Arsenal and Liverpool fought for a spot in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals. Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea already secured their tickets. The Gunners failed to capatilize on any of their chances, while Liverpool found the net once. The Reds go to the semi-finals for the first time in eight years.
Match Highlights
Strong performance by Olivia Smith.
Own goal by Van Domselaar.
Balanced opening 25 minutes
Both sides had a few small opportunities in the first 25 minutes. For Liverpool, Olivia Smith caused trouble, while Russo and Foord tried to break on the other side. Notably, the Reds came in with a clear game plan and quickly neutralized any Arsenal attack.
Liverpool had a good spell ten minutes before half-time. They pressed Arsenal back on their own half and sent cross after cross into the box.
First yellow card seemed to be for Höbinger for a foul on Mead but Matthews received it for kicking the ball away.
Goalless at the break
Daphne van Domselaar made a mistake at the end of the first half when her pass was intercepted by Roman Haug in the box. There wasn’t enough power behind Roman Haug’s shot, so Van Domselaar was able to make the save, making up for her error. Overall, there was not much going on the first half, except for one shot on target from Liverpool.
Second half: More action & improved play by Arsenal
Beth Mead was taken off at the break and replaced by Frida Maanum.
The Gunners came out a lot clearer and more dominant at the start of the second half. It took Liverpool nearly ten minutes to get away from the pressure. Olivia Smith picked up the ball but was stopped in her tracks by Katie McCabe. The Ireland international received a yellow card for her tactical foul.
Another nervous moment when Van Domselaar’s pass was once again intercepted by Roman Haug. The goalkeeper managed to clear it but conceded a corner-kick in the process. While the corner was cleared, Liverpool attacked again, and Höbinger got a good shot on target. Saved brilliantly by Van Domselaar.
Looking for the opener
Matthews came off for Evans.
Arsenal come close to breaking the deadlock when Williamson’s cross finds Maanum in the box. Her header is saved by goalkeeper Laws, who immediately needs treatment after. Fortunately, she was okay to continue.
With twenty more minutes of official time it was stop and start due to injuries. Taylor Hinds hurt her head in a battle for the ball in her own box. Minutes later Holland went down as she collided with Katie McCabe at the other end of the pitch.
Liverpool takes the lead
It went down as an own goal, as it came off the post and struck Van Domselaar on its way in. However, it was Roman Haug’s effort that led to the goal. Arsenal had ten more minutes and stoppage time to score the equaliser.
Slegers makes double change
The head coach knew something had to change in order to force a goal. She brought Blackstenius and Wälti on for Cooney-Cross and Little. In the previous weeks this worked out well for The Gunners but they had little time to turn it around.
Subs: Foord came off for Nildén and Kapocs made way for Daniëls.
Nine minutes stoppage time
Liverpool had to defend their lead for nine more minutes and then they would secure their ticket to the semi-finals. Arsenal tried everything but Liverpool did not give it away anymore. Amber Whiteley and her team progress to the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.