Chelsea and Arsenal renew hostilities tonight in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge. To set the scene, we revisit five iconic knockout meetings between the London rivals, with full build-up on crown88.
Chelsea 0–2 Arsenal — FA Cup final (May 4, 2002)
Arsène Wenger’s side paved the way to the Double with two stunners in Cardiff. Ray Parlour broke a tense deadlock on 69 minutes with a trademark curler, before Freddie Ljungberg wrapped it up 10 minutes later. Ljungberg made history as the first player in 40 years to score in consecutive FA Cup finals; days on, Sylvain Wiltord sealed the league at Old Trafford.
Arsenal 1–2 Chelsea — Champions League QF, 2nd leg (April 6, 2004)
Arsenal’s Invincibles run met European heartbreak. After a 1–1 first leg, José Antonio Reyes put the Gunners ahead at Highbury, but Frank Lampard levelled. With three minutes left, Wayne Bridge smashed in after a slick one-two with Eidur Gudjohnsen, snapping Chelsea’s 17-game winless streak against Arsenal and heralding a power shift.
Chelsea 2–1 Arsenal — League Cup final (February 24, 2007)
Cardiff hosted a fiery finale featuring a late melee and three reds (John Obi Mikel, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kolo Touré). Theo Walcott gave an inexperienced Arsenal the lead, but Didier Drogba equalised and then headed the winner from Arjen Robben’s cross with six minutes remaining—classic big-game Drogba.
Arsenal 2–1 Chelsea — FA Cup final (May 27, 2017)
Arsène Wenger lifted a record seventh FA Cup amid controversy. Alexis Sánchez struck early despite offside/handball debates. Victor Moses was sent off for simulation; even so, Diego Costa levelled before Aaron Ramsey arrived unmarked to nod the instant winner and restore Arsenal’s advantage.
Chelsea 4–1 Arsenal — Europa League final (May 29, 2019)
Eden Hazard’s Chelsea farewell doubled as a masterclass in Baku. After a goalless first half, Olivier Giroud scored against his former club, Pedro made it two, and Hazard’s penalty put the game out of reach. Alex Iwobi briefly revived Arsenal hopes with a rocket, only for Hazard—fed by Giroud—to finish the job in the clubs’ first European final meeting.
Stay tuned for tonight’s headlines, analysis, and fan experiences on crown88.
