Sunderland’s best chance of the half, and as it proved the game, arrived on 13 minutes when Williams raced down the left wing and delivered a cross that beat the Gunners’ defence but also eluded the out-stretched boot of Jordan Nobbs.
Sunderland had hoped their 4-3-3 formation would utilise their pace and energy on either wings but it was in defence where they looked strongest. Lucy Bronze and Stephanie Bannon offered strong resistance to Arsenal’s strikers and were ably backed up by Helen Alderson in goal, who excelled aerially.
It was, however, her mistake that allowed Arsenal the crucial first goal. Gemma Davison struck a fierce drive which Alderson spilled into the path of Chapman for a routine finish.
Sunderland battled bravely, even after Williams was taken off, and Arsenal finished the game with a terrific second goal.
Chapman’s precise ball was controlled superbly by Kim Little, who rounded Alderson before stroking the ball into an empty net.
Substitute Katie Danby almost notched a consolation with a precise chip but Arsenal keeper Emma Byrne responded by tipping over the bar athletically.
The Black Cats did score with the last kick of the game, Sunderland’s best performer Bronze crossing for Kelly McDougall to rifle home after excellent close control.
After the excitement of their big day, the Black Cats will now focus on the final two games of the season as they look for promotion from the Northern Division. Victory over Leicester on Sunday and then Preston on the last day of the season will guarantee top-flight football – and England international McDougall hopes they make no mistakes.
“We talked about it before the game – this was one day, a great occasion. But we don’t want to slip up in the league game now,” she said.
“We have proved in this cup run that we can match and beat the best. Now we want to be in that league doing it week in, week out.”
ARSENAL: Byrne; Bassett (White 90), Chapman, Flaherty, Fahey; C.Grant, Little, Ludlow, Yankey; S.Grant (Lander 60), Davison (Ross 82). Subs (not used): Spencer, Ross, Pond.
Goals: Chapman 32, Little 90.
SUNDERLAND: Alderson; Bronze, Nobbs, Bannon, Bronze; Staniforth, McDougall, Greenwell, Stokes; Williams (Devine 62), Gutteridge (Danby 84). Subs (not used): Laws, O’Brien, Holmes.
Bookings: Greenwell (88).
Goal: McDougall 90.
Ref: Sasa Ihringova (England). Att: 23,291.
