The Carabao Cup is once again a key event in the English football schedule.
Manchester United’s recent league win at the Emirates has changed perceptions about Arsenal’s home advantage, showing that significant victories are possible in difficult venues.
Chelsea, having faced a challenging start to the season, are now gaining confidence as they build momentum at just the right time.
Securing European qualification and winning domestic trophies are top priorities for Chelsea, and there is a strong sense of belief within the squad.
One notable player has kept Manchester United in the conversation ahead of an important semi-final match.
Alejandro Garnacho, despite now playing for Chelsea, still regards Manchester United as part of his journey as Chelsea prepares for their Carabao Cup second-leg match against Arsenal.
Chelsea enters the match trailing by one goal following a thrilling 3-2 loss at Stamford Bridge, a game that might have had a different outcome if not for Garnacho’s impactful performance in the second half.
Coming off the bench, he dramatically changed the game’s dynamics, scoring twice to keep Chelsea in the semi-final.
Those two goals not only shifted the momentum but also made Garnacho the first substitute in 121 years to score twice in a major domestic cup semi-final.
This performance highlighted why Chelsea moved quickly to sign him last summer.
His transition from Manchester United followed a difficult time under Ruben Amorim, where Garnacho struggled to find his rhythm and role.
The move was not entirely smooth, and lingering feelings from his departure seem evident in his comments.
Before the Arsenal match, Garnacho appeared to make a subtle jab at Manchester United while discussing his experiences in Chelsea’s official programme notes, as reported by The Chelsea Chronicle.
“Everyone knows how hard it is to play there,” he said.
“After we lost the first game, many said, ‘No one has won at the Emirates yet.’”
“Now, I think the perspective has changed.”
“If Manchester United can win there, we can certainly do it.”
His comments prompted reactions, especially from Manchester United supporters, as they position United’s achievement as a standard Chelsea aims to meet or exceed.
For fans of United, this is a reminder that departing players might still voice their opinions, and success elsewhere often brings comparisons back to their previous club.