The Continental Cup final was once again a game on its own. After losing 3-1 against Chelsea in the WSL just a couple of weeks ago, this seemed to be Arsenal’s only chance of winning a title this season. However, Chelsea was still in with a shot at the quadruple in Emma Hayes’ last season at the club. The stakes were high for both teams, and as both teams struggle with injuries to key-players, it would be a case of which manager prepared their team tactically the best for this game. However, in the end it proved an extra-time goal scored by Stina Blackstenius that was the difference between the two teams. The Swedish international put a close-range shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton with just four minutes remaining to secure a seventh Conti Cup win for the Arsenal.
Arsenal tactically dominant
Ramirez goal disallowed by VAR
Half-way during the first half, Chelsea managed to capitalize in midfield by a lose Arsenal pass and via Erin Cuthbert the ball dropped at the feet of Ramirez who clinically finished with a strike from distance in the bottom corner. Howeve, VAR was in place for this game, and a quick look at the screen saw the goal being disallowed as Cuthbert clearly got the ball on her arm (and had advantage because of it), so VAR did it’s job well this occassion.
Missed-opportunities
Worrying Scenes
The victory for Arsenal followed some worrying scenes just before the end of regular time, as Frida Leonhardsen Maanum suddenly collapsed off-the-ball. Teammates Blackstenius and McCabe were first on hand, and together with Charles they waved and screamed for medical attention. After a lenghty delay, Maanum was thankfully stable and put on a stretcher to receive further medical attention.
