Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little on target as Arsenal come from behind to beat Chelsea in Conti Cup final

ByAlex Livie

Updated 05/03/2023 at 17:22 GMT

The first piece of silverware of the women's season in England went the way of Arsenal as Jonas Eidevall's side claimed a deserved win over Chelsea in front of a packed crowd at Selhurst Park on Sunday afternoon. The result saw Arsenal end a trophy drought dating back to 2019 and also secure the first piece of silverware for the Gunners under Eidevall.

Arsenal snapped a trophy drought dating back to 2019 with victory over Chelsea in the Conti Cup final in front of a record crowd for the competition at Selhurst Park.

Chelsea have been the dominant force in the women’s game in England in recent years, but an effervescent display from Arsenal saw them secure the first piece of silverware of the Jonas Eidevall reign, and their sixth Conti Cup in total.

It was a deserved victory in front of 19,010 spectators, and a notable one as it came a week after Chelsea had knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup.

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A similar story looked set to play out, as Chelsea took the lead inside two minutes. The Gunners failed to clear the ball and Chelsea shifted possession to the left for Guro Reiten, who whipped in an inviting cross for Sam Kerr to head home from four yards.

From that moment on, Arsenal dominated the game with their front-foot, attacking play.

The equaliser came on 16 minutes. Arsenal took a quick free-kick on halfway, and Frida Maanum picked up the ball and strode forward. She got off a shot which bobbled into the path of Stina Blackstenius, who fired an effort through the legs of Millie Bright and into the corner.

Arsenal continued to play a high-tempo game and it came as no surprise when the advantage was doubled on 24 minutes.

Sophie Ingle felled Katie McCabe in the box and Kim Little fired the penalty into the corner, sending Ann-Katrin Berger the wrong way.

It was almost three for Arsenal on 35 minutes, but Blackstenius was flagged offside after striding clear and slotting the ball home.

Stina Blackstenius of Arsenal celebrates with team-mate Steph Catley after scoring during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on March 05, 2023 in London, England

Image credit: Getty Images

Chelsea made changes to stem the tide and looked more comfortable in the final 10 minutes of the first half, but they were undone deep into injury time.

Maanum whipped in a corner and Niamh Charles headed into her own net under pressure from Rafaelle Souza after Chelsea goalkeeper Berger attempted to punch clear but got nowhere near the ball.

The second-half see-sawed as Chelsea chased the game and Arsenal looked to hit the Blues on the counter.

There was a huge moment of controversy moments past the hour as Chelsea's Kadeisha Buchanan felled Caitlin Foord in the area. Referee Kirstie Dowie did not have a clear view and on the advice of her assistant, gave a corner.

Chelsea attempted to capitalise on their slice of fortune and Melanie Leupolz saw a stinging shot beaten away by Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger.

It was a fine save and spurred Arsenal on to claim the opening piece of silverware of the season in England.

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