Last 10 Matches : Arsenal vs Chelsea In Domestic Cup Competitions

The storied rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea enters another significant chapter tonight as the Emirates Stadium hosts the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final. While the Premier League usually takes center stage, these two London giants have a long, fractious history in domestic cup competitions, often meeting when the silverware is within reach. Arsenal carries a narrow advantage into this evening’s match following a high-octane encounter at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago. Looking back at the last 10 cup meetings reveals a narrative defined by tactical shifts, individual brilliance, and a surprising level of dominance from the red side of London in knockout scenarios. This history informs the tension surrounding tonight’s kickoff.

1. January 14, 2026 – EFL Cup Semi-Final (1st Leg)

The first leg of this current semi-final at Stamford Bridge was a pulsating encounter that set the stage for tonight’s return. Arsenal established an early lead through a clinical counter-attack, capitalizing on a significant defensive lapse in the Chelsea midfield that left the back four exposed. Chelsea responded with sustained pressure, eventually equalizing before the break with a powerful header from a well-delivered set-piece. The second half turned into a high-scoring shootout where Arsenal’s wingers exploited the space behind Chelsea’s high defensive line to score twice in a ten-minute blitz. A late Chelsea goal set up a frantic finish, but Arsenal’s disciplined low block preserved the one-goal advantage.

2. August 1, 2020 – FA Cup Final

The 2020 FA Cup Final took place in a unique atmosphere at an empty Wembley, but the stakes felt as high as ever for both London clubs. Christian Pulisic gave Chelsea an early lead, slicing through the Arsenal defense within the first five minutes to finish smartly. Arsenal’s captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, eventually won and converted a crucial penalty to level the scores before the halftime interval. In the second half, Aubameyang produced a moment of individual magic, chipping the goalkeeper after a slick passing move involving Nicolas Pépé. Mateo Kovacic was sent off late in the game after a second yellow card, effectively ending Chelsea’s comeback hopes and securing Mikel Arteta’s first trophy.

3. January 24, 2018 – League Cup Semi-Final (2nd Leg)
Following a scoreless first leg, the second leg at the Emirates Stadium saw the tie open up significantly for both sides. Chelsea took an early lead through Eden Hazard, who finished a precise through-ball with his trademark composure. Arsenal equalized quickly via a fortuitous Antonio Rüdiger own goal that deflected off a corner and left the goalkeeper stranded. Granit Xhaka scored the winner in the 60th minute, reacting fastest to a loose ball in the box after a deflected cross. The victory sent Arsenal to the final, maintaining the strong record that Arsène Wenger established against Chelsea in domestic cup semi-finals throughout his long tenure.

4. January 10, 2018 – League Cup Semi-Final (1st Leg)

The first leg at Stamford Bridge was a highly tactical affair dominated by defensive organization and the first significant use of VAR in a major English cup match. Chelsea dominated possession for long periods and created several clear chances, but Arsenal’s makeshift defense held firm under intense pressure. Cesc Fàbregas and Andreas Christensen both went close for the hosts, with one hitting the woodwork and the other missing a free header from close range. The final whistle brought a 0–0 draw, which was seen as a strategic success for Arsenal, who successfully took the tie back to the Emirates on level terms.

5. May 27, 2017 – FA Cup Final

Arsenal entered the 2017 FA Cup Final as heavy underdogs against Antonio Conte’s Premier League champions but took a controversial early lead through Alexis Sánchez. Chelsea struggled to find their usual rhythm and were eventually reduced to ten men after Victor Moses received a second yellow card for simulation in the penalty area. Diego Costa equalized late for Chelsea with a deflected strike, momentarily silencing the Arsenal supporters and threatening to send the game to extra time. However, just minutes later, Aaron Ramsey headed home the winner from an Olivier Giroud cross, securing Arsenal’s third FA Cup trophy in a dominant four-year span.

6. October 29, 2013 – League Cup (Fourth Round)

In a rare recent cup victory for the Blues in this fixture, José Mourinho’s Chelsea side displayed a classic defensive masterclass at the Emirates Stadium. They successfully frustrated an Arsenal team that was then leading the Premier League and playing with high confidence. César Azpilicueta scored the opening goal, pouncing on a weak back-header from defender Carl Jenkinson to finish past the keeper. Juan Mata doubled the lead in the second half with a stunning strike from the edge of the penalty area that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Arsenal struggled to register shots on target as Chelsea’s physical midfield controlled the tempo.

7. April 18, 2009 – FA Cup Semi-Final

The semi-final at Wembley in 2009 began brightly for the Gunners when Theo Walcott gave Arsenal an early lead with a deflected volley. Florent Malouda equalized for Chelsea before the break, squeezing a low shot past Łukasz Fabiański at the near post after a clever diagonal ball. The match was ultimately decided late in the second half by Didier Drogba, who capitalized on a long ball from the back and rounded the keeper to score into an empty net. This match further cemented Drogba’s reputation as the ultimate “Arsenal nemesis,” as he frequently scored decisive goals in high-stakes London derbies.

8. February 25, 2007 – League Cup Final

This final in Cardiff was a volatile encounter where Arsène Wenger fielded a side primarily composed of young academy prospects against Chelsea’s established stars. The youngsters took a surprise lead through Theo Walcott’s first goal for the club, but Didier Drogba equalized for Chelsea shortly after. The game was overshadowed by a serious head injury to John Terry, who was accidentally kicked in the face during a corner and required lengthy treatment. Drogba headed the winner in the 84th minute to secure the trophy for José Mourinho, in a match that ended in a massive brawl and three red cards.

9. February 15, 2004 – FA Cup (Fifth Round)

During their legendary “Invincibles” season, Arsenal fell behind to a deflected Adrian Mutu strike in the first half at Highbury. The introduction of new winter signing José Antonio Reyes changed the game entirely; he leveled the score with a thunderous long-range strike that flew into the top corner. Reyes then scored the winner from close range, finishing a flowing move that was characteristic of that era’s dominant Arsenal side. The victory maintained Arsenal’s psychological edge over Chelsea, who were then in the first year of the Roman Abramovich era and beginning their climb toward the top of the European game.

10. March 25, 2003 – FA Cup Quarter-Final (Replay)

After a 2–2 draw in the original tie at Highbury, Arsenal dominated the replay at Stamford Bridge from the opening whistle. An early own goal from John Terry gave Arsenal the lead, which was quickly followed by a clinical finish from Fredrik Ljungberg after a fast break. Sylvain Wiltord added a third before the halftime whistle, effectively ending the contest before Chelsea could find any footing in the match. John Terry pulled one back for the hosts with a header, but the overall performance was a statement of intent from the defending cup holders who were at the peak of their powers.

The historical data suggests that while Chelsea has found success in the earlier rounds and League Cup finals, Arsenal has historically dominated the most high-stakes FA Cup meetings. In recent years, the momentum has swung toward the red side of London, with Arsenal winning the last three major cup encounters between the two. Tonight’s match offers Chelsea a chance to break that trend and overturn a first-leg deficit, while Arsenal looks to confirm their status as the capital’s premier knockout specialists. The aggregate score remains tight, ensuring that history will be on the minds of both sets of supporters tonight.