Arsenal 4-0 Coventry United: Player ratings as Gunners cruise into FA Cup semi-finals
By Ali Rampling
Arsenal booked their place in the sem-finals of the FA Cup with a comfortable 4-0 win over Championship outfit Coventry United.
Coventry turned in a disciplined, robust, defensive display to frustrate Arsenal during the opening 45, but with seven minutes of the first half remaining, their resolute was broken. Nikita Parris provided the run and cross, and Stina Blackstenius deftly headed home.
Just before the hour mark, Arsenal doubled their advantage through Beth Mead. The forward had only been on the pitch a matter of moments, but was quickest to react to a cross from the right, crashing home her effort emphatically.
Nikita Parris netted her side's third, connecting with Katie McCabe's inviting cross to put the game beyond Coventry.
Despite their comfortable lead, Arsenal then took the absolute Mickey by bringing on Vivianne Miedema for the final 24 minutes. The WSL's all-time top scorer grabbed her side's fourth with a low drive from the edge of the area 13 minutes from time as Arsenal cruised into the final four.
Arsenal player ratings
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Lydia Williams (GK) - 5/10 - Largely a spectator, such was Arsenal's dominance in possession.
Laura Wienroither (RB) - 6/10 - Combined well with Parris, particularly in the first half, and got forward adventurously throughout.
Jen Beattie (CB) - 6/10 - Didn't have a great deal of defending to do, but hardly gave Wilkinson and Ferguson a sniff. Won plenty in the air, tidy in possession.
Simone Boye (CB) - 6/10 - Calm and measured alongside Beattie at the back, keeping Coventry's top two quiet.
Katie McCabe (LB) - 7/10 - Tore forward, particularly in the second half, and provided the inviting delivery to set up Arsenal's third.
2. Midfielders
Frida Maanum (CM) - 8/10 - Such a phenomenal passer of the ball, breaking the lines on a number of occasions with some impressive pick outs. Played a particularly impressive through ball to find McCabe in the first half, before bettering it with a ball to Nobbs in the second.
Kim Little (CM) - 7/10 - Mesmerising feet, her ability in tight spaces is near unrivalled. Dragged an effort wide from the edge of the area in the first half, sliced another over.
Jordan Nobbs (CM) - 7/10 - Carved open Arsenal's most promising opening of the first half with a quick shift of feet and perfect cross to pick out Heath. Brought a good save out of Thomas on the stroke of half time with a well struck half volley, played in McCabe in the build up to Arsenal's third.
3. Forwards
Nikita Parris (RW) - 8/10 - Sent Blackstenius away with a fabulous through ball in the first half, before setting up the Sweden striker for Arsenal's opener with some smart foot work and a teasing cross. Got on the scoresheet in the second half to cap a really lively performance.
Stina Blackstenius (ST) - 7/10 - Opened the scoring after 37 minutes with a deft header, demonstrating her usual prowess in the six yard box.
Tobin Heath (LW) - 7/10 - Had a couple of half chances in the first half, but saw a header saved and a shot blocked. Produced a few sumptuous flicks, first time passes and dummies to send teammates scurrying away.
4. Substitutes
Lia Walti - 6/10
Beth Mead - 7/10 - Scored moments after entering the fray, slamming home from inside the area.
Caitlin Foord - 6/10
Vivianne Miedema - 7/10 - Netted Arsenal's fourth with a low drive from the edge of the box.
Coventry United player ratings
5. Goalkeeper & defenders
Lucy Thomas (GK) - 6/10 - Palmed away a Blackstenius effort in the first half, and produced a strong, stretching save to deny Nobbs.
Elisha N'Dow (CB) - 7/10 - Fearlessly charged into tackles and intelligently doubled up on Heath when needed to help keep the Arsenal left at bay.
Grace Riglar (CB) - 6/10 - Glanced a header just wide from a set piece in the first half. Blocked and headed just about everything in the first half, exposed a bit more defensively in the second.
Mollie Green (CB) - 6/10 - Made her name as a central midfielder but now doing an amicable job at centre half. Sold by a Parris feint in the build up to Arsenal's opener.
6. Midfielders & wingbacks
Alanah Mann (RWB) - 5/10 - Created Coventry's best opportunity of the first half with a dangerous set piece delivery. Given a tougher time in the second as McCabe ventured forward more.
Katy Morris (CM) - 5/10 - Dogged and robust in the first half, largely spent the second chasing shadows as Arsenal went up a gear.
Charlie Estcourt (CM) - 5/10 - Put in a big shift and helped Coventry frustrate Arsenal in the first half, but ultimately struggled against the Gunners' fluid midfield three.
Freya Thomas (CM) - 6/10 - Broke up play really effectively on a few occasions, instrumental in Coventry being such a tough nut to crack in the first half.
Nat Johnson (LWB) - 5/10 - Beaten by Parris in the build up to Arsenal's opener, and had a tough time against the Arsenal winger.
7. Forwards
Katie Wilkinson (ST) - 5/10 - A big ask leading the line given how rarely Coventry ventured into the Arsenal half, but threw herself about and chased down every ball.
Liv Fergusson (ST) - 6/10 - Like her strike partner, had to spend the evening being patient. Held the ball up well when she had the opportunity.
8. Substitutes
Naomi Hartley - 5/10
Fran Orthodoxou - 5/10
Anna Colville - 5/10
Becky McGrother - 5/10