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Manchester United Women traveled to London to take on Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final.
First half
The Gunners started on top as Taylor Hinds’ cross was met by Frida Maanum, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce stayed on his feet to prevent Arsenal from taking the lead.
Caitlin Foord was next to threaten United’s goal, but her header was easily stopped by United’s American goalkeeper despite being left in an abundance of space. Arsenal continued to dominate possession, but the Red Devils had the next chance.
Ellen Wangerheim, making her full debut, headed the ball down the back post but the ball was gobbled up by Anneke Borbe in the Gunners’ goal.
Jess Park curled a beautiful ball to Elisabeth Terland, but she failed to make meaningful contact with the ball. Arsenal responded shortly afterwards with former United striker Alessia Russo pulling an effort wide.
United felt they should have had a penalty moments later when Katie McCabe appeared to bring down Terland, but the Norwegian’s appeals were waved away. Nevertheless, Terland would have the last laugh when she took advantage of the Arsenal shot-stopper’s poor goalkeeping.
Borbe gave the ball to Wangerheim, but she could not control the ball well. Fortunately for the Red Devils, it continued to Terland, who fired a fierce effort into the bottom corner to give Marc Skinner’s side the lead on the eve of half-time.
Second half
As you would expect, Arsenal came flying out of the traps and Maanum grabbed a shot over Tullis-Joyce’s crossbar.
Russo missed another chance for the hosts, but United then got a break. Olivia Smith, who had previously received a yellow card, took action on Julia Olme and the referee had no choice but to show a red card.
United began to take control and Melvine Malard found herself in oceans of space at the back post but skied her shot well over the crossbar when she really should have done better. Just before the end of the 90 minutes, Arsenal were furious that they were not awarded a penalty.
McCabe shot at goal and her effort was deflected by the hand of Dominique Janssen. Fortunately, the referee allowed play to continue and United were spared heartbreak in the closing moments.
Moments later, Jess Park tried to end the match once and for all, but her effort went well over the bar. United fans then had their hearts in their mouths as Beth Mead was left unnoticed at the back post, but somehow managed to head the ball wide, much to the relief of the Red Devils defence.
The away team kept the ball away from their own goal and eventually the referee blew the whistle to signal United’s victory. The Red Devils now face Chelsea at Ashton Gate, Bristol, on March 15, looking to win the tournament for the first time ever.
United are in action at Aston Villa on Sunday morning at 11.55am GMT.
Elisabeth Terland WSL 25/26 statistics
| Stands | Value |
|---|---|
| Rank | Goals |
| Goals | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 4.65 |
| xG on goal (xGOT) | 3.53 |
| Non-penalty xG | 4.65 |
| Shots | 25 |
| Shots on target | 15 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 1.11 |
| Successful passes | 84 |
| Successful passes % | 68.3% |
| Accurate long balls | 3 |
| Accurate long balls % | 75.0% |
| Opportunities created | 11 |
| Successful dribbles | 4 |
| Successful dribbles % | 50.0% |
| Touches | 225 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 46 |
| Expropriated | 9 |
| Fouls won | 7 |
| Tackles | 6 |
| Duels won | 40 |
| Matches won % | 44.9% |
| Won aerial duels | 23 |
| Aerial duels won % | 50.0% |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Blocked shots | 2 |
| Commit violations | 11 |
| Chargebacks | 15 |
| Ball possession won the final 3rd place | 8 |
| Dribbled past | 2 |
| Yellow cards | 1 |
| Red cards | 0 |
Source: Fotmob.com
Feature image Michael Campanella via Getty Images
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