An own goal from the goalkeeper condemned Renee Slegers' side to a deserved quarter-final loss
Arsenal crashed out of the Women's FA Cup at the quarter-final stage as they suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Liverpool. Gunners goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar's own goal settled the tie, though it was no more than Renee Sleger's side deserved for a sloppy display.
The hosts failed to create any chances of note in the first half, and instead were predominantly on the back foot as Reds winger Olivia Smith caused havoc down the right-hand side. Arsenal improved a little after the break, however, as Alessia Russo fired over and Steph Catley volleyed wide from a corner.
Liverpool continued to threaten, however, and Van Domselaar had to be at her best to palm away Marie Hobinger's effort from the edge of the penalty area. At the other end, substitute Frida Maanum was denied spectacularly by Rachael Laws.
The visitors eventually made the breakthrough with 12 minutes left when Sophia Roman Haug – who had twice failed to take advantage of Van Domselaar presenting her the ball inside the penalty area – struck a shot from the edge of the penalty area that came back off the post and bounced in off Van Domselaar's back.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Mangata Pay UK Stadium…
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Daphne van Domselaar (3/10):
Very, very fortunate after twice presenting the ball to Roman Haug inside the Arsenal penalty area that the Liverpool forward didn't take advantage. Did redeem herself somewhat with a fine save to deny Hobinger, but her luck finally ran out as Roman Haug's effort went in via the goalkeeper's back.
Emily Fox (7/10):
Carried the ball forward well and defended solidly. Never looked troubled.
Leah Williamson (6/10):
Brought the ball out of defence plenty, but her through-balls weren't always accurate.
Steph Catley (7/10):
Extremely solid at the heart of the Arsenal backline and used the ball well. Almost broke the deadline when she fired wide in the second half.
Katie McCabe (4/10):
Torn apart by Smith on more than occasion, which eventually led to her picking up a booking. Did put in a couple of dangerous set-piece deliveries.
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Kyra Cooney-Cross (4/10):
Gave the ball away far too often in the first half as she tried some high-tariff passes. Also lacked physicality at times on a tough afternoon.
Kim Little (6/10):
Always comfortable in tight spaces to keep the Gunners moving in midfield.
Mariona Caldentey (6/10):
Always oozes class, but couldn't provide the moment of magic that so many Arsenal fans have grown used to.
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Beth Mead (5/10):
Took a long time to get into the game, and when she did look to carry the ball forward, she was clattered by the Liverpool defence. Off at half-time, perhaps due to one of those heavy challenges.
Alessia Russo (5/10):
Carried the ball with purpose and made plenty of runs in behind, but couldn't get many sights of goal. Her best chance came when she fired over early in the second half.
Caitlin Foord (4/10):
Couldn't get in the game at all in the first half, but was slightly more threatening when switched permanently to the right after the break. Final ball was lacking, however.
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Frida Maanum (7/10):
On at half-time and immediately looked like the Arsenal player most likely to make something happen. Had a couple of chances, most notably when denied by a fine Laws save.
Lia Walti (6/10):
On for Cooney-Cross after Arsenal fell behind.
Stina Blackstenius (6/10):
Couldn't make much of an impact after being thrown on in search of an equaliser.
Amanda Iledstedt (N/A):
Thrown on up front in a bid to use her physicality, but never looked like threatening.
Renee Slegers (4/10):
Her team never established themselves in the game, and she waited too long to make any changes after her one half-time substitution. The worst moment of her time in charge so far.