Arsenal Secure League Cup Final Spot After Havertz’s Stoppage‑Time Goal
Updated (2 articles)
Havertz’s Late Strike Sends Arsenal Past Chelsea Kai Havertz entered the second leg on a 69th‑minute substitution, received a Declan Rice pass, rounded goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and scored in stoppage time on February 3, 2026, giving Arsenal a 1‑0 win at Stamford Bridge and a 4‑2 aggregate victory to reach the final [1]. The goal ended Chelsea’s hopes and marked Havertz’s first decisive contribution since leaving the club in 2023 [1]. Arsenal’s progression was confirmed immediately after the match, setting up a Wembley showdown in March [1].
Gunners Eye First Trophy Since 2020 Arsenal sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and remain unbeaten in eight consecutive Champions League matches, currently topping their group stage [1]. The club targets its third League Cup title, having previously won in 1987 and 1993 and suffered six runner‑up finishes, the most recent loss to Manchester City in 2018 [1]. A successful cup run adds to a season in which Arsenal also advanced to the FA Cup fourth round [1].
Final Set for March 22 at Wembley The League Cup final is scheduled for March 22 at Wembley, where Arsenal will meet either Manchester City or Newcastle United, with City holding a 2‑0 advantage in their semi‑final leg [1]. The venue and date were confirmed by the competition organizers following Arsenal’s semi‑final win [1]. Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures will test their depth as they chase multiple trophies this season [1].
Timeline
1987 – Arsenal win the League Cup for the first time, beginning a record that later includes a second triumph in 1993 [2].
1993 – Arsenal secure their second League Cup title, cementing their status as a historic cup‑winning club [2].
2018 – Arsenal lose the League Cup final to Manchester City, marking their most recent runner‑up finish before the current campaign [2].
2020 – Arsenal capture their last major trophy (the FA Cup), a benchmark they aim to surpass this season [2].
Aug 2025 – Jan 2026 – Arsenal win every Champions League match to date, achieving an eight‑game unbeaten streak that highlights their European dominance [1][2].
Jan 2026 – Arsenal draw 0‑0 at Nottingham Forest and fall 3‑2 to Manchester United, suffering their first home loss of the season and ending a three‑game winless run while still holding a four‑point league lead [1].
Jan 2026 – Opta rates Arsenal’s title probability at 84.44%, far ahead of Manchester City (8.38%) and Aston Villa (7.09%), underscoring their statistical advantage [1].
Jan 2026 – Arsenal’s front‑line attackers experience a goal drought, with Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli and Madueke yet to score and Trossard netting only once across all competitions, raising concerns for Arteta [1].
Feb 3, 2026 – Kai Havertz scores a stoppage‑time winner after entering as a 69th‑minute substitute, giving Arsenal a 1‑0 win at Chelsea and a 4‑2 aggregate victory to book a League Cup final place [2].
Feb 4, 2026 – Arsenal sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and lead their Champions League group, maintaining an unbeaten run in eight Champions League matches [2].
Feb 2026 – Arsenal advance to the FA Cup fourth round, adding another competition to their pursuit of multiple trophies [2].
Mar 1, 2026 – Arsenal host Chelsea in a Premier League clash, a key fixture in what is considered their most favorable run‑in among top‑six opponents [1].
Mar 22, 2026 – Arsenal will contest the League Cup final at Wembley against either Manchester City or Newcastle United, seeking a third League Cup title [2].
Apr 18, 2026 – Arsenal travel to Manchester City for a Premier League match, one of only two remaining games against current top‑six rivals that could decide the title race [1].