Overview
- Arsenal won 3-2 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, carrying a one-goal advantage into the return match at the Emirates.
- Viktor Gyokeres recorded a goal and an assist, becoming the first Arsenal player since Robert Pires in 2005 to do both in a domestic cup semi-final.
- The strike was his first from open play in ten matches, easing pressure over his recent form.
- Mikel Arteta praised him as "a real threat" and emphasized his value in pressing, link play and overall team structure.
- Teammate William Saliba expressed confidence the striker will continue to score, framing the dry spell as a normal phase for a No. 9.