Welcome to Full Time, The Athletic’s women’s football column, a one-stop shop every Monday to discuss the big issues in the game in the UK and Europe.
This weekend, the Women’s Super League (WSL) stepped aside for the Women’s FA Cup fifth-round fixtures.
There were huge clashes — Arsenal hosted Manchester City at Meadow Park — and close calls, with Women’s Championship side Crystal Palace keeping FA Cup holders Chelsea fighting until the very end…
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Manchester City’s 1-0 win over Arsenal could prove to be a key part of this season, as Gareth Taylor’s side showed the grit and determination that has not always been present.
City had to dig deep before and after defender Laia Aleixandri scored the only goal of the match (her second of the season) in the 74th minute, with their 19-year-old goalkeeper Khiara Keating putting in a world-class display at the ground where, four months previously, her error — misjudging the bounce of a ball played in behind — handed Arsenal all three points in the league.
Keating made several saves to secure City’s place in the FA Cup quarter-finals (Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
There were few clear-cut chances for either side. In the first half, City looked more dangerous but failed to press Arsenal, with…
