A late own goal by Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar saw Liverpool book their spot in the semifinals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, joining Manchester City, Manchester United, and Chelsea. They join both Manchester sides and Chelsea.
Interim boss Amber Whiteley guided Liverpool to their first FA Cup semi-final since 2016/17, while the Gunners lost another chance for their first trophy under Renée Slegers.
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Liverpool were the better side in a first half that lacked fluidity. The visitors frustrated Arsenal with their high press, a particularly entertaining duel playing out between Olivia Smith and Katie McCabe.
Their best chance in the first half was on the stroke of halftime when _Reds_ forward Sophie Román Haug closed in on Daphne van Domselaar as she tried to play out from the back. Román Haug intercepted the ball and had a chance on goal from close range, but Arsenal’s keeper recovered and made up for her mistake by keeping it out. A similar situation happened soon after the restart, when Román Haug picked Van Domselaar’s pocket again, but Arsenal survived.
The Norwegian international eventually made Liverpool’s continued pressure count in the 78th minute. Her volley deflected off the post, and rebounded off the back of van Domselaar and in – going down as an own goal for the Arsenal keeper.
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The Gunners did all they could to fight their way back into the game, but Liverpool’s defence held strong to see them through to the final four. It is their second consecutive win under Whiteley, who replaced Matt Beard before last weekend’s Barclays Women’s Super League win against Crystal Palace.
With Arsenal’s dreams of a 15th FA Cup now delayed for another year, Liverpool will face Chelsea in the semifinal. The league leaders will host the Reds on the weekend of 13th April, while another Manchester Derby will take place that same weekend at the Joie Stadium.
ARS: Van Domselaar; Fox, Williamson, Catley, McCabe; Little, Cooney-Cross; Mariona, Mead, Foord, Russo
LIV: Laws; Fisk, Bonner, Matthews, Hinds; Kerr, Höbinger; Holland, Kapocs, Román Haug, Smith