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As it happenedended1516827180

Arsenal vs Chelsea: EFL Cup semi-final second-leg live!

Follow all of the live action from The Emirates Stadium, as Arsenal and Chelsea attempt to book their spot at next month's Wembley final 

Liam Corless
Wednesday 24 January 2018 21:50 GMT
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Laurent Koscielny steps in to stop Eden Hazard
Laurent Koscielny steps in to stop Eden Hazard (Getty Images)

Arsenal host Chelsea in the second-leg of their EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, with both sides hoping to book their spot in February’s Wembley final against Premier League leaders Manchester City.

New signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not make his Arsenal debut as the Armenian forward is cup-tied having played in the competition for previous club Manchester United. But in better news for the Gunners, Aaron Ramsey and Nacho Monreal could feature after bouncing back from sickness and a leg injury respectively.

Chelsea will be without a number of first-team regulars: Cesc Fabregas (hamstring), Alvaro Morata (back) and Andreas Christensen (head) are all set to miss out.

The tie is finely poised after the sides drew 0-0 in a scrappy goalless draw at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago. You can follow all of tonight’s live action below.

Please allow a moment for the liveblog to load.

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Waiting for the winner of this tie in next month's Wembley final is Manchester City. Here's how they ousted surprise semi-finalists Bristol City to progress to the February showpiece:

Liam Corless24 January 2018 19:46
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Pre-match quotes from Antonio Conte

On the injury problems facing Chelsea: "When you play every three days, you have to face these problems. At the same time, we are prepared for the game and we want to play well and try to reach the final.

"It's important to give a good performance. It is a big challenge, a massive game for us and also for Arsenal. There is a lot of balance between these two teams and we'll see what happens after the game."

Quotes from Sky Sports

Liam Corless24 January 2018 19:49
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"Can't you read, mate?" 

Liam Corless24 January 2018 19:54
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The players are out on the pitch at the Emirates and kick-off is just moments away!

Liam Corless24 January 2018 19:57
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1' - We are underway in north London.

Liam Corless24 January 2018 20:00
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3' - Tiemoue Bakayoko has the first shot of the match from distance after Alex Iwobi concedes possession sloppily but the Frenchman's effort sails well over the bar.

Liam Corless24 January 2018 20:04
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5' - Pedro thinks he's headed Chelsea into the lead from Cesar Azpilicueta's cross... but the linesman's flag is up against the Spanish forward. 

Correct decision.

Liam Corless24 January 2018 20:06
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GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea (Hazard)

7' - Chelsea deservedly move in front and it's makeshift No9 Eden Hazard with the goal, as he slots the visitors into the lead from close range after a good through ball from Pedro.

Arsenal haven't got going yet.

Liam Corless24 January 2018 20:08
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Eden Hazard is challenged by Laurent Koscielny 

Liam Corless24 January 2018 20:10
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10' - Jack Wilshere has Arsenal's first chance of the match as he reels in Alex Iwobi's incisive pass before getting a shot away from just outside the six-yard box. Willy Caballero is off his line quickly though and thwarts the Arsenal midfielder.

Liam Corless24 January 2018 20:11

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