Introduction:

With the two clashes between Arsenal and Chelsea this season producing such differing results, predicting who would win the tactical battle in this cup final was always going to be difficult. 

In the end a late winner sealed the Conti Cup for Arsenal, but the tactical battle was intense and produced an evenly contested game. 

Lineups:

Arsenal made three changes from the loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge- Emily Fox for Steph Catley, Cloe Lacasse for Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum for Lia Walti.

Arsenal: Zinsberger; McCabe, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Fox; Little, Pelova; Lacasse, Maanum, Mead; Blackstenius.

Chelsea made just one change from their 3-1 win over the Gunners, with Mayra Ramirez replacing Guro Reiten.

Chelsea: Hampton; Charles, Buchanan, Carter, Perisset; Leupolz, Cuthbert; James, Nusken, Kaneryd; Ramirez.

Arsenal in possession:

In possession, Leah Williamson, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Katie McCabe were building up from the back, with Fox positioned higher up on the right and Beth Mead moving in-field. Mead and Lacasse would swap positions often on the wing to test the Chelsea fullbacks.

Arsenal were extremely versatile in their attacking play. When building up from the back, Kim Little would drop in between Ramirez and Sjoeke Nusken to get on the ball and look for forward passes. Victoria Pelova would also find space in between the lines to move the ball through the midfield for Arsenal. Maanum would look to exploit the space in between the lines to receive long balls to feet and turn to get Arsenal on the attack.

Arsenal were able to play through the lines with two or three passes but there was often too much weight on the final pass, allowing Chelsea to clear or goalkeeper Hannah Hampton to come out and claim. Even when the Blues were looking to press the centre-backs, Wubben-Moy could move the ball into midfield easily where Arsenal had so much space.

Arsenal were able to bypass the Chelsea press, with Little dropping deep to drag Melanie Leupolz out of position, and Wubben-Moy noticing the space and making a run. Erin Cuthbert would then be forced to step out to press Wubben-Moy, allowing Pelova to drop into the space, receive the ball and turn. Arsenal could break down the Chelsea press through a series of clever movements.

Significant space opened up in between the players in the Chelsea backline. Blackstenius operated in the space that opened up between Jess Carter and Kadeisha Buchanan. Williamson would look for long balls for Stina Blackstenius to hold up and flick on, with Maanum making the run in behind. 

Blackstenius also got in behind the backline on a number of occasions; this led to a shot that she fired just over.

When Arsenal got the ball in their attacking third they moved the ball from one flank to the other quickly, putting crosses in first-time and were not hesitant. This allowed them to create more attacking opportunities.

Arsenal were looking to get their wingers in 1v1 situations against the Chelsea fullbacks, with Chelsea not doubling up when defending. Just after the 70th minute Arsenal even looked to bring on fresh legs on the wing, with Caitlin Foord replacing Lacasse.

The substitutions were extremely effective for Arsenal, with Catley also coming on in the 83rd minute for Mead. The link-up play between Catley and Foord was causing Chelsea a lot of problems. When Alessia Russo came on she also found space to get some long range shots away, which didn’t test Hampton much, but showed Arsenal’s intent to attack. 

With Kyra Cooney-Cross coming on for McCabe for the final 15 minutes of extra time, Arsenal were able to utilise her passing ability to drive forward and look for long balls out wide.

It was the link-up between Catley and Foord that created the chance for Blackstenius, who took a touch and slotted it past Hampton. Arsenal lead with just over five minutes to go.

Arsenal out of possession:

Out of possession Arsenal were not always looking to press the two centre-backs on the ball. Instead Lacasse would press right-back Eve Perisset when Chelsea tried to play out through the French fullback, forcing her backwards. Maanum was responsible for covering the passing route to the midfielder in Cuthbert or Leupolz. Because of this Chelsea were struggling to get forward and Cuthbert would move to the right-back position to pick up the ball, with Perisset making a run ahead of her. Arsenal pressed well to force Cuthbert into rushed passes.

Arsenal closed out the midfield really well, pressing the player on the ball with two to three players to intercept possession. Pelova would step out to win the loose ball, not allowing Chelsea to counter. Whoever wins the midfield battle in a game like this is usually more likely to be victorious, and Arsenal put in and won so many tackles in midfield, in comparison to their defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal closed Lauren James down on the edge of the box quickly and efficiently. Wubben-Moy did well to step out to the Chelsea player at the edge of the box to win the ball back or prevent time for a pass or shot. She also effectively dealt with the balls in behind to regain possession back for Arsenal.

Players would get back for Arsenal to help defend when Chelsea had the ball high up the pitch. Mead followed James from the set piece to get the block in and allow Arsenal to clear. Arsenal got a significant amount of players back to defend Chelsea corners to win the header and any loose balls.

Arsenal remained compact and stuck to their defensive duties even in extra time, sticking to their shape and responsibilities.

Closing thoughts:

Arsenal claimed their first trophy of the season through a well-deserved 1-0 win and will hope to continue this level of confidence as they play the remainder of the season out. Despite an unlikely chance at the Women’s Super League title, Arsenal will aim to win the remainder of the games they have to play and see the season out on a high.

Subscribe to Daisy Goodhand on Substack: daisygoodhand.substack.com