News

2015 Review: Champagne moment

Emma Byrne

By Lloyd Webb

Emma Byrne’s brilliant save against Notts County in July has been voted as the 'Champagne Moment of the Season' by Arsenal Ladies Supporters' Club.

Jess Clarke put the Lady Pies in front in the WSL fixture at Meadow Park before Dan Carter and Natalia scored to give the Gunners a slender advantage. The visitors pushed hard for their equaliser and they thought they had it in the last few minutes.

Former Gunner Ellen White powered a header towards the bottom corner but Byrne produced a fantastic reflex save to tip the ball away from danger, ensuring the hosts held on for an important win.

"It was something very important for us in that moment"

Pedro Martinez Losa

Although the Gunners finished third in the Women’s Super League, Byrne played a vital part in the Continental Cup success. The experienced goalkeeper lifted her 30th career trophy when Arsenal defeated Notts County in the final on November 1.

WHAT THEY SAID…

“Emma is very experienced and brings us good character and performances. On that day she was fantastic - we came back with two goals in the second half but in the last few minutes she made that save. It was something very important for us in that moment.”
Pedro Martinez Losa

WHAT SHE SAID…

“Notts County like to pump the ball into the box. It was the last minute and we really needed the win at that time of the season and they put the ball into the box and Ellen White was about six yards out. She headed it towards the bottom corner - I like to make it sound better than it probably was, so I’m going to say bottom corner! - and I just dived in to save it.

“It is a real honour and it is real nice [for it to be voted Champagne Moment]. It is lovely and we got a lovely bottle of champagne and a free cooler for it!”
Emma Byrne

 

Emma Byrne

Emma Byrne