Arsenal booked their place in the Conti League Cup final after an extra-time winner from substitute Stina Blackstenius knocked out holders Manchester City.
The Gunners won 1-0 to reach the final for the eighth time, but only after Blackstenius beat the impressive Sandy MacIver with a deflected close-range effort, after the two clubs were unable to be separated after 90 minutes.
City were unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions coming into the tie, but despite being the better team with the ball for long periods they were unable to take the chances that fell their way, in-form Bunny Shaw having a quiet night.
Lina Hurtig hit the crossbar only seconds after coming off the bench with Arsenal's best chance of the second half, while Blackstenius also went close in the dying minutes of normal time. But the Swede struck early in extra-time to end City's long unbeaten run and send the Gunners back to the final for the first time since 2020.
It means Arsenal will now face either Chelsea or West Ham in all all-London final on March 5 at Crystal Palace, those two meeting in the other semi on Thursday night.
Here are five talking points as Arsenal booked their place at the 2023 Conti League Cup final.
1. Blackstenius proves worth
Forward Blackstenius has had a difficult few weeks. She was rumoured to be offered as part of Arsenal's attempts to sign Alessia Russo, then had a poor game against West Ham.
After arriving from the bench in the 65th minute, it looked like she was going to have another night to forget. The Swede missed a good chance to win the tie in normal time and looked generally low on confidence.
But she was in the right place at the right time, to send Hurtig's cross towards the goal after a clever overlapping run from the Swede. It may have taken a deflection off Leila Ouahabi, but Blackstenius deserved that bit of luck. It could even be the moment she kickstarts her Arsenal career.
2. Unwanted extra-time for both sides
Neither side were good enough to win the tie in 90 minutes. Arsenal were very quiet for long periods but did wake-up in the final five minutes to press for a late winner. But a combination of the woodwork and the excellent MacIver, who produced an excellent display between the sticks for City, kept them at bay.
Hurtig, who had already hit the crossbar from both range, should have headed home when free in the box late on, but somehow flicked the ball wide. As soon as that went past the post you could sense this tie was destined for 0-0.
Having had a busy period recently and with a packed international break on the horizon, both sides could have done without the 30 minutes of extra-time. However, in truth a draw over the 90 minutes was probably a fair result before the late drama.
3. City fail to take chances
Holders City have produced some of their best football in the Conti Cup this season and once again put in a competent performance, looking the better side for much of the tie. They had plenty of chances to seize the initiative, particularly in the first half.
But Gareth Taylor's team didn't take their chances. Lauren Hemp was 'on it' from the first minute, giving Laura Wienroither and Leah Williamson a tough time down the Arsenal right. The England winger created great chances for Filippa Angeldahl and Bunny Shaw in the opening 25 minutes but neither could convert. For all their dominance, City should have worked Arsenal's new goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo more than they did.
For a four-minute spell midway through the first half, Arsenal could barely get out of their own half, not something you see often against any opponent. But City didn't get in front while in control and that, eventually, cost them the tie.
4. Eidevall still missing killer instinct
If you needed any further evidence of why Jonas Eidevall was keen to sign another forward last month, the first 90 minutes of this semi-final provided a number of prime examples. The Gunners had plenty of final third entries but lacked the poachers' instinct to take their chances.
On three separate occasions before the break a low ball was played right across the face of the City goal, with no-one able to make a connection. Kim Little's perfect cross in the 39th minute was the pick of the bunch, but neither Caitlin Foord or Katherine Møller Kühl were on hand to break the deadlock.
Although Arsenal carried a greater threat in the final minutes of normal time, they still looked toothless, just as they had against West Ham in last Sunday's WSL stalemate. Substitute Lina Hurtig's miss with goal gaping just after the hour mark summed up their evening in front of goal.
Eidevall will be aware that if his team are to win silverware this season, they will have to be more clinical in-front of goal.
5. Arsenal have psychological advantage
The combined wonders of the computer fixture list and cup draws means these two sides meet again in just three days time in the WSL. Next time City will have home advantage, but Gareth Taylor will still have to bring his players back off the canvas after such a late defeat.
With the two teams locked on 26 points, third and fourth in the WSL table, it is a huge clash. The losers will surely find catching current leaders Chelsea a step too far and would have their Champions League prospects seriously damaged.
Can City come back swinging?
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