5 takeaways from Women's FA Cup fifth round | OneFootball

The fifth round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup took place over the weekend and the usual big hitters were able to get the job done.

The fifth round of the Cup brought all of the action, as eight teams booked their ticket to the quarter final stages of the beloved competition.

Women’s Super League (WSL) giants Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Man United were able to get the job done over their fifth round opponents, whilst Aston Villa got the job done over league opponents Brighton & Hove Albion.

A valiant effort from Rugby Borough saw them defeated 2-0 by the hands of Liverpool, after a strong performance left the third-tier side with lots to be proud of.

A ten-player Portsmouth failed to compete against their Championship opponents, with Sunderland running out 2-0 victors down on the south-coast. Crystal Palace savoured a victory against Newcastle United to inject hope into their turbulent campaign.

Here are five key takeaways from the fifth round of the Adobe Women's FA Cup...

Chelsea triumph despite early scare

Chelsea defeated Everton 4-1 at Kingsmeadow / Crystal Pix/MB Media/GettyImages

The Blues were given an early scare at Kingsmeadow as Sara Holmgaard swung in an Olimpico into the back of the net from the corner spot.

Despite what many hoped would pan out to be a major Cupset, the inevitable Chelsea were able to scrape through and gather an empathetic 4-1 victory at home. Goals from Catarina Macario, Mayra Ramirez, Maika Hamano and Sandy Baltimore sent the Toffees back to Merseyside with their heads hung low.

Sonia Bompastor’s side continue to deliver the cutting blow, and look far from faltering as their unbeaten run extends out to 23 games. Despite the praise that can be awarded to the manager in the dugout, it is Chelsea's squad depth that continues to stretch out their dominance. A team of such talent should be expected to perform at their best week in and week out, and with the January acquisition's of Naomi Girma and Keira Walsh, beating this Chelsea super team is only going to become more challenging.

Arsenal manage to get the job done

Laia Codina opened the scoring against London City / Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/GettyImages

A hard fought battle at Meadow Park saw the Gunners come out on top thanks to goals from Laia Codina and Stina Blackstenius.

Despite what the scoreline may suggest, London City were able to threaten Arsenal on multiple accounts. Sofia Jakobsson had the chance to draw her side ahead early on, but dragged her shot wide of the goalposts.

Once Laia Codina drew Arsenal ahead, Jakobsson had another chance to level the scores but misplaced her shot in front of goal. A late goal from Stina Blackstenius was enough to settle the nerves of Arsenal fans as the side now book their place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2022.

Despite the clunky contest, a heavily-rotated side were able to get the job done on the occasion, something head coach Renée Slegers heralded as “the only thing that matters”.

Trophy holders Man Utd fire past third tier Wolves

Man United thumped Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Midlands / Naomi Baker/GettyImages

Putting out a strong starting eleven in the Midlands, Marc Skinner’s Manchester United side were ready to show third-tier Wolverhampton Wanderers full respect in the fifth round.

Wolves showed their might in the opening half, putting up a strong fight to keep the scoreline to just two goals at the break.

Young Welsh international Marred Griffiths made her impact, scoring a brace after being subbed on in the 82nd minute.

If the fixture taught us anything about the title holders, it is that Marc Skinner tends to air on the side of caution when selecting his starting eleven. Ella Toone has recently returned from a long-term calf injury, yet was selected to start against the National League team. First goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce didn't scrape a rest day, playing the full 90 minutes on the occasion.

Perhaps Griffith's late impact will provide Skinner with the comfort that his youth can be trusted when it comes to these lopsided fixtures in the future. If not, Man United risk running into a scheduling wall as the season progresses.

Crystal Palace inject hope into their season

Crystal Palace got the job done over Championship side Newcastle / Crystal Pix/MB Media/GettyImages

Crystal Palace were able to get the job done over Championship Newcastle United in a 2-0 victory at VBS Community Stadium.

A valiant performance from Newcastle saw them challenge the Eagles up until the 81st minute, as Becky Langley’s side worked well to nullify the running threat of the hosts. This fixture was a tell-all display to test Palace’s level at the moment, as Laura Kaminski’s side continue to struggle to find their feet in the top-flight.

Newcastle currently occupy 7th spot on the Championship table, but are just six points from the promotion zone. For Palace, this was a must win fixture in order to prove that they deserve their place in the WSL.

A strong victory sees the Eagles keep their FA Cup dreams alive, and will inject a strong sense of confidence into the side as they enter the business-end of the WSL season.

London City Lionesses are prepared for the jump

London City put up a strong fight against Arsenal / Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

As the 2024/25 campaign enters the business-end of the season, London City Lionesses stare down the prospect of promotion into the top-flight. Currently trailing first place Birmingham City by a single point, the Bromley-based side will be hungry to clinch the top spot as the season runs down.

If any side in the Championship are prepared to make the jump, it is London City. Currently housing the experience of Swedish catpain Kosovare Asllani, as well as promising talent Sofia Jakobsson and Julia Roddar, London City are investing in a future far beyond the Championship.

Club owner Michele Kang was seated in the East Stand of Meadow Park, watching her side battle it out against the English giants. Kang's interested investment into this London City team promises that if they are to make the jump into the WSL, they are the most likely to stay.

For years we have seen clubs yo-yo back and forth from the divisions, with Bristol City the last to face immediate relegation upon their promotion into the WSL. Crystal Palace now stare down the same fate if they don't turn around a miracle by the end of the campaign.

With aggressive investment into the transfer markets and a clear philosophy into the direction of the club, London City just may be the future of the WSL.