Kai Havertz scored against his former club as Arsenal clinched their place in the EFL Cup final with a 1-0 home win over Chelsea, sealing a 4-2 aggregate success.

Both teams struggled in attack throughout Tuesday's semi-final second leg, with the lack of goalmouth action on offer a far cry from Arsenal's 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge 13 days ago.

Liam Rosenior set his Chelsea team up to keep things tight, though the Blues just left it too late to get on the front foot, and they were caught cold by Havertz in the 97th minute, ensuring Arsenal will face Manchester City or Newcastle United for the trophy at Wembley.

After Wesley Fofana was arguably fortunate not to be penalised from an early Arsenal corner, Piero Hincapie saw a rasping, left-footed strike beaten away by Robert Sanchez.

The next opening of a low-key first half saw Malo Gusto make a heroic block to deny Gabriel Martinelli, though Kepa Arrizabalaga had to stay alert to push Enzo Fernandez's curler away at the other end.

Arsenal did not attempt a single shot between the 35th and 77th minutes, with groans of frustration heard among the home fans as Chelsea grew in confidence. 

However, the visitors were unable to carve out a clear-cut chance to force extra time, with Marc Cucurella and Fernandez – twice – firing off-target from range. 

And with Chelsea only leaving one defender back deep into stoppage time, Havertz took in Declan Rice's pass on the counter, rounded Sanchez, and tapped home to settle matters.

WE'RE THE FAMOUS ARSENAL AND WE'RE GOING TO WEMBLEY. pic.twitter.com/6i8sjFbDga

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 2026

Data Debrief: Unambitious Chelsea fail to complete turnaround

Coming into this second leg, Chelsea knew their only possible route to the final depended on them becoming just the third team to progress from an EFL Cup semi-final tie after losing the first leg at home (after Stoke City in 1971-72 and Arsenal in 1986-87).

But Rosenior might regret leaving it until the last half an hour to truly go for the jugular – Chelsea attempted 14 shots, but only five of those were from inside the penalty area, and just two hit the target.

Arsenal were even worse in attack until Havertz's intervention, finishing the game with just five shots (two on target) and 0.91 expected goals (xG) to Chelsea's 0.68. A huge proportion – 0.65 – of the Gunners' xG figure came from the goal.

Arsenal have now gone 10 games unbeaten against Chelsea in all competitions (W7 D3), last enjoying a longer run against the Blues between 1999 and 2004 (17).