Arsenal came from behind to beat Chelsea in the Women’s Continental Tyres Cup final and deservedly win their first trophy in four years.
Jonas Eidevall’s side trailed within two minutes when Sam Kerr headed Chelsea in front but the Gunners responded and were much the better side at Selhurst Park.
Buoyed by a strong Arsenal following amongst a record crowd in London, they outplayed and outwitted their long-standing rivals to claim a sixth League Cup.
Striker Stina Blackstenius calmly slotted in the equaliser after Kerr’s opener, before Arsenal captain Kim Little netted from the penalty spot to make it 2-1.
The Gunners continued to dominate, although the combination of Kerr and midfielder Guro Reiten provided an ongoing threat for Chelsea, and Eidevall’s side extended their lead on the stroke of half-time when Blues defender Niamh Charles headed into her own net from a corner.
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes made several tactical changes throughout the match but her side could not find a way back into the game as Arsenal saw out the win.
It is a huge result for Arsenal and coach Eidevall, who has won his first trophy with the club and ended a significant period without silverware for a side who had previously dominated English women’s football.
Chelsea, on the other hand, have now suffered defeat in back-to-back League Cup finals despite winning three successive Women’s Super League titles.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Arsenal Women
Formation 4-3-3
- 1Zinsberger
- 16MaritzSubstituted forWienroitherat 70′minutes
- 6Williamson
- 2Carvalho Souza
- 7Catley
- 12Maanum
- 10Little
- 13Wälti
- 15McCabeBooked at 32minsSubstituted forPelovaat 57′minutes
- 25BlacksteniusSubstituted forBeattieat 87′minutes
- 19FoordBooked at 90mins
Substitutes
- 3Wubben-Moy
- 5Beattie
- 17Hurtig
- 18Marckese
- 21Pelova
- 22Kühl
- 26Wienroither
Chelsea Women
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 30Berger
- 15Périsset
- 4Bright
- 16ErikssonSubstituted forFlemingat 77′minutes
- 21CharlesSubstituted forLeupolzat 45′minutesBooked at 51mins
- 5IngleSubstituted forRytting Kanerydat 63′minutes
- 22Cuthbert
- 10JamesBooked at 83mins
- 28CankovicSubstituted forBuchananat 40′minutes
- 11Reiten
- 20Kerr
Substitutes
- 1Musovic
- 7Carter
- 8Leupolz
- 17Fleming
- 18Mjelde
- 19Rytting Kaneryd
- 26Buchanan
- 27Abdullina
Live Text
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Match ends, Arsenal Women 3, Chelsea Women 1.
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Second Half ends, Arsenal Women 3, Chelsea Women 1.
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Attempt saved. Jessie Fleming (Chelsea Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Melanie Leupolz.
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Caitlin Foord (Arsenal Women) is shown the yellow card.
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Foul by Laura Wienroither (Arsenal Women).
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Lauren James (Chelsea Women) wins a free kick on the left wing.
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Attempt saved. Ève Périsset (Chelsea Women) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Jessie Fleming.
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Foul by Caitlin Foord (Arsenal Women).
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Kadeisha Buchanan (Chelsea Women) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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Attempt missed. Melanie Leupolz (Chelsea Women) left footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left following a corner.
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Corner, Chelsea Women. Conceded by Leah Williamson.
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Attempt blocked. Lauren James (Chelsea Women) left footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
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Corner, Chelsea Women. Conceded by Rafaelle.
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Substitution, Arsenal Women. Jen Beattie replaces Stina Blackstenius.
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Foul by Kim Little (Arsenal Women).
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Jessie Fleming (Chelsea Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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Delay over. They are ready to continue.
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Delay in match because of an injury Manuela Zinsberger (Arsenal Women).
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Lauren James (Chelsea Women) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
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Victoria Pelova (Arsenal Women) wins a free kick in the defensive half.