Late Bloom: Havertz’s 97th-Minute Curtain-Raiser Sends Arsenal to Wembley

Havertz's 97th-Minute Winner Sends Arsenal to Wembley

Arsenal and Chelsea faced off in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates, building on a 3-2 first leg affair that left the tie finely poised.

Kai Havertz, now a Gunner after moving from Chelsea, delivered the decisive moment in the 97th minute to seal a 1-0 victory for Arsenal and advance them to the final at Wembley. The aggregate score finished 4-2 in favor of Arsenal.

Chelsea legend John Terry briefly reacted on TikTok, streaming the closing seconds in hopes of a Blues late rescue, only for Havertz's strike to snuff out the hopeful drama and spark a wave of playful jibes from Arsenal supporters.

Arsenal had already set the tone by winning the away leg at Stamford Bridge, 3-2, leaving this return leg as a high-stakes rematch. The Gunners now head to Wembley on March 22 for the final, where they will meet the winner of Manchester City vs Newcastle United, a tie already tilted 2-0 in City's favor from the first leg.

The tone around the final calls for London drama, while Chelsea’s cup run ends here, their season continuing in league play with different pressures. Wembley awaits, promising a dramatic culmination to the Carabao Cup campaign.

Punchline 1: If football were a stand-up show, Havertz just delivered the killer punchline at the 97th minute.
Punchline 2: Chelsea’s defense took a coffee break; Arsenal woke them with a well-aimed sniper shot of a goal.