‘Years in the making’ – Are Arsenal ready to shed the ‘almost men’ tag after beating Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final

The wait is over.

After nearly six years and four failed semi-finals, Arsenal’s 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final sent them back to a major final.

It will be their first time under Mikel Arteta since he led them to an FA Cup win in 2020 – and only the second in his time at the club.

The match was tense, tense and quite boring at times, but when Kai Havertz scored in stoppage time to confirm his place at Wembley, the euphoria of fans and players alike at Emirates left no doubt as to the importance of the match.

In a match that saw both teams manage just two shots on target each, the Gunners rarely looked troubled as they displayed all the qualities that make them difficult to beat.

The result means Arsenal will compete in a UEFA Cup final for the ninth time when they face Manchester City or Newcastle on Sunday, March 22 in the final match of the tournament.

If they face City, it will be a repeat of the 2018 final, which the Manchester club won, when Arteta was part of Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff.

However, apart from being an opportunity for Arsenal to get a measure of revenge for that loss and win the League Cup for the first time in 33 years, it would also be a step towards changing some perceptions.

Arsenal coach Arteta said: “There was a special atmosphere inside our stadium. This made the difference. We have waited a few years to reach this position and we will certainly enjoy it.” [the final].

“It’s the best vitamins we can put in our bodies because we play every three days. But the fact that you worked so hard to achieve those moments and live those moments together is magical.”

“You can see the joy, the smile, the energy and everything that works in the club.”

Midfielder Declan Rice added: “We deserve it. In the last three or four years we have been at the top of the Premier League, competing and getting very close but we have not been good enough.”

“That’s why this season we have an extra desire and enthusiasm in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There’s a long way to go, but to reach the cup final with this club is amazing.”

Over the past few years, Arteta’s reign with Arsenal has been something of a near-miss, both in cup competitions and in the Premier League.

Now, just one game away from ending their trophy drought, are the Premier League leaders about to silence accusations of being ‘almost men’ forever?

Former Arsenal defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been a few years in the making and there has been steady progress up to this point for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta has laid the foundations, building team spirit and togetherness.”