Arsenal vs Chelsea LIVE: The second half is underway! (0-0) 2026 EFL Cup semifinals second leg

Andrey Santos left the field to make way for Alejandro Garnacho.

Estevao received a yellow card.

Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke were replaced by Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.

Malo Gusto and Piero Hincapie received a yellow card.

Following a corner in their favor, Marc Cucurella attempted a long-range strike, but his effort missed the target and sailed wide of the Arsenal goal.

Liam Delap and Jorrel Hato were replaced by Cole Palmer and Estevao.

Chelsea's Liam Delap received the first yellow card of the game.

Arsenal and Chelsea are already playing the second half!

The first half at the Emirates Stadium has finished!

Enzo Fernandez unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, but Kepa Arrizabalaga was equal to the task, making a fantastic save to parry the shot.

The scoreline remains unchanged at the Emirates Stadium in what has been a highly tactical and cautious affair. Clear-cut scoring opportunities have been rare, as both defenses are performing at a high level and giving away very little space.

Following a corner in their favor, the rebound fell to Trevoh Chalobah, who fired a shot from distance, but his effort flew well wide of the goal.

Piero Hincape unleashed a powerful strike from distance, but Robert Sanchez reacted brilliantly to make a fantastic save and keep the scores level!

Arsenal will be without their star Bukayo Saka, as the winger picked up a minor injury during the previous match against Leeds United, and manager Mikel Arteta has decided to leave him out of the squad as a precaution to prioritize his long-term fitness.

The opening minutes of the match have been a bit cagey, as both teams are hesitant to make a mistake that could cost them a spot in the final. The play has been somewhat disjointed in the early going, with neither side willing to overextend.

The game between Arsenal and Chelsea is underway!

Players from both teams are on the pitch. Everything is ready for the start of the match!

Arsenal are determined not to stumble at this stage for a second consecutive year. In last season's EFL Cup, the Gunners fell in the semifinals to Newcastle United, who eventually went on to claim their first-ever title in this competition.

Chelsea are also looking for redemption after being eliminated by Newcastle United in last year's edition as well, though the Blues' exit came earlier in the tournament during the Round of 16.

Players for both sides have taken the field for warmups!

This is Chelsea's starting team: Rob Sanchez; Malo Gusto, Wes Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos; Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro; Liam Delap.

This will be Arsenal starting XI for today's clash: Kepa Arrizabalaga; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapie; Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze; Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres.

Peter Bankes has been appointed to officiate the clash between Arsenal and Chelsea. He will be joined on the field by Edward Smart and Blake Antrobus, who are set to serve as the assistant referees.

Full officiating team:

• Referee: Peter Bankes (ENG)
• Assistant Referee 1: Edward Smart (ENG)
• Assistant Referee 2: Blake Antrobus (ENG)
• Fourth official: Thomas Bramall (ENG)
• VAR: James Bell (ENG)

Arsenal vs Chelsea will get underway at the Emirates Stadium at 3:00 PM (ET).

Paramount+ will be the primary option to watch Arsenal vs Chelsea in the USA.

Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 EFL Cup semifinals! Arsenal face Chelsea today in the second leg, with both teams looking for a spot in the grand final at Wembley Stadium!

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates of this exciting game!