If they can get past Charlton in their postponed quarter-final this Sunday, Arsenal Women will face the winner of Durham vs Everton in the semi-finals of the SSE Women’s FA Cup.
The Gunners are yet to concede a goal in the competition this season, after already seeing off Yeovil Town and Millwall. They should be favourites no matter who they face in the semi-finals. Having beaten Everton 1-0 just a few weeks ago, and with Durham currently residing in the Women’s Super League’s second tier, it must be seen as a kind draw for Joe Montemurro’s side.
The journey so far
Sunday 4 February, Woodspring Stadium
Yeovil Town LFC 0 – 3 Arsenal Women
Nobbs (10’), Mead (45’), H. Miles (59’ o.g)
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Sunday 18 February, Meadow Park
Arsenal Women 1 – 0 Millwall Lionessess
Mead (32’)
Star player
Arsenal’s hopes will largely rely on the form of top scorer Beth Mead, who has scored in both of their FA Cup games this season and netted four times in the Women’s Super League. An opportunity to play in the final at Wembley might provide the motivation that the 22-year-old needs to catch the eye of new England manager Phil Neville and earn her full international debut.
Arsenal have won the competition a record 14 times in their history, with the last victory coming in 2016 after a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
Elsewhere, after comfortably seeing off Liverpool Women in the quarter-finals at the weekend, Chelsea will face holders Manchester City or Sunderland in the other semi-final. Both games will take place on Sunday 15 April and will be shown live on the BBC.
