The former FC Barcelona player, Laia Codina, won her first title with Arsenal by beating Chelsea, Barça's next rival in the Champions League, in the League Cup final. The Catalan center back was not a starter, but she entered the second half of a more than even duel, which was not decided until extra time, thanks to a goal from Stina Blackstenius.
The match was overshadowed by the sudden collapse of Frida Maanum. The Gunner team's midfielder collapsed for no apparent reason and had to be treated by medical services. The soccer player left the field on a stretcher and with an oxygen mask. Despite the scare, Arsenal reported shortly after through their social networks that the player was "conscious, speaking and in stable condition", although the reasons for the collapse were not reported and she will remain under medical control for the next few hours.
The former Spanish league player Mayra Ramírez, now in the ranks of Chelsea after becoming one of the most expensive signings in history, put her team ahead in the 21st minute, but the goal was finally annulled by some hands from Erin Cuthbert. The same player would be the unintentional protagonist of Arsenal's best chance in the second half, losing a ball in the middle of the field and allowing a very dangerous counterattack by Arsenal, but Chloe Lacasse's shot went straight into the hands of Hannah Hampton.
England international Lauren James almost scored the winning goal in the 85th minute, but Manuela Zinsberger deflected the ball to safety with her foot. Shortly after, Maanum collapsed and the game was interrupted for several minutes. The Norwegian was replaced by Alessia Russo and the match went to extra time with a goalless draw. Both teams missed clear chances in extra time until Caitlin Foord set up Sweden's Blackstenius to ensure Arsenal retained the title.
The final whistle was experienced with great emotion on the part of the Arsenal players and fans. RUsso dedicated the victory to her teammate Maanum: "I think it was written in the stars that her best friend scored the winning goal for her. Frida is a great player and plays with every part of her body, and she did it today. We just hope I hope he's fine," he told the BBC.
"It's obviously devastating to see one of your teammates go down like that, and we all hope and pray that she's okay," he added.
