The Adobe Womens FA Cup returned over the weekend with eight clubs in action across four quarter-final matches.
Liverpool produced the biggest upset of the weekend as they narrowly beat Arsenal 1-0 at Meadow Park. Elsewhere, both Manchester United and Manchester City progressed into the final four, while Chelsea snatched a win against Crystal Palace.
The draw for the semi-finals sees Liverpool take on Chelsea, with a Manchester derby also scheduled for 12 April. Then, all eyes will be on the final at Wembley Stadium on 18 May, with Manchester United in particular hoping to retain the title they won in style last year.
Arsenals FA Cup woes continue
Arsenal have been in outstanding form under Renee Slegers, but their hopes of lifting silverware this season diminished as they were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Liverpool. Sophie Roman Haug scored the only goal of the game at Meadow Park and, despite nine minutes of stoppage time, the Gunners were unable to find that all important equaliser.
The Champions League remains Arsenal's last chance for a trophy, although the calibre of opposition makes it a tough ask. Following Sundays defeat to Liverpool, Arsenal have now gone a ninth year without winning the FA Cup, which is significant given they won it 14 times between 1993 and 2016.
There is no denying there has been a significant improvement in both performances and results since Slegers took over in October, but another cup exit is a bitter disappointment. It also underscores just how much further they have to go to return to being a truly elite force in the women's game.
Amber Whiteley strengthens Liverpool case
On the other side of that tie, Liverpool ended an eight-year wait to reach the semi-finals. It was a surprising result given the Merseyside outfits record against the top clubs this season, but it's fair to say Amber Whiteley has strengthened her case to be named the permanent new manager.
Whiteley took charge on an interim basis until the end of the season following Matt Beard's shock exit in February, and has enjoyed a promising start to life in the dugout. Bigger tests are to come with WSL matches against United and Arsenal on the horizon, as well as the semi-final against Chelsea.
That being said, the renewed sense of optimism and positivity under Whiteley will no doubt serve the Reds well for the remainder of the season. Should the upturn in form continue, she will certainly become the nailed on favourite to take charge on a permanent basis.
Chelsea keep quadruple hopes alive
Chelsea's first season under Sonia Bompastor still has the potential to become historic as they kept their quadruple hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace. Lauren James scored the only goal of the game in the second half and they are now strong favourites to reach the Wembley final in May.
This will be a decisive month for Chelsea with WSL, League Cup and Champions League matches to come against Manchester City. But they have overcome this hurdle with ease in reaching the FA Cup semi-finals.
Liverpool, as they proved against Arsenal, will be a stern test in the final four next month. That being said, Chelsea boast unrivalled experience at this level and will believe they have what it takes to return to the final following their last triumphant appearance in 2023.
Another Manchester derby on the horizon
Both Manchester City and Manchester United cruised through their quarter-final ties. The former overcame WSL opposition in Aston Villa, courtesy of goals from Khadija Shaw and Jess Park. Marc Skinner's side, on the other hand, beat Championship outfit Sunderland 3-1 at Leigh Sports Village to continue hopes of retaining the FA Cup.
League Cup and WSL matches between United and City have produced some exciting contests this season, and next months semi-final will likely be no different.
While United are currently Chelsea's closest challengers in the league, it is fair to say the FA Cup remains the Red Devils' likeliest chance to win another trophy. For City, their season could take a turn for the better or worse over the next month, but manager Gareth Taylor will be determined to see his team lift the FA Cup for the first time since 2020.
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