Manchester United lifted the Women's FA Cup for the first time in their history by beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley.
In a match that was billed to be cagey and nervous, Man United went off the script. A stunning strike from Ella Toone at the end of the first half opened proceedings, before Rachel Williams and Lucia Garcia extended their control in the second half.
Toone's strike epitomised Man United's composure which they have lacked all season. From back to front, they elegantly played the ball around Spurs, before the Lioness fired a powerful strike from the edge of the box into the top, right corner.
Their remaining goals came from Spurs' defensive struggles. Williams was left unmarked in the 54th minute to head home, whilst Garcia was gifted an open goal by Becky Spencer three minutes later, summing up a grim afternoon for the Lilywhites. Garcia's second goal, taking advantage of poor defending in the box, added to Spurs' woes.
Man Utd have struggled all season — and severely underperformed their expectations. They are likely to finish fifth in the WSL, but a win today has saved their season. It is their first-ever major trophy, providing hope for Marc Skinner to continue into next season.
Meanwhile, much has been talked about Spurs' progress under Robert Vilahamn this campaign, but under the biggest stage, they floundered. A lack of experience and stage fright might have led to their struggles, as they performed in a manner which has rarely been seen all campaign.
In a season of progress on and off the pitch, Spurs can be proud to even reach Wembley for the first time in their history. Experience and composure at the biggest stadium in the United Kingdom only comes with time.
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Story of the Match
Man United's lineup sparked similarities to the team that beat Chelsea 2-1 in the semi-finals. Williams led the line alongside Leah Galton and Garcia. The only change came in the form of Jayde Riviere replacing Aoife Mannion.
Meanwhile, Tottenham made two changes to the side that drew with Everton last week. Amy James-Turner replaced Molly Bartrip at centre-back, whilst former Man United striker Martha Thomas came in for the suspended Grace Clinton.
With Man United fans creating a sea of red on one side and Spurs flying their flags high on the other, a spectacle was created before a ball was kicked.
Yet as is always the case, the football had to do the talking. In the opening five minutes, both Galton and Williams came close to scoring with powerful efforts.
Williams, a former Spurs striker, was causing problems that was intended from the beginning. Her strength, height and physicality in the box saw her have two headers off-target, as Spurs struggled to deal with her. Her teammate Garcia also squandered a header from a corner as part of a frustrating opening for the Red Devils.
In a story of near misses, Toone also fired an effort over the bar after being set up by Williams once again.
Yet the first 30 minutes wasn't a one-way assault — and Spurs consistently maintained some composure in possession. Matilda Vinberg showed her threat a handful of times, first firing an effort over the bar following a dazzling run, before guiding a header over the woodwork.
However, Man United acted as the more dominant side, particularly from set-pieces. A goalline clearance from Thomas kept the scores level, whilst calls for a hopeful penalty due to a handball in the 34th minute were swiftly waved away.
As the first half ended, there was a sense Spurs were fading, clinging on to 0-0. The interval was desperately needed for the Lilywhites, yet they were broken in the dying seconds. Toone, the Red Devils' most creative player all match, scored one of the goals of the season.
Man United played it out from the back elegantly, finding space and creating pockets. The ball fell to Toone in space on the halfway line, who drove forward, skipped past Eveliina Summanen seamlessly and fired a powerful strike into the top, right corner. Wembley erupted from one end as they went into half-time with a deserved 1-0 lead.
Spurs had proven all campaign that they never die. In the FA Cup, they've come from 2-0 down against Sheffield United and overturned 1-0 deficits against Manchester City and Leicester. They needed to do the same at the 'home of football', yet their job became even harder at the start of the second half.
Williams, a consistent threat in the box, doubled the lead for Skinner's side, latching onto Katie Zelem's teasing free-kick and guiding a header past the helpless Spencer. In front of the travelling supporters, Wembley erupted — and it only got better for the Red Devils.
Three minutes later, Garcia extended their lead with the most simple strike she will ever get. Spencer, who has been praised by Vilahamn all season for her ability to play out from the back, played the ball directly into Garcia's path.
All the Spaniard had to do was fire it into an empty goal, which she did with ease. Her chaotic celebrations epitomised the state of delight in the sunny end of Wembley. If the Spaniard was happy after her first goal, she was even happier 17 minutes later when she made it 4-0.
Lisa Naalsund latched onto Melvine Malard's cross, laid it off to Garcia in space and she made no mistake with a powerful strike past Spencer. As one side began to leave Wembley, another half was in party mode.
The full-time whistle brought a chorus of cheers from the Red Devils, whilst Spurs were thankful the match was over.
Player of the Match - Ella Toone
Ella Toone is the epitome of a big game player. She's consistently shown it for England over the years, often at Wembley, and today - under the famous arch - the Lioness showed her magic.
She opened proceedings with a powerful strike into the top, right corner, but even before then, the 24-year-old was the Red Devils' most creative outlet. As she consistently looked to find space, the playmaker helped Man United on their way to their first trophy.
