Manchester City Women Cruise Past Bournemouth To Set Up Sheffield United FA Cup Clash

Manchester City Women continued their remarkable run in the FA Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth, securing their place in the competition’s fifth round. The match, played on January 18, 2026, showcased the depth and quality of City’s squad, as they swept aside their third-tier opponents at the Joie Stadium. This win not only extended City’s winning streak to nine games across all competitions but also stretched their unbeaten run to a staggering sixteen matches, leaving fans and pundits alike marveling at their consistency and firepower.

The Citizens, led by head coach Andrée Jeglertz, wasted little time in imposing themselves on the game. Despite Bournemouth’s energetic start and an early chance for Jenna Markham—who was denied by City’s goalkeeper Khiara Keating—it was clear that the gap in class would soon tell. The breakthrough came inside 19 minutes, when Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from Leila Ouahabi, heading home with authority to give City the lead. Shaw, who entered the match with an impressive tally of twelve goals for the season, once again demonstrated why she is considered one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

City doubled their advantage just before halftime, as Lauren Hemp pounced on Shaw’s clever pass, drilling a low shot into the far corner. The Blues were relentless, and the floodgates opened shortly thereafter. Laura Coombs, benefitting from intricate link-up play involving Laura Blindkilde Brown and the ever-present Shaw, slotted home City’s third. Barely moments later, Coombs struck again—this time tapping in after another Shaw assist—sending City into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead.

Reflecting on her performance, Coombs said, “It’s always special to score in the FA Cup, but the way we played as a team tonight made it even better.” According to VAVEL, Shaw’s influence was undeniable: “Shaw, who opened the scoring with a trademark header, turned chief provider for the following three goals, breaking down a compact Cherries defence at will.”

With a midweek League Cup semi-final against Chelsea on the horizon, Jeglertz opted for rotation in the second half. Shaw made way for Vivianne Miedema, and the Dutch striker wasted no time making her presence felt. Before the hour mark, Miedema tapped in a rebound after Bournemouth’s goalkeeper Erin Foley parried a shot from Gracie Prior. As City continued to press, Miedema nearly added another, but Foley stood tall to deny her. However, the substitute would not be denied a brace, smashing a shot past Foley five minutes from time to cap off the scoring. City thought they had a seventh in stoppage time, but Leila Ouahabi’s effort was ruled offside.

“It felt great to come on and contribute,” Miedema shared post-game. “The team’s energy was fantastic, and we kept pushing until the final whistle.”

Bournemouth, to their credit, never gave up. Amber Treweek came close to grabbing a late consolation, but her shot flew over after Keating’s initial save. The Cherries, currently focused on their campaign in the FA Women’s National League South, will return to league action on January 25 against Swindon.

For Manchester City, the emphatic win was more than just a passage to the next round—it was a statement of intent. The victory sets up a fifth-round clash with Sheffield United, scheduled for the weekend of February 21-22, 2026. City last faced the Blades in the FA Cup fourth round during the 2022/23 season, running out 7-0 winners at the Joie Stadium. Sheffield United, currently sitting ninth in WSL 2, will be under no illusions about the size of the task ahead.

City’s recent history in the FA Cup is impressive. The club has lifted the trophy three times, most recently in 2020, and reached the semi-finals last season before bowing out to Manchester United at home. The hunger for silverware remains palpable, and the current squad appears determined to go even further this year.

Off the pitch, attention also turns to another blockbuster fixture, as Manchester City prepares to host Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium in a highly anticipated Women’s Super League clash on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 14:30 UK time. Tickets for the match are now on sale, with prices starting at just £5 for Under-16s and £15 for adults. The club is offering a range of experiences, including hospitality packages from £35 per person, and group bookings automatically enter fans into a competition for special prizes—such as being part of the team photo or enjoying the exclusive ‘Blue Carpet Experience’.

City’s last outing at the Etihad saw them dispatch Manchester United 3-0 in front of a boisterous home crowd. With the WSL’s top two teams going head-to-head, anticipation is sky-high for what promises to be one of the season’s most thrilling encounters. “It’s one of the most hotly anticipated fixtures of the season,” the club announced, urging fans not to miss out.

Meanwhile, the upcoming League Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea is set for Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 19:00 GMT at the Joie Stadium. It’s a packed schedule for City, but their depth and form suggest they’re more than capable of rising to the challenge.

Looking back on the Bournemouth rout, it’s clear that Manchester City’s blend of established stars and emerging talent is paying dividends. Shaw’s combination of scoring and playmaking, Hemp’s incisive runs, Coombs’ timely finishes, and Miedema’s clinical touch off the bench all point to a team firing on all cylinders. The defense, marshaled by Keating, rarely looked troubled, and the midfield dictated the tempo from start to finish.

As the FA Cup fifth round approaches, City fans can be forgiven for dreaming of another deep run. The team’s current form, coupled with their hunger for trophies and the excitement surrounding upcoming showdowns with Chelsea, ensures that there’s never a dull moment for supporters of the sky-blue side of Manchester.

With the action coming thick and fast, City will be looking to maintain their momentum in both cup and league competitions. The next few weeks promise high drama, big goals, and, if recent performances are any indication, plenty more reasons for City fans to celebrate.