Arsenal start their FA Cup journey with a huge win over championship side Bristol City

Photo credit: Arsenal FC

It didn’t take long for Arsenal to get their FA Cup journey underway in their rescheduled fixture against Bristol City, with two goals inside the first ten minutes for the Gunners.  

After the match was rescheduled due to a frozen pitch, the winners of this tie knew they’d be facing London City Lionesses at home in the next round. When Arsenal started the game as strong as they did, it quickly became clear they’d be the side to progress to the next round, finishing the match with a 5-0 win. 

Teams 

Renée Slegers made seven changed to the squad that narrowly loss to Chelsea a few days before, with Lotte Wubbon-Moy taking the captain’s armband, Laia Codina and 18-year-old Katie Reid joining her at the back, Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum, Rosa Kafaji also entering the starting eleven. The final change was between the sticks, Daphne Van Domselaar made way for Manuela Zinsberger.  

Bristol City only made one change to their eleven that won against Birmingham City at the weekend, goalkeeper Fran Bentley made way for Jackie Burns.  

First half 

The half couldn’t have got off to a better start for the Gunners, when Maanum found possession in the midfield, passing the ball out to Mead on the wing, who then sent the ball towards the front of the goal to meet Blackstenius for a tap in to put them 1-0 up. A few minutes later and Arsenal found their second of the night from a set piece, Cooney-Cross struck the ball from long range, unfortunately for the Robins, Jackie Burns fumbled the save and Maanum was there to ensure it crossed the line.  

Despite the visitors best attempt at defending the home side, Arsenal were able to create attacking opportunities one after the other and the score line quickly became 3-0 when Blackstenius bagged herself a brace from the edge of the area. 

Jamie-Lee Napier had the Robins only chance of the game, she got in behind the Arsenal defence, but despite her best efforts with an attempt outside the area Zinsberger gathered the ball.  

By 30 minutes in the Gunners were 4-0 up, a cross in from Mariona Caldentey was met with a header from Beth Mead into the back of the goal.  

Second half 

The second half started with substitutions for both sides. Arsenal subbed off Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley for England Captain, Leah Williamson and Olympic Gold Medalist, Emily Fox and the Robins subbed off Jesse Woolley for Manchester United loanee Simpson.  

Whilst the goals were coming fast in the first half, the second half was a different story, with only one extra goal adding to the tally. At 54 minutes, Beth Mead had the ball at her feet and sent it flying into the roof of the net making the score 5-0. 

Around the 60th minute, both teams made more substitutions. Wälti entered the game for Mariona and Bristol City made a triple change, Ella Powell, Lexi Lloyd-Smith and Ffion Morgan made way for Ireland Under-19s captain Lia O’Leary, Amelie Thestrup and Tianna Tiesar.  

69 minutes in and Jackie Burns was called into action to deny Stina Blackstenius a hattrick.  

At 78 minutes, Arsenal made their most noteable change of the night. After nearly a year out and having a baby in September, Amanda Ilestedt returned to the pitch beside Leah Williamson in a centre-back position. Beth Mead also left the pitch, with a brace, with Alessia Russo replacing her. 

Stats 

The Gunners led 62% to 38% possession with six of their 12 shots on target. The visitors only had one shot in the whole game, whilst it was on target, nothing came of it. Overall, 11 corners were given, nine for the home side and two for Bristol City. A total of 11 fouls were committed, Arsenal committing six and five for the Robins, however, no cards were given.  

Bristol City will now turn their attention back to the Championship, where they are tied on points at the top of the table with Birmingham City, after being relegated back to the Championship last season, they will be eager to return back to the Super League for the next season.