Arsenal’s performance in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Chelsea last night was nothing short of commanding. While many observers praised Chelsea for putting up a fight, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson was quick to call out the Blues for failing to do enough against a superior Gunners side. As an avid follower of Arsenal’s journey this season, I couldn’t agree more with Merson’s assessment. Let’s dive into the specifics of how Mikel Arteta’s men secured their dominance and what this means for their campaign.

Arsenal came into the match with a clear game plan, leveraging their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The Gunners have been in fine form this season, with players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard consistently delivering in crucial moments. Last night was no exception, as Arsenal exploited Chelsea’s defensive lapses with precision. Saka, who has already notched 8 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League this term, was a constant threat down the right flank, while Ødegaard’s vision in midfield carved open the Blues’ backline time and again.

Chelsea, on the other hand, had their moments of promise but lacked the cutting edge needed to truly challenge Arsenal. Despite enjoying spells of possession, they failed to convert their chances into goals—a point Merson hammered home in his post-match analysis. The Blues’ inability to capitalize on key opportunities was evident, with their frontline struggling to break through Arsenal’s well-organized defense, marshaled by the ever-reliable William Saliba. Saliba, who has been a rock at the back with an average of 3.2 clearances per game this season, was instrumental in shutting down Chelsea’s attacks.

Merson’s Critique Rings True

Paul Merson didn’t hold back in his assessment, accusing Chelsea of not showing enough fight or creativity to match Arsenal’s intensity. He pointed out that while the Blues had their fair share of possession, they lacked the killer instinct in the final third. As someone who has watched every Arsenal game this season, I can’t help but nod in agreement. Chelsea’s midfield, despite boasting talents like Enzo Fernández, couldn’t dictate the tempo against Arsenal’s high-pressing game. Arteta’s tactical setup, with Thomas Partey anchoring the midfield, stifled Chelsea’s rhythm and allowed the Gunners to dominate key areas of the pitch.

What stood out most in this match was Arsenal’s ability to adapt and exploit Chelsea’s weaknesses. Gabriel Martinelli, with his blistering pace, tormented the Blues’ defense, adding to his tally of 5 goals this season. Meanwhile, goalkeeper David Raya’s composure under pressure ensured Arsenal maintained a clean sheet, further frustrating Chelsea’s efforts. Raya’s save percentage of 78% in cup competitions this year speaks volumes about his reliability between the sticks.

Looking Ahead for Arsenal

This victory is a significant boost for Arsenal as they march toward the Carabao Cup final. With 22 wins across all competitions this season, the Gunners are proving they have the depth and quality to compete on multiple fronts. Arteta will undoubtedly be pleased with his team’s resilience, especially against a rival like Chelsea, who, despite their inconsistencies, remain a dangerous side. The upcoming final will be a true test, but if Arsenal continue to play with this level of intensity, they’ll be hard to stop.

For fans like myself, this match was a reminder of why Arsenal are genuine contenders this year. The blend of youth and experience in this squad, coupled with Arteta’s tactical acumen, is a recipe for success. As the season progresses, I’ll be keeping a close eye on how players like Saka and Saliba continue to elevate their game. For now, though, let’s savor this win and the prospect of silverware on the horizon.