Arsenal Defeat Aston Villa To Extend FA Cup Run

Arsenal Women have once again demonstrated their prowess in the domestic cup scene, overcoming a determined Aston Villa side 2-0 in the fourth round of the 2025-26 Adobe Women’s FA Cup at Meadow Park on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Gunners, 14-time winners of the competition, extended their remarkable record of reaching the fifth round every year since 1993, much to the delight of their loyal supporters in Borehamwood.

The build-up to this much-anticipated tie was not without its challenges for Arsenal. The Gunners entered the match missing several key players due to injury. Co-captain Leah Williamson, who had just made her first Women’s Super League (WSL) start of the season in a goalless draw against Manchester United the previous weekend, was ruled out with a calf injury. Head coach Renée Slegers addressed the situation with cautious optimism ahead of the match, saying, “We are very hopeful that it’s not a big one.” Williamson herself had expressed hope after the United match, stating, “I hope I feel ten times better next week.” However, the medical team decided not to risk her for this crucial cup fixture.

The injury list didn’t end there. England star Chloe Kelly also remained sidelined, with Slegers providing an update: “We don’t have an exact date [for her return], there’s an optimistic plan and a more conservative plan, so we’ll see how she goes, but she’s making really good steps.” The absence of first-choice goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar, who was still recovering, meant that Anneke Borbe continued between the posts. Slegers praised Borbe’s resilience, noting, “Anneke has been having some things which she’s been fine to play with, definitely.”

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal’s lineup reflected both their depth and ambition. Slegers made two changes to her starting XI from the previous week’s WSL stalemate. Lotte Wubben-Moy and Stina Blackstenius came into the side, replacing the injured Williamson and Frida Maanum, who began the afternoon on the bench. The starting eleven featured Borbe in goal; a defensive line of Emily Fox, Wubben-Moy, Steph Catley, and Katie McCabe; Kim Little (captain), Mariona Caldentey, and Alessia Russo in midfield; and an attacking trio of Beth Mead, Olivia Smith, and Blackstenius. The bench was well-stocked with options, including Naomi Williams, Amy Liddiard, Laia Codina, Maanum, Caitlin Foord, Victoria Pelova, Taylor Hinds, Smilla Holmberg, and Sophie Harwood.

The match itself lived up to its billing as a heavyweight contest between two top-tier WSL sides. Arsenal, playing in front of their home crowd at Mangata Developments Stadium, Meadow Park, looked to assert their dominance early. Their intent was clear: progress in the cup and keep their silverware ambitions alive. The game was broadcast live in the UK on Channel 4 and TNT Sports, and in the United States on ESPN+, allowing fans around the world to witness the action.

Aston Villa, managed by Natalia Arroyo and sitting sixth in the WSL, arrived with confidence, having already notched a win against Manchester United earlier in the season. The last time these two teams met in the league, the match ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, with Villa’s Lucy Parker scoring a 93rd-minute equaliser to cancel out Frida Maanum’s opener. That result highlighted both Arsenal’s occasional wastefulness in front of goal and Villa’s resilience—factors that were keenly anticipated in this cup showdown.

The opening stages saw Arsenal controlling possession and probing the Villa defense. Captain Kim Little, a linchpin in midfield, orchestrated play with her usual composure and vision. Stina Blackstenius, recalled to the starting lineup, was a constant threat with her movement and physicality. Beth Mead and Olivia Smith provided width and pace, stretching Villa’s back line.

As the first half wore on, Arsenal’s pressure began to tell. Their breakthrough came through a combination of slick passing and clinical finishing. Blackstenius, making the most of her return, found herself in the right place at the right time to capitalize on a defensive lapse from Villa. Her goal sent the home fans into raptures and set the tone for the remainder of the contest.

Villa, to their credit, refused to capitulate. They created moments of danger, particularly through their captain Bo Kearns and the lively Hanson up front. However, Anneke Borbe stood firm in goal, making several smart saves to preserve Arsenal’s advantage. The visitors’ best chance came midway through the second half, but Borbe’s quick reflexes denied what could have been an equalizer.

With the game finely poised and Villa pushing forward, Arsenal’s experience and depth began to shine. Kim Little, who had been instrumental throughout, doubled the lead with a composed finish following a well-worked team move. The goal effectively sealed the contest, allowing Slegers to make tactical substitutions in the closing stages. Caldentey and Little made way for Laia Codina and Victoria Pelova, ensuring fresh legs and defensive solidity for the final minutes.

The referee signaled six minutes of stoppage time, but Arsenal managed the closing moments with professionalism and poise. There were late chances for Caitlin Foord and Blackstenius to add gloss to the scoreline, but Villa’s goalkeeper Roebuck kept the deficit at two. When the final whistle blew, the Gunners’ passage to the fifth round was confirmed, much to the satisfaction of the Meadow Park faithful.

The win was significant not only for its immediate impact but also for what it represents in Arsenal’s ongoing season. With Slegers having recently signed a new long-term contract until 2029, the club’s ambition for sustained success is clear. The victory keeps alive hopes of adding to their already impressive FA Cup haul and provides a morale boost ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

For Aston Villa, the defeat will be disappointing, but there were positives to take from their performance against one of the giants of the women’s game. As the FA Cup moves into the last 16, Arsenal’s focus will now shift to the draw for the next round, where they will look to continue their march toward Wembley and potential silverware.

Arsenal’s blend of youth, experience, and resilience was on full display, and with key players set to return from injury in the coming weeks, the Gunners will be confident of making further progress in both league and cup. For now, the red half of North London can savor another memorable FA Cup victory, as their remarkable run in the competition continues unbroken since 1993.