beat West Ham United 3-2 at Stamford Bridge, the first time the west London club had come from two goals down at half-time to win a Premier League match.
what the managers say
Arteta: “Yes, I mean the next one is always the most important one and it is the closest at least to reach a final,” he explained. “And tomorrow we are going to have people who really need to create the atmosphere, the energy, the belief that we are going to do it. Altogether, I am sure we are very capable of doing that.” – every word below from his pre-match press conference.
Roses: “The reality is that Arsenal are favourites for the tie. They’re a goal up and they’re at home, so they’ll expect to go through. We need to take it as far as we can and as deep as we can, then hopefully the second half will be massive in terms of turning the tie around.”
Team news
Mikel Merino will be out of the semi-final second leg following the announcement he will undergo surgery on his foot after picking up the injury against Manchester United.
Boss Mikel Arteta also said Bukayo Saka will be assessed ahead of the match after our winger pulled up in the warm-up before our 4-0 win over Leeds United.
As for our visitors, Rosenior confirmed Chelsea would be without Jamie Gittens after he was substituted off against West Ham United in the first half.
Winger Estevao could also miss the contest for personal reasons, and goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is also a doubt.
Talking Tactics
Adrian Clarke, writing in our official matchday programme: Liam Rosenior likes a 4-2-3-1 shape that is set up to utilise Chelsea’s pace and dynamism on the wings. You will often see the Blues playing risky passes out from the back or in midfield, trying to break the lines, and from those positions, his side regularly looks to raid down the flanks, where Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho are all encouraged to run at full-backs.
The new head coach has proven himself to be adaptable from a tactical perspective in his previous roles, so nothing is set in stone. What we do know, is that ideally, he wants his teams to be aggressive, attack-minded, and controlled in possession.
Tonight’s opponents create lots of chances, with their expected goals tally around the same as ours so far in Premier League action. They also finish very well, boasting the fourth-best conversion rate in top-flight football during 2025/26.
When it comes to tucking away ‘big chances’ they are even more efficient, ranking second, with a success rate just shy of 50%. Set pieces are also a core strength for the west Londoners, who scored from corners in each of our previous two meetings this season. Reece James’ near-post deliveries have a lot of quality.
Facts and Stats
We’re looking to reach the EFL Cup final for the ninth time, and first since 2017/18. Before this season, only two of the 32 teams to win the first leg of a semi-final tie away from home have been eliminated – West Ham in 1971-72 (vs Stoke) and Tottenham in 1986-87 (vs Arsenal).
We are unbeaten in our last nine meetings with Chelsea in all competitions (W6 D3), our longest against them since a 17-game run between 1999-2004.
Chelsea have lost their last three away games against us in all competitions, last losing more consecutively between 1990 and 1994 (5). However, both their wins against Mikel Arteta have come at Emirates Stadium (December 2019, August 2021).
Of players to have played at least 180 minutes in the EFL Cup this season, only Rubin Colwill (4.2) has averaged more chances created per 90 minutes than Bukayo Saka (3.7).
Match Officials
Peter Bankes will take charge of our Carabao Cup semi-final at Emirates Stadium. The 43-year-old has refereed one of our matches this season, our 2-1 defeat at Villa Park in December. He also officiated our 5-1 win over Manchester City in February 2025.
Edward Smart and Blake Antrobus will be Bankes’ assistants for the match, with Thomas Bramall the fourth official. James Bell is the Video Assistant Referee and Daniel Robathan will be his assistant at Stockley Park.
Referee: Peter Bankes
Assistant Referees: Edward Smart and Blake Antrobus
Fourth official: Thomas Bramall
OUR: James Bell
Assistant VAR: Daniel Robathan
Could the game go to extra-time?
Unlike the previous rounds of the competition, should the scores be level on aggregate at the end of 90 minutes, extra time will be played.
In the quarter-final against Crystal Palace, the match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, meaning the game headed for spot kicks, where we triumphed 8-7.
However, the rules are different for the semi-final second legs and the final. If the aggregate score is the same at the end of extra time, the match will be decided by penalties.
London Derbies
Chelsea’s last visit to Emirates Stadium came in March 2025, with Merino netting the only goal of the game, and we were also successful the last time Chelsea visited N5 in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, back in February 2018.
