Victor Gökeres has broken the spell of futility, giving Arsenal a vital advantage in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea and vowing there will be more to come. The Gunners forward scored his second goal in 11 games and his first from open play since November 1, at the same time setting up Martin Zvimendi’s goal. The Sweden international’s quiet celebration spoke volumes, appearing somewhat embarrassed before being cheered on by his clearly excited and cheering teammates.
The result puts Arsenal in control ahead of next month’s semi-final second leg at the Emirates, but Alejandro Garnacho’s brace gave new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior fresh motivation. “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.
“I think it was a tough game. We defended well. As usual, we were dangerous on the counter, but I think we defended well. It’s disappointing to concede two goals, but offensively we scored three goals. I’m very happy.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed his side’s first win in nine semi-final encounters, but admitted his team could have ended the draw in a more convincing way. “I have to praise the players for their performance and the game we just played against a really good opponent,” 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 defended goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez, who was largely responsible for the two goals conceded, and insisted the draw remained. “I take responsibility when my players make mistakes. He made an absolutely world-class save in the second half. If he had done that, we wouldn’t have tied the game,” Rosenior said.
He added: “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 I think the team has enough to win right now, so we’re not looking for time.”
