Shropshire Star

16 photos of Arsenal and Chelsea cup final hosted at Molineux as thousands descend on city

Thousands of Chelsea and Arsenal fans flocked to Wolverhampton's Molineux stadium to watch the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final.

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A total of 20,000 fans packed out the stadium with the colours of blue and red for the much-anticipated match, which got under way at 3pm on Easter Sunday.

However, play was paused in second-half stoppage time at Molineux after Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum collapsed.

Officials said she was "conscious, talking and in a stable condition" after collapsing off the ball.

Paramedics were called and medical staff encircled the 24-year-old Norway international, who was placed on a stretcher and carried off after about seven minutes.

Arsenal confirmed soon after the incident: "Frida is conscious, talking and in a stable condition. She will continue to be monitored closely by our medical team. We're all with you, Frida."

Players remained on the pitch throughout and the match resumed, with Alessia Russo replacing Maanum as the game remained goalless and entered extra time.

The Gunners went on to win the match 1-0 thanks to Stina Blackstenius' 116th-minute goal.

Merchandise on sale outside the stadium ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium

The huge clash marks the third League Cup Final match-up involving the two sides. Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in the 2019-20 season before Arsenal got their revenge, beating Chelsea 3-1 in last year’s final.

Scores of fans from both sides arrived at Wolverhampton Railway Station with road users also warned of delays around the city.

A general view inside the stadium ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton

It was being broadcast live on BBC Two.

Arsenal fans pose for a photograph outside the stadium ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
An Arsenal fan pose for photos with Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Arsenal fans pose for photos with Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Arsenal players warm up ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Arsenal and Chelsea half and half scarves ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Arsenal's Leah Williamson with a mascot ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Chelsea's Johanna Rytting Kaneryd battles for the ball against Arsenal's Katie McCabe during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Chelsea's Mayra Ramirez battles for the ball against Arsenal's Lotte Wubben-Moy during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton
Chelsea's Lauren James (right) and Arsenal's Beth Mead battle for the ball during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium
Chelsea's Johanna Rytting Kaneryd battles for the ball against Arsenal's Lotte Wubben-Moy during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux
Chelsea manager Emma Hayes uses her jacket to warm up a mascot ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium
Arsenal's Leah Williamson gives their jacket to a mascot ahead of the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium
Chelsea fans show their support from the stands during the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup Final at Molineux Stadium
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