Arsenal progress into the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Semi-Finals, after beating North London rivals Spurs.
On a chilly night at Borehamwood FC, Arsenal Women managed to put four goals behind Spurs, with Lisa Evans netting a hat-trick.
With the North-London derby proving goalless until the 70th minute, the visitors were causing frustration and distress as the clock ticked.
Despite several chances inside the first 45′, neither side could break the deadlock.
After a short pause at half-time, it was easy to say that the team talks were extremely beneficial, as both teams came out fighting and raring to go.
Spurs certainly kept themselves in the game, with a very organised side it was easy to see top-flying Arsenal becoming discouraged in the final third.
As the Blue’s began to tire their mistakes were costly, and within two minutes, the Gunners were able to put two goals behind them.
Nobbs capitalised on a Spurs error, by she took a glance at keeper Spence, who was off of her line, she took her chance. The shot curled under the crossbar to break the deadlock. It was then only upwards for the Gooners.
Take a bow, @JordanNobbs8 🙇♀️
— Vitality Women's FA Cup (@VitalityWFACup) September 26, 2020
The touch ✅
The finish 🥶#WomensFACup #ARSTOT pic.twitter.com/EIzSXDcPM4
Shortly, Nobbs was followed by Evans who grabbed her first of the night, through Miedema’s defence-splitting pass. Evans snatched her second through skipper Kim Little. And with thanks to a selfless dummy from Foord, Evans managed to complete her hat-trick in the 90th minute.
In an action-packed game, rising star Lotte Wubben-Moy made her return to Arsenal in the 82nd minute, whilst youngster Ruby Mace made her debut in the 88th minute for the Reds, at just 17 years old.
“We were definitely in the game. We were very organised. The girls were magnificent in the first half and just frustrated Arsenal”, Spurs co-manager Karen Hills stated after the game.
“It’s disappointing because at half-time we felt we were in the game and the players believed we could go on and potentially do something incredible, but it just goes to show how far we’ve come.”
Despite announcing the highly anticipated arrival of Alex Morgan just two weeks ago, the two-time World Cup winner did not make her debut tonight. The new mother was seen on BBC 2, nestling under a rather comfy looking Spurs coat; enjoy to the English weather Alex!
With tonight’s game finishing 4-0 to Arsenal, it means that the record 14-time winners will face holders Manchester City or Championship side Leicester City in the semi-final on Thursday (BBC Two, 19:15 BST).
Photo: @ArsenalWFC