da pixbet: Frida Maanum also caught the eye with a world-class goal as Jonas Eidevall's side eased to victory, with Man City or Chelsea to come in the final
da pinup bet: Arsenal will face Manchester City or Chelsea in the Continental Cup final later this month after cruising past Aston Villa in an emphatic 4-0 semi-final win on Wednesday night. Stina Blackstenius stole the show with a first-half hat-trick but Frida Maanum also put her name up in lights with a gorgeous strike from range to ensure the reigning champions were four goals to the good at the break.
As is so often the case with these first-half blowouts, that's how it stayed. Aston Villa shored things up at the back, Arsenal relaxed a little and the game petered out. Maanum did look to have made it five shortly after half-time when she tapped in Steph Catley's cross from close range, but there were no complaints from the Norwegian when the flag was raised for offside.
The Gunners will have a shot at retaining their Conti Cup crown at the end of the month, then, with the final to be played at Wolves' Molineux Stadium on March 31. As for who their opponents will be? That will be decided tomorrow in what is sure to be a bumper clash between Man City and Chelsea.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Meadow Park…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):
Only had a couple of crosses to deal with and she did that without a problem.
Katie McCabe (7/10):
Played the role of an inverted full-back perfectly to allow Mead to cause problems down the right. Only denied a fantastic goal by the crossbar.
Lotte Wubben-Moy (7/10):
Perfect cross as she kept the ball alive to tee up Blackstenius for her hat-trick. Did her defensive work well when called upon.
Leah Williamson (6/10):
A little sloppy in possession despite Arsenal's dominance. Perhaps to be expected so early into her return. Improved as the game went on, though.
Steph Catley (7/10):
Almost like a second left-winger with how much she supported the attack.
AdvertisementGettyMidfield
Lia Walti (7/10):
Dictated play well to allow Arsenal to dominate and keep the pressure on.
Kyra Cooney-Cross (6/10):
Pressed well and supported the attack but seemed to almost lack the confidence to demand the ball when she took up good positions.
Frida Maanum (8/10):
Lovely weight of pass to tee up Blackstenius for her first goal and then got on the scoresheet herself with a gorgeous curling strike.
GettyAttack
Beth Mead (7/10):
A really lively game in which she was a constant threat. Got an assist for Maanum's worldie.
Stina Blackstenius (9/10):
First goal was a superb finish and her second was just great awareness and anticipation. Held the ball up well and was a fantastic focal point, deserving her hat-trick.
Alessia Russo (6/10):
Extra attention needed on her in a wide role stretched the Villa defence and created more space for Blackstenius.
GettySubs & Manager
Laia Codina (6/10):
Came on just after the hour and settled into defence just fine. Solid in possession.
Caitlin Foord (7/10):
Had around half an hour to make her mark and she did well to create a few chances despite the game lacking a bit of energy once she'd come on.
Kim Little (N/A):
Only on for the final stages.
Victoria Pelova (N/A):
Like Little, just on to see the game out.
Vivienne Lia (N/A):
Got a few minutes in stoppage time.
Jonas Eidevall (8/10):
Decision to hand rare starts to Blackstenius and Maanum paid dividends. A surprise not to see the youngsters on the bench given some minutes though, especially given the half-time score.