Arsenal cruise into Conti Cup semi-finals

Arsenal had no problems in dispatching Championship side London City Lionesses to progress to the semi-finals of the Conti Cup.

Jonas Eidevall made seven changes from the team that lost to Manchester City in the FA Cup at the weekend with the likes of Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead on the bench.

Despite that, the Gunners were well on top throughout much of the game although they had to wait until five minutes before half-time before opening the scoring.

A corner from the left was headed by Stina Blackstenius with Cloé Lacasse getting the final touch to make it 1-0.

It was 2-0 in first-half stoppage time. Grace Moloney brought down Blackstenius after a poor pass back with the referee pointing to the spot and giving Moloney a yellow in the process.

Kim Little stepped up for the penalty and made no mistake, sending the Lionesses goalkeeper the wrong way.

After scoring the opening goal, Lacasse got on the end of a rapid Arsenal counterattack with the ball eventually being played across the area and evading players until the Canadian was there to convert at the far post.

Alessia Russo came on in the 71st minute and made it four just a few minutes later. The forward had space to get her head to Frida Maanum's cross although Moloney would have felt that she should have kept the effort out.

Arsenal had chances to add to their scoreline but the game eventually finished with the visitors running out 4-0 victors to set up a semi-final tie with Aston Villa.

Semi-final bound ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OwOgIArHhX

— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) February 14, 2024