“It’s not often you can write Arsenal’s history” – The Gunners win the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup against Corinthians

For Arsenal, the European Champions Cup title comes at a vital moment in their season.

Having failed to capitalize on Chelsea’s stumble in the Premier League and were knocked out of the League Cup by Manchester United less than two weeks ago, the tournament provided a welcome distraction and a win will give them a boost as they enter the second half of the season.

But they had to do it the hard way in the final against a determined Brazilian opponent.

The home team was dominated for large periods of the title encounter and failed to get the better of Corinthians but their quality proved the difference in extra time as Freda Mannum sent Ford through on goal to secure the title for Arsenal.

“It’s football in every way today,” said coach Rene Sligers, who won the Champions League with the club last season.

“There was good football, duels and momentum changes. I’m proud of the team in the rain, and in those conditions, we got over the line and found a way to win this game.”

The Gunners were moments away from winning in normal time, but Katie McCabe conceded a penalty kick in stoppage time from which Vic Albuquerque equalized 2-2 and forced extra time.

Little said: “We showed incredible character and resilience, after conceding the goal at the end and then coming back in extra time.

“These things happen in football. You have to bounce back. When we went out in extra time we showed that, we created chances, and Kaitlyn scored a great goal to seal the win.

He added: “We have a great team of players and staff, and it is great to get more titles for this club.”

The Gunners sit 13 points behind leaders Manchester City in the WSL and will turn their focus to defending their Champions League title when they face OH-Leuven in the round of 16 later this month while they are also alive in the FA Cup.

This win will be a shot in the arm for Slegers and its players.