By Emme Fortnam (21/1/26)
Above: Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little celebrating the opening goal Photo: @cozphotos on instagram
A goal and assist from Arsenal captain Kim Little secured Arsenal a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, who put up a strong defensive display to keep the game close throughout the fourth round tie.
The Teams
Arsenal centre back Leah Williamson missed out with a calf injury, while Slegers opted for the Russo-Blackstenius combination to start. For Villa, a few injuries hampered their team with Missy Bo Kearns stepping into the role of captain.
The Action
After a good initial spell on the ball from Aston Villa, it was Arsenal who began to dominate possession. With a free kick and corner, they were presented with two chances, but Stina Blackstenius couldn’t connect with Kim Little’s cross, and Ellie Roebuck made a save to keep the game goalless.
The defensive determination of Natalia Arroyo’s side began to show, as they held firm around the box – cutting off those crucial passing lanes and forcing the Arsenal attack into uncomfortable positions. Kearns and Lucy Staniforth in midfield were particularly impressive.
With a concussion, Emily Fox was forced to leave the game, allowing Smilla Holmberg to make her second appearance for Arsenal. From a corner, the visitors’ first chance arose – with Missy Bo Kearns firing wide.
Another save from Roebuck, this time keeping Russo’s header out and a crossbar hit from Beth Mead stopped Arsenal, keeping the score level at half time.
After a defensive first half, it didn’t take long until the first goal went in. Just after 50 minutes, Stina Blacksteinius scored a thrashing goal, after being found by a Kim Little cross. 10 minutes later it was the turn of Little to score herself. Following a corner, the ball bobbled around and eventually rebounded off the bar – it was Little who reacted first, smashing the ball home to extend the advantage.
In response, Arroyo made two changes, bringing on Georgia Mullett and the debuting Oriane Jean-Francois. They both come on with the clear goal trying to win back that possession, as they looked to push on and score. With only being on for about 60 seconds, Jean-François received a yellow card not a great start for her Villa debut.
For one last throw of the dice, Villa replaced defender Noelle Maritz with striker Ebony Salman, while Arsenal brought on new legs with more conventional player-for-player substitutions. Ultimately, the Arsenal defence held strong, securing a win – but it was a valiant defensive performance from Aston Villa.
Arsenal will host WSL2 side Bristol City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, while Aston Villa’s focus can be fully of league success from now on.
Teams: ARSENAL (4-3-2-1): Borbe, Fox, Wubbon-Moy, Catley, McCabe, Little (c), Caldentey, Mead, Russo, Smith, Blackstenius. Substitutes: Holmberg (for Fox 22′), Foord (for Smith 71′), Maanum (for Russo 71′), Pelova (for Caldentey 84′), Codina (for Little 84′).
Scorers: 1-0 Blackstenius 52′, 2-0 Little 62′.
ASTON VILLA (3-4-1-2): Roebuck, Maritz, Patten, Parker, Wilms, Staniforth, Taylor, Maltby, Kearns (c), Hijikata, Hanson. Substitutes: Deslandes (for Maltby 46′), Mullett (for Kearns 63′), Jean-Francois (for Staniforth 63′), Salman (for Maritz 71′).
Referee: Lisa Benn.
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