Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-2 at Stamford Bridge and took the lead heading into the final, although they left the Blues alive after twice blowing their lead.
Arsenal were the dominant team for much of the match and when Gyökeres scored from close range shortly after the start of the second half to extend the lead after Ben White’s opening goal, everything indicated that the Gunners were heading for a comfortable victory.
However, an unexpected goal from Alejandro Garnacho closed the gap and brought Chelsea back into the game. Later, Martin Zubimendi scored a great goal to restore Arsenal’s two-goal lead, but the Argentine attacker came back to score again and keep the Blues alive for the second leg. The result left Mikel Arteta’s men feeling like they had missed the opportunity to seal the tie in the first match.
GOAL Rate the Arsenal players at Stamford Bridge…
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper and defenders
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):
He made a couple of smart saves, including one on Estevao before the break. He was a little weak on the corner which led to Chelsea’s second.
Ben White (8/10):
He appeared with a vital goal early on, his first since April 2024, and put the ball in that led to Gyokeres adding the second. Good battle with the dangerous Neto.
William Saliba (7/10):
He came very close to scoring a wonderful goal when his curling shot just missed finding the top corner.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):
Excellent as always. Produced some superb headed clearances to clear the danger.
Jurrien Timber (7/10):
He moved to play left back against Estevao. He moved forward a lot and left some space behind which Chelsea looked to exploit.
Midfielders
Midfielders
Martin Zubimendi (8/10):
He fired a quick shot over the top and connected well with Trossard at times. He got forward really well and scored a beautiful third goal.
Declan Rice (8/10):
Brilliant delivery to set up White’s early goal. Action packed display as always, it was all over the field.
Martin Odegaard (6/10):
He brought some control to a rather hectic match. I could have used the ball quicker on a couple of occasions. He came close with a powerful effort.
Forwards
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Another good battle with Cucurella, who handled it quite well in the first half. Saka won the second and was involved in the second and third goals.
Viktor Gyokeres (8/10):
He did well to create a shooting position in the first half when his effort was deflected. He came to life after the break, a hunter’s goal to make it 2-0 and then assisted Zubimendi for the third. Great night for him.
Leandro Trossard (6/10):
Some flashes of real quality but couldn’t find the finish on a couple of half-chances in the first half.
Substitutes and coach
Substitutes and coach
Gabriel Martinelli (6/10):
He saw a good opportunity blocked.
Mikel Merino (6/10):
He looked certain to make it 4-1, but Sánchez somehow stopped his volley.
Kai Havertz (N/A):
He came on in the last 10 minutes.
Gabriel Jesus (N/A):
No real impact after entering late.
Mikel Arteta (6/10):
If anything, his offensive changes opened up the game too much.
