Women's FA Cup Quarter-Finalists Emerge: Kerr's Return and Liverpool's Revival Highlight Round
The Women's FA Cup has narrowed down to its final eight contenders, with several compelling narratives emerging from the latest round of matches. From Sam Kerr's long-awaited return to form for Chelsea to Liverpool's remarkable resurgence under new management, the competition is heating up as the business end of the season approaches.
Sam Kerr Signals Return to Form for Chelsea
It has been a challenging season for Sam Kerr, who missed twenty months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and has been limited to just a handful of starts across all competitions, primarily in cup matches. However, the Australian striker made a decisive impact in Chelsea's 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup. Within six minutes of entering the pitch, Kerr produced an instinctive finish to give Chelsea the lead, demonstrating her enduring quality and quieting doubts about her ability to rediscover top form.
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor acknowledged the difficulties Kerr has faced, stating, "It's been a bit tough with many things, like not getting the minutes she wanted. It was also a bit difficult emotionally with the decisions that have been made. [Today] will have been great for her confidence and I know she will be ready for the business end of the season." While Kerr did not score the winner, her contribution was pivotal in sending Chelsea through to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool's Dramatic Turnaround Continues
Liverpool Women are experiencing a complete transformation following their January recruitment drive, recording their fourth win in six games across all competitions by defeating local rivals Everton 2-1 in the Cup. This resurgence is particularly notable given that Liverpool were languishing at the foot of the Women's Super League table without a league win prior to the new year.
Denise O'Sullivan, one of six January signings, helped Liverpool dominate the midfield at St Helens, contributing to a performance where they registered more shots on target (eight) in a single game than they managed across all their matches in December combined. This victory reinforces Liverpool's status as Cup semi-finalists from last season and suggests they could mount another strong run in the competition.
Arsenal and Manchester City Advance with Ease
Arsenal progressed comfortably with a 3-0 win over Bristol City, led by the evergreen Kim Little. The midfielder opened the scoring with a precise finish into the top-left corner, marking her second goal in as many FA Cup appearances this season and her third goal contribution overall. This performance came just nine days after she made her 400th appearance for Arsenal, underscoring her continued importance at age thirty-five.
Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers praised the team's consistency, saying, "It's the consistency of small good actions and behaviours both on and off the pitch, which has been on a really high level. And then I think whatever the circumstances, whatever the conditions, and with the quality that we have, we can win games with that foundation."
Meanwhile, Manchester City dispatched Sheffield United 4-0, with Lauren Hemp and Iman Beney starring on the wings. The duo combined for two identical goals, right-footed shots into the bottom corner, within the first fifteen minutes, overwhelming the Blades' defence. City manager Andrée Jeglertz highlighted Hemp's form, noting, "She's on such a good level. She's been performing well for us ever since she came back from injury."
Other Notable Performances and Results
Brighton secured a 2-1 victory at West Ham, thanks in large part to Fran Kirby's return from injury. The former England international scored within six minutes and later assisted Kiko Seike, providing the cutting edge Brighton has missed. Head coach Dario Vidosic emphasized that his team "stood up to the challenge and deserve to be in the next round," with Kirby's fitness likely crucial for further progress.
In a valiant effort, Chatham Town goalkeeper Simone Eligon, a Trinidad and Tobago international and full-time youth worker, made nine saves to keep Birmingham at bay before her side eventually succumbed to an 8-0 defeat. Chatham manager Keith Boanas praised Eligon, stating, "I've always known her capabilities. She's an excellent keeper and probably deserves to be playing at a higher level."
Charlton narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory over third-tier Oxford United, needing a late penalty from Lucy Fitzgerald to advance after making ten changes to their starting lineup. This result means no clubs from outside the top fourteen in the pyramid will contest the quarter-finals, with the cup once again devoid of major shocks this season.
The Women's FA Cup quarter-finals are now set, featuring a mix of established powerhouses and resurgent sides, promising thrilling encounters as the competition moves toward its climax.
