There is often a question mark over how much the League Cup means to clubs. In the space of 30 minutes, it meant nothing and everything. Five minutes into stoppage time, Arsenal had seen their midfielder, Frida Maanum, collapse on the pitch.
The result paled into insignificance. All that mattered was Maanum’s health and well-being. It had looked worrying as paramedics worked on the 24-year-old for nine minutes. Thankfully, she was taken off the pitch in a stable condition.
Deep into extra-time, her team won this final with a 116th minute goal from Stina Blackstenius, who had been one of the first on the scene when her team-mate collapsed. Arsenal’s bench and fans erupted. Players and manager Jonas Eidevall ran onto the pitch. There was emotion, passion and relief all in one moment.
Chelsea had been on course for a quadruple coming into this game. For Arsenal, this was the only trophy they could realistically win. There was no suggestion it meant more.
Emma Hayes’ disgruntled post-match handshake with Eidevall suggested it had been just as important to her. This was an even final, decided by one piece of quality.
Stina Blackstenius secured a win deep into extra-time, with a 116th minute goal
It was the second win in a row for the Gunners after defending their League Cup title
Arsenal had won the first league meeting 4-1 in December, but Chelsea had come out on top at Stamford Bridge with a 3-1 victory just two weeks ago.
This time around, there was little to separate both teams.
Chelsea did find the net midway through the first half when Ramirez fired in a fantastic strike from just outside the box, but their celebrations were short lived. Replays showed Erin Cuthbert had handled the ball in the build-up, with the midfielder admitting as much to her team-mates as they waited for the VAR review. It did not take long for referee Cheryl Foster to overturn the goal.
Chelsea could perhaps have had a penalty when Eve Perisset’s cross deflected onto Katie McCabe’s arm in the box, but VAR opted not to intervene.
Both teams struggled to find more rhythm than they had in the first after the break, but both teams had one clear chance each.
Arsenal’s was first, as Victoria Pelova robbed Cuthbert of possession and played the ball through to Chloe Lacasse, but her low effort was well saved by Hannah Hampton.
Chelsea’s chances was just as good, as James found space on the left to drive through on goal, but her shot was saved by the legs of Manuela Zinsberger. Hayes’ frustrated reaction on the touchline suggested she should perhaps have passed to Sjoeke Nusken, who was unmarked in the centre of the box.
Extra-time was approaching when there was a worrying stoppage as Maanum collapsed with no player near her. Eidevall signalled to the medics while Katie McCabe also shouted for attention. Molineux fell silent for the first time as paramedics worked on the midfielder for nine minutes in total, before she was eventually taken off on a stretcher with an oxygen mask.
The game then re-started but only long enough for the official’s whistle to blow once again for extra-time.
The match went to extra time as the 90 minutes remained goalless
The Molineux fell silent for the first time as paramedics worked on the midfielder for nine minutes in total
The midfielder left the pitch after medics rushed to her attention during added time
Chelsea’s chances was just as good, as James found space on the left to drive through on goal, but her shot was saved by the legs of Manuela Zinsberger
McCabe nearly put Arsenal ahead in the first half of extra-time as she met Steph Catley’s cross, but her header bounced just wide of the post.
The breakthrough finally came in the 116th minute when Caitlin Foord cut the ball back to Blackstenius, who shrugged off Cuthbert to poke the ball beyond Hampton. Wild celebrations ensued.
With a title charge looking unlikely, Arsenal’s season would have felt like a failure had they lost this final. Eidevall had to be pulled away from Hayes at the full-time whistle. This may not be his season, but it was certainly his day.
