Arteta Ruins Rosenior’s Home Debut: Arsenal Sink Chelsea 3-2 To Take Control Of League Cup Semi

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 08:47 IST

Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge in Liam Rosenior’s first home game, effectively putting the Blues on the backfoot in the League Cup semifinal.

Liam Rosenior breaking up a fight after Chelsea's loss to Arsenal (Credit: AP)

Arsenal spoiled Liam Rosenior’s first home game as Chelsea manager, edging closer to Wembley with a thrilling 3-2 win in the League Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Rosenior had enjoyed a dream start with a 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton last weekend, but this was a far harsher introduction to life in the Chelsea dugout.

Set-Piece Arsenal Strike Early

Chelsea barely had time to settle before Arsenal struck. In the seventh minute, Declan Rice whipped in a corner, and goalkeeper Robert Sanchez flapped, allowing an unmarked Ben White to nod home.

It was Arsenal’s 24th set-piece goal in all competitions this season — 18 from corners, the most by any club in Europe’s top five leagues — underlining why they remain so deadly from dead-ball situations.

Chelsea tried to respond, but Kepa Arrizabalaga kept Arsenal at bay with saves from Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian.

Sanchez Howler Hands Arsenal Control

Arsenal doubled their lead four minutes after the break, again aided by Chelsea’s goalkeeper.

White’s low cross should have been routine, but Sanchez spilled it, gifting Viktor Gyokeres a tap-in. It was the Swede’s first open-play goal in 16 matches, a rare moment of relief in a difficult season.

Garnacho Sparks Late Chelsea Fightback

Rosenior turned to Alejandro Garnacho, and the winger made an instant impact, drilling home in the 57th minute after Arsenal failed to clear their lines.

But Arsenal quickly restored their cushion. In the 71st minute, Martin Zubimendi took a Gyokeres lay-off, shifted the ball smartly and finished clinically from 10 yards.

Garnacho wasn’t done. He struck again in the 83rd minute, firing past Kepa from a half-cleared corner to give Chelsea renewed hope heading into the second leg.

Gunners Firm Favourites for Wembley

Despite the late wobble, Arsenal head to the February 3 second leg at the Emirates as strong favourites. They are unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions and chasing their first trophy since the 2020 FA Cup.

Having fallen short in multiple semi-finals in recent years, Mikel Arteta’s side know this could be their best shot yet at silverware.

(with AFP inputs)

News sports football Arteta Ruins Rosenior’s Home Debut: Arsenal Sink Chelsea 3-2 To Take Control Of League Cup Semi

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