Arsenal women progress in FA Cup but Smith injured | OneFootball

Arsenal safely progressed into the FA Cup quarter-finals after a controlled home victory over Bristol City at Meadow Park.

Renée Slegers’ side booked their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals with a controlled 3-0 victory over Bristol City at Meadow Park, extending their winning run to seven matches.

Writing in her programme notes before kick-off, Slegers reflected on their recent schedule, saying: “We’ve gone through a lot during this block of games and if I reflect on the whole journey, I’m really happy with how we’ve performed. Of course, there were two disappointing results against Manchester United to kick off the year, where we didn’t manage to score. That loss in the League Cup in particular was hard to take, but it gave us an opportunity to show who we are.”

They did so again here, although only those inside the ground witnessed it, with the tie unavailable on television, online or radio and scheduled opposite the men’s north London derby. Despite that backdrop, Arsenal’s performance ensured progress was never seriously in doubt.

Anneke Borbe started in goal ahead of Daphne van Domselaar, while Emily Fox, Leah Williamson and Steph Catley returned to the defence in place of Smilla Holmberg, Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina.

Kim Little replaced Victoria Pelova in midfield and Olivia Smith came back into the side, with Katie McCabe, Mariona Caldentey, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord retaining their places following the midweek win over OH Leuven in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

The opening stages were competitive, with chances at both ends. Efforts from Russo, Foord and Caldentey either missed narrowly or were saved, while Bristol City threatened through Camila Saez and Emily Syme.

Gradually Arsenal imposed themselves, forcing a succession of set pieces before finally breaking through on 25 minutes when Little converted from close range after a McCabe free kick.

See Kim Little’s goal here

The visitors struggled to cope with Arsenal’s sustained pressure, committing repeated fouls as Syme and Esther Morgan were booked. Arsenal carried their lead into the break following further attempts from Fox and Russo, while Katie Robinson provided Bristol’s clearest attacking outlet.

At the break Slegers introduced Pelova for Caldentey, and within three minutes of the restart Arsenal were awarded a penalty when Foord was fouled. Russo saw her spot kick saved by Lauren Brzykcy, briefly offering the visitors encouragement.

Concern followed soon after when Smith required lengthy treatment following a clash of heads before leaving the pitch on a stretcher, with Frida Maanum introduced to replace her. Arsenal responded immediately, Pelova doubling their advantage minutes later with a right-footed strike from outside the box following an assist from Maanum.

Arsenal’s third arrived on 69 minutes when Maanum, again combining with Fox, finished into the bottom corner to effectively settle the tie. Further changes followed as Taylor Hinds replaced McCabe, Holmberg came on for Kelly, and later Stina Blackstenius returned from injury in place of Russo.

Arsenal continued to dominate, registering 18 shots to Bristol City’s four, with Blackstenius striking the woodwork late on during 14 minutes of added time. A final substitution saw Codina replace Catley, confirming Smith’s earlier withdrawal as a concussion substitution. She will now be out for at least two weeks under the concussion protocol.

The final whistle confirmed a comfortable 3-0 win and progression to the quarter-finals, another composed step forward in a demanding period that continues to test Slegers’ squad depth and fitness levels.

The draw for the Adobe Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals will take place on Monday evening, before the final game between London City Lionesses and Tottenham Hotspur.

We now enter the international break meaning there are no more games for Arsenal until 15 March when the Gunner swill kick-off at 11.55am v London City Lionesses.