In the first women’s final of the year Chelsea and Arsenal faced off at Selhurst Park in the Continental Cup.
Despite an early goal from Sam Kerr, Arsenal bounced back to snatch the final 3-1 and claim their sixth title in the tournament.
Starting XIs
Arsenal
Zinsberger; Maritz, Williamson, Rafaelle, Catley, Walti, Little (c), Maanum, McCabe, Foord, Blakstenius
Chelsea
Berger; Bright, Ingle, James, Reiten, Perisset, Eriksson (c), Kerr, Charles, Cuthbert, Cankovic
Arsenal victorious in Continental Cup
From the off, the Conti Cup final promised to provide drama.
Just two minutes in, Kerr found the back of the Arsenal net with a pinpoint header. From there however, Chelsea’s luck rapidly changed.
The 16th minute saw Stina Blackstenius provide a crucial equaliser. The Swedish international fired the ball home from 12 yards out after Frida Maanum’s ball deflected off a Chelsea player.
A little more than seven minutes later, Arsenal’s fortunes further improved when they were awarded a penalty. Kim Little stepped up to take the spot kick, sending Ann-Katrin Berger diving the wrong way as she placed the ball in the bottom right corner.
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea’s woes were far from over as the Gunners went two goals clear just moments before the half-time whistle. While the goal was credited to Rafaelle Souza by Arsenal, the final touch appeared to come from Chelsea defender Niamh Charles.
The two sides went in for the break with Jonas Eidevall’s team enjoying a two goal cushion.
After such a frantic opening 45 minutes, the second half brought about a much slower game. With Chelsea searching for a route back into the tie Hayes’ side frequently left space at the back that provided their opposition a route back into the game.
Despite the Blues’ best attempts, they were unable to claw back the two goal deficit, and missed out on the League Cup for a second consecutive year.
Arsenal’s victory marks the sixth time the Gunners have lifted the trophy, with the previous title coming in 2018.
