April 05, (THEWILL) — Chiamaka Nnadozie delivered a commanding display in goal as Brighton and Hove Albion defeated Arsenal 2-0 at Meadow Park on Easter Sunday to advance to the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
The Nigerian goalkeeper denied Smilla Holmberg from close range in the first half and produced a series of vital stops, including a late save from Laia Codina, to preserve the clean sheet. Her performance was central to Brighton’s victory over the 14-time champions.
Fran Kirby was equally influential in attack. Three minutes into the second half, she slipped a precise pass to Madison Haley, who swept a powerful finish into the top corner. On 63 minutes, Kirby’s deep corner was met by Caitlin Hayes with a looping header into the far post, putting the tie beyond doubt.
Arsenal head coach Renée Slegers was candid after the final whistle. “We have to put our hands up and own the performance and congratulate Brighton because they managed the game better than us,” she said. “They were clinical in the finishes they had, and we didn’t create big enough, and enough chances to win the game today.”
The defeat marks Arsenal’s second successive quarter-final exit from the competition and extends their wait for the trophy to 10 years. Brighton, two wins from a first major honour in the club’s women’s history, await the semi-final draw.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
