Women’s FA Cup: Arsenal Ladies crowned champions for 14th time
Carter’s first-half goal enough to defeat defending champions Chelsea
Arsenal Ladies celebrate after defeating Chelsea Ladies 1-0 in the Women’s FA Cup final. PHOTO COURTESY: ARSENAL FC
Arsenal Ladies, by far the most successful team in the Women’s FA Cup, won the 14th title thanks to a stunning piece of individual brilliance from the game’s outstanding performer, Danielle Carter, to defeat an off-colour Chelsea Ladies 1-0 at Wembley yesterday.
Carter drew first blood as, in the 18th minute, the striker took down a long ball from Casey Stoney, controlled it and cut in, skipping past Hannah Blundell twice, to pick her spot and place the ball into the top right corner, leaving Chelsea keeper Hedvig Lindahl in the goal with no chance.
The Gunners took control from the start, all thanks to the tireless Carter who created the best chances. While Chelsea also had a few chances, Fran Kirby wasted her team’s best opening as the England striker lacked direction with her strike after running through, giving space to Arsenal goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal to save at the near post.
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Midfielder Ji So-Yun, last year’s player of the match, also had a chance to equalise but she hit her shot wide and over much to the dismay of the crowd. Credit must be given to Arsenal’s midfield trio of Fara Williams, Vicky Losada and Jordan Nobbs, who hardly gave the Korean a moment of peace.
The high-tempo approach set the tone for Arsenal’s impressive display.
However, the best opportunities fell to the otherwise excellent Asisat Oshoala, who wasted two good chances when through on goal, and Josephine Henning, who headed wide from a corner after the break.
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Arsenal remained a threat on the counter and Carter, using her ferocious speed to get past Blundell again, had a shot blocked.
Chelsea did earn a couple of half chances entering into additional time — a Davison shot was blocked by Stoney and Kirby volleyed the rebound wide — but there could be no complaints.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2016.
Carter drew first blood as, in the 18th minute, the striker took down a long ball from Casey Stoney, controlled it and cut in, skipping past Hannah Blundell twice, to pick her spot and place the ball into the top right corner, leaving Chelsea keeper Hedvig Lindahl in the goal with no chance.
The Gunners took control from the start, all thanks to the tireless Carter who created the best chances. While Chelsea also had a few chances, Fran Kirby wasted her team’s best opening as the England striker lacked direction with her strike after running through, giving space to Arsenal goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal to save at the near post.
Matchday 38: Arsenal eye Spurs’ spot, United City’s
Midfielder Ji So-Yun, last year’s player of the match, also had a chance to equalise but she hit her shot wide and over much to the dismay of the crowd. Credit must be given to Arsenal’s midfield trio of Fara Williams, Vicky Losada and Jordan Nobbs, who hardly gave the Korean a moment of peace.
The high-tempo approach set the tone for Arsenal’s impressive display.
However, the best opportunities fell to the otherwise excellent Asisat Oshoala, who wasted two good chances when through on goal, and Josephine Henning, who headed wide from a corner after the break.
The world's most valuable soccer teams in 2016
Arsenal remained a threat on the counter and Carter, using her ferocious speed to get past Blundell again, had a shot blocked.
Chelsea did earn a couple of half chances entering into additional time — a Davison shot was blocked by Stoney and Kirby volleyed the rebound wide — but there could be no complaints.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 15th, 2016.