Brighton shock Arsenal to reach Women's FA Cup semi‑finals

At a glance

• Madison Haley puts Brighton ahead in the 48th minute.

• Caitlin Hayes scores a looping header to double the lead for Brighton.

• Arsenal are unable to reply as the 14‑time winners exit the competition.

• Brighton reach the semi‑finals for the fourth time but have never advanced to the showpiece final.

• Player ratings follow the match summary.

Match summary

Brighton are through to the Women’s FA Cup semi‑finals after upsetting 14‑time winners Arsenal at Meadow Park.

Madison Haley put the Seagulls in front three minutes after the half‑time break, latching onto a through‑ball from Fran Kirby and stretching to finish superbly into the top corner.

The lead was doubled on the 63rd minute when Caitlin Hayes rose highest to meet a corner delivered by Fran Kirby, looping a header past Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.

Arsenal pushed to get back into the tie but Brighton held firm to reach the last four of the competition for the fourth time.

It was another disappointing exit for the Gunners, who last lifted the trophy in 2016.

Arsenal entered the match in a confident mood after securing a place in the Champions League semi‑finals on Wednesday by beating Chelsea.

Manager Renee Slegers made six changes to the starting line‑up, no doubt with those mid‑week exertions in mind, but Brighton started stronger.

Jelena Cankovic nearly put Dario Vidosic’s side in front inside two minutes with a powerful drive that was tipped over the bar by Daphne van Domselaar, before Charlie Rule had an effort cleared off the line from the resulting corner.

Arsenal gradually grew into the game and it took a brilliant save from Brighton keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to keep out Smilla Holmberg’s shot from point‑blank range after half an hour.

Brighton weathered the early storm and American striker Madison Haley’s fine finish put Brighton ahead.

Rather than sit back, Brighton pushed for a second goal with substitute Carla Camacho having a low shot saved.

Renee Slegers turned to the bench just before the hour mark, sending on Alessia Russo, Olivia Smith and Frida Maanum.

Five minutes later, Brighton doubled the lead as Caitlin Hayes nodded in at the far post.

Brighton defended solidly after that and were rarely troubled by Arsenal, a side that appeared weary.

While Brighton dream of a first FA Cup final, a Wembley appearance, and a major trophy, Arsenal must regroup before focus switches to retaining their Champions League title after the international break.

Key moments and tactical analysis

The opening twenty minutes saw Arsenal trying to impose a high‑press, with Jelena Cankovic leading the way. The early attempt on goal, a powerful strike that was tipped over the bar by Daphne van Domselaar, indicated Arsenal’s intent to trouble Brighton’s defence.

Brighton’s back line, marshalled by the experience of Dario Vidosic’s side, stayed compact, forcing Arsenal into wide areas where the Seagulls could recover the ball quickly.

Mid‑way through the first half, Arsenal’s relentless pressure was rewarded when a corner from Fran Kirby found Jelena Cankovic, whose effort was parried onto the cross‑bar by Daphne van Domselaar.

The turning point arrived in the second half. After the break, Fran Kirby threaded a precise through‑ball that found Madison Haley in space. Madison Haley’s composure in front of goal allowed the striker to finish cleanly into the top corner, giving Brighton a 1‑0 advantage.

Arsenal responded by increasing the tempo, but Brighton’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was equal to the task, making a crucial stop from Smilla Holmberg at point‑blank range, preserving the lead.

The decisive second goal came from a set‑piece. Fran Kirby delivered a corner that floated to the far post, where Caitlin Hayes rose above the Arsenal defence. Caitlin Hayes directed a looping header past Daphne van Domselaar, extending Brighton’s lead to 2‑0.

In the final fifteen minutes, Arsenal introduced Alessia Russo, Olivia Smith and Frida Maanum in an attempt to inject fresh energy, but Brighton’s defensive organisation held firm. Brighton’s midfield, anchored by the link‑up of Madison Haley and Fran Kirby, continued to dominate possession, limiting Arsenal’s opportunities.

Player ratings

Below is a concise rating of the key performers, assessed on a scale of 1 to 10.

• Madison Haley (Brighton) – 9/10: Scored the opening goal and consistently threatened the Arsenal defence.
• Caitlin Hayes (Brighton) – 8.5/10: Delivered the decisive header that doubled Brighton’s lead.
• Fran Kirby (Brighton) – 8/10: Provided the assist for the first goal and the corner for the second.
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton) – 7.5/10: Made a vital save to keep Arsenal at bay.
• Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal) – 6/10: Kept Arsenal competitive but could not prevent both goals.
• Renee Slegers (Arsenal manager) – 5/10: Made six changes but the side lacked the cutting edge to overturn the deficit.

Future implications

Brighton now look ahead to a historic semi‑final appearance, a match that could deliver the club’s first ever Women’s FA Cup final berth. A victory in the semi‑final would secure a place at Wembley and represent a major trophy in the club’s history.

Arsenal, on the other hand, must shift focus back to the Champions League, where the team aims to retain the title after the upcoming international break. The defeat serves as a reminder that even a side with fourteen FA Cup victories can be vulnerable when squad rotation and fatigue intersect.