One set-piece, two controversial refereeing decisions and a superb performance by goalkeeper Khiara Keating ensured Manchester City’s progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Both teams were chasing their first piece of silverware in some time, with Arsenal having won just one trophy in the last five years.
The first half was cagey as the sides kept possession rather than taking a more risky approach that would leave them vulnerable to a counter-attack.
England manager Sarina Wiegman, who was watching in the stands, will have been pleased to see her captain Leah Williamson put in a strong performance in just her second start since returning from an ACL injury. She was Arsenal’s best player for large spells, switching play with pinpoint diagonal passes and clearing a Shaw header off the line.
Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating produced an excellent display against Arsenal
But it was City who finally broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through a Kelly set-piece. The England international sent her free-kick into the box and the ball fell for Laia Aleixandri, who gratefully poked home.
The goal breathed life into the game and Arsenal responded through Beth Mead moments later, who delivered a superb cross to Victoria Pelova. The 24-year-old was unlucky not to find the net, Keating making an excellent save.
Keating was called into action again moments later, saving a shot from Kim Little which looked to have crossed the line. But without goal-line technology, City maintained their lead. Another penalty shout from Stina Blackstenius was also waved away.
Gunners manager Jonas Eidevall expressed his frustration at the refereeing. He said: ‘We’re on the wrong side of the margins. If that ball is over the line or not, if that’s a penalty or not, those are difficult decisions to deal with right now.’
Kim Little’s shot looked to have crossed the line but goal-line technology wasn’t in place
Arsenal Women manager Jonas Eidevall expressed his frustration with the refereeing
Arsenal have now suffered back-to-back defeats, having surprisingly lost 1-0 to West Ham last weekend.
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Nottingham Forest were on the end of a 7-1 thumping at home to Everton, who had seven different goalscorers, including an own-goal. Manchester United beat Southampton 3-1. Ella Toone scored an early goal before Lexi Lloyd-Smith levelled, but a late brace from Rachel Williams won it.
Brighton beat Wolves 4-1, Emma Kullberg’s first goal of her hat-trick coming in the 88th minute. A goal for Mayra Ramirez eased Chelsea past Crystal Palace and Liverpool beat London City Lionesses 2-0.