Having drawn the first leg 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, Eden Hazard opened the scoring for the Blues in the second leg before an own goal and Granit Xhaka’s instinctive second-half finish turned it around for Arsene Wenger’s side to send us through to the final.
Live Coverage
It’s a big one at Emirates Stadium and to mark the occasion, we’ve got a big line-up for our special preview show, Live From N5!
Special guests, preview analysis and much more is in store, so make sure you tune into Arsenal.com at 7pm to get you in the mood for the semi-final action!
You can also find out which broadcasters are showing the action livewherever you are in the world.
Copyright 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Limited. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit being given to www.arsenal.com as the source.
What are the predicted starting lineups and key players to watch for the Chelsea vs Arsenal match at Stamford Bridge?
Preview: Chelsea v Arsenal | Pre-Match Report | News
Stamford Bridge Set for a Blockbuster Clash: Chelsea vs. Arsenal
The Premier League returns this week with a highly anticipated London derby as Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford bridge. Both teams are navigating crucial stages of the season, making this fixture especially meaningful for their respective ambitions. This pre-match report dives deep into team news, tactical outlooks, and key players to watch.
Current Form & League Standings
As of February 3rd, 2026, Arsenal currently occupies a strong position in the Premier League title race, sitting second in the table with 58 points from 23 games. Their recent form has been impressive, boasting a record of 4 wins and 1 draw in their last five league matches.
Chelsea, simultaneously occurring, find themselves in a mid-table battle for European qualification, currently 8th with 42 points.Their form has been inconsistent, with 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw in their last five. A victory against Arsenal is vital to boost their chances of securing a Champions League spot. The pressure is mounting on manager Mauricio Pochettino to deliver consistent results.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
* Chelsea: Chelsea are facing a few injury concerns. Reece James remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, expected to be out for another 3 weeks. Enzo Fernández is a doubt after picking up a knock in training, perhaps opening the door for Moises Caicedo to start. Christopher Nkunku is nearing full fitness and could feature on the bench.
* Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto,Disasi,Silva,Colwill; Caicedo,gallagher; Palmer,Mudryk,Sterling; Jackson.
* Arsenal: Arsenal have a relatively clean bill of health. Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the line, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in midfield. Jurrien Timber is still recovering from a long-term injury, but is progressing well in rehabilitation.
* Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Ødegaard, Partey; saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Tactical Battle: Pochettino vs.arteta
This match promises a fascinating tactical duel between Pochettino and Arteta.
* Chelsea’s Approach: Pochettino is highly likely to prioritize defensive solidity, aiming to frustrate Arsenal’s attacking threats. Expect a compact midfield and quick transitions on the counter-attack,utilizing the pace of Sterling and Mudryk. Set-piece delivery will be crucial, with Chelsea possessing aerial threats in Silva and Disasi.
* Arsenal’s Approach: Arteta will likely stick to his possession-based style, dominating the midfield and patiently probing for openings. The full-backs, White and Zinchenko, will be key to providing width and supporting the attack.Arsenal’s pressing game will be vital in winning back possession in risky areas. Exploiting the space behind Chelsea’s high defensive line will be a key objective.
key Players to Watch
* Cole Palmer (chelsea): The young playmaker has been a revelation for Chelsea since his arrival, consistently delivering goals and assists. His creativity and ability to unlock defenses will be crucial.
* Bukayo Saka (arsenal): Saka is Arsenal’s talisman, a constant threat with his dribbling, pace, and clinical finishing. Chelsea will need to contain him effectively.
* Declan Rice (Arsenal): The midfield anchor provides Arsenal with defensive stability and allows the attacking players to flourish. His ability to break up play and initiate attacks will be vital.
* Raheem Sterling (Chelsea): Sterling’s experience and direct running could cause problems for Arsenal’s defense.
Recent Head-to-Head Record
The recent history between these two sides is closely contested.
* November 4th, 2023: Arsenal 1-1 chelsea (premier League)
* May 6th, 2023: Chelsea 0-3 Arsenal (Premier League)
* March 18th, 2023: Arsenal 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)
Arsenal have had the upper hand in recent encounters, but stamford Bridge is always a tough place to play, and Chelsea will be determined to avenge their previous defeats.
Referee & VAR Data
Michael Oliver will be the referee for this crucial encounter, assisted by Stuart Burt and Dan Cook. David coote will be on VAR duty.Oliver is known for his
