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Ingle and Kerr send Chelsea into FA Cup quarterfinals: 3 takeaways

By Caden Charpentier

Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten of Chelsea (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Sam Kerr and Guro Reiten of Chelsea (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) /
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KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Steph Catley of Arsenal crosses under pressure from c during the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Kingsmeadow on February 26, 2023 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Steph Catley of Arsenal crosses under pressure from c during the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Fifth Round match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Kingsmeadow on February 26, 2023 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images) /

Plenty of warning signs for next weekend 

Equipped with the likes of Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum, and Caitlin Foord on the wing, the Gunners showed they still possess the firepower to test the CFC back four. Maanum tested the alertness of Berger within the first minute of the game. The German was forced to make a leaping right-handed save.

She was called into action twice within the opening 13 minutes of the match as Arsenal collected the more quality opportunities in the beginning stages. Blackstenius should have absolutely found the back of the net in the first half after pulling away from CFC captain Magdalena Eriksson. Her lack of composure in the final third summed up Arsenal’s day to a tee.

Due to that, the Blues capitalized on their next attack. Just when everyone thought Arsenal had found its first goal of the afternoon, the finish would fall short. Hayes has to know that Chelsea gave the Gunners most talented forward-thinking players far too much space to dictate play. It was the first time since the Conti Cup final of last season against Manchester City that CFC allowed 20 or more shots. No team this season has been able to create double-digit shots on target.

That alone should alert the Blues’ backline to close down the Gunners much quicker next Sunday if they want to finish their revenge tour in the Conti Cup. Niamh Charles struggled significantly on her less-favored side against Foord and an Arsenal attack that asked plenty of questions. Eidevall for some reason moved Foord to the opposite side of the pitch in the next half, helping Charles put together an admirable outing with lots of bright spots on the left flank. Hayes knows what this Arsenal team is capable of, even without its two most potent goal scorers. It goes without saying that the space for the Gunners is going to be far less next weekend.

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