There was a huge feeling of here we go again for Arsenal fans when Sam Kerr scored in within the first two minutes yesterday. Their side showed great resilience though to come from behind and put on a dominant display. The London rivals went to battle at Selhurst Park and it was the Gunners who walked away with the Conti Cup trophy in their grasp.
Conti Cup Trophy Goes the Way of the Gunners
A Tidy Performance All Across the Pitch
Sam Kerr was on target last weekend as her Chelsea side knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and revenge beckoned this time around. Over 19,000 were in attendance as four goals piled in in the first half, in what was a thrilling encounter.
Emma Hayes’ side have had the better of their counterparts more often than not in recent years. Adding to this the general pressure on Jonas Eidevall’s shoulders and there was a real mountain to climb for those in red and white. From front to back though, Arsenal were excellent and went about the afternoon with elite precision.
The video you’ve all been waiting for…
YOUR CONTI CUP CHAMPIONS 🏆 pic.twitter.com/CFOqtFjKgV
— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) March 5, 2023
Stina Blackstenius scored the first Arsenal goal and as a player who has received a lot of criticism for her form in front of goal, she swept it home with ease. Kim Little scoring from the penalty spot is no surprise and the skilful Scot ran the show in midfield, turning the likes of Erin Cuthbert and Sophie Ingle inside-out on numerous occasions.
Little was rightfully named Player of the Match on her way to lifting the Conti Cup trophy but the centre-back partnership of Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza was oh so resolute. The latter scored the third goal although it has since been credited as a Niamh Charles own goal but her performance went way beyond her exploits in the opposition’s box.
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Shutting Down Chelsea’s Stars
Rafaelle played a key role in the game plan for Arsenal but she was not alone in the cohort of players that dealt with Lauren James. Kerr is the Chelsea star and rightly so but James’ unique playing style leaves defenders in her trail week-in, week-out. The 21-year-old did have a few good dribbles in which she beat players but it wasn’t enough for her side to lift the Conti Cup trophy, with it all ending in frustration.
Alongside Brazilian defender Rafaelle, Lia Walti and Steph Catley put in some crunching challenges, particularly on James. Walti spoke of the elation of the occasion. “It gives us a lot of confidence. We always believed we were able to win trophies but there was always a little bit missing. Finally, we put what we’re capable of on the pitch and it’s just amazing to see.”
Apart from controlling Arsenal’s tempo and structure successfully, Lauren James has not gotten past Wälti today
Not many can do that successfully and Lia has made it look easy https://t.co/ufi6PrIE48
— Alex Ibaceta (@alexibaceta23) March 5, 2023
Chelsea are traditionally excellent all over the field yet the midfield battle was tremendously one-sided. Cuthbert was her hard-working and determined self but to no avail, Little and Frida Maanum amongst those making sure of that.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall was full of praise for his skipper after the game and understandably so. “I told Kim straight after the game, I wasn’t sure if it was possible. This is the best you’ve been since I’ve been the coach.” The Swede also labelled Kim Little MBE as “phenomenal”.
Not many thought Arsenal would be able to get the job done when it mattered most, especially in the absence of Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. The Conti Cup trophy headed home on the bus with Williamson and co though, a first for many of these players at the club.
