Arsenal drew first blood in the League Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night, January 14, 2026, surviving a late scare at Stamford Bridge to edge out Chelsea in a five-goal thriller.

While the Gunners showcased their trademark ruthlessness from set pieces and clinical transition play, the night was nearly stolen by a sensational performance from Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho.

The contest began with the high-tempo intensity expected of a London derby. Just seven minutes in, Ben White, who has made a habit of haunting the Blues, opened the scoring.

Rising highest to meet a pinpoint Declan Rice corner, White exploited a hesitant Robert Sanchez to nod home into an empty net, marking Arsenal’s 24th set-piece goal of the season.

The second half began as a nightmare for the home side. Only four minutes after the restart, Sanchez suffered a catastrophic lapse in judgment.

A low cross from White from the right flank appeared routine, but the ball slipped through the Spanish keeper’s fingers, allowing Victor Gyokeres to tap in.

It was a milestone moment for the Swedish striker, marking his first goal from open play in 16 matches and silencing critics who had questioned his recent form.

Down 2-0 and looking disjointed under new head coach Liam Rosenior, Chelsea found their spark in the 56th minute.

Alejandro Garnacho, introduced as a substitute, showed exactly why he has become a fan favorite at the Bridge.

Meeting a deep Enzo Fernandez cross at the back post, he hammered home to inject life back into the stands and his teammates.

Arsenal, however, refused to blink. In the 71st minute, summer signing Martin Zubimendi showcased his technical brilliance. After some intricate interplay involving Mikel Merino, Zubimendi shimmied past two defenders in the box before coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner to restore the two-goal cushion.

The drama wasn’t over. In the 82nd minute, Garnacho struck again, pouncing on a loose ball in the area to smash home a half-volley through a crowded box.

The brace ensures that despite the 3-2 defeat, Chelsea remains firmly in the tie as they head to the Emirates Stadium for the second leg in February.