In the Women’s League Cup final at Molineux on Sunday, Arsenal sealed a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, thanks to striker Stina Blackstenius’ extra-time winner. However, the game was overshadowed by the collapse of Gunners midfielder Frida Maanum in stoppage time.
In the second-half stoppage time, Frida Maanum fell to the ground, prompting anxious players and fans to urge medics onto the field to treat her. She was carried off on a stretcher, and Arsenal subsequently announced on social media platform X that she was “conscious, talking, and in a stable condition.” The club said she would continue to be monitored, but no further details about what caused the incident were given.
Before Maanum’s collapse, the first half was even and short on chances. Mayra Ramirez thought she had given Chelsea the lead in the 21st minute with a superb shot from outside the box, but the goal was disallowed as Erin Cuthbert had handled the ball in the build-up.
In the second half, Chelsea’s Cuthbert inadvertently provided Arsenal with a great chance by coughing up possession in midfield and allowing the Gunners to go on the counter. However, Cloe Lacasse’s shot was straight at Hannah Hampton, and the game remained goalless.
England international Lauren James almost grabbed a winner in the 85th minute with a cutting run from the left and aiming for the far corner, but Manuela Zinsberger steered the ball to safety with her foot. Minutes later, Maanum collapsed, and after a long delay, the Norwegian was replaced by Alessia Russo as the game resumed, finishing scoreless minutes later.
Both teams wasted some decent chances in extra time until Swede Blackstenius was set up by Caitlin Foord. She took a touch before blasting home from close range to ensure Arsenal retained the title. The final whistle saw an outpouring of emotion from Arsenal’s players and fans.
Substitute Russo revealed how Blackstenius should have grabbed the winner after Maanum’s scare. “I think it was written in the stars that her best mate went and scored the winner for her. Frida is a massive player and plays with every single bit of her body, and she did that today. We just hope she’s OK,” Russo told the BBC. “Obviously it’s devastating to see one of your teammates go down like that, and we’re all wishing and praying that she’s OK.”
