Wembley wizard Emma helps Arsenal lift the FA Cup

It's the stuff of dreams to walk up the stairs at one of the most iconic stadiums in world football on your way to pick up a trophy.
Emma Mitchell, on the right, enjoys her Wembley momentEmma Mitchell, on the right, enjoys her Wembley moment
Emma Mitchell, on the right, enjoys her Wembley moment

In front of nearly 33,000 fans at Wembley on Saturday, that’s exactly what Buckhaven footballer Emma Mitchell did after helping her Arsenal side to an FA Cup triumph.

The crowd were treated to an all London derby in the final, with Arsenal edging out capital opponents Chelsea 1-0.

“It was unbelievable,” said Emma.

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“I don’t know if it was just because I’m Scottish, but before the game I was a bit like ‘whatever’ about playing at Wembley.

“It wasn’t a big deal.

“But then we got out onto the park and there’s 33,000 people watching.

“It was an incredible atmosphere and I’m so grateful now to have had the chance to play there.

“We played Chelsea in the league and they beat us so we knew we had to stop their front four.

“That was our game plan and it worked.

“It’s great to bring the trophy back home to Arsenal.”

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Starting her career with top Scottish club side Glasgow City, Emma has developed quite a career for herself in the game.

When her time at City came to an end, she signed pro-terms with German Frauen-Bundesliga side SGS Essen in 2013.

But she was barely in Germany a few months before the mighty Arsenal came calling and Emma has been at the club ever since.

“This is my fourth season now and I’ve just signed a new three year deal,” said the Buckhaven defender.

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“I’m really lucky to play for Arsenal and I just can’t ever see myself playing for another English side.

“We play our league games during the summer and haven’t started very well, we’ve drawn one and lost two of our first few games.

“We’ll need to improve on that because there’s no doubt a club like Arsenal should be challenging for the league.”

It was Emma’s second FA Cup triumph, having helped the Gunners to lift the trophy at the Stadium MK in 2014.

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It’s gearing up to be a busy summer, with Emma playing a role in Scotland’s current Euro 2017 qualifying campaign.

The Scots are undefeated so far in their group, and are tantalisingly close to booking a place in the Netherlands.

“We’ve done really well so far,” said the 23-year-old.

“I haven’t been playing as much as I would have liked to because I had to have a knee operation.

“But it was great to be part of the last game and now have two big games coming up in June. We know that if we beat Iceland (top of the table Scotland’s nearest challenger), then that’s a big step towards qualifying and that’s what we’re planning to do.”