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Stina Blackstenius strikes late as Arsenal win Women's League Cup with victory over Chelsea at Molineux
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Published 31/03/2024 at 19:39 GMT+1
History somewhat repeated itself as Arsenal emerged victorious in the Women's League Cup final for a second year running with a win over Chelsea. The score was 3-1 last time, but the one constant in both triumphs was Stina Blackstenius adding her name to the scoresheet. The Swede netted the only goal of the game to win the trophy for a second consecutive year.
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An extra-time strike from Stina Blackstenius ensured Arsenal retained the Women’s League Cup with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the final.
Blackstenius scored the only goal of an otherwise cagey encounter in a Gunners victory that will be somewhat soured by Frida Maanum’s injury late in the second half of normal time.
Many questions had been posed of Jonas Eidevall's side in recent weeks after slipping out of contention in the Women's Super League title race, and they were eager to right the wrongs of a 3-1 defeat to The Blues on March 15.
Lauren James tested the water early on for Chelsea with a shot that stung the palms of Manuela Zinsberger, while Mayra Ramirez found the back of the net with a clinical strike which was ruled out for Erin Cuthbert’s handball in the build-up.
Beth Mead tried her luck down the other end with an attempted lob of Hannah Hampton, as her speculative strike rose over the target.
This tetchy contest had little in the way of clear goalscoring opportunities, but Hampton was called upon to make a fine save to deny Cloe Lacasse in a one-versus-one chance.
Zinsberger then took centre stage with a superb save with her outstretched leg to deny James from a tight angle, after she reacted to Guro Reiten’s ball out to the left-hand side.
Footballing matters became comparatively trivial when Maanum suddenly collapsed on the pitch towards the end of normal time.
The Norwegian was subsequently stretchered off the pitch following a lengthy delay, with Arsenal confirming the positive news that "Frida Maanum is conscious, talking and in a stable condition. She will continue to be monitored closely by their medical team".
Alessia Russo was Maanum’s replacement heading into extra time and she turned provider for Blackstenius, who rifled her attempt over the bar with only Hampton left to beat.
The Gunners were ending extra time the stronger of the two sides, as Kyra Cooney-Cross linked up with Caitlin Foord, and the latter teed up Russo to fire straight at Hampton.
Blackstenius redeemed herself for her earlier missed opportunity as Chelsea failed to deal with Foord's cross from the left, and the Swede's finish in the 116th minute squirmed past Hampton to complete a successful defence of the trophy.
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