Arsenal wanted Maanum to be ‘a champion’ after collapse
Frida Maanum in action against Chelsea before she was taken illArsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said his team wanted to make Frida Maanum “a champion” after she collapsed on the pitch during the Continental Cup final.
Play was stopped for seven minutes when the Norway midfielder went down off the ball in the Gunners’ 1-0 extra-time win against Chelsea.
Maanum received medical treatment before being taken off on a stretcher.
She did not need to go to hospital and travelled home with her Arsenal team-mates.
Arsenal earlier said she was in a “stable condition” while Eidevall spoke with the 24-year-old after the match.
The Gunners boss said it was “very scary” when Maanum collapsed, adding: “Immediately after the game, we don’t care about winning, we care about Frida – that is most important.
“But there was nothing we could do to control that situation, we can concentrate on football, and we wanted to make Frida a champion.”
Reaction as Arsenal beat Chelsea to win Women’s League CupReport: Arsenal beat Chelsea in extra time to win League CupEidevall and Arsenal’s players quickly signalled for medical staff when they saw Maanum down on the ground, with Stina Blackstenius and Katie McCabe rushing to her side.
Both sets of players remained on the pitch while Maanum received oxygen through a mask before being carried down the tunnel at Molineux.
Alessia Russo came on to replace the midfielder and play was resumed in the 14th additional minute with the scores level at 0-0.
“Frida Maanum is conscious, talking and in a stable condition. She will continue to be monitored closely by our medical team,” Arsenal said.
Eidevall’s side went on to win the final 1-0 with Blackstenius scoring the winner in the 26th minute of extra time.
Players remained on the pitch as Maanum recieved medical attentionRusso told BBC Sport: “It’s devastating to see one of your team-mates go down like that. We’re all wishing and praying that she’s OK.
“I think it was written in the stars that her best mate went and scored the winner for her.
“Frida is a massive player and plays with every bit of her body. She did that today. We just hope she’s OK.”
Maanum joined Arsenal from Swedish side Linkoping in 2021 and has since scored 14 goals in 60 Women’s Super League appearances.
Match-winner Blackstenius expressed concern, saying: “It’s always really hard. She’s a team-mate and a friend to all of us. We care so much about her.
“You worry a bit when stuff like this happens. We said we wanted to do this for her, to get this win for her because she couldn’t be with us at that point.”
