‘Not often you can write Arsenal history’ – Gunners claim Fifa Women’s Champions Cup against Corinthians

For Arsenal, the Champions Cup title arrives at a vital moment in their season.

Having failed to capitalise on Chelsea’s faltering WSL campaign and been knocked out of the League Cup by Manchester United less than two weeks ago, the tournament offered a welcome distraction and the victory will give them a boost as they go into the second half of the campaign.

But they had to do it the hard way in the final against a resolute Brazilian opposition.

The home side dominated large stretches of the title showdown and failed to pull themselves clear of Corinthians but their quality proved the difference in extra time as Frida Maanum sent Foord through on goal to secure the silverware for Arsenal.

“It’s football in all its ways today,” said manager Renee Slegers, who won the Champions League with the club last season.

“There was good football, duelling and momentum shifts. I’m proud of the team in the rain, in the circumstances, we get over the line and find a way to win this game.”

The Gunners were moments away from a regulation-time victory only for Katie McCabe to concede an injury-time penalty from which Vic Albuquerque levelled the game at 2-2 and forced extra time.

Little said: “We showed incredible character and resilience, having conceded the goal right at the end, to come back in extra-time.

“These things happen in football. You have to bounce back. When we came out in extra-time we showed that, we created chances, and Caitlin scored a great goal to get the win.

“We’ve got an incredible squad of players and staff and it feels great to get more silverware for this club.”

Sitting 13 points off leaders Manchester City in the WSL, the Gunners will turn their focus to defending their Champions League title when they face OH-Leuven in the last 16 later this month while they are also alive in the FA Cup.

And this victory will come as a shot in the arms for Slegers and her players.