Dual-sign forward Michelle Agyemang scored her fourth goal in Watford colours at Mangata Pay UK Stadium against her original club, but Arsenal’s Super League brilliance was enough to inflict a 5-1 defeat on the Golden Girls in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup fourth round.
Six minutes in, Alessia Russo took advantage of a missed shot to put the home team ahead, and Lia Wälti doubled the Gunners’ advantage not long after.
Twenty minutes into the second half, replacement Stina Blackstenius scored the third goal, despite the Hornets’ best efforts as they battled their way into the game.
After Amanda Ilestedt’s well-executed strike inside the box to cut the gap to three goals, Agyemang finished the afternoon with a goal at the death.
Now, focus returns to the Barclays Women’s Championship as Damon Lathrope’s team gets ready for their journey to Southampton the following weekend (Sunday, January 21, 2 p.m. KO).
Early on, the Hornets were having trouble with Vivianne Miedema, Russo, and Beth Mead up front. Jacqui Goldsmid had to step in early to handle the attacking threat.
After making an early save and tapping in, Russo found the target quickly, scurrying into the six-yard box to steal the ball from Goldsmid.
Six minutes later, Wälti doubled the hosts’ lead with a strike from the edge of the box. Watford regrouped and adjusted their strategy in response to the goal.
The first player in yellow to enter Arsenal’s defensive third was Lucía León, who darted down the right wing before crossing the ball, but Manuela Zinsberger was able to grab it.
With halftime approaching, Russo nearly doubled her total, but her attempt was barely missed.
In the second half, Mead’s cross found Caitlin Foord at the back post as Arsenal maintained control of the game. The Australian international made a good connection with the delivery, but Goldsmid quickly closed the angle and missed the target.
One of four replacements to enter the game, Blackstenius made an immediate impression by putting Victoria Pelova’s cross beyond Goldsmid.
With 12 minutes remaining in normal time, Agyemang scored a goal back. Poppy Wilson set him up after Drè Georgiou made a strong play to intercept Lotte Wubben-Moy’s pass. The dual-signee for the Gunners finished with perfection.
After Katie McCabe’s corner kick was headed by Ilestedt, the score was increased to 4-1. Maanum then sealed the victory by finishing off a cross from Blackstenius.
After losing in the FA Cup for 2023–2024, Southampton will play in league play the following weekend as the Golden Girls attempt to climb out of the relegation zone.
