Our Vitality Women’s FA Cup journey came to an end in the fifth round on Sunday as we were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea.
Jonas Eidevall’s side dominated possession and registered 20 shots at goal, but the hosts punished us with their clinical attacking play.
What happened
We made a positive start to the game with three chances arriving early on. Frida’s Maanum’s powerful strike was tipped over the bar, before Stina Blackstenius’ goal-bound effort was cleared off the line.
The Sweden international had another golden chance to open the scoring after being played through on goal, but she fired over the bar and shortly after Sophie Ingle gave Chelsea the lead against the run of play.
Lauren James drifted inside from the right wing and teed Ingle on the edge of the area, who finished past Manuela Zinsberger into the bottom left corner.
We continued to find space behind the Chelsea backline with Maanum sliding in at the back post, narrowly missing Blackstenius’ pass, and Katie McCabe testing Ann Katrin-Berger at the near post, but we lacked a clinical edge in front of goal.
Chelsea then went on to double their advantage following the restart with Sam Kerr breaking free down the right and finding the bottom corner with a chip from close range.
We dug deep and worked hard in the search of sparking a late comeback, but were ultimately made to pay for our missed chances early on.
What it means
We’ve been knocked out of the competition in the fifth round and must now prepare to face Chelsea again on Sunday, this time in the final of the FA Women’s Continental League Cup - purchase your tickets.
Team news
Arsenal starting XI: Zinsberger, Wienroither (Maritz 81), Williamson, Rafaelle, Catley (Pelova 68), Walti (Wubben-Moy 81), Little (C), McCabe, Blackstenius (Kuhl 81), Foord
Subs not used: Marckese, Beattie, Gio, Agyemang
Chelsea starting XI: Berger, Bright, Ingle, James (Kaneryd (84), Reiten, Perisset (Carter 71), Eriksson, Kerr, Charles, Cuthbert, Cankovic (Fleming 84)
Subs not used: Musovic, Leupolz, Mjelde, Buchanan
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