Arsenal face in-form Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals as the Gunners aim to secure a first cup final since 2020.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking to overturn a one-goal deficit and pull off another stunning comeback just days after a dramatic comeback in the league against West Ham United.

Both teams compete in domestic and European competitions, with an equally demanding schedule.

However, when these London rivals clash on Tuesday night, only one will advance to the final.

Mikel Arteta’s side ended a three-match winless run in the Premier League with a 4-0 victory over Leeds United.

Victor Chokeres ended his Premier League goal drought as the Arsenal striker got back on target and Brazilian Gabriel Jesus, back from injury, added a late goal to strengthen the tie.

And Chelsea, who looked doomed at Stamford Bridge after a poor first half, fell 2-0 to 18th-placed West Ham United.

The home fans showed their frustration with loud boos at half-time, but after Liam Rosenior made three substitutions at the start of the second half, a completely different side emerged.

Buoyed by Joao Pedro’s outstanding performance, they scored three goals in the second half to complete a historic comeback by becoming the first Chelsea team in 56 years to win a game from two goals down at halftime.

Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg promises to be a tight clash, although Chelsea’s current five-game winning streak may give them a slight psychological advantage going into the game.

Carabao Cup semi-final second leg: Can the Blues come back again?

Liam Rogniol’s team morale will be significantly boosted after the Blues’ 3-2 victory over West Ham United.

Chelsea have won six of their last seven games under the former Strasbourg boss and, although performances have yet to be up to par, the club has regained confidence.

The factors listed below – including their recent momentum, attacking threat and growing resilience – are why fans believe the Blues are capable of turning around the Carabao Cup semi-finals and reaching the final.

A one-goal deficit is easily covered

No first-leg scoreline is truly irredeemable.

Barcelona’s famous “Remontada” against Paris Saint-Germain is the most obvious example – a stunning 6-1 victory in the second leg at Camp Nou, overturning a 0-4 deficit and advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Against this backdrop, Chelsea’s one-goal deficit in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final was far from an insurmountable obstacle.

If they can replicate the intensity, belief and tactical discipline they have displayed against Napoli and West Ham recently, they have every chance of turning the tables on the second leg and dealing a major blow to Arsenal’s hopes of a treble.

“Return of the King” is gaining momentum

Two historic comeback wins in one week and three wins in three games against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg at the Emirates Stadium will be a tall order.

However, the momentum that drives the team forward, coupled with their growing tactical cohesion and newfound self-confidence, could prove crucial in tipping the balance in their favour, and propel them towards another memorable turn.

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Key Launcher Returns

In the first round of the game, many of the Blues’ main defensive and offensive players were absent due to injuries.

The return to fitness of talisman Cole Palmer, captain Reece James and Marlo Gusteau significantly improved the team’s creativity and defensive leadership in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

With the presence of these players, Chelsea now have a more competitive squad and are likely to field a stronger lineup that includes a more dynamic midfield and a more balanced defence.

Arsenal’s injury blow

The Gunners lost perhaps their most dangerous player against Chelsea.

Just before the game against Leeds United, Bukayo Saka, who was originally included in Arsenal’s starting XI, was forced to withdraw after picking up an injury during the warm-up, with Noni Maduk taking his place.

Therefore, he will miss the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

The Gunners will also be without Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino, who scored against Chelsea in the Premier League in November.

So what happens if it’s a draw? Total score and overtime

From the first round to the quarter-finals, any game will directly enter a penalty shootout after 90 minutes without overtime.

However, if Chelsea can score the goal needed to equalize, the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals will enter 30 minutes of overtime, as the rules have changed at this stage of the game and in the final, requiring a play-off to resolve the total score.

If the two teams are still tied after overtime, a penalty shootout will be held to determine who advances to the Wembley final.

Carabao Cup semi-final second leg: Will the intense pressure of a last-four tie weaken Arsenal’s resolve or fuel their firepower?

The mental challenges of pursuing a championship are much different than those of a team under peak pressure.

At this stage in Arsenal’s run, they are facing a tough test, with key players starting to get injured and fatigue starting to take its toll.

In the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals, Arteta’s team faced a confident Chelsea team with five consecutive wins.

If the Gunners’ squad is deep enough to fend off the Blues and take them to Wembley, they’ll have a chance of going all the way.

Main photo

Credit: IMAGO/Moving Image

Record date: January 14, 2026