Chelsea progress to the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals with win over Arsenal

In a repeat of last season’s FA Cup final, Chelsea were once again victorious against London rivals Arsenal thanks to a brace from Beth England and a Jonna Andersson strike.

The fifth-round Women’s FA Cup London Derby lived up to expectation from the first minute. Games between Chelsea and Arsenal do not usually end goalless and this one was no different.

Women’s Super League Player of the Month for January, Erin Cuthbert ran through the Arsenal defence and found Beth England who fired into the bottom corner to give Chelsea the lead within five minutes.

Arsenal sprung into action and immediately went in search of the equaliser with Dominique Bloodworth’s shot pushed past the post by Ann-Katrin Berger. Katie McCabe then tried her luck only for the post to come to Chelsea’s rescue.

The Gunners were in the ascendancy but they couldn’t make it pay. Jonna Andersson soon made Arsenal rue their missed chances. Five minutes before half-time, Andersson’s stunning effort from 25 yards swerved past Peyraud-Magnin who was powerless to stop it.

Chelsea started the second half like a side who wanted to put the contest to bed at the earliest opportunity. A free-kick from Karen Carney went wide and then Cuthbert couldn’t make the most of her cross at the back post.

The Blues settled the contest just before the hour mark when England raced through on goal, beating Arsenal defender Louise Quinn for pace and fired home to put Chelsea three goals to the good.

Having done her job, England was substituted five minutes later and replaced by Ramona Bachmann.

Arsenal were letting their frustrations get the better of them as their chances of getting back into the game became even slimmer.

Mead had a chance to score a consolation for Arsenal but after twisting and turning inside the box, Berger saved her low drive.

Fran Kirby, fresh from the bench, went through one-on-one with Peyraud-Magnin who denied what looked like a certain goal for the home side.

Despite their best efforts, Arsenal couldn’t get on the scoresheet and it was a routine victory for Chelsea in the end.

Arsenal can now look forward to the match against Yeovil Town on Wednesday as they aim to win the league and then the Continental Cup final later this month. Chelsea are also in league action on Wednesday when they will host Bristol City.

Chelsea starting line up: Berger, Bright, Blundell, Andersson, Eriksson, Ingle, Carney, Spence, Ji (Kirby 70), England (Bachmann, 65), Cuthbert (Riley, 82)

Substitutes: Lindahl, Asante, Carter, Riley, Kirby, Cooper, Bachmann

Arsenal starting line up: Peyraud-Magnin, Veje, Mitchell, Quinn, Arnth (Williamson, 59), Bloodworth, van de Donk, Little, McCabe (Evans, 68), Mead, Miedema (Kuyken, 75)

Substitutes: van Veenendaal, Williamson, Evans, Kuyken, Hazard

Attendance: 2,232