Difficult pitch conditions and a flurry of yellow cards were just part of a scrappy FA Cup game at Meadow Park this afternoon.

Both sides fought in the first half, which ended goalless, with Liverpool’s high press frustrating the Arsenal defence.

The second half saw a tired looking Arsenal have a few chances which they were unable to profit from, but the match’s only goal came when Liverpool’s Sophie Roman Haug sent a half-volley into the post, and it bounced in off Arsenal’s Daphne van Domselaar.

Late second-half substitutions were unable to help in Arsenal’s effort to get an equaliser, and Liverpool’s strong effort in defence meant that after nine minutes of stoppage time they are through to the semi-finals for the first time in eight years.

Player ratings: 

Daphne van Domselaar

Recovered a mistake well in the first half with a big save to keep it 0-0. Looked nervous as Liverpool had some threatening waves of attack but made some shaky saves. Unfortunate to get an own goal.

5/10

Emily Fox

Struggled to get forward in the first half but as always had excellent pace to defend Liverpool’s waves of attack.

6/10 

Leah Williamson

Good long passes from deep positions as always and a couple of key blockings of Liverpool’s crosses. Often out of position when trying to make something happen in the second half but good efforts.

6.5/10

Steph Catley

Seems to have grown into her position as centre-back really wellwith some excellent blocks and great positioning most of the time.

6.5/10

Mariona Caldentey

Struggled to get into the game in the first half, but saw a bit more action after the break, such a key member of this Arsenal team, attempted some promising through balls and had some chances but was denied by the Liverpool defence.

6/10

Beth Mead

Great to see her back in the starting line-up after a difficult time with some minor injuries. Subbed off at half time.

5/10

Kim Little

Struggled physically in the midfield with a lack of pace, some good moments in possession but was subbed off in the second half.

5.5/10

Katie McCabe

Tough match up against Liverpool’s pacy Olivia Smith, caught the wrong side of a few 50/50s. Showed a lot of temper on the pitch and received a yellow card.

5.5/10

Cailtin Foord

Good pace for most of the game, unfortunately caught offside a couple of times in the final third. Subbed off towards the end of the game.

6/10 

Alessia Russo

Was quite isolated by the Liverpool defence, but still made huge efforts all over the pitch. Sent a good chance over the bar, not asmany opportunities as she would have liked.

6/10

Kyra Cooney-Cross

Played a deeper role in the first half, but good to see her starting again after her recent good form. Good interceptions and some good turns in the midfield. Didn’t work as well in combination with Little as she has with other midfielders in past weeks. Subbed off in second half.

6.5/10

Frida Maanum (Sub, Half Time)

Good contributions as soon as she joined the game with a couple of chances in the second half.

6.5/10

Lia Wälti (Sub, ‘82)

Late substitution in the second half, struggled to make many meaningful contributions. Possibly could have done more if introduced earlier on in the game. 

5.5/10

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, ’82)

Couldn’t find one of her trademark last minute goals today after being subbed on late into the game.

5.5/10

Amanda Ilestedt (Sub, ’88)

Nice to see more minutes for the Swedish international, but not a lot of chances for her to make much headway in the game.

5/10

Subs not used:

Manuela Zinsberger, Katie Reid, Jenna Nighswonger, Victoria Pelova, Rosa Kafaji