Manchester United beat 10-man Arsenal 1-0 to reach their first-ever Women’s League Cup final and advance from a last-four tie.
Elisabeth Terlando took the blame for Anneke Borbe’s costly mistake, and the Gunners ended the game one man down as Olivia Smith’s frustration exploded as she tried to equalize.
This means United will face Chelsea in the final in March, aiming to win their first League Cup and become the fourth team to win the competition.
Both meetings between the two teams in the Women’s Super League this season ended goalless, but Renee Slegers’ side made sure that didn’t happen with a fast start, with Frieda Mahnum squandering three good chances with early exchanges.
Arsenal had the upper hand for most of the match but were unable to punish Man United
Despite the Gunners being more likely to take the lead in the first half, it was United who took the lead and Anneke Borbe only had herself to blame.
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Elizabeth Talland puts Manchester United ahead just before half-time
A poor pass from behind the goalkeeper was cut out by United’s new signing Ellen Wangerheim, who was playing for Terlando, and the striker scored on the turn.
If Arsenal were to find a way back into the game, it looked like it would be through Smith. That was until she was sent off an hour ago.
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Olivia Smith sent off after receiving second yellow card against Manchester United
The winger, who was fouled several times in quick succession, lashed out at Julia Gigiotti Olme and was shown a second yellow card, leaving the Gunners searching for an equalizer with 10 men.
Arsenal continued to search for an equalizer in vain, with Mariona Caldenti going close but being denied by Fallon Tallis-Joyce.
United will face the Blues in the final at Ashton Gate on March 15th, aiming to join Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea as League Cup winners.
Le Tissier: ‘United want to challenge for every trophy’
Manchester United captain Maya Le Tissier said:
“It was a tough battle. It was a match in poor conditions. It wasn’t the best match, but I’m glad we were able to win and advance to the final.”
“We have never been to a final before. This is a new chance to win a silver medal and we want to challenge for every cup we play in. This is a new chance for us.
“After the sending off, we looked like a team with 10 players. It wasn’t ideal, we can think about it. But this team, we play with pride in our defense. We love tackling, we love pressing. It shows. That’s what we want to do. Even when we’re not the best on the ball, at least we take pride in our defense.”
“This season is the first time we are playing in the Champions League. We had to adapt and use all our great players, including the players who came in today who are not starting. Also the players who came off the bench, we know how much they can do.”
“Smith feels like he let his teammates down.”
Lenny Sleggers says Smith feels he let his teammates down
Arsenal manager Renee Sleggers on Olivia Smith’s red card:
“I’ve seen her a little bit and she’s devastated. She feels like she let the team down. We’ll pick her up tomorrow, but this is a big learning curve for her and the team.”
“I don’t know if the first yellow was a yellow, but the second yellow is understandable. She plays with dynamism and a sense of danger, but she is still young. We are here to support her.”
“The way we handled the 10-on-11 situation was really great and the players gave their all. The fans also helped us so I’m grateful to them.”
