Arsenal win Continental Cup with last-gasp Blackstenius winner
Chelsea's unbeaten run comes to an end
Emma Sanders, BBC Sport at Emirates Stadium, 10 December 2023
Stina Blackstenius scored a 116th-minute winner as Arsenal beat Chelsea 3-1 in the Continental Cup final at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea's unbeaten run in the Women's Super League came to an end as the Blues were denied a fourth successive Continental Cup triumph.
Arsenal took the lead through Frida Maanum in the first half, but Chelsea hit back after the break through Guro Reiten and Alessia Russo.
However, Blackstenius had the final say, heading home in the dying minutes to secure Arsenal's first major trophy since 2019.
The match was a tight affair throughout, with both teams having chances to win it.
Chelsea had the better of the first half, but Arsenal took the lead against the run of play when Maanum fired home from close range after Vivianne Miedema's shot was saved.
Chelsea equalised after the break when Reiten curled a free-kick into the top corner.
Russo then put Chelsea ahead with a header from close range, but Arsenal refused to give up.
Blackstenius had the final say, heading home from a corner in the dying minutes to secure Arsenal's victory.
The win is a major boost for Arsenal, who have struggled for form in recent months.
It is also a disappointing end to the season for Chelsea, who had won the league and FA Cup double last season.
However, the Blues will be back to defend their WSL title next season, and they will be determined to avenge their defeat in the Continental Cup final.
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