Arsenal progressed to the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup with a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa at Meadow Park, a result that owed much to a dominant second-half display. After being held at bay by an inspired Ellie Roebuck in the Villa goal before the break, the Gunners found their rhythm after half-time, with Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little both on the scoresheet to secure a place in the last 16.
The Gunners started brightly and almost took the lead inside nine minutes when Stina Blackstenius’ low cross deflected off Miri Taylor and drifted narrowly wide of the post. Arsenal continued to press high and move the ball quickly, pinning Villa back in their own half during the early exchanges.
Midway through the first half, Arsenal were forced into an early change when Emily Fox was injured, with January signing Smilla Holmberg coming on at right-back. Holmberg made an immediate impression, driving forward down the flank and delivering a dangerous cross that found Alessia Russo, but Villa goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck produced an excellent save to keep out the striker’s header.
Villa’s best chance of the opening period came soon after when Maya Hijikata met a cross from close range, only to send her header over the bar. Arsenal quickly regained control and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring as Beth Mead’s cross looped over Roebuck and crashed against the crossbar, with Villa eventually clearing after a scramble in the six-yard box.
Roebuck was called into action again before the interval, producing another strong save to deny Russo, while Mead struck the side netting from a tight angle. Mead then tracked back to make a crucial challenge on Rachel Maltby at the other end, underlining Arsenal’s control despite the scoreline remaining goalless at the break.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half as Arsenal raised the intensity. Lotte Wubben-Moy twice went close inside the opening two minutes, first forcing Roebuck into another save from a Katie McCabe corner and then heading Russo’s cross just wide from the opposite flank.
Arsenal’s pressure told moments later when Kim Little surged into the penalty area and cut the ball back for Blackstenius, who calmly found the bottom corner from six yards out to break Villa’s resistance finally. Ten minutes later, the captain doubled the lead herself, reacting quickest to tap home from close range after Villa failed to clear a corner.
With a two-goal cushion, Arsenal controlled the remainder of the contest. Substitute Caitlin Foord went close on two occasions as the hosts continued to push for a third, while Blackstenius had the best chance late on but placed her effort wide. The miss proved inconsequential as Arsenal comfortably saw out the tie.
The victory sends Arsenal into the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup, with the draw for the last 16 taking place on Monday, January 19. The Gunners will be ball number six, with ties scheduled for the weekend of February 21 and 22.
After the match, head coach Renee Slegers highlighted the improvement in the second half. “I think our intensity went up a little bit and we had more clarity in what we wanted to achieve,” she said. “That made it easier to play with higher intensity and get more numbers into the final third, and the players executed that really well.”
Slegers also praised her side’s threat from set pieces. “We knew set pieces would be important today. Villa are strong attacking set-piece-wise, but they have conceded from defending them, so I’m thrilled we got a goal from that.”
On the impact of Holmberg after her introduction, Slegers added: “She did really well. She trains well, brings fresh ideas and new qualities, and she was ready when we needed her. She’s been learning the Arsenal way and also bringing her own ideas, which has been really good.”
Reflecting on the strike partnership of Russo and Blackstenius, Slegers said: “They’ve played quite a few games together, and they’re both doing really well. Communication and pressing are always important for us, and they did that well today.”
She also praised goalkeeper Anneke Borbe after another clean sheet. “She’s grown into the team. Her composure and decision making on the ball have been excellent, and she’s been a big part of our recent clean sheets, but it’s always a team effort.”
Finally, Slegers spoke warmly about returning to Meadow Park. “I love coming here. It’s a historical ground for Arsenal Women, and it’s intimate and close to the fans, which makes it special for the players as well.”
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