Conti Cup final 2024

Conti Cup final.

While Arsenal won in the 116th minute, there was no headline or thought by those watching. 

Frida Maanum collapsed in stoppage time and received medical treatment on the pitch for seven minutes before being carried away on a stretcher. Arsenal's medical team reported that she is up and responding. Moluneux was silent as the paramedic, medical staff, and stretcher approached. Players were in their team huddles, ready to regroup and continue the match.

Chelsea had a lot of joy, but handball ruled out a goal. But this game was very end to end, and the desire to win for their teammate pushed Arsenal to the end of the line. However, Chelsea's congestion of matches this month led to them growing tired compared to Arsenal's few matches in March, which meant they had fresh legs and energy. 

Arsenal's chances were few and far between, but Balckstenius scored a hat trick against check in the first meeting of the teams in the Emirates. This was also Jonas's only opportunity to win silverware this season due to losing to Chelsea at Stamford, making the game too large and impossible, plus being knocked out of the FA Cup. This is the only trophy Jonas has won as a manager. Should Arsenal make a leadership change?

The drama did not end there. Jonas Edievall was fortunate only to receive a booking after harassing Erin Cuthbert on the sidelines. Other teams like Manchester United and Manchester City have raised issues about how Edievall conducts himself on the pitch and speaks to the opposition players. Hayes was unhappy about his violent outburst towards her players, saying, “ I don't think we should tolerate male aggression” and “Fronting up or staring at a player is unacceptable.” Eidevall defended his confused suggestion the issue arose because Chelsea had asked to play without a multi-ball play but tried to use another ball late on when seeking an equaliser.” However, that should not be shut at a player about rash actions, and he suggested he could not take the accusation of aggression seriously, but actions always speak louder than words. Do not shout or harass players, especially in the opposition; if there was no contact with anyone, how could he defend getting a yellow card for his actions?

Chelsea had the chance with Mayra Ramirez netting the goal and James's multiple shots wide or being saved by Zinsverger. However, Hannah Hampton stood out with her proactive goalkeeping, keeping Chelsea in the game for as long as possible with long-range chances by McCabe and Wubben-Moy.

There were concerns for Serena Wiegman, as Leah Williamson was replaced at halftime by Laia Codina; this is the second time Williamson has been subbed off the game before international duty. Will she have to withdraw again?

Luck was not on Chelsea's side, with Joanna Rtting Kaneryds linked up with Ramirez and James in the box, but there needed to be more excursion at the last hurdle. VAR was used in this match and was crucial in making clinical decisions on penalties and goals to produce a fairer result. Eidevall was again criticised for not putting Alessia Russo in the starting XI, apparently due to illness and placing Balcksetnius upfront instead.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes told BBC Sport: "It's a tough loss. There was nothing between the two teams; it wasn't a high-quality game, to be honest with you. They took their chance, and they were winners.

"I don't make excuses. We had a big chance to win it before the end and didn't take it. They took theirs, and I can't ask for more from the players. They gave their all today, which was a big effort from them. Congratulations to Arsenal."

Asked about Maanum, she said: "Player welfare comes first every time. I hope she's ok. It's always worrying when that happens."

MATCH STATS

Possession- Arsenal 50%- Chelsea 50%

Shots- Arsenal 13- Chelsea 15

Shots on target Arsenal- 6- Chelsea 3

Corners- Arsenal-2- Chelsea 7

Fouls- Arsenal-10- Chelsea 15

LINEUP

Arsenal   4-2-3-1

• Zinsberg
• Fox
• Williamson
• Wubben-Moy
• McCabe
• Pelova
• Little
• Mead
• Maanum
• Lacasse
• Blackstenius

Subs used

• Cuisine 45 mins
• Cooney-Cross 105 mins
• Catley 84 mins
• Russo 90+13 mins
• Foord 72 mins

Subs not used

• D’Angelo
• Wienroither
• Williams
• Lia

Chelsea- 4-2-3-1

• Hampton
• Perisset
• Carter
• Buchanan
• Charles
• Cuthbert
• Leupolz
• Rytting Kaneryd
• Nusken
• James
• Ramirez

Subs used

• Macario 96 mins
• beever-Jones- 119 mins
• Reiten 77 mins

Subs

• Musovic
• Ingle
• Lawrence
• Kirby
• Hamano
• Berger

Yellow cards

• Cuthbert
• James 

referee: Cheryl Foster

Attendance 21,462 (a record for attendance of a continental cup final)