Arsenal's Cup glory adds to Akers' haul
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vic Akers won his 30th honour as Arsenal women's manager in his penultimate game in charge yesterday as they beat Sunderland 2-1 in the women's FA Cup final at Pride Park in front of a crowd of 23,000.
Goals from Katie Chapman and Kim Little added to Akers' long list of achievements, highlighted by their European and domestic quadruple in 2006-07.
While only one goal separated the teams, the margin could have been much greater as Arsenal dominated. Suzanne Grant was guilty of squandering several chances and on another day might have had a hat-trick.
Helen Alderson, the Sunderland goalkeeper, was at fault for the first Arsenal goal as she spilt Gemma Davison's shot straight into the path of Chapman for an easy finish. Grant then missed another chance as Little's pass found her unmarked but her rushed shot went wide.
On the hour the game was held up for five minutes after Sunderland's Sophie Williams suffered a seizure. When the game resumed Arsenal took control, with Ciara Grant sending a good chance wide after Alderson only half-cleared a corner.
Alderson kept out late efforts from Karen Ludlow and Gilly Flaherty, but Little settled it in injury time, bringing down a long ball before a neat turn and finish. Kelly McDougall got a consolation for Sunderland with the last kick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments