Victor Gokeres congratulates teammates and announces commitment to Arsenal

Arsenal won the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Victor Gokeres ended his goal drought to give Arsenal a valuable lead, and promised more to come.

Gunners striker Gokeres scored his second goal in 11 games, his first in an exhibition match since November 1, and also provided an assist for Martin Zvimendi. The Swedish striker’s celebrations told the story. He looked a little embarrassed celebrating in front of the visiting supporters, but he had to be encouraged by his team-mates who were clearly behind him and happy for him.

Alejandro Garnacho’s double gave new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior hope, although it gave Arsenal a win ahead of their return fixture at the Emirates next month. “That’s what I need to do and what I can do more often. We won today and we’ll keep going. It’s still the second leg, but of course it’s good to win and get an advantage for the second leg, but we still have to perform well in the second leg,” Gokeres said.

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“I think it was a tough game. We defended well. As always, we were dangerous on the counter, but I think we defended well. It’s disappointing that we conceded two goals, but offensively we scored three goals. I’m very happy.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed his team’s first win in nine semi-finals, but admitted he felt his side could have finished the game.

“I have to praise the game we just played against a really good opponent and the performance of the players,” Arteta said.

“That pitch was of such high quality that in the closing stages after winning 3-1 and in a period where we were so dominant at that point, we had the feeling that if we had had two big chances to score the fourth goal, the result would have been very different.

“But in that moment they took action, created a corner, scored a goal and the game started. So, the feeling is not perfect, but we have to appreciate what the team did again.”

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior backed keeper Robert Sanchez, who was seriously at fault for two goals, and insisted his team remained level.

“I take responsibility when the players make mistakes. He made an absolutely world-class save in the second half, which would have prevented us from tying the game,” Rossenyol said.

“We are playing against probably the best pressing team in Europe, a team that gave everything. I’m proud of the courage of the players. It’s our sixth day here and we’re not looking for time, because I think the team has enough to win now.”

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