Arsenal Women Advance to FA Cup Quarter-Finals with 3-0 Victory Over Bristol City

Arsenal secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup with a dominant 3-0 win against Bristol City on Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, at Mangata Developments Stadium in Borehamwood.

First Half Dominance

The Gunners controlled the first half, with Alessia Russo testing Bristol City goalkeeper Lauren Brzykcy early on. Bristol City responded with a corner, but Camila Saez’s header posed no threat to Arsenal’s Anneke Borbe. Emily Syme had a chance for the visitors, but her shot went wide.

Arsenal continued to press, with Mariona Caldentey lifting an effort just over the bar and Caitlin Foord seeing her shot saved by Brzykcy. Olivia Smith’s volley from a Katie McCabe corner lacked accuracy. The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when Kim Little converted a McCabe free-kick, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

Further chances followed for Arsenal before halftime, with Chloe Kelly firing just wide and Emily Fox too going close.

Second Half Consolidation

The second half saw Victoria Pelova replace Mariona Caldentey at the start. Arsenal were awarded a penalty early in the half after a foul on Foord, but Russo’s spot-kick was saved by Brzykcy.

Shortly after, Olivia Smith was forced off with a head injury, being replaced by Frida Maanum. Pelova doubled Arsenal’s lead in the 63rd minute, with her shot deflecting into the net. A Katie Robinson own goal further solidified Arsenal’s advantage, making it 3-0.

Substitutions followed for Arsenal, with Smilla Holmberg and Taylor Hinds replacing Kelly and McCabe in the 71st minute. Stina Blackstenius later came on for Russo with eight minutes remaining.

Despite 14 minutes of added time due to Smith’s injury, Bristol City couldn’t find a way back into the game. Lexi Lloyd-Smith had a late chance for the visitors, but her shot was saved by Borbe.

What’s Next for Arsenal

Due to the international break, Arsenal’s next match is on Sunday, March 15th, against London City Lionesses in the Barclays Women’s Super League. They will then return to Emirates Stadium on Saturday, March 21st, to face West Ham United. The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals begin at home against Chelsea on Tuesday, March 24th.

The draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals will take place on Monday at 7pm on the Adobe Women’s FA Cup YouTube channel.

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