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ARSENAL beat Chelsea 2-1 after a late winner from impressive substitute Freya Jupp at the Emirates this afternoon.
Katie McCabe put the home side ahead on 27 minutes before Blues replacement Reanna Blades equalised with 10 minutes remaining with a low left-footed shot that evaded Manuela Zinsberger — prior to Jupp’s match-winning effort two minutes later in a lively finish.
On the win, McCabe said: “It was a terrific result and we know it’s only pre-season but it was nice to get the win, especially playing here at the Emirates. The game was played at a good pace and we’re looking forward to the start of the season.”
Team GB’s participation at the Tokyo Olympics meant the teams were missing key players but midfielder Frida Maanum showed glimpses of her creative talent and technical abilities after signing for the Gunners from Lingkopings last week.
Captain Jordan Nobbs was as combative as ever in the centre of the park against the current Women’s Super League champions, before picking up a knock which saw her replaced by Halle Houssein on 53 minutes.
The lively Jupp caught the eye with driving runs, while also heading narrowly wide after good work down the right flank from Alex Hennessy, with Arsenal’s Macey Herd also testing Blues keeper Ann-Katrin Berger.
The only shame was that there were so few Arsenal supporters inside the ground to cheer on Jonas Eidevall’s side, especially the last 30 minutes when with academy players entering the fray.
“A lot of them have been training with us,” said McCabe, “because of the amount of girls we have away at the Olympics and they have been great and you could see that in the final part of the game, winning it for us. Really exciting experience for them to play on this stage.”
Assistant Aaron D’Antino, taking charge due to Eidevall quarantining following his arrival from Sweden, said of the youngsters playing: “It was also great to get the younger players on for the final 30 minutes, in front of a big crowd, it was a great experience for them.
“They played a big part in our preparation today and it was great to be able to reward them with the last thirty minutes. They stepped up to the occasion and won the game for us at the end.”
