Arsenal progress into Subway cup semi finals

Kyra Cooney-Cross and Laia Codina celebrating. Photo: Arsenal WFC

Arsenal 4-0 Brighton 

Attendance: 2115

Referee: Lisa Benn

Assistants: Lorraine Catchpole & Ella Broad

Fourth Official: Joanne Horwood

The Gunners travelled down south for a quarter final clash with the Seagulls on Wednesday evening. Arsenal stood as favourites and current champions, however Brighton were not a team to undermine as represented in their brilliant start to the WSL. 

Immediate early possession from the travelling side forced mistakes out of Brighton’s back line; a warning sign of the quality within Arsenal’s squad.

Moments later, Poppy Pattinson demonstrated some individual brilliance, nutmegging academy graduate Katie Reid and driving up the pitch to create attacking opportunities.

An overlap between her and Kiko Seike saw Pattinson produce a cross to the back post but she unfortunately overhit it, much to the relief of the travelling fans. 

In the 5th minute, Rosa Kafaji went down due to a knock to the face but after receiving treatment, was given the go ahead to continue.

Following this, Brighton managed to calm down play but were soon under pressure again leading to a misplaced pass from Marisa Osligares which was pounced on by relentless Russo who’s quick reaction shot flew over the bar. 

Shortly after, the Seagulls were lucky not to concede when a perfect through ball from the Norwegian Frida Maanum was threaded through to Alessia Russo who was waiting on the end of it. Luckily for the home side, this was later determined offside. 

As the opening 20 minutes unfolded, we saw pockets of possession for the Seagulls who were starting to enjoy playing in Arsenal's half . Despite being able to break the press, they were unable to capitalise and find the final ball.

Likewise, the Gunners seemed incapable of finding a route through the strong structure of Brightons defence. 

A few nervy moments came fast for the home side when Beth Mead cut the ball back to an unmarked Maanum who shot but was unable to find the back of the net. This was followed by a shot by Kyra Cooney-Cross who similarly missed the goal. 

Around the half hour mark, Arsenal had a positive spell in front of goal with some impressive link up play between Kafaji and Katie McCabe causing issues to Brightons defence but they were ultimately unable to convert.

Evidently, the Gunners were growing in confidence and Russo was starting to find her feet, a significant chance coming when she had an open header on goal which was collected safely in Melina Loek’s hands. 

In the 44th minute, Lia Wälti went down after no contact and was eventually substituted for the experienced Scottish midfielder Kim Little.

Arsenal, looking the stronger side, took this time to regroup and discuss tactics with Head Coach Renee Slegers. 

Nothing was to separate the sides at half time; both teams had chances in front of goal and multiple corners were instigated at both ends, yet neither side converted these opportunities.

The Gunners kicked off the second half to an exciting 45 minutes with the same front foot energy they ended the first half with.

This led to an early opportunity sparking from a low quick and driven ball across the face of goal from Mead. Although this resulted in them winning a corner, Loek was yet again in the right position to claim the ball.

In response to this, Brighton turned on their engine and started to play in Arsenal's half, putting pressure on their players.

Katie Reid had no chance but to foul Haley after she embarked on a promising run down the left wing, beating Reid to earn her side a free kick. 

Returning to the other end of the field, Russo had an impressive run down the left wing, bringing her team back into attacking form.

This moment of hope signalled the start of a swing in momentum to which Arsenal began to dominate with the help of their substitutes, providing a new found energy. 

A corner from Emily Fox led to a shot by Mariona Caldentey who stuck the ball off the far left post, creating frantic moments in and around the final third.

In the 64th minute, Arsenal deservedly scored after Maanum won back possession when Brighton failed to successfully play out from the back, gifting the Gunners a crucial goal.

The next few minutes saw brilliant sequences of play within the travelling sides' frontline, earning them a second goal scored by Katie McCabe.

Cooney-Cross also contributed to the score sheet moments later after a superb finish into the top right corner, setting her side in a comfortable position for the final 20 minutes. 

Brighton, with a large task at hand, subsequently found an opportunity in the 71st minute, but had lost their shape and were taking increasing time on the ball allowing Arsenal to read their play.

The Gunners, striving off their scoring momentum, continued to play in and around the opposition's defence looking confident on the ball.

In the 82nd minute, a long range effort from Caldentey flew into the back of the net after she found the ball at her feet from the edge of the box due to a mess at the back. 

Brighton desperately trying to find a way to stop Arsenal’s strength meant for Dejana Stefanović receiving a yellow card for bringing down Caldentey.

The Spanish midfielder later switched the ball to Stina Blackstenius in the 88th minute, who headed it down, landing in Loek’s hands.

A couple late attacks from both teams looked hopeful but the scoreline ultimately ended 4-0 after an Arsenal domination. 

Teams:

Brighton and Hove Albion Women- Melina Loek (GK), Maria Thorisdottir, Poppy Pattinson, Guro Bergsvand, Vicky Losada ©, Jelena Cancovic, Kiko Sieke, Marisa Olislagers, Bruna Vilamala, Madison Haley, Rachel McLauchlan

Head Coach: Dario Vidosich

Substitutes used: Nikita Parris, Jorelyn Carabali, Maisie Symonds, Dejana Stefanovic, Pauline Bremer

Arsenal Women- Manuela Zinzbeger, Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Beth Mead, Katie McCabe ©, Frida Maanum, Lia Walti, Rosa Kafaji, Alessia Russo, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katie Reid 

Head Coach: Renee Slegers

Substitutes used: Kim Little, Mariona Caldentey, Emily Fox, Leah Williamson, Stina Blackstenius