Arsenal and Man City book Wembley date in Carabao Cup final

Arsenal and Manchester City have booked their places in the 2026 Carabao Cup final after dramatic wins in their two-leg semi-final ties.

The two English giants will now meet at Wembley Stadium on March 22 for a chance to lift silverware in one of England’s major cup competitions.

Arsenal triumph over London rivals

In London on Tuesday, February 3, Arsenal edged past Chelsea 1-0 in the second leg of their semi-final at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners had taken a 3-2 advantage from the first leg at Stamford Bridge, but the tie looked poised to go to extra time as both teams struggled to find a decisive moment.

That moment came deep in stoppage time, when substitute Kai Havertz raced onto a loose ball, rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home the winner against his former club.

The goal sealed a 4-2 aggregate victory for Arsenal and sent the home fans into celebration.

The win marks Arsenal’s first Carabao Cup final appearance since 2018 and gives manager Mikel Arteta’s side a real chance at silverware this season. The Gunners are also leading the Premier League and have a strong run in Europe, making this final a major milestone in a positive campaign.

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City knock out title holders

A day after Arsenal were winning late in north London, Manchester City were cruising past Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.

City, who had already taken a 2-0 lead from the first leg at St James’ Park, made short work of the Magpies in the second leg.

City scored three times in the first half to effectively end the tie early. Omar Marmoush grabbed a brace inside the opening 30 minutes, and Tijjani Reijnders added a third to put the game beyond reach.

Newcastle scored a consolation goal in the second half, but the title holders could not stage a comeback.

The final score on the night was 3-1, and City progressed with a 5-1 aggregate win, flying into the final.

Now all eyes turn to Wembley, where Arsenal and Manchester City will compete for the Carabao Cup trophy.

For Arsenal, the final represents a chance to add to a successful season and give fans a moment to remember. As for City, it’s a chance to have something to look back on what has been a rollercoaster of a season for Guardiola and his players.

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