Arsenal 0-1 Manchester United
By Emme Fortnam (21/1/26)
Above: Terland celebrating her goal Photo: Manchester United FC
Elisabeth Terland’s first half goal was enough to secure Manchester United’s place in the Subway Cup final, as they visited Meadow Park.
The Action
The game started with a promising run from Olivia Smith, who crossed for Frida Maanum. The Norwegian’s header was grabbed by Phallon Tullis-Joyce, as Arsenal asserted themselves on the game from the off. Moments later, Arsenal got their first corner taken by Katie McCabe. Jayde Riviere and Alessia Russo battled for the ball, before the English striker sliced the ball out of her feet.
Manchester United started to take control throughout the first 20 minutes with Jess Park being key for them to hold onto the ball as she linked up everything.
Mariona Caldentey took a corner, which ended with the vicious clash between Anna Sandberg & Alessia Russo, who both ended up on the floor.
As the game progressed, Manchester United proved why they belonged in the semi-finals, showing a more aggressive side of their game following a measured last game against Arsenal in the WSL. Mark Skinner will be happy with the adaptation he saw from his side.
In the 32nd minute, from a McCabe free kick, Maya Le Tissier stamped her authority on the game with a strong clearance.
Into added time at the end of the half, and Anneke Borbe tried to be a bit too cute in clearing the ball, eventually leaving it to Elisabeth Terland who was able to find the goal.
Momentum build up
Arsenal returned to the second half eager to even the score after Terland’s goal, as they cautiously but tactically passed the ball round, avoiding Man United’s defensive structure. Frida Maanum then went for the goal, but was too high.
Lotte Wubbon-Moy, as Arsenal’s captain for the game, really pushed through showing her expertise. Following that initial pressure, Arsenal spent a lot of time around the box, intimidating the visitors.
Victoria Pelova soared the ball over to Russo, who went for the goal, but dragged her shot wide. On the hour mark, Olivia Smith was given a second yellow, hampering Arsenal’s chances to level the game.
New Beginnings
New star signings for both teams made a name for themselves during this Subway Cup semi-final. Ellen Wangerheim and Smilla Holmberg both put in a performance to excite the fans about their future. Holmberg tried an effort on goal after a pass from Mariona Caldentey, but it flew over the bar. Still, her effort to reach the ball brought a roar from the fans.
United continued to create chances of their own, with Russo and Holmberg having to defend from Terland late on. Neither team could add to the score however and it finished 1-0 to Manchester United.
63’ H. Lundkvist for A. Sandberg, 64’ L. Naalsund for S. Awujo, 72’ M. Malard for J. Z. Olme, 90’ L. Schüller for E. Terland
TEAMS: ARSENAL (4-3-3): Borbe, Hinds, Wubben-Moy (C), Codina, McCabe, Pelova, Mariona, Maanum, Smith, Foord, Russo. Substitutes: Blacksteinius (for Maanum 58′), Little (for Pelova 74′), Holmberg (for Hinds 75′), Mead (for Russo 84′) van Domselaar, Liddiard, Catley, Harwood.
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Tullis-Joyce, Sandberg, Le Tissier (C), Park, Terland, Awujo, Riviere, Janssen, Zigiotti, Wangerheim, Hinata. Substitutes: Lundkvist (for Sandberg 63′), Naalsund (for Awujo 64′), Malard (for Zigiotti 72′), Schüller (for Terland 90′), Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Turner, Griffiths, Drury.
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