Get ready for some thrilling action as we dive into the Women's FA Cup! The fifth round is shaping up to be a cracker! Three heavyweights, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United, have stormed into the next stage, showcasing their dominance with an incredible 55 goals across 12 matches. But here's where it gets controversial...
Liverpool, struggling in the top flight, found their scoring touch against London Bees, a fourth-tier team. With five different players on the scoresheet, including debutants Denise O'Sullivan and Martha Thomas, they put six past their opponents. It's a remarkable turnaround for a team that has been battling goalscoring woes.
And this is the part most people miss... Manchester City, the leaders of the Women's Super League, continued their unbeaten streak with a 6-0 win over Bournemouth. Khadija Shaw's thumping header in the 19th minute set the tone, and with further goals from Lauren Hemp, Laura Coombs, and a brace from Vivianne Miedema, they extended their run to 16 games without a loss across all competitions.
Their Manchester rivals, United, also had an easy ride, defeating Burnley 5-0. Captain Maya Le Tissier opened the scoring early, and new signing Lea Schuller and young talent Layla Drury added to the tally.
In the only all-WSL tie, Arsenal, the 14-time winners, battled to a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa, with captain Kim Little leading the way. Arsenal manager Renee Slegers praised Little, saying, "She is unbelievable. She gives her all, and her performance at this level is exceptional."
Nottingham Forest, a second-tier team, pushed Brighton all the way, but Brighton edged out a win with goals from Madison Hayley and Jelena Cankovic.
WSL 2 leaders Charlton Athletic were the top scorers of the weekend, netting an impressive 10 goals without reply against Swindon Town.
The theme of the fourth round was debutant goalscoring heroes. Liverpool's victory over London Bees was led by two January signings, Denise O'Sullivan and Martha Thomas, who both found the net within minutes of their first appearances. Manchester United also had new names on the scoresheet, with experienced striker Lea Schuller and teenager Layla Drury making an instant impact.
The draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday, 19 January, at 19:00 GMT, and the ties are scheduled for Sunday, 22 February.
So, who do you think will make it to the next stage? Will the big teams continue their dominance, or will there be some surprising upsets? Let's discuss in the comments and share your predictions!
