Memorable EFL Cup semi-finals ahead of Arsenal v Liverpool


Xhaka Chelsea 2018

By Oli Dickson Jefford

Arsenal are well and truly in contention to win a first EFL Cup title since 1993, with the first leg of this year’s semi-final now looming next week after being postponed due to covid cases at Liverpool.

Compared to other English football heavyweights success hasn’t been guaranteed for Arsenal in this tournament with two titles but six final losses.

However, there have been some memorable semi-finals for Arsenal in the EFL Cup previously and they’ll be hoping to channel that success ahead of their meeting with Liverpool.

Here are some of Arsenal’s best EFL Cup semi-final moments:


2018: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea (aggregate)

Arsenal were underdogs heading into this semi-final four years ago, and after a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg Chelsea were still expected to seal a spot in the final.

However, that did not prove to be the case, with a superb display from the Gunners at the Emirates helping them reach Wembley.

Chelsea were 1-0 up just seven minutes in through Eden Hazard, though Antonio Rudiger’s own goal five minutes later saw Arsenal draw level.

And in the second half, Granit Xhaka proved an unlikely hero for Arsenal, his 60th-minute effort sealing a memorable victory to reach an eighth EFL Cup final.

Arsenal would lose 3-0 in the final to Man City, but their semi-final triumph is still something to be celebrated. 



2007: Arsenal 5-3 Tottenham

Adrenaline was high 15 years ago when Arsenal were drawn to face North London rivals Tottenham across two legs with a place at Wembley at stake.

At White Hart Lane, Dimitar Berbatov and a Julio Baptista own goal saw Spurs take a 2-0 lead in the first leg only for Baptista to score two second-half goals to level proceedings.

Emmanuel Adebayor’s 77th minute strike in the second leg at the Emirates seemingly sealed victory for the Gunners, only for Mido to equalise late on to force extra time.

However, a strike from Jeremie Aliadiere and Pascal Chimbonda’s own goal helped Arsenal claim a 3-1 win on the night at a 5-3 victory on aggregate.

A loss to fellow London rivals Chelsea followed in the final a few weeks later.

Baptista

1993: Arsenal 5-1 Crystal Palace

One of Arsenal’s most impressive displays came almost 30 years ago, with a dominant two-leg victory over Crystal Palace on their way to the title.

In the first leg at Selhurst Park, an Ian Wright penalty and a brace from Alan Smith saw the Gunners seal a comfortable victory, with a Simon Osborn penalty just about keeping Palace in touch.

However another goal from Ian Wright against his former club and Andrew Linighan’s strike saw Arsenal win 2-0 in the second leg at Highbury, and comfortably reach the final.

And they backed up that dominant display in the final, coming from goal down to beat Sheffield Wednesday to claim the trophy. 


1988: Arsenal 4-1 Everton

After a maiden triumph in 1987, Arsenal were handed a tough semi-final draw the following year against Everton, at that time reigning First Division champions and one of the biggest clubs in the country.

However, the Gunners had a 1-0 advantage after the first leg at Goodison Park, with Perry Groves’ effort proving to be the only goal in the opening match.

And it was an even more impressive display when the two sides met at Highbury for the second leg.

Adrian Heath’s goal for Everton did not match strikes from David Rocastle, Alan Smith and Michael Thomas as Arsenal eased into the final.

It would be disappointment at Wembley though, with the Gunners falling 3-2 to Luton in one of the competition’s greatest ever upsets.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

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