It was at 0-0 in stoppage time that Frida Maanum collapsed on the field.
Stina Blackstenius was one of the players to arrive first at her Norwegian team-mate and Arsenal’s Swedish coach Jonas Eidevall gesticulated wildly to have the game stopped.
– It is terrible to see it happen to a teammate, says Alessia Russo according to the BBC.
“Will be monitored closely”
Maanum lay on the ground for about eight minutes before she was carried out on a stretcher. The game could then be resumed.
– It was very tough. She is a teammate and a friend to all of us. We said we wanted to win for her sake, says Blackstenius.
Arsenal announced moments later that she is conscious and in a stable condition. She was able to go home with the team and will be further examined.
– It was of course very scary when Frida collapsed. We don’t care about the profit, we only care about how it is with Frida. We are so happy that she is doing well, says Jonas Eidevall.
Before Maanum moved to Arsenal in 2021, she played four seasons in Linköping.
Blackstenius ruled
During extra time, Blackstenius then stepped forward and sent in 1–0 to Arsenal, which became the match decider.
– I think it was written in the stars that her (Maanum’s) best friend would step forward and score the decisive goal, says Alessia Russo.
Arsenal thus secured their second straight league cup title.