Manchester United are into the Barclays Women’s Super League Cup Final to take on Chelsea on March 15th.
The Reds took down Arsenal 1-0 on the road thanks to a first half goal from Elisabeth Terland, capitalizing
against the run of play after earning just one big chance in a one-sided first half.
The Gunners, whose home support constantly reminded everyone of their UEFA Champions League victory last year, managed no goals from 21 shots and 61% possession against United, and were down to 10 after a red card to Olivia Smith in the 61st minute.
United set up with a defensive shape, adding Simi Awujo to the midfield three of Jess Park, Hinata Miyazawa and Julia Zigiotti Olme in order to beef up the defensive shape in front of the back four. Forward Ellen Wangerheim made her first start alongside Terland up front, and put in a hard-working defensive shift with three recoveries and three clearances.
Wangerheim’s pressing work helped the attacking effort as well, and it was her pressure that led to a key turnover on the Arsenal back line to send Terland through for the goal. Her composed take and finish was an encouraging display from a forward who wasn’t getting loads of chances, and though the defensive approach was frustrating at times, it made much more sense with a lead going into the second half.
United would have one more big chance in the second half, falling to Melvine Malard with a chance to put the game beyond doubt, but her strike went high.
In the end it didn’t matter. The Gunners managed only one big chacne of their own, which Phallon Tullis-Joyce dealt with, and the Reds booked their place in a cup final for the fourth season in a row.
United are back in action in the WSL this weekend, traveling to Aston Villa on Sunday for a noon kickoff.
