Arsenal face Chelsea in high-stakes semi-final, hoping to mirror past cup-fuelled title charges

Arsenal face Chelsea in the League Cup semi-finals tonight, aiming to overcome recent disappointment in this competition and a trophy drought approaching six years.

Mikel Arteta has overseen incredible progress in North London, with Arsenal top of the Premier League and Champions League in their pursuit of big trophies.

Arsenal fell at this stage last season, while their disappointment was compounded by a runners-up finish in the Premier League .

However, history has shown that the League Cup can serve as a springboard to unforgettable seasons.

Liverpool (2001)

Liverpool had not won a major trophy in six seasons when Gerard Houllier's side found themselves in pursuit of multiple in 2000-01.

The Reds met Birmingham City in the 2001 League Cup final, with Houllier's side heavy favourites against second-tier opponents. Robbie Fowler's fantastic goal opened the scoring in Cardiff, but a last-gasp Darren Purse penalty brought Birmingham level and forced extra time.

With neither side able to find a winner, Sander Westerveld saved Andy Johnson's spot-kick for the decisive moment in the shootout. The win was Houllier's first trophy as Liverpool manager and set the Merseysiders on course for an unforgettable campaign.

Liverpool rode their luck to beat Arsenal in that season's FA Cup final , courtesy of Michael Owen's late double, before beating Deportivo Alaves in the UEFA Cup decider. A Golden Goal own goal from Delfi Geli secured a 5-4 win for Liverpool and cup treble.

The momentum in their campaign also saw Liverpool qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Chelsea (2005)

Jose Mourinho arrived at Chelsea with big expectations in 2004, with the Champions League -winning coach dubbing himself 'The Special One' on arrival. His first season was one of success, with Mourinho's team taking the first silverware of the season.

Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-2 in extra time to claim the League Cup in Cardiff, recovering from falling behind inside the opening minute at the Millennium Stadium.

The club's cup success continued an excellent season, as Chelsea romped to a first top-flight title in 50 years. Frank Lampard's brace at Bolton crowned Chelsea champions in April. Mourinho's side lost just once in the Premier League all season.

Manchester United (2009)

Given the club's Premier League and Champions League double a season earlier, the 2008/09 campaign can often be an afterthought in the best of Manchester United .

That season, however, was one of triumph for Sir Alex Ferguson and his side. After reaching the League Cup final, Ferguson placed trust in several of the youngsters who had played a key part in the cup campaign.

Ben Foster, Danny Welbeck and Darron Gibson all started agains Spurs, with the former the hero in the shootout success after a goalless draw.

The League Cup win put Manchester United in good stead for the run-in, as the Red Devils overcame Liverpool by four points in the title race. It was a third consecutive league title for Ferguson's side.

Manchester City (2019)

Pep Guardiola boasts an impressive record in the League Cup , winning the competition in four consecutive campaigns between 2018 and 2021.

The first of those success saw the Citizens claim a League Cup and Premier League double, before going one better the following season.

City overcame Chelsea on penalties to win the 2019 final, the first leg of an unprecedented feat. Guardiola's side then pipped Liverpool to the Premier League after a dramatic title race, before completing the set with FA Cup success six days later.

That 6-0 win over Watford was the biggest FA Cup final scoreline since 1903 and saw the Citizens become the first English men's side to achieve the feat of winning the Premier League , FA Cup and Carabao Cup in the same season.