Arsenal reigned supreme last night, as their 4-0 victory over Aston Villa saw them book themselves a golden spot in the final of the FA Continental Tyres League Cup.

A tremendous first half hat-trick from Stina Blackstenius and a powerhouse strike from Frida Maanum was enough to seal the deal and put the Gunners in prime position to retain their league cup silverware title.

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall made four squad changes following the sides sold-out fixture at the Emirates Stadium last Sunday against Tottenham Hotspur. He brought in Leah Williamson, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Frida Maanum and Stina Blackstenius, as Victoria Pelova, Kim Little, Laia Codina, and Caitlin Foord all made way.

Speaking to the media in his post match press conference, Eidevall reinforced the importance of using a full squad of players, especially after an international break.

“We played a lot of games here before the international break, playing three games in six days, and then all players had to travel and played tough games, and then played two games on their return. This game was at the end of that block.

I think it’s important to make good decisions and put a lot of trust in the squad, and give players opportunities and that paid off. I really like that if you play a player like Alessia Russo or Caitlin Foord down on the left, you get something completely different than if you played Beth Mead there, for example. I like to see us play to our strengths and the qualities of our players. We have always played in the same way, and we need to adapt.”

Arsenal dominated from the outset, and their threatening attacking nature paid off, as an onslaught of first half goals sent the Villans back to Birmingham in gloom.

Eidevall said the team took inspiration from the men’s team, who came out on top on Monday night against Sheffield United, winning 6-0.

“We didn’t look at that game as a structured thing, but we did speak about how they played against Sheffield. They suffocated them for the first fifteen minutes and their positioning was very brave, and that is the same thing we are speaking about.

“That was something that inspired a lot of our players today. That’s such a nice thing, when you speak about having a one club mentality, you are able to take inspiration.”

Last Sunday, Arsenal broke yet another record, after selling out to two back-to-back matches at Emirates Stadium. Eidevall reflected on the level of support given to the club, and said it gives him “goosebumps”.

“We speak about being consistent as a team and keeping standards high, and it’s our fans that turn up day in, day out, away and at a home. We are really happy to be playing in a final, but I’m really happy for our fans. We are going to try and create something special together again, by travelling in style and numbers. We are going to make Molineux Stadium our home for the day.”

Chelsea and Manchester City are going head to head tonight in the second semi final of the FA Continental Tyres League Cup. Last year, Arsenal came out on top in the final against Chelsea, with Stina Blackstenius proving pivotal once again. Eidevall discussed the strengths of both potential oppositions as the semi final approaches this evening.

“In reality, both teams have beaten us. We know it will be an even match regardless of the team. It will all come down to the performance level on the day.

“With Arsenal, we want to compete in every competition that we are in, and it’s important to do our very best and win. We are really happy to be in a final, and that’s the starting place for us, if we want to win a cup.”

Arsenal will face either Manchester City or Chelsea in the final of the FA Continental Tyres League Cup ,on Sunday 31 March at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium.