London: Arsenal seized the advantage in their League Cup semi-final with a 3-2 victory over Chelsea in a thrilling first leg at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Ben White opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a header from a trademark Arsenal corner routine, and Viktor Gyokeres doubled the lead shortly after halftime when he capitalised on a mistake by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea substitute Alejandro Garnacho reignited the contest, pulling one back just four minutes after coming on. Arsenal responded with style as Martin Zubimendi finished off a flowing move to restore the two-goal cushion in the 71st minute.
The visitors looked set to carry a commanding lead into the return leg, but Garnacho struck again late on, firing through a crowded box to keep Chelsea’s hopes alive.
In the other semi-final, Manchester City defeated Newcastle United 2-0 on Tuesday, setting up a tantalising battle for a place in the final.
