Chelsea Vs Arsenal Highlights, EFL Cup 2025-26 Semi-Final 1st Leg: Gunners Edge Liam Rosenior’s Blues In 3-2 Win

Hello, we’re back with another live blog, and it’s a London derby as Chelsea face Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup 2025–26 semi-final. Stay tuned for all the live updates from Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea vs Arsenal, EFL Cup 2025-26 semi-final 1st leg will be streamed on the FanCode app and website.

he London derby is back, and Stamford Bridge is set for a tense clash as Chelsea host Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final. Arsenal arrive determined to bounce back from last season’s semi-final heartbreak, with Mikel Arteta hoping his side can convert chances and finally end their run of disappointments at this stage.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have a fresh face on the touchline, Liam Rosenior, who makes his Stamford Bridge debut after a 5-1 FA Cup win over Charlton. The Blues are an unknown quantity under the new boss, adding extra intrigue to the fixture. With a place in the final and London bragging rights at stake, expect a fiery, high-intensity clash packed with drama and momentum swings.

And we are underway at Stamford Bridge! Arsenal show early intent as Bukayo Saka slips a teasing pass into the box inside the opening minute, but Robert Sánchez is switched on and shuts the door quickly.

Chelsea hit back almost immediately, Enzo Fernández swings in a dangerous free kick, asking questions of the Arsenal defence, but it’s cleared for now. Fast tempo, early warning shots, and this semi-final is already crackling with energy.

And Arsenal strike early! Seven minutes in, Declan Rice steps up to take the corner, whips in an absolute beauty, and Ben White rises above everyone inside the box. Thump, a bullet header straight into the back of the net, no chance for the keeper. Stamford Bridge falls quiet as Arsenal grab the lead.

Chelsea fight back! Pedro Neto stretches to meet a teasing cross into the box, but just can’t get there. The ball trickles out for a goal kick, and Arsenal breathe a sigh of relief. Still early, but Chelsea are testing the Gunners’ defence.

Close but not quite! Leandro Trossard tries to test the keeper from the edge of the box, but his shot skews way wide. Chelsea get a goal kick, and the Gunners will have to keep hunting for that second.

A fiery first half comes to a close at Stamford Bridge! Cucurella picked up a booking for a foul on Saka, adding to Chelsea’s frustrations. The Blues have struggled to create real chances, while Arsenal’s defence has stood tall. Simon Hooper blows for half-time, 0-1, and Chelsea know they’ve got work to do in the second half.

And we’re back! The second half kicks off at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea will be desperate to turn things around, while Arsenal look to hold onto their slender lead.

Arsenal strike again! Viktor Gyökeres is in the perfect spot, pouncing on a rebound inside the box, and rifles it home with precision. Stamford Bridge stunned, Chelsea 0, Gunners 2. The Blues now have a mountain to climb.

Arsenal press on! Viktor Gyökeres threads a clever pass into the box, but Chelsea’s defence reacts just in time to clear. The referee and his assistant wave for a corner, keeping the Gunners on the front foot.

Finally, some joy for the Blues! Pedro Neto floats in a perfectly weighted cross, and Alejandro Garnacho times his run to perfection, firing a crisp shot into the bottom left corner. No chance for the keeper, Stamford Bridge roars as Chelsea close the gap: 1-2.

Yellow card for Chelsea! Benoit Badiashile’s challenge was a little too aggressive, and Simon Hooper doesn’t hesitate to pull out the caution. Gunners get a free kick, and tensions are rising on the pitch.

And the Gunners strike again! Martin Zubimendi collects a perfect pass inside the box and smashes it into the left corner with ruthless precision. Chelsea’s fightback hits a bump, 1-3, and Arsenal look comfortable once more.

Chelsea make a change! Shumaira Mheuka comes on for Joao Pedro as the Blues search for a way back into the game. Can the fresh legs spark a late revival?

What a moment! Alejandro Garnacho strikes again, this time with a first-time finish from inside the box, rifling it past the keeper into the left corner. Stamford Bridge erupts, Blues now just a goal behind, 2-3, and this semi-final is wide open.

Late drama! Jurrien Timber picks up a yellow for a foul as he brings down a Chelsea attacker. Simon Hooper has no hesitation showing the card, tensions boiling in the dying moments.

And that’s a wrap! Gunners win 3-2, but Rosenior’s Blues fought back thanks to Garnacho. Stay tuned for the second leg, bye for now.