Chelsea vs. Arsenal, League Cup semifinal 1st leg: Half-time report

The League Cup semifinal tie between Chelsea and Arsenal is a quarter-way over, and we’re no closer to finding a winner than at the start, as the teams head into half-time of the first leg at Stamford Bridge scoreless and largely incident-less.

Unlike last week’s Premier League encounter, this has been a lot more cagey affair, with both teams placing added emphasis on staying organized and solid after that bit of silliness at the Emirates. Arsenal’s best chance came after a very poor clearance from Rudiger (Courtois made the strong save), while Chelsea have threatened a few times but Ospina’s handling has been good enough. We did manage to work the ball to Azpilicueta at least once for a great cross, but unfortunately it was Fabregas on the end of it instead of Morata.

So a bit disappointing from a full-strength Chelsea taking on a not-quite-full-strength but, as usual, very speedy Arsenal (and perhaps just about as strong as available to Wenger, especially with Alexis on this way out). Still, plenty of time to get a few in the second. Even Manchester City had a few issues with Bristol City in their semifinal first leg yesterday. (Away goals only count in the second leg’s extra-time, by the way.)

COME ON, CHELSEA!