Arsenal 0 United Women 1

Elisabeth Terland's goal late in the first half proved to be the only difference, with new signing Ellen Wangerheim having done well in the build-up.

The Gunners huffed and puffed as they tried to get back into the game, although Phallon Tullis-Joyce and our defence stood firm to their advances.

Olivia Smith was also sent off for the accumulation of two yellow cards, with the hosts finishing the game with ten players.

FIRST HALF

The game was only a minute old when the first opportunity developed. Ex-Red Alessia Russo picked out Frida Maanum inside the box, with her header well saved by Tullis-Joyce.

A set-piece into the box from Katie McCabe had to be dealt with by our USWNT shot-stopper shortly after, with Caitlin Foord's header too tame to trouble Phallon in the same attack.

Smith's first caution was the result of a late challenge on Anna Sandberg, as Marc Skinner's side sat in deep and were happy to allow the Gunners most of the early possession.

Wangerheim's first effort of the evening was a header on goal, but Anneke Borbe was equal to it, as we again waited patiently for our opportunities.

Smith picked out Russo after 24 minutes as Renée Slegers's side continued to threaten. The latter did well to take the ball on her chest, but this time her shot sailed wide.

Terland was perhaps a little unlucky to not earn a spot-kick as the first half went on, with McCabe's heavy challenge inside the box going unpunished by referee Stacey Fullicks.

Jess Park's first real involvement was a brilliant ball to pick out Wangerheim, who took just a little too long when one-on-one on goal, before Laia Codina stopped her in her tracks.

But just as we approach the interval, the Reds took the lead. Borbe handed possession back to Wangerheim, who wrestled away a challenge before teeing up Terland, who wrong-footed the Arsenal goalkeeper to hand us the lead.

SECOND HALF

Smith up against Sandberg was proving an interesting battle down the right flank, with the ex-Liverpool star managing to pick out Maanum. Her curling lob was in fact too high.

Victoria Pelova's cross picked out Russo as the Gunners again upped the ante. The former United forward again saw her latest attempt sail wide of the mark.

As we reached the hour mark, Arsenal were reduced to ten with Smith involved in a coming together with Julia Zigiotti.

The Canadian international looked to have gone in too heavy with her challenge on the byline, and was subsequently given her marching orders.

A neat move involving Russo, Taylor Hinds and Mariona Caldentey saw the Spaniard take aim. Phallon again was called into action to deny the former Barcelona midfielder.

Wangerheim was proving a handful on the counter and she played in Melvine Malard with a fine pass as the second half ebbed on. Malard's effort had far too much power and unfortunately on this occasion cleared the bar.

Two consecutive chances for Arsenal sub Smilla Holmberg also brought no avail, with Dominique Janssen stepping in well to block the second.

Park's curling drive from range flew over the bar, and the former City attacker could have sealed the game in added time, if not for a fine save from Borbe.

But nevertheless, United hung on to advance to the League Cup final, where we will now play Chelsea.

MATCH DETAILS

Arsenal: Borbe, Hinds (Holmberg 75), Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe, Pelova (Little 74), Caldentey, Smith, Maanum (Blackstenius 58), Foord, Russo (Mead 84).

Subs not used: Liddiard, Catley, Harwood, Van Domselaar.

Booked: Smith.

Sent off: Smith.

United: Tullis-Joyce, Riviere, Le Tissier, Janssen, Sandberg (Lundkvist 63), Miyazawa, Zigiotti (Malard 72), Awujo (Naalsund 64), Park, Wangerheim, Terland (Schuller 90).

Subs not used: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Turner, Drury, Griffiths.

Booked: Tullis-Joyce, Zigiotti, Park, Sandberg, Le Tissier.