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Laia Aleixandri earned\u00a0Manchester City<\/strong>\u00a0a spot in the Women\u2019s FA Cup quarter-finals with a second-half winner against\u00a0Arsenal<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Gunners came into the fifth-round contest hoping to bounce back from a first-ever Women\u2019s Super League loss to West Ham but could not find the finishing touch at Meadow Park as they crashed out 1-0.\u00a0<\/p>\n A scrappy first half gave way to a more open second period with chances for both sides.\u00a0<\/p>\n WSL leading goalscorer Khadija Shaw saw two headers kept out, first by Arsenal keeper Sabrina D\u2019Angelo and then by defender Leah Williamson.\u00a0<\/p>\n Shaw, in a worrying sight for City boss Gareth Taylor, was forced off and replaced by Mary Fowler in the 67th minute, shortly before Gunners sub Steph Catley failed to clear Chloe Kelly\u2019s free-kick and Spain international Aleixandri pounced, poking in the 74th-minute winner.\u00a0<\/p>\n Khiara Keating\u2019s stunning series of saves against a late Arsenal surge preserved the visiting side\u2019s lead.\u00a0<\/p>\n CITY! CITY! CITY! \ud83e\ude75 pic.twitter.com\/vXEhAVjaMZ<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Man City Women (@ManCityWomen) February 11, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n And while the Gunners felt the City keeper had not saved a last-ditch effort from a scramble before it crossed the line, the officials disagreed.<\/p>\n Holders Chelsea took one step closer to securing a fourth straight FA Cup crown with a 1-0 victory over Championship side Crystal Palace at Kingsmeadow thanks to a superb maiden goal from January signing Mayra Ramirez.<\/p>\n Emma Hayes had initially changed all 11 players from the side that beat Sunderland 5-0 in their midweek Conti Cup clash.<\/p>\n But Fran Kirby returned as a replacement for Lauren James, who was a late withdrawal from the line-up.<\/p>\n It was a valiant performance from Palace, who held the hosts for 81 minutes, until Ramirez opened her Blues account with a brilliant backheeled flick to book her side another trip into the last eight.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udfb6 She\u2019s from Colombia. \ud83c\udfb6#CFCW<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BiQNe1mztZ<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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