Arsenal hunt away-leg advantage as Mikel Arteta eyes Carabao Cup final in the capital

Arsenal turn their attention to the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night with a semi-final first leg against Chelsea offering another clear route towards silverware.

The Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge knowing that three strong performances would put them within touching distance of a first League Cup triumph under Mikel Arteta.

Confidence within the squad is high following an emphatic FA Cup victory at Portsmouth, where Arsenal recovered from an early setback to win in commanding fashion.

That comeback underlined both their resilience and their attacking depth, with Gabriel Martinelli’s hat-trick setting the tone for a dominant second-half display.

Arsenal have now won eight of their last nine matches in all competitions, a run that has reinforced belief that this season could yet deliver tangible rewards.

The Carabao Cup represents a realistic opportunity, particularly for a side that has repeatedly reached the latter stages of competitions without lifting a trophy since 2020.

This semi-final also marks a step up in difficulty after weekend cup action, with Chelsea presenting a far sterner examination than Championship opposition.

The Blues arrive buoyed by a convincing FA Cup win of their own, which marked an eye-catching start for their new head coach.

That performance served as a reminder of Chelsea’s underlying quality and attacking potential, even during a season of transition.

For Arsenal, it is a timely warning that recent form alone will not be enough at Stamford Bridge.

Arteta’s side will also be conscious of their most recent league meeting with Chelsea, which ended in a draw after an uneven display.

That match highlighted moments of control but also exposed lapses that cannot be repeated in a semi-final setting.

Chelsea’s change of manager since then adds another layer of uncertainty, with fresh energy and tactical tweaks already visible.

Arsenal, however, can take encouragement from their broader record against Chelsea, having avoided defeat in recent meetings.

Their away form has also been a major strength, with goals scored in each of their last 13 matches on the road.

That consistency will be vital in a two-legged tie where momentum can shift quickly.

Squad rotation at Portsmouth allowed key players to stay fresh, while others pushed their case for involvement in midweek.

Arteta will now be expected to revert to a stronger XI, blending intensity with control in a hostile environment.

The first leg may not decide the tie outright, but it will shape the narrative heading into the return fixture.

Arsenal have shown this season that they can respond to pressure and raise their level against elite opposition.

Wednesday night offers another chance to prove that growth and move one step closer to a trophy that remains firmly within reach.

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