Arsenal Women’s Team win FA Cup

Arsenal Ladies put their poor league form aside in a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton in what was boss Shelley Kerr’s final game in charge of the team.

The Arsenal team knew that they were coming up against the only team that has ever beaten them in an FA cup final in Everton, but also that Everton’s league form coming into the game was just as poor as their own. The pressure was on the cup holders, but it was they that dominated the opening stages of the match.

Rachel Yankey had the freedom of Stadium MK for most of the match as Everton’s defence seemed unable to deal with anything she came up with, as a series of runs from the winger led to her striking the inside of the post with a beautiful strike but the ball bounced clear.

It was Arsenal’s other winger, Danielle Carter, who’s persistence and skill led to Arsenal’s opening goal. Her determination put her through on goal but a free kick was given when she was chopped down by the Everton defence. Veteran striker Kelly Smith took the opportunity to show her class and bent the freekick into the top corner, taking advantage of the goalkeepers questionable positioning.

Arsenal controlled the game from then on and rarely looked troubled, keeper Emma Byrne not really troubled at all as Everton forced only half chances and long shots in their attempt to claw the goal back.

Arsenal seized control of the match with a second goal after some strong work from Kelly Smith down the right wing left her with a simple pass to set up Japanese international Yukari Kinga for her first Arsenal goal. Arsenal went close after as they looked to wrap it up, but the woodwork kept them at bay.

Arsenal have now lifted the FA Cup 13 times and are the most successful women’s team with 41 trophies since their creation in 1987, and will see this as the perfect send off for Shelley Kerr as they now seek to reignite their league form with a new manager.