Arsenal’s Women’s Super League title contenders advanced to the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bristol City on Sunday at Mangata Developments Stadium in Borehamwood.
Kim Little opened the scoring for the Gunners in the first half, followed by a goal from Victoria Pelova in the second. The result was sealed by an own goal from a Bristol City player, ensuring Arsenal’s progression in the competition.
The match began with Alessia Russo testing Bristol City goalkeeper Lauren Brzykcy with a powerful long-range shot. Bristol City responded with a corner, but Anneke Borbe easily collected Camila Saez’s header. Emily Syme then fired wide for the visitors after a through ball from Esther Morgan. Arsenal began to apply sustained pressure, with Mariona Caldentey lifting an effort just over the crossbar and Caitlin Foord seeing her attempt pushed past the post by Brzykcy.
The breakthrough came when Kim Little converted a free-kick that wasn’t cleared by the Bristol City defense, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead. Chloe Kelly and Emily Fox both came close to extending the advantage before halftime, but their shots went narrowly wide.
At the start of the second half, Arsenal were awarded a penalty after Foord was fouled in the box, but Russo’s spot-kick was saved. Shortly after, Olivia Smith was forced off with a head injury and replaced by Frida Maanum. Pelova doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 63rd minute, with her shot deflecting into the net after a pass from Maanum. A Katie Robinson own goal further solidified Arsenal’s control, making it 3-0.
Further substitutions saw Smilla Holmberg and Taylor Hinds replace Kelly and Katie McCabe, respectively. Foord continued to threaten, but her shot was saved by Brzykcy. With eight minutes remaining, Stina Blackstenius entered the game in place of Russo. Hinds volleyed wide from a Holmberg corner as Arsenal continued to push for goals. Laia Codina then replaced Steph Catley.
Fourteen minutes of added time were played due to Smith’s injury. During this period, Lexi Lloyd-Smith had a chance to score for Bristol City, but her shot was saved by Borbe. Maanum then fired over the bar at the other end. Blackstenius hit the post in the 99th minute, but the final whistle blew shortly after, confirming Arsenal’s 3-0 win.
Arsenal will return to action on March 15th with an away match against London City Lionesses in the Barclays Women’s Super League, kicking off at 11:55 am. They will then host West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 21st (12 pm KO). The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals will begin on March 24th with a home match against Chelsea.
The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals will take place on Monday at 7 pm on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel.
