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Arsenal to reach the Continental Cup final."> Arsenal claimed their spot in the Continental Cup final thanks to a Stina Blackstenius goal three minutes into extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over Manchester City. The two former league cup winners were level after 90 minutes, just as were the last time they met in a league cup final in 2019 but unlike that day Blackstenius' strike prevented the need for a penalty shootout. - Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.) Still without injured attackers, Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead, Arsenal continued to adjust and readjust their attack and midfield in attempt to find a path through to goal with the hosts largely reduced to trying to strike on the counter. Following an early break and chance from Laura Wienroither, the better chances of the first half flowed for Man City with Sabrina D'Angelo forced to save dangerous efforts from Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Bunny Shaw. The chances began to mount for both sides with Hemp sending a shot just wide before Kelly was denied by D'Angelo. It wasn't one-way traffic though and soon Arsenal had their own "how did that not go in" chance as substitute Lina Hurtig struck the woodwork from close range before the visitors got back on the attacking foot. The Swedish attacker was involved again for Arsenal as she first drew a low save from Sandy MacIver before sending her flicked header just wide. The goalkeeper came up trumps again late in the seven minutes of stoppage time to somehow keep Blackstenius out after letting go of her initial save. Knocking but unable to open the door over the 90 minutes, Arsenal finally broke the deadlock at the start of extra time when Blackstenius sent Hurtig's square ball beyond MacIver. City increased the pressure over the second half of extra time, forcing the hosts back and coming agonisingly close in the last knockings when Hayley Raso met a ball at the back post only for D'Angelo to claim. Arsenal will face either Chelsea or West Ham, who play in the second semifinal on Thursday, in the final on March 5.
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