Arsenal women denied Cup final spot after one moment swings semi-final
Arsenal Women suffered a narrow defeat as Manchester United Women secured a place in the League Cup final.
United showed strong organisation throughout the game and held firm under steady Arsenal pressure.
Arsenal started the match with control of possession and tried to build play through wide areas. However, clear chances were limited as United kept their shape and blocked space well.
Costly error hands United the lead
The decisive moment arrived shortly before the break in the 47th minute of the game. Arsenal goalkeeper Anneke Borbe made a costly mistake while trying to play out from the back.
Her loose pass went straight to United forward Ellen Wangerheim near the edge of the area. Wangerheim reacted quickly and squared the ball for Elisabeth Terland.
Terland made no mistake and finished calmly to give United the lead. It was a simple goal, yet one that proved decisive on the night.
Earlier in the half, Terland was also involved in a key talking point. The Norwegian went down in the Arsenal box after contact from Katie McCabe.
United appealed strongly for a penalty, but the referee waved play on. That decision stood, and the game continued without further action.
Red card diminishes Arsenal’s hopes
Arsenal’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a further blow midway through the second half. Forward Olivia Smith was shown a second yellow card in the 61st minute.
The dismissal followed a late challenge on a United player in the final third. The decision reduced Arsenal to ten players at a key stage of the match.
Arsenal continued to fight and showed spirit despite the numerical disadvantage. However, United defended well and held on to their narrow lead until the final whistle.
The defeat means Arsenal miss out on a place in the League Cup final. For United, it marks their first appearance in the competition final.
Renee Slegers and her players must now shift focus to upcoming fixtures. Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday to face Chelsea in league action.
After that test, Arsenal will head to Brentford Stadium on Wednesday. They are set to face AS FAR in the semi-final of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
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