One Garnacho is not enough for Arteta's 11-man ruthless gang

This is not just Arsenal battering Chelsea - this is a statement!

The Premier League leaders are showing signs that they are capable of going all the way... not just in the EPL.

Mikel Arteta's men ran riot at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, beating Chelsea 3-2 in the first semifinal game of the League Cup. If it wasn't for unplayable Alejandro Garnacho, who bagged a brace, the Blues would have been battered heavily in front of their own fans.

Ben White's early opener set the tone for the game, showing once again that the Gunners are simply unstoppable when it comes to set pieces.

Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez's lousy attempt to clear the ball from the cross made it much easier for the Arsenal defender to nod it into an empty net.

Alas, that was a small mistake by Sanchez compared to the howler he made shortly after the break - he should have denied White's low cross from the right with ease, but instead the ball slipped through his fingers, allowing Victor Gyokeres to score his first goal from open play in 16 games!

Liam Rosenior's side, which had been looking rather pale and clueless until that moment, did show some resilience and character after going two goals down. Garnacho was sharp and accurate in the box to peg one back before the hour mark, 1-2, and pour in the necessary energy both among the teammates and across the stands.

However, the north Londoners didn't seem bothered by that one they conceded; they pressed and pushed for the third. Sanchez was finally able to make a save, putting a stop to Martin Odeegard's mid-range effort, but were on the ropes as Arteta's compatriots Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi made a mess inside the rival's box, as the latter finished it superbly to restore a two-goal lead, 1-3.

Now you see the ball, now you don't - Semenyo and Cherki work magic against Magpies

Just as we mentioned in the opening lines, Garnacho - Chelsea's only player who deserves praise for his display - refused to surrender. The tiny forward launched another fine volley that went past several Arsenal defenders and into the back of the net for a consolation and a tad bit of dignity ahead of the return leg at the Emirates, 2-3.

As things stand after the opening leg, we're heading for a Manchester City-Arsenal Wembley showdown on March 22.

EFL CUP - SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday

Newcastle - Manchester City 0-2 (0-0)

/Semenyo 53, Cherki 90+8/

Wednesday

Chelsea - Arsenal 2-3 (0-1)

/Garnacho 57, 83 - White 7, Gyokeres 49, Zubimendi 71/