Former Chelsea forward Kai Havertz strikes in the 97th minute, rounding Robert Sanchez to decide the tie.
The late goal means Chelsea lose both legs of an EFL Cup semi-final for the first time since 1990-91, when Sheffield Wednesday achieved the same outcome. Chelsea know a single goal would have forced extra time, but the team cannot find a breakthrough despite sustained pressure after half-time.
Chelsea register 14 attempts compared with Arsenal’s five, yet the visitors struggle to create clear chances. The visitors produce 0.7 expected goals, and only two efforts trouble David Raya. Across both legs, Chelsea manage 1.4 expected goals, taking 24 shots in total, including 10 efforts at Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior focuses on the progress shown rather than the elimination and believes the second-leg display is stronger. “We dominated the areas we wanted to in the second half, but we didn’t find that quality moment,” Rosenior told ITV1. “Arsenal know they were in for a game, over both ties.”
The head coach highlights how Chelsea commit numbers forward while chasing the decisive goal in stoppage time. “When you’re pushing as we were, we put both defenders in the box and in the last few minutes of injury time, that [conceding] can always happen.” Rosenior also notes visible development between the two matches.
“I think there are clear improvements from the first leg to the second. Yes, it’s painful to lose – you want to go through. We just need to keep making improvements – which I’m seeing.” Both defeats of Rosenior’s Chelsea tenure so far come against Arsenal in this competition.
Rosenior explains that preparation for the first leg is disrupted by illness and limited time with the squad. “In the first leg, I’m not making excuses, but we had an illness go through the camp on the day of the game – we had four players missing – and I’d been in charge for three days,” he added.
The head coach repeats approval of Chelsea’s attitude despite the EFL Cup exit against Arsenal. “I cannot fault the application, intensity or the fight of the players.” “What we need to do is remember this is the start, and I’m really, really happy with a lot of things I’m seeing.” “You want to get the results – but we need to make sure we rest and recover, and we keep improving as we go.”