Chelsea have beaten Arsenal 2-0 to make the next step towards retaining the Women's FA Cup for the second year in a spicy clash at Kingsmeadow today.
The fifth round tie made for good watching as the London derby did not disappoint with an exciting first half - but just minus the goals. Each half saw a goal, but both came from Chelsea, as Arsenal struggled to take any of their numerous chances on goal - and their play got worse in the second half.
Almost 3,000 fans packed into Kingsmeadow and despite getting and FA Cup fifth round show to remember, it was Arsenal fans going home disappointed in the team's mediocre performance attempting to net goals. It's clear from the numerous derbies between these two teams that Chelsea have buckets of squad depth and options for Hayes to rotate her team, while Arsenal's lack of January transfer deals is showing.
Here are five talking points from the game as Chelsea came out on top.
Niamh Charles lucky not to be sent off
Coming back to club football after making her international debut for England in the Arnold Clark Cup, her confidence seethed onto the pitch for Chelsea. A great off the line kick in the 13th minute to deny Arsenal - but was lucky to avoid a sending off.
She avoided a yellow card after pulling the shirt of Foord just before a frantic last few minutes of play in the first half and made some dangerous tackles - Chelsea were lucky to not lose her on a double-yellow for a sending off. She remained on the pitch, unfortunately for Arsenal.
Lauren James shines following Arnold Clark Cup triumph
Made her mark in the game from the get go with a foul on Catley then an assist for Sophie Ingle's goal. We'd seen her magic in the recent Arnold Clark Cup, and it was her first domestic appearance since the tournament - and she played a pivotal role in making runs, creating chances and supporting her teammates.
She got the biggest cheer from the crowd as she was subbed off the pitch in the 83rd minute. Excited to see what her club career will bring in the near future.
Arsenal not taking their chances
The Gunners had some great chances in the first half and really managed to cut right through Chelsea's defence but the story of their match was not finishing off their hard work in front of goal. Foord, Maanum, Blackstenius and McCabe all had chances in the first half but couldn't find the back of the net.
Gunners missing Mead and Miedema
It's obvious Arsenal are missing their star strikers Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, but Swedish international Blackstenius is looking to prove herself in the squad. Mead has already spoken about trying to make it back from her ACL injury just in time for the World Cup - meaning she will still miss the rest of the WSL season, while Miedema also won't be back in the Arsenal squad until the 23/24 season.
Ian Wright's frustration at the lack of reinforcement was clear during this game as he tweeted: "Sam Kerr. Ice cold. And pls don't tell me about Beth and Viv. We knew we had to strengthen for the most important period of the season and we didn't."
Caitlin Foord crucial for Arsenal
There to pick up the ball when Chelsea lost control and some good skills managing to make sure James doesn’t win the ball off her. Made some brilliant runs to create great chances for her teammates and causing havoc for the Chelsea defence. Only thing missing from her game today was goals. Tough to handle.
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