Overview
- Ben White headed in from a Declan Rice corner before Viktor Gyokeres pounced on Robert Sánchez’s spill, and Martin Zubimendi later restored a two-goal cushion for Arsenal.
- Substitute Alejandro Garnacho scored twice to trim the deficit and keep Chelsea in the tie.
- White’s opener was Arsenal’s 24th set-piece goal of the season, including 18 from corners, highlighting a decisive strength.
- It was Liam Rosenior’s first home match as Chelsea head coach, with selection constrained by fitness concerns and Moisés Caicedo’s suspension.
- The second leg is on February 3 at the Emirates Stadium, while Manchester City lead Newcastle 2-0 in the other semi-final.