Arsenal Reach Carabao Cup Final After Late Havertz Drama Against Chelsea

Arsenal March into the Final, Chelsea Limp Out

The Gunners are through to the Carabao Cup Final after a tense, tactical slugfest against Chelsea that was more chessboard than Champions League. Mikel Arteta’s men edged out the Blues with a late Kai Havertz goal, sealing a 1-0 victory on the night and a 2-0 win on aggregate. But it wasn’t pretty. Thomas Tuchel’s setup was classic containment football , a back five with about as much ambition as a sleepy Sunday stroll. It didn’t quite work, and Chelsea fans were left disappointed by the lack of urgency, especially given the first-leg deficit.

Tuchel’s strategy seemed driven by fear of getting picked off, which makes some sense given how Arsenal dominated the first leg. But in trying to keep the tie alive, Chelsea never really threatened , the approach left them flat and, ultimately, out. Arsenal, meanwhile, showed off their depth. No Bukayo Saka, no Martin Ødegaard, no David Raya , yet they bossed the game defensively and found the winner late. The Gunners now head to Wembley, and they’ve banished a semi-final hoodoo that’s haunted them for four straight seasons.

Arsenal's Clean Sheet Streak and Quadruple Dreams

This latest win means Arsenal have now kept 20 clean sheets in all competitions , more than any club in Europe’s top five leagues. When they’re on it defensively, they’re a nightmare to break down. Declan Rice and the backline were rock solid again. Rice even gave off peak-Arsenal vibes, talking about fire in the belly and going one step further this year. It’s not just talk , this team is backing it up on the pitch.

And let’s not downplay the dream scenario: Arsenal are arguably favourites in all four competitions they’re still in. Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and now the Carabao Cup Final , it’s not just fantasy football. If they beat Sunderland this weekend and Liverpool get the better of City, we could be looking at a nine-point lead in the league. That’s the kind of cushion that even the most pessimistic Arsenal fans might start to believe in.

Palace’s Transfer Woes and Dwight McNeil’s Emotional Whirlwind

Crystal Palace had a rough transfer window, and it’s not just about missed signings , it's also about how they handled things. Dwight McNeil’s failed loan move from Everton collapsed at the last minute due to paperwork issues. But the real story is the emotional toll. McNeil's partner publicly called out Palace for their silence and for stringing them along. It's a reminder that these players , even with the big salaries , are human beings with homes, families, and futures. When clubs treat them like chess pieces, it stings.

McNeil isn’t the only one Palace missed out on. They spent big on other targets, but their squad still lacks depth, especially with injuries piling up. Their struggles feel avoidable, and if they get dragged into a relegation scrap, this transfer window will be the post-mortem centerpiece.

Wolves Cash In, Calvin Phillips Hits Reset

In other transfer news, Wolves managed to sell a player for a hefty fee despite their potential relegation battle. Meanwhile, Calvin Phillips is off to Sheffield United on loan, trying to rebuild a career that’s drifted ever since his big move to Manchester City. It’s been a confidence-crushing journey: barely played at City, struggled on loan at West Ham, and now looking for redemption in the Championship. He’s only 30, but it feels like a crossroads moment. If he gets his rhythm back, a permanent deal could be on the cards , and maybe even a late-career resurgence.

On the flip side, Liverpool have already started planning for next season with a £60 million deal for teenage center-back Guelaume Jacques from Rennes. It’s a smart play, but fans hoping for reinforcements now will have to wait.

Bonus Rooms, Tree Drama, and the Curious Case of Cole Palmer

Off the pitch, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is making headlines for his attempts to build an outdoor gym , not for his team, but in his own backyard. The problem? His neighbors aren’t thrilled. Privacy concerns, noise complaints, and the removal of mature trees have sparked a mini turf war in Surrey. One neighbor even compared the construction noise to “high explosives.”

Palmer, for his part, already has a house with a dressing room, a first-floor gym, and a “bonus room.” Yes, a bonus room. Nobody knows what that means, but it sounds like the kind of space where you’d play backgammon while sipping port in a velvet robe. Maybe he just needs more space for his trophies , or a small indoor trampoline. Either way, the neighborhood isn’t having it.

FIFA’s Foot-in-Mouth Moment: Infantino and Russia

Gianni Infantino is back in the headlines, and not for the best reasons. The FIFA president suggested that the ban on Russia might be reconsidered, claiming it hasn’t achieved anything and has only created more frustration. That’s a hard sell when the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and the global sporting community continues to isolate Russia in solidarity.

Infantino’s comments were met with widespread criticism, with many calling them tone-deaf and dangerously naive. It’s one thing to want sport to be a neutral space, but ignoring the real-world impact of geopolitical conflicts , especially when lives are being lost , feels out of touch. The optics of welcoming Russia back into FIFA competitions would be disastrous, and Infantino’s continued chumminess with political leaders like Putin only fuels the fire.

Takeaways

• Arsenal are cooking , into the Carabao Cup Final, rock-solid defensively, and still alive in every competition. The quadruple dream is alive.
• Tuchel’s tactics backfire , Chelsea’s overly cautious approach cost them dearly. Fans are right to be frustrated.
• Palace fumble the window , The Dwight McNeil saga is a PR blunder and a missed opportunity on the pitch.
• Calvin Phillips hits reset , A loan to Sheffield United could be just what he needs to reignite his career.
• Infantino stirs controversy , FIFA’s flirtation with reinstating Russia is a powder keg of bad optics.

Oh, and if anyone knows what exactly a “bonus room” is, please let us know. We’re asking for a friend. A very nosy friend.