Arsenal-Sunderland: Gunners Win 2-1 To Bring Home the Womens FA Cup for Akers

Arsenal Ladies have claimed their fourth successive FA Cup victory and their 31st major trophy under Vic Akers after a hard worked 2-1 win over Northern Division side Sunderland.

As expected Arsenal were huge favourites going in to the game although they have been in stuttering form as of late in the league.

In his second last game on the touch line, Akers sent out Arsenal in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Grant up front, supported by Yankey and Davison on the wings, and Little in the middle.

Right from the off, the Arsenal Ladies got their passing game going to open up the Sunderland defence.

However, as with the men's team, it was a case of lovely passing and chances being created but no end product.

Indeed, Arsenal fans would be forgiven for thinking that Suzanne Grant was Nicklas Bendtner in disguise as the Arsenal No. 9 was involved in great link up play, found herself in space, but just couldn't find the finishing touch.

In the first half-hour Grant missed two gilt-edged chances. First she prodded just past the post when one-on-one with the keeper before sending her next effort wide of the post.

Arsenal did manage to make the break through on the 32nd minute thanks to Katie Chapman.

Davison once again cut in from the left and took a shot from just outside the box which was spilled by Alderson in the Sunderland goal and Chapman was first to react to send the Gunners ahead.

At half time it was that age old refrain of "1-0 to the Arsenal."

The opening few minutes of the second half was a scrappy affair with neither side settling down.

Matters were not helped by a worrying injury to Sunderland's Williams who had a "small seizure" following an innocuous coming together with Chapman. Play was held up for numerous minutes as she was stretchered off the pitch and despite being taken to hospital, it is understood that Williams will be OK.

From then on, chances seemed few and far between.

Arsenal dominated possession but found it difficult to break down the Sunderland rear guard. When they did they either found Alderson too hard to get past or were guilty of fluffing their shots.

As the game drew to a conclusion, the Sunderland players began to feel the strain more so than their illustrious opposition and gaps began to appear at the back.

In the second minute of the seven minute stoppage time, Arsenal got their second to seal the win.

Chapman played an inch perfect through ball for Little who controlled magnificently, before pirouetting around Alderson and slotting home.

To their credit Sunderland made a valiant attempt to come back into the game.

Sarah Danby tried her luck from outside the box which was pushed over the bar by Emma Byrne in the Arsenal goal.

The Irish international was largely untested during the game and could be accused of slightly playing up for the ITV cameras with her spectacular save. Then again can you blame her? Its not like the cameras bother to turn up too often.

As it was, Sunderland did manage to get their consolation goal just before the full time whistle as McDougall found the net.

There was barely enough time to restart the game as Arsenal claimed their 10th cup trophy in their 10th cup final appearance.

Full credit must go to Sunderland but in honesty Arsenal always looked comfortable.

A nice touch finished the day as returning Arsenal captain Faye White, who played for a few minutes at the end, stood back to let captain for the day Jayne Ludlow and Vik Akers lift the trophy.

So part one has been completed of Akers' send off as next week Arsenal meet Everton in the final league game to decide who will be crowned Champions.

A big well done to the Arsenal Ladies on their continued success.