The Women’s FA Cup delivered another unforgettable night of drama as Manchester City edged past Arsenal 1-0 in a fiercely contested fifth-round tie. Laia Aleixandri emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring the decisive goal in the 74th minute to secure City’s place in the quarter-finals. Mcw brings you an in-depth tactical breakdown of this thrilling encounter, along with updates from other key fixtures.
Manchester City’s Gritty Triumph Over Arsenal
Arsenal, still reeling from their shock WSL defeat to West Ham, entered this match desperate to regain momentum. However, City’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing proved too much for the Gunners to handle.
First Half: A Cagey Affair
The opening 45 minutes were marked by tight midfield battles and limited clear-cut chances. Arsenal’s Leah Williamson, making just her second start since returning from an ACL injury, stood firm against City’s attacking threats. At the other end, Khadija “Bunny” Shaw tested Arsenal’s defense with two powerful headers, but Sabrina D’Angelo and Williamson denied the WSL’s top scorer.
Second Half: Aleixandri Strikes Gold
The game opened up after the break, with both sides pushing for a breakthrough. Shaw’s early exit due to injury raised concerns for City, but substitute Mary Fowler slotted in seamlessly. The decisive moment came from a set-piece—Chloe Kelly’s floated free-kick caused chaos in Arsenal’s box, and Aleixandri reacted quickest to poke home the winner.
Keating’s Heroics Seal the Win
Arsenal launched a late onslaught, but 19-year-old goalkeeper Khiara Keating produced a series of stunning saves to preserve City’s lead. A frantic goalmouth scramble in added time sparked controversy, with Arsenal players convinced the ball had crossed the line, but the officials ruled otherwise.
Chelsea Continue FA Cup Dominance
Defending champions Chelsea secured their place in the last eight with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. January signing Mayra Ramirez announced herself in style, scoring a sublime backheel flick in the 81st minute—her first goal for the club.
Emma Hayes made 11 changes from their midweek Conti Cup win, but Lauren James’ late withdrawal saw Fran Kirby step in. Palace’s resolute defending kept Chelsea at bay for most of the game, but Ramirez’s moment of magic proved decisive.
Brighton and Leicester Deliver Goal-Filled Thrillers
Relegation-threatened Brighton survived a scare against third-tier Wolves, with Emma Kullberg emerging as an unlikely hat-trick hero. After Wolves equalized via Beth Merrick’s penalty, Kullberg scored three times in eight minutes to secure a 4-1 win.
Leicester staged a stunning comeback after conceding early to Birmingham, eventually winning 6-2. Missy Goodwin’s own goal gave Birmingham hope, but Janice Cayman, Shannon O’Brien, and Saori Takarada turned the tide in emphatic fashion.
Key Takeaways and Quarter-Final Outlook
- Manchester City’s Depth Shines: Even without Shaw, City’s squad depth proved vital. Fowler and Aleixandri stepped up when it mattered most.
- Arsenal’s Struggles Continue: The Gunners’ lack of cutting edge raises questions about their trophy ambitions this season.
- Chelsea’s Ruthlessness: Ramirez’s arrival adds another dimension to Hayes’ attack as they chase a fourth consecutive FA Cup.
Mcw Predicts: Who Lifts the Trophy?
With City and Chelsea looking formidable, this year’s FA Cup promises more fireworks. Can anyone stop Emma Hayes’ farewell tour?
Share your thoughts below! Who do you think will win the Women’s FA Cup? Follow Mcw for more expert analysis and breaking updates.
