Women’s FA Cup final player ratings: Man Utd star Toone wows at Wembley again but Tottenham’s Spencer suffers nightmare
MANCHESTER UNITED made up for last year’s heartbreak by winning the Women’s FA Cup.
The Red Devil’s stormed past Tottenham 4-0, courtesy of Ella Toone, who set the ball rolling with a spectacular strike at the end of the first half.
Veteran Rachel Williams added a second – 12 years from her last appearance in a cup final.
While Lucia Garcia added gloss to proceedings, notching a third and fourth to put the icing on the cake.
Spurs failed to register a shot on target over the 90 minutes, and struggled in the final third.
Here’s how SunSport’s Luz Woolocombe rated the two sides.
MANCHESTER UNITED
Mary Earps – 8
The superstar and 2023’s sports personality of the year kept a clean sheet, although she did not have much to do.
Maya Le Tissier – 7
Played her part in the 4-0 victory for her side and was at the heart of Marc Skinner’s central defence. Tottenham’s zero shots on target all match paid tribute to United’s diligent back line.
Hannah Blundell – 8
As per usual the full back contributed at both ends of the pitch as she put pressure on Spurs’ Jessica Naz.
The four time WSL champion with Chelsea showed her experience today.
Jayde Riviere – 7
The Canadian defender was one of manager Marc Skinner’s changes from last week’s 1-0 loss against Liverpool, replacing Gemma Evans at right back.
It was a good decision and she turned out to be an important cog in the victory.
Millie Turner – 8
She showed her pace when sprinting back to put a stop to Tottenham’s counter attack, in doing so demonstrating her levels of game awareness.
Ella Toone – 9
The Euro 2022 star is no stranger to scoring at Wembley and pulled off an absolute blinder at the end of the first half, curling the ball into the corner from outside the 18 yard box.
She has certainly showcased some serious quality here today.
Leah Galton – 6
Came off in the 49th minute and appeared during the celebrations on crutches. Probably not at her best in the first half and lacked the killer instinct to take the shot in the 11th minute.
Katie Zelem – 8
The captain was integral to some of United’s best chances throughout the match when taking corners and provided the assist for Rachel Williams.
Lisa Naaslund – 8
Threw away a chance late in the first half but made up for it by driving forward and providing the assist for Ella Toone’s goal at the back end of extra time in the first half.
Lucia Garcia – 8
The Spanish international was gifted an absolute sitter from the goalie in the 57th minute after the Tottenham goalie, Becky Spencer, passed it straight to her.
Take nothing away from the player of the match though, who proved it was no fluke by hammering home a fourth.
Rachel Williams – 9
Rose to the pressure of the occasion scoring a header in the 54th minute after being a constant aerial threat throughout the game.
Very impressive during her 61 minutes on the pitch and a real inspiration for her team mates.
SUBS:
Melvine Malard – 7
The on loan striker from Lyon came on in the 49th minute, although missed a good chance 20 minutes later.
Nikita Parris – 7
United’s top scorer was surprisingly on the bench for the start of the match after the teams 1-0 loss to Liverpool last week, but came on for Rachel Williams in the 61st minute.
She failed to add to her 16 goals across all competitions but put in a good show regardless.
Geyse de Silva – 7
The Brazilian forward came on in the 78 minute to worry Spurs’ defence even more.
Hinata Miyazawa – 7
Came on in the 78 minute to stretch her legs – but did not have enough time to make an impact.
Aoife Mannion – 7
The centre back arrived in the 78 minute to shut out any chance of Tottenham getting on the scoresheet.
TOTTENHAM
Becky Spencer – 5
It is Impossible to overlook the shot stopper’s poor pass straight to gift United their third goal in quick succession.
Amanda Nilden – 7
The Swedish defender showed her pace up the left flank in the first half.
Also created the closest chance of the match for Spurs with a cross into Bethany England who hit the crossbar.
Amy James-Turner – 6
Starte in defence d instead of Molly Bartrip and despite a good work rate off the ball she did not play her best against her former team.
Luana Buhler – 8
One Spurs player who put in a really solid performance and commendable in defence.
Ashleigh Neville – 7
Played well and created one of the rare chances for Spurs in the first half, crossing a ball for Matilda Vinberg who just sent it over the bar.
It was a defensive struggle for her though as United piled on the pressure.
Drew Spence – 7
Tireless work rate and determination to get back up the pitch despite the increasing score line.
Eveliina Summanen – 6
The Finland International started off well, stopping a crucial shot from Garcia in the first half.
But Toone got the better of her in the first half, scoring the first goal of the match.
Jessica Naz – 6
She scored against United in their 2-2 draw last month but did not look close to replicating it this time round.
After a brilliant season, the pressure seemed to get to her and she was taken off by boss Robert Vilaham early in the second half.
Matilda Vinberg – 6
Really struggled to get into the game and failed to capitalise on the space up the left hand side.
Martha Thomas – 6
The pressure was on for Grace Clinton’s replacement who had no luck in front of the goal, despite a positive campaign so far.
The boss took her off in the 68 minute.
Bethany England – 8
The captain was definitely the best player on the team but unable to single handedly lead her team to victory or stage any kind of come-back.
There was a lack of communication between the forwards and nothing ticked for the Lilywhites in the final third.
SUBS:
Shuang Wang – 6
Came on at the unfortunate moment just before Zelem’s perfect free kick delivery left Spurs’ floundering.
Celine Bizet – 7
Made a good run soon after coming on for Jessica Naz but was unable to make a huge impression in a game that was already won.
Kit Graham – 6
Came on in the 68th minute. She’s had a strong season, but like her team’s performance today she did not bring her A game.
Charlotte Grant – 6
Immediately made a poor pass after coming on in the 68th minute – a miracle was needed at this point anyway.
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Rosella Ayane – 6
The forward joined a depleted Spurs in the 68th minute along with Graham and Grant but like her predecessor, Thomas, she had no joy in front of the posts.
Celin Ildhusoy – 6
The Norwegian forward came on early into the second half just before Rachel Williams scored.
She has proven her talents earlier this season but it was not an easy situation.
