Chelsea Vs Arsenal [2–3] – EFL Cup Semi-Final First Leg 2025/2026: Pressing, Precision & Defensive Fault Lines – Tactical Analysis

Chelsea hosted Arsenal at Stamford Bridge for the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals and lost 2-3 to the Gunners.

Arsenal looked more in control of the game, especially during the first part, before Chelsea were capable of bouncing back progressively but failed to equalise.

Arsenal have achieved impressive results in the EPL so far, as they look to complete a memorable season in the Premier League and Europe, and potentially lift the EFL Cup.

It will be tough but not impossible for Chelsea to get back into the game and win the two-legged semi-final, as the second leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium.

To do so, the new head coach will have to quickly start making changes, especially to the way his team defends and to the attacking variations and choices.

In this tactical analysis, we explore Chelsea’s most notable defensive weaknesses and the issues that led to Arsenal’s goals.

The analysis will also look at Chelsea’s attacking performance and what it lacked to win the game, while shedding light on Arsenal’s high pressing and its impact on Chelsea.

Chelsea Vs Arsenal Lineups & Formations

Liam Rosenior started the match in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Robert Sánchez between the sticks and a back four of Josh Acheampong (right-back), Trevoh Chalobah (right centre-back), Wesley Fofana (left centre-back), and Marc Cucurella (left-back).

The midfield was composed of Andrey Santos and Enzo Fernández as the double pivot, with Estêvão and Pedro Neto as the wingers, and João Pedro as the advanced playmaker, behind the striker Marc Guiu.

On the other hand, Mikel Arteta preferred to start the match in a 4-3-3 formation, with Kepa Arrizabalaga as goalkeeper, and a back four comprising William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães as right and left centre-backs, with Jurriën Timber and Ben White as left and right full-backs.

Martín Zubimendi started as the six, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard playing as central midfielders.

And upfront, Bukayo Saka was Arsenal’s right winger with Leandro Trossard on the left wing, and Viktor Gyökeres as the main striker.

Chelsea Defensive & Attacking Weaknesses Vs Arsenal Set-Pieces & High-Pressing Reliance

The match started with both teams applying high pressure to each other’s defensive lines, but without real threats until Arsenal earned a corner kick.

Although Arsenal did not do anything particularly special in this corner execution, other than the very accurate delivery, Chelsea’s superficial defending was the main cause of conceding the first goal.