Jamie Redknapp backed Arsenal to challenge for multiple trophies after Kai Havertz’s dramatic late goal sent them through to the Carabao Cup final in a night Mikel Arteta described as “magical.” Havertz, a substitute, struck on the break in the 97th minute to secure a 1-0 victory at the Emirates and a 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, ending Arsenal’s run of four successive semi-final defeats.
The result keeps Arsenal alive on four fronts: they sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League, have reached the Champions League last 16 and are through to the fourth round of the FA Cup. It is their best chance since lifting the FA Cup in 2020 to add silverware, and they will meet either Manchester City or Newcastle in the Wembley final on March 22.
“Arsenal are ready to win,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports. He praised the squad depth, the balance Arteta has built and suggested the victory could free the players to express themselves more: “They’ve suffered by coming so close in recent seasons, but I look at the squad and the way they’re playing — they’re the best team by far. This result might relax them and let them play with more flair.” He added that Arsenal have been assembled to win and defended their style of play, concluding: “There’s no reason they can’t win two, even three trophies.”
Arteta celebrated the win and paid tribute to the supporters after the crowd had voiced frustration following the recent 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. “We are so happy,” he said. He felt Arsenal deserved to progress over the two legs and described the finish as special: “We wrapped it up at the end in a beautiful way, with Kai scoring the goal in the manner that he did and the reaction from the crowd.”
The manager hailed the collective effort — starters, substitutes and staff — and singled out the atmosphere as a crucial factor. He also offered a warm word for Havertz, who was making just his sixth appearance of the season after injury: “Everyone who knows Kai will be happy for him. He deserves the best for the way he works and behaves every day. Today was a special moment for him.”
Analysis from Sky Sports highlighted that while Havertz produced the decisive moment, the foundation of the win was Arsenal’s defensive organisation. Chelsea ended the match with several attacking players on the field but rarely looked likely to force extra time because Arsenal were compact, combative and well structured. The clean sheet was Arsenal’s 20th in 38 games across all competitions this season, the first club in Europe’s top five leagues to reach that mark.
Several individuals earned praise: Declan Rice was dominant shielding the back line, Piero Hincapié impressed at left-back, and centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba were strong throughout. But the performance underlined that Arsenal’s primary strength this season has been collective organisation and defensive resilience as they chase their first trophies under Arteta.