(Football news) Arsenal Women ended their four year trophy drought after defeating Chelsea 3-1 in the Women’s Super League final at Selhurst Park. The Blues took the lead through Sam Kerr with a close-range header in the second minute but the Gunners came from behind with goals from Stina Blackstenius (16) and Kim Little (24) while Niamh Charles scored an own goal. After the break, Caitlin Foord was denied a penalty after Kadeisha Buchanan mistimed her tackle but Arsenal still managed to secure a comfortable victory.
Arsenal are currently three points behind Chelsea in the Women’s Super League but the victory will play a big part in giving the Gunners some much needed confidence boost before their match against Liverpool on Wednesday. Chelsea, who have won the league cup three times, had co-owner Todd Boehly in attendance while England boss Sarina Wiegman and Arsenal CEO Vinai Venkatesham were also at Selhurst Park.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall said “It’s a very nice feeling and I am so happy for the team and for the players. It was a really tough start but the way we came back showed what we are made of. There was so much more intent with our runs off the ball and it created a lot of situations.
“Those runs for the second goal with the penalty – that’s what we were missing last Sunday and we put that right. These are the games we want to play. To get results creates belief. Last Sunday, we did a lot of things well but we didn’t get the result. It was really important to get that reward and result and now we can be filled with belief for all the games going forward.”
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes said “The blistering start killed us. We sat off when they got the first goal. The difference was between a team that has won a lot and a team that hasn’t. They won the duels and were at a better intensity than us. The best team won there’s no doubt. I’m disappointed with us. You can’t concede three goals against a team that haven’t won a lot, which they haven’t domestically.
“They wanted it more. Losing so many duels in the first half. You have to win your battles and we didn’t do that. When you don’t do those things sometimes you need a reality check and the better team wins. There was complacency. We’ve won a lot and they haven’t and they wanted it more than us. Simple as.”
Also read: Premier League: Liverpool score seven past Manchester United at Anfield
