Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa: Gunners storm into Continental Cup semi-final

Blackstenius hat-trick seals comfortable victory

Arsenal cruised into the semi-finals of the Continental League Cup with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at Meadow Park on Saturday.

Stina Blackstenius was the star of the show for the Gunners, scoring a first-half hat-trick to put the game beyond Villa.

The Swedish striker opened the scoring in the 10th minute, heading home from close range after a cross from Katie McCabe.

Blackstenius doubled her tally just six minutes later, tapping in from a cross by Frida Maanum.

And she completed her hat-trick in the 31st minute, firing home from the edge of the area.

Maanum added a fourth goal for Arsenal in the second half, finishing off a fine move involving Blackstenius and McCabe.

The victory means that Arsenal will now face holders Manchester City in the semi-finals.

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall was delighted with his team's performance.

"We played very well today," he said. "We were clinical in front of goal and we defended well.

"I'm particularly pleased with Stina Blackstenius. She's a great striker and she showed her quality today."

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward was disappointed with her team's performance.

"We didn't play well enough today," she said. "We were too slow in possession and we didn't create enough chances.

"We need to learn from this performance and come back stronger next time."

Arsenal were in scintillating form as they demolished Aston Villa to book their place in the semi-finals of the Continental League Cup.

Blackstenius was the star of the show, scoring a first-half hat-trick to put the game beyond Villa.

The Gunners will now face holders Manchester City in the semi-finals, and they will be confident of progressing to the final.