Arsenal won an important victory over Chelsea by 1-0 in Copa of Liga, with a decisive goal from Kai Havertz in the 90+7 minutes. The German striker, a former Blues player, applied the so-called ex’s law when receiving a pass from Declan Rice and finishing with precision in front of the goalkeeper.
The match, played in Londres, remained balanced almost the entire time, with chances for both sides. The late goal defined the result and put Arsenal in a favorable position in the table.
The confrontation was highly intense, with yellow cards and strategic substitutions in the final minutes. Chelsea applied pressure in stoppage time, but were unable to equalize.
ONLY ONE MAN TO SET IT 🤩
—Arsenal (@Arsenal)February 3, 2026
🔴 1-0 🔵 (90+7)pic.twitter.com/cVgu05egMq
Balanced first half
The first 45 minutes showed two cautious teams, with alternating possession of the ball and few clear chances of scoring. Chelsea exchanged short passes in the attacking field, while Arsenal sought to explore quick counterattacks.
At 37 minutes, ball possession was divided into 53% for Chelsea and 47% for Arsenal. Ambas the defenses stood out in neutralizing the main opponent attacks.
Corners and fouls marked the opening period, with no team managing to open the scoring. Referee Peter Bankes controlled the game well, issuing warnings when necessary.
Pressure increases in the second half
The second half started with Chelsea more aggressive, creating opportunities in the opening minutes. João Pedro took a long shot, but Arsenal’s defense blocked the shot.
In the 47th minute, Liam Delap finished inside the area after a rebound, but the ball went to the left of the goal defended by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arsenal responded with dangerous crosses from Noni Madueke.
Substitutions began to change the pace of the match after 60 minutes. Chelsea placed Cole Palmer and Estêvão, looking for more creativity in attack.
Substitutions and yellow cards
Mikel Arteta promoted important changes to Arsenal, with the entry of Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz. The exchanges gave new impetus to the Gunners attack.
Chelsea responded with Alejandro Garnacho and Josh Acheampong, reinforcing the sides. Cartões yellows were shown for Malo Gusto, Liam Delap and Estêvão.
Gabriel, from Arsenal, also received a warning for rough entry. Coach Mikel Arteta was punished with a yellow card in the 53rd minute.
The warnings increased tension on the pitch, with tactical fouls interrupting the flow of the game. Peter Bankes maintained control without the need for expulsions.
Decisive final minutes
The last 15 minutes concentrated the best chances of the match. Enzo Fernández almost scored for Chelsea in the 65th minute, but the shot went wide of the crossbar.
Arsenal responded with a header from Gabriel that was blocked by the opposing defense. Successive Escanteios generated constant danger for both sides.
In the 84th minute, VAR was consulted about a possible penalty in favor of Arsenal, but the call was maintained as a normal foul. The decision generated complaints from Gunners players.
Goal in stoppage time defines result
Kai Havertz came free into the area in the 90+7 minute after a precise pass from The attacker finished calmly and put the ball in the back of the net.
Soon after, Josh Acheampong headed dangerously towards Chelsea, but Kepa Arrizabalaga made a great save. The Spanish goalkeeper prevented the equalizer in the last seconds.
The late goal confirmed Arsenal’s victory and highlighted once again the law of ex in London derbies. Havertz celebrated with restraint, respecting his former club.
Main moves of the match
- 90+7′: Kai Havertz receives the ball from Declan Rice, enters the area and finishes with precision to open the scoring for Arsenal.
- 90+7′: Josh Acheampong rises well and heads close to the penalty spot, but Kepa Arrizabalaga saves safely.
- 84′: Gabriel Martinelli falls in the area after a dispute; referee consults VAR and maintains decision not to award a penalty.
- 65′: Enzo Fernández receives the ball at the edge of the area and shoots hard, with the ball passing close to the crossbar.
- 47′: Liam Delap takes advantage of a rebound inside the area and finishes, but the ball goes to the left of the goal.
- 43′: Enzo Fernández shoots from the edge of the area; Kepa Arrizabalaga makes a difficult defense.
- 18′: Piero Hincapié heads in a corner from close range, but the defense blocks it at the last moment.
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Match context
The London classic brought together two teams looking to recover in the Premier League table. Arsenal needed the victory to get closer to the first placed.
Chelsea, in turn, sought consistency after irregular results. The presence of former players on both sides increased expectations surrounding the clash.
Kepa Arrizabalaga, facing his former club, showed confidence throughout the match. Sua performance was essential to keep the score at zero until stoppage time.
Individual performance
Declan Rice organized Arsenal’s midfield well and provided the decisive assist. Sua vision of the game was essential in the final minutes.
Enzo Fernández created Chelsea’s best chances, with precise passes and dangerous shots. The Argentine was the most active player in the Blues attack.
Gabriel Martinelli constantly threatened from the left, generating free kicks and corners. Noni Madueke also contributed with dangerous crosses.
Team strategy
Mikel Arteta opted for a balanced scheme, with a quick transition to attack. Substitutions in the second half brought more speed to the wings.
Chelsea prioritized possession of the ball and short exchanges of passes in the opponent’s field. The team created volume, but lacked efficiency in finishing.
The flanks were exploited by both sides, generating the majority of corners. The high marking put pressure on the opponent’s ball.
Confrontation numbers
The match saw several corners for both teams throughout the 90 minutes. The absences were distributed evenly.
Yellow cards totaled six, three for each side. Não there were no expulsions or goals in the first half.
Ball possession remained close to balance for much of the game. There were numerous shots on goal, especially in the second half.
Immediate repercussion
Havertz’s goal generated intense celebration among the Arsenal fans present at the stadium. The victory represents three important points in the classification.
For Chelsea, the result means continuity in the search for better positions. The team showed organization, but lacked precision in finishing.
The London classic once again confirmed its unpredictability. Detalhes decided the winner on a highly competitive night.
