WOLVERHAMPTON, England (Reuters) – Arsenal striker Stina Blackstenius was injured in the Women's League Cup final at Molineux on Sunday after Gunners midfielder Frieda Mahnum fell during stoppage time. In an overshadowed game, they defeated Chelsea 1-0 and scored the winning goal in extra time.
Mahnoum collapsed on the grass in stoppage time and was stretchered off, but Arsenal later announced on social media that he was “conscious, talking and in a stable condition.”
Arsenal said she would continue to be monitored, but no further details about the cause of the incident were released.
There were few chances in the first half, but Maira Ramirez looked to have taken the lead in the 21st minute with a great shot from outside the box, but the goal was chalked away as Erin Cuthbert handled the ball in the build-up. It was.
Cuthbert inadvertently gave Arsenal a golden chance midway through the second half, winning the ball in midfield and allowing the Gunners to counter, but Chloe Lacasse's shot hit Hannah Hampton.
England international Lauren James almost scored the winner in the 85th minute when she cut in from the left and aimed for the far corner, but Manuela Ginsberger flicked the ball safely away with her foot.
Mahnum collapsed minutes later, causing worried players and fans to call medical personnel to the pitch for treatment. After a long delay, the Norwegian was replaced by Alessia Russo and the match resumed, ending scoreless after a few minutes.
Both teams squandered several chances in extra-time until Swede Blackstenius was set up by Caitlin Ford, took a touch and then fired home from close range for Arsenal to retain the title. I made sure that I did.
As the final whistle blew, there was an outpouring of emotion from Arsenal players and fans, with substitute Russo revealing how fitting it was for Blackstenius to grab the winner after the Mahnum scare.
“I think it was written in the stars that her best mate scored the winning goal for her. Frida is a huge player and plays with every inch of her body and she did that again today. We just hope she's okay,” Russo said. he told the BBC.
“It was obviously a shock to see one of our teammates go down like that and we all hope and pray for her well.”
(Reporting by Philip O'Connor; Editing by Toby Davis)
