Arsenal’s set-piece prowess and Sanchez error seals first-leg advantage over Chelsea in carabao cup semi-final

Goalkeeping mistakes from Robert Sanchez proved costly for Chelsea, as Arsenal secured a narrow advantage in a dramatic first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Sport360NG reports.

Sanchez failed to deal with Declan Rice’s early corner, allowing Ben White to head Arsenal into a seventh-minute lead, before another error shortly after the interval saw a routine cross slip through his grasp and fall kindly for Viktor Gyokeres to double the hosts’ advantage.

Chelsea remained firmly in contention thanks to Alejandro Garnacho, who struck twice after being introduced from the bench. The winger pulled one back 12 minutes into the second half by steering home Pedro Neto’s cross, but Arsenal quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Martin Zubimendi danced past two defenders and finished emphatically from the edge of the area.

Garnacho reduced the deficit again with a sharp volley after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s clearance dropped invitingly, ensuring Chelsea travel to the return leg at the Emirates Stadium on 3 February trailing by just one goal.

The opening period, aside from Arsenal’s early breakthrough, was evenly balanced. Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian both tested the goalkeeper for Chelsea, while Gyokeres, Zubimendi and William Saliba went close at the other end.

After falling 2-0 behind, Chelsea responded with renewed intensity. Estevao forced a fine save from distance and Arsenal had chances to extend their lead through Gabriel Magalhaes and Mikel Merino, but the visitors stayed within touching distance.

The result extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run to 10 matches and underlines their growing threat from dead-ball situations, with the opener marking their 18th goal from a corner this season and 24th from set-pieces across all competitions. Chelsea’s struggles continue, however, with just three wins in their last 13 outings and new head coach Liam Rosenior suffering defeat in his first home match since replacing Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea analysis

Rosenior’s first major tactical test was shaped by significant absences, with several key players unavailable through injury, illness and suspension. Despite those setbacks, Chelsea matched Arsenal for long spells, but repeated issues defending set-pieces, and Sanchez’s errors, ultimately proved decisive.

There were encouraging signs of Rosenior’s approach, particularly in Chelsea’s pressing for Garnacho’s first goal and the use of Wesley Fofana in a man-marking role on Martin Odegaard. Yet unrest among supporters and ongoing structural issues suggest challenges beyond the new coach’s immediate control.

Arsenal analysis

This was another illustration of the depth and flexibility at Mikel Arteta’s disposal. After wholesale changes in the FA Cup, the Arsenal manager named a stronger side here and was rewarded with a performance that blended control, attacking threat and set-piece efficiency.

Gyokeres’ goal, his first from open play in 16 games, and assist for Zubimendi will be particularly pleasing for Arteta as Arsenal look to build momentum on multiple fronts. While the League Cup may not be the club’s primary target, taking a first-leg advantage represents a significant step as they chase silverware alongside their domestic and European ambitions.