Arsenal’s dominance of women’s football was complete, following their record-equalling eighth FA Cup victory today. This was their sixth trophy success in a season in which they have won every game they have played so far.
Having become the first British side to claim the UEFA Women’s Cup last week, beating top Swedish professional side Umea over two legs, Arsenal added the FA Cup to the Women’s Premier League title (winning all 20 games played to date) Community Shield, County Cup and Premier League Cup. No other club has done the clean sweep before.
Despite falling behind early on to a Charlton side dismissed 9-2 last month in the league, Arsenal came back strongly and equalised quickly through a 25 yard Kelly Smith free kick, before captain Jane Ludlow put them ahead, bundling the ball in from another free kick.
The game was quite even in general play, but Arsenal were sharper in attack and went ahead 3-1 in first half injury time, thanks to Ludlow’s stunning 25 yard strike on the half-volley. The keeper could perhaps have done better, but the ball was hit with wonderful technique into the top corner.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with the play quite even but Arsenal looking more dangerous. Charlton’s keeper, Wayne, made two or three good saves in the half to make up for the goals she conceded from long range in the first half, but Aluko wasted a big chance to bring Charlton back into the game, hitting Emma Byrne’s heel with a shot when clean through.
As the game went on, Arsenal looked more and more dangerous and scored a deserved fourth when Kelly Smith stepped inside the defence to finish neatly into the far corner for her second goal.
Despite making more chances, no more goals came and Vic Akers’ side were worthy winners. With only two league games left, all that remains for Arsenal is to try to win them to win all their matches this year and continue an unbeaten run that currently stands at 46 matches.
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