Stina Blackstenius scored the only goal of the game as Arsenal Women reached the final of the Women’s League Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win over holders, Manchester City Women, at Meadow Park after extra time.
The Swedish striker netted from close range in the 93rd minute to seal a deserved semi-final win for the Gunners, who will now compete in the final for the ninth time.
While clear-cut chances on goal were relatively few and far between in the first half, Arsenal was presented with a golden chance to break the deadlock in the fifth minute through Laura Wienroither.
The right-back surged towards goal following a quick counter-attack, but Sandy MacIver got down low to save before both sides proceeded to largely cancel each other out.
New signing, Sabrina D’Angelo, was called into action in the 23rd minute, comfortably gathering Chloe Kelly’s curling shot after the England international cut inside from the right and let fly.
The visitors provided most of the attacking threat as the first half wore on, but an explosive start to the second saw Caitlin Foord strike the bar in the 48th minute, but the offside flag had gone up anyway.
The Gunners continued to dominate the second half, and Jonas Eidevall rang the changes just after the hour mark, but one of his substitutes missed a glorious opportunity to give Arsenal the lead in the 66th minute.
Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness would lead to extra time after a goalless 90 minutes, but for all of their profligacy in normal time, the Gunners finally broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute through Blackstenius.
The five-time winners set up a final showdown with West Ham United or Chelsea, who was expected to compete in their semi-final on Thursday (yesterday). — Reuters
