(Football news) The Gunners booked their place in the Women’s FA Cup final after a 3-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion at Meadow Park. Arsenal Women have been in fantastic form this season, currently occupying first position in the Women’s Super League table, three points ahead of Chelsea and went into the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup against Brighton as favourites to go through. The final of the 2020/21 FA Cup will take place on December 3rd between Arsenal Women vs Chelsea Women.
The Gunners had a good opportunity to take the lead in the first half through Nikita Parris, whose header was cleared off the line by Brighton's Victoria Williams. However, the hosts took the lead two minutes after the beginning of the second half through Kim Little as Beth Mead made her way into the box and provided the assist. It was Mead who doubled the scoring for Arsenal in the 53rd minute after collecting the ball from Jordan Nobbs and hitting a shot in the bottom corner. Leah Williamson scored the third in the 76th minute with a powerful header from a corner to wrap up the proceedings.
Arsenal Women head coach Jonas Eidevall said: "(Mead's) a player that, when she has confidence, can play with intensity and can harass the opponents. I think she's a world-class forward. Leah is brilliant, she plays with such a high standard. I'm really delighted with her performances and her development this season. She's been a massive part of why we've been able to play so well this year."
Reigning champions Manchester City were defeated by Chelsea Women 3-0 in the semi-finals of the Women’s FA Cup. Emma Hayes’ side took the lead in the 23rd minute thanks to Erin Cuthbert who scored past City goalkeeper Karima Benameur Taieb. Questions were raised whether Taieb should have done better to prevent Cuthbert’s goal and eyebrows were raised when Melanie Leupolz doubled Chelsea’s lead five minutes later with a low shot. Taieb then redeemed herself with saves from Sam Kerr and Cuthbert. An 89th minute header from Beth England sealed Chelsea’s place in the Women’s FA Cup final against Arsenal.
