Another final to savour and a defensive display to be proud of. Arsenal contained Chelsea for 94 mins and looked comfortable doing so.
The Carabao Cup Final might not be overly prestige and not everyones ”cup of tea”, but a final is a final and Arsenal have another date at Wembley. We play there almost as often as Tottenham :-).
This is probably Wengers’ last chance to get his hands on a trophy that has alluded him for 22 years, no one can deny him that opportunity.
The match, Arsenal conceded first after only 7 min, Hazard’s goal raising the heartbeat inside the Emirates. But the Gunners recovered quickly and got a somewhat comical equaliser.
Chelsea playing head tennis with a Monreal header, giving Caballero no chance. That was the beginning of the end for the Blues and Conte’s record against us continues to look rather sickly.
They lost the experience of Willian to injury, he was replaced by Barkley, an unimpressive debut every Gooner must be glad we didn’t sign him in the summer.
Second half we improved and took the lead on 60 mins, another deflection and Xhaka was on hand to steer the ball home. Could Arsenal hang on for half an hour? Yes!!
Iwobi came close late on but inexperience got the better of him and his shot tamely hit Caballeros’ legs. But what a move to create the chance in the first place. It started with quick one-touch football starting from just inside their own half created the chance for Ozil to set up Iwobi.
He had time to boil a kettle and take another touch but he rather rushed his effort. The miss was immaterial as the Gunners defended as a unit to hold on and book a date with Man City on Sunday 25th February.
Speaking to Arsenals’ official website, Wenger’s said:
”It’s a big lift, it is always a special day that you never forget. I believe that’s important and I’m convinced that our fans will be happy to go there and they have been there a few times. It’s a good habit!”
Never a truer word spoken Arsene!!
