Arsenal women match men with shock FA Cup exit and poor performance | OneFootball

Arsenal’s FA Cup exit to Brighton delivered more than a poor result. It raised fresh questions over fatigue, selection and whether the run-in is starting to catch up with a stretched squad.

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Arsenal were eliminated from the FA Cup after a deserved 2-0 defeat to Brighton at Meadow Park.

It was one of those days when the whole team failed to perform. You can win games if three or four players are below par, but if almost everyone is underperforming, you will not get far, especially against a well-drilled side like Brighton, who had an excellent goalkeeper in Nnadozie, saving the three good chances Arsenal produced in the game.

It became very clear during the match that there was both mental and physical fatigue among the players. They were not sharp enough, not quick enough. The coaching staff had obviously anticipated the physical issue by rotating six players, and it was the right call. The Chelsea quarter-final second leg was physically and mentally draining. Players are human, not machines who can perform on demand.

She rested a number of players who needed it and also gave starts to those who required minutes, with the exception of Pelova. Considering how the double pivot of Little and Caldentey performed, it was difficult to understand why Pelova did not get on the pitch, given the creativity she can offer, unless she had a knock. It did not make sense to keep her on the bench. If you are a goal or two down and struggling for creativity, you bring on your playmaker in place of underperforming midfielders.

The xG numbers were Arsenal 1.4 and Brighton 1.1, so clearly Brighton were very efficient with their shooting, while Arsenal did not create enough opportunities. That matched what we saw from the stand, a laboured performance lacking energy and connectivity between the players.

There are still two competitions to play for, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where Arsenal are the holders and will play OL Lyonnes at home first, and the Women’s Super League, where Arsenal need to finish second to qualify directly for the UWCL league phase and avoid a qualifying round.

Arsenal have two games in hand over Chelsea and Manchester United. Chelsea are second with 40 points, Arsenal are third with 38, level with Manchester United.

Arsenal need 12 points from a possible 15 to guarantee second place, though 11 might still be enough.

The final block of the season will consist of seven games in 26 days, or eight in 31 if Arsenal defeat OL Lyonnes to reach the Champions League final again.