What Is 2001 FA Women's Cup Final

Overview

The 2001 FA Women's Cup Final was the 30th edition of the competition, culminating in a tightly contested match between Arsenal and Fulham. Held on May 6, 2001, at Selhurst Park in London, the final drew around 5,000 spectators, a modest but passionate crowd for the era of women's football.

This match marked a significant milestone in the development of women's football in England, as it showcased rising professionalism and growing media interest. Arsenal, already a dominant force in the Women's Premier League, aimed to extend their legacy, while Fulham, newly promoted and backed by Mohamed Al-Fayed, sought their first major trophy.

• Arsenal won 1–0 after extra time, with the only goal scored by Rachel Yankey in the 105th minute, breaking Fulham’s resilient defense.
• The match was played at Selhurst Park, home of Crystal Palace FC, which provided a professional stadium setting uncommon for women’s finals at the time.
• Arsenal secured their 8th Women's Cup title, extending their record as the most successful club in the competition’s history up to that point.
• Fulham fielded several international players, including England’s Alex Scott and Swedish star Victoria Sandell, reflecting their ambitious investment in the women’s game.
• Attendance was approximately 5,000, a respectable figure for the time, though far below later finals as women’s football gained popularity in the 2010s.

Match Details

The final unfolded as a tactical battle, with both teams cautious in open play but determined to claim victory. Arsenal’s experience in high-stakes matches gave them an edge, especially in extra time when fitness and composure proved decisive.

• Kick-off time: 3:00 PM — The match began in daylight, typical for televised or regionally broadcast events of the period.
• Referee: Sue Armstrong — One of the leading officials in women’s football, overseeing a disciplined and fair contest.
• Lineups: 11 starters per side — Arsenal deployed a 4-4-2 formation, while Fulham used a 4-5-1 to contain the opposition.
• No goals in regular time — The 0–0 deadlock at 90 minutes underscored the defensive discipline on both sides.
• Goal in 105th minute — Rachel Yankey’s strike came early in the second half of extra time, shifting momentum irreversibly.
• No substitutions for Fulham — Due to limited squad depth and substitution rules at the time, Fulham used only one sub, compared to Arsenal’s three.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2001 final to later editions highlights the evolution of the Women’s FA Cup in terms of visibility, investment, and scale.

The table illustrates how women’s football transitioned from niche events to mainstream spectacles. By 2020, the FA Women’s Cup Final had become a major national event, televised live and drawing tens of thousands, a stark contrast to the modest 2001 edition.

Why It Matters

The 2001 final was a pivotal moment in the trajectory of women’s football, symbolizing both continuity and change. It featured a clash between tradition (Arsenal) and new investment (Fulham), foreshadowing the professionalization to come.

• Arsenal’s victory reinforced their dynasty, having now won 8 Women’s Cups, setting a benchmark for future clubs.
• Fulham’s presence signaled growing financial interest, as their Premier League-backed model introduced new standards in training and recruitment.
• Rachel Yankey’s goal elevated her status as one of England’s top players, contributing to her future international success.
• The match was a stepping stone toward professionalism, occurring just years before the FA Women’s Super League launched in 2011.
• Media coverage was limited but growing, with regional broadcasts helping to slowly expand the sport’s audience.
• It inspired future generations by demonstrating that women’s football could produce dramatic, high-quality contests worthy of recognition.

While overshadowed by later finals in scale, the 2001 FA Women's Cup Final remains a landmark in the sport’s history, capturing a turning point between amateur roots and the professional era.