Report

A challenging match against one of the Championship’s finest who made it more difficult than Arsenal had perhaps anticipated with solid defence and threatening counter attacks. 

A well placed header from Codina sent the Gunners 1-0 up but London City’s crowded defence made it difficult to carve out many other convincing attempts on goal. 

Maanum’s denied shot turned into an opportunity for Blackstenius to make it 2-0, sending the Gunners through to the quarter finals after a mostly uneventful game today.

Player ratings:

Manuela Zinsberger

Good to see her get some minutes, reasonably quiet in her end, with minimal saves needed, especially in the second half.  Great clean sheet however!

7/10

Lotte Wubben-Moy

Good to see her starting yet again, appears to have found some form under Renée Slegers, looking more confident in each match she plays, another promising performance.

7/10

Laia Codina

Good placement in the box to deny London City an attempt on goal. Brilliant header over the goalie’s head to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead. Solid in central defence

7.5/10

Mariona Caldentey

Great movement on the ball as always, driving the game forwards when she had the chance. Seems to be in the right positions most of the time, always offering as an option. Unfortunate to have a shot denied by the crossbar.

7.5/10

Katie McCabe

Nice to see her back in the starting lineup after her red card a few matches ago, solid and reliable across the pitch with excellent work rate as is expected. 

7/10

Frida Maanum

Solid attempt on goal, blocked by London City’s defence, one of which led to Blackstenius’ goal that put the Gunners 2-0 up. Some good runs down the middle and the wing as well.

6.5/10

Caitlin Foord

Great pace with her end to end runs, strong attacking threat and defensive solidity. Good to see her starting again after a minor injury, subbed off in the second half.

7/10

Jenna Nighswonger

A debut for Arsenal’s January signing, playing more centrally rather than her standard LB position. A few good passes out to either side, subbed off at half time so not a lot of action today.

6/10

Alessia Russo

A couple of encouraging attempts on goal from difficult positions, but struggled to break down the defenders today.

6.5/10

Kyra Cooney-Cross

Amazing ability to turn with the ball under pressure yet again, great holding play in the midfield and often dictating the play in the final third. An assist to Codina’s goal as well. Deservedly named the supporters club’s  player of the match

8/10

Katie Reid

Immediate impact from the start, using her physicality to drive the ball down the right wing. Worked well with Foord in the first half and kept calm under pressure. Another promising match for the young Gunner.

7.5/10

Lia Wälti (Sub, Half Time)

Reliable holding play in the middle, an ever calming presence on the pitch. No major moments.

6.5/10

Stina Blackstenius (Sub, ’69)

Came on for Caitlin Foord and took advantage of Maanum’s saved attempt to slot the ball home and score her 50th goal in red and white.

7/10

Emily Fox (Sub, ’78)

Replaced Katie Reid and immediately got involved, with an attempt on goal from the right of the box, always adds some pace and intensity to this Arsenal side when it's needed. 

7/10

Amanda Ilestedt (Sub, 87')

Great to see more minutes in her return to full match play after coming back from maternity leave. Yellow card for her challenge on fellow Swedish international leading to a free kick for London City.

6/10

Subs not used: 

Daphne van Domselaar, Naomi Williams, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley