Arsenal have qualified for the semi-finals of this season’s FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at the LV Bet Stadium in Boreham Wood this evening.
The Gunners dominated a game which saw all three of Jonas Eidevall’s January signings made their long-awaited debuts for the club.
Despite it being a very cold evening at the LV Bet Stadium, both teams began sprightly with close to 3,000 fans being especially supportive in the stands. Arsenal dominated early possession, splitting the visiting defence on several occasions while Aston Villa were struggling to get hold of the ball. The was one nervy moment for Arsenal’s debutant goalkeeper, Sabrina D’Angelo, but the Canadian international went on to demonstrate her class and calmness to get the ball away to safety.
The deadlock was broken in the 28th minute in true Frida Maanum fashion as she danced around defenders before finding the back of the net. Aston Villa were not deterred by the goal though and some good passages of play showed that they were itching to find the equaliser.
Kim Little caused problems for Aston Villa keeper Hannah Hampton in the lead up to half-time, forcing her to make a couple of crucial saves to keep her side in the game.
Five minutes into the second half, Maanum found the back of the net once again as she doubled Arsenal’s lead. Caitlin Foord then swiftly added her name to the scoresheet as The Gunners established a three-goal lead.
With Arsenal cruising to victory, the occasion brought the debuts of The Gunners’ other two January transfer window signings with Victoria Pelova and Kathrine Kühl earning their first minutes.
A frustrating evening for Aston Villa continued as they failed to take advantage of a promising free-kick situation. Kenza Dali failed to trouble the Arsenal goal with her effort.
At the other end, Pelova was seeking a debut goal and she forced Hampton into a save, albeit a messy one with the Aston Villa keeper eventually grabbing hold of the ball.
The game ended 3-0 in Arsenal’s favour as the North Londoners sealed their place in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup semi-finals. The Gunners will now play Manchester City at the LV Bet Stadium in the next round on 8 or 9 February 2023.
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