"Yet having not won this competition since 1993 and after crashing out at the semi-final stage to Newcastle after a 4-0 defeat on aggregate last season, this was an occasion for Arteta and his team to savour. A potential showdown in the final with title rivals Manchester City would only add to the sense of drama but they know they are within touching distance of a first trophy since winning the FA Cup in Arteta's first season six years ago."
"Rosenior sprang a surprise by leaving Cole Palmer on the bench and naming a back three for the first time, while there was no place for captain Reece James after he failed a fitness test. Arsenal were also without their skipper as Martin degaard missed out with a minor muscle injury and Arteta decided against risking Bukayo Saka's hip issue. Other than former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Premier League leaders went with virtually a full-strength side as Eberechi Eze was handed a rare start."
Arsenal progressed to Wembley after a tense second-leg Carabao Cup semi-final that was settled in injury time by substitute Kai Havertz against his former club. The win ended four successive semi-final defeats for Arsenal and put them within touching distance of their first major trophy since the FA Cup in Arteta's first season six years ago. The tie followed a dramatic first leg at Stamford Bridge that left Chelsea needing to overturn a 3-2 deficit. Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior left Cole Palmer on the bench and selected a back three, while Reece James missed out through fitness concerns. Arsenal were without Martin degaard and chose not to risk Bukayo Saka. Eberechi Eze was handed a rare start and Kepa Arrizabalaga was involved.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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