Ella Toone’s wonder-strike set Manchester United on their way to a first Women’s FA Cup and a first major title for the women’s team on Sunday, as the Red Devils comfortably defeated an underwhelming Tottenham side 4-0 at Wembley.
It wasn’t a game of great quality, but the goal that break the deadlock in first-half stoppage-time certainly was, Toone’s rocket of an effort flying into the top corner and once again showing that she loves a day out at the home of English football, this her fourth goal in seven appearances at the iconic venue.
It was from set-pieces that Marc Skinner’s side caused real problems, though. Spurs struggled to cope with Katie Zelem’s deliveries all day, and that would be the source of their second goal, with it third time lucky for Rachel Williams after she had connected with two of her captain’s crosses in the first half but directed both wide.
Lucia Garcia put the result beyond doubt when she pounced on Tottenham goalkeeper Becky Spencer’s loose pass and finished into an empty net just before the hour, and she would score again before the day was out as United avenged last year’s FA Cup final defeat to Chelsea by lifting the trophy at the second attempt.
GOAL rates United’s players from Wembley Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Mary Earps (6/10):
Didn’t have a shot to save or a cross to claim. Tidy on the ball when involved.
Jayde Riviere (6/10):
Battled well, though didn’t make a great deal of impact on the attack.
Maya Le Tissier (6/10):
Reliable in possession without having too much defending to do.
Millie Turner (6/10):
Presented a real threat at set-pieces.
Hannah Blundell (7/10):
No one won possession back more on the day. Was brilliant on the ball, too.
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Midfield
Katie Zelem (7/10):
Delivered consistently brilliant set-pieces that caused Spurs so many problems.
Lisa Naalsund (6/10):
A bit loose in possession at times, albeit without making any costly mistakes. Some nice touches here and there, particularly the one to tee up Garcia for her second.
Ella Toone (8/10):
Sublime strike to break the deadlock. Had been United’s most creative player in open play before that too, slipping Galton through early on.
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Attack
Lucia Garcia (8/10):
Worked incredibly hard and got her reward when her high press got her in position to score the third. Superb finish to make it four.
Rachel Williams (7/10):
Made amends for a big early miss when she headed in United’s second of the day shortly after half-time.
Leah Galton (5/10):
Had a great chance early on but wasn’t in the game much besides that, seemingly owing to a knock.
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Subs & Manager
Melvine Malard (7/10):
Had plenty of time to make an impact, on just after half-time, and got involved in play right away, drifting in from the left. Probably should’ve had a goal.
Nikita Parris (5/10):
On just before the hour but couldn’t really get involved despite United’s dominance.
Geyse (N/A):
Provided a spark in a short cameo.
Hinata Miyazawa (N/A):
Only on for the final few minutes.
Aoife Mannion (N/A):
Came on to see the game out.
Marc Skinner (7/10):
Biggest call in his XI was to start Williams over players like Malard and Geyse, but it paid dividends with the problems she caused at set-pieces and the goal she eventually netted. His team rarely let Spurs trouble them in a comfortable win.
