Anna Patten has a deep-rooted passion for the FA Cup, having tasted success in the FA Youth Cup and been an unused substitute for Arsenal in their 2021 final defeat to Chelsea. She also won two FA Youth Cups with the Gunners, developing an early love for the competition. The Aston Villa loanee is now determined to upset the odds and beat Chelsea to reach a Wembley final.
Patten’s football intelligence and tactical awareness have been key to her success, and she credits her ‘maths brain’ for helping her to analyse data and statistics. She studied sociology in the United States prior to returning to the Women’s Super League in 2021, and is now eyeing up a Masters degree.
The centre-back had a setback just two months into her move from London when she contracted glandular fever and had to miss the remainder of last season. Despite this, she has become a key member of Carla Ward’s side as they fight to avoid relegation and is keen to make up for lost time in the club’s pursuit of silverware.
Patten is aware of the rivalry between Aston Villa and Chelsea, and is aware that many Arsenal girls will be hoping for her side to win. She says: “Anyone beating Chelsea will probably make them happy. Me and [ex-Arsenal midfielder] Jordan Nobbs will take that into the game. A couple of the Arsenal girls might come to watch and will probably be supporting us as well. I definitely don’t think they will be cheering for Chelsea!”
Sunday 16 April marks a huge day for Anna Patten as Aston Villa take on Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Bescot Community Stadium. Fans can watch live coverage on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website, or listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. There will also be live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app. Anna Patten is determined to make her mark in the senior competition, and is hopeful that her side can upset the odds and reach the Wembley final.