Arsenal are one game away from ending their long wait for major silverware after securing a place in the 2026 Carabao Cup final, where they will face Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday, March 22.
The Gunners sealed their spot on Tuesday, February 3, completing a 4–2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the semi-finals. Holding a 3–2 advantage from the first leg, Arsenal approached the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium with control and composure, knowing there would be no extra time scenario unless Chelsea overturned the deficit.
Mikel Arteta’s side dominated possession against a cautious Chelsea team and eventually put the tie beyond doubt deep into stoppage time. Substitute Kai Havertz struck in the 97th minute, breaking clear on the counter, rounding goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, and finishing calmly against his former club to secure a 1–0 win on the night. The result ended Arsenal’s run of four consecutive Carabao Cup semi-final defeats and marked their first appearance in the competition’s final since 2018.
Manchester City confirmed their place in the final the following evening, Wednesday, February 4, with a commanding display against holders Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium. Already leading 2–0 from the first leg, Pep Guardiola’s side completed a 5–1 aggregate victory with another dominant performance.
City wasted little time asserting their authority as Omar Marmoush, starting in place of Erling Haaland, capitalised on a defensive lapse inside six minutes. The forward added a second midway through the first half before Reijnders struck shortly before the interval to effectively kill the contest. Newcastle responded after the break through a fine Anthony Elanga effort, but City comfortably saw out the game to reach their 10th Carabao Cup final.
For Arsenal, the final presents a major opportunity to lift their first major trophy since the 2020 FA Cup, when they defeated Chelsea 2–1 at Wembley during the COVID-19 pandemic. That victory, inspired by a brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, delivered Arteta’s first silverware as a head coach and made him the first Arsenal manager to win a major trophy in his debut season since George Graham in 1986–87.
Although the Gunners claimed the FA Community Shield in 2023 after beating Manchester City on penalties, the Carabao Cup offers a chance to end their wait for major honours. With Arsenal currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League, through to the knockout stages of the Champions League and still competing in the FA Cup, the season remains alive on multiple fronts.
City, meanwhile, arrive at Wembley seeking to add another domestic title under Guardiola, setting up a high-stakes final between two of England’s strongest sides.