Arsenal will play Manchester City in the EFL Cup final after they defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

Following a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the semi-final, an Antonio Rudiger own goal and Granit Xhaka strike saw the hosts seal victory after Eden Hazard’s opener.

Here, we look at three things learned from the encounter.

HAZARD NEEDS A PARTNER IN CRIME

Simply put, Hazard did not deserve to end up on the losing side. He’s been playing wonderfully for Chelsea this season, even when results haven’t gone their way and it was much of the same story again on Wednesday night.

He was the one who made the breakthrough with a darting run that caught Arsenal’s centre-backs on their heels before slotting his finish away expertly.

The Belgian was a constant threat, drawing a total of five fouls over the 90 minutes and creating a plethora for chances for his team-mates.

Unfortunately, no player in blue was able to rise to his level on the night, especially with Willian having to go off injured before the half-hour mark and his replacement Ross Barkley making an underwhelming debut.

With Alvaro Morata proving to be a bit hit and miss this season as well, Hazard is desperate for an attacking team-mate of the quality and finishing ability to compliment him.

WILSHERE DESERVESWORLD CUP SPOT

Once again, Jack Wilshere put in another fantastic, energetic display in Arsenal’s midfield. There’s no question that he was the best player for the hosts on the night.

He’s renowned for his ability to drive forward from midfield with the ball and on this occasion even managed to upstage Hazard in that department, registering six assists to the Belgian’s five.

His passing was on point as well, rarely giving away possession and in fact being integral to his side’s build-up play.

Wilshere has brought a new level of dynamism to Arsenal’s midfield, despite only recently returning from a lengthy injury lay-off. On this form, who can deny him a spot in England’s World Cup squad?

WENGER GETS THE BETTER OF CONTE

Arsene Wenger took a severely depleted squad to Stamford Bridge in the first leg but his players must be credited for battling to a 0-0 draw.

Antonio Conte on the other hand has now paid the price for not being more adventurous when the Gunners were there for the taking.

Granted, both of Arsenal’s goals had a bit of fortune about them as the hosts benefited from some telling deflections. However, they were definitely the better team overall.

Wenger’s decision to ask Mohammed Elneny to drop deeper in the second half paid off as Chelsea were unable to create many chances of note while it also freed up the likes of Wilshere and Granit Xhaka to join in the attack.

Over the two legs, it has to be said that the Arsenal boss played his cards well.