The Women's FA Cup never fails to deliver drama, and this weekend was no exception. Holders Chelsea stormed into the fifth round with a commanding 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks in large part to a brace from the unstoppable Sam Kerr. But here's where it gets interesting: while Chelsea's win was expected, the manner in which they dismantled their WSL2 opponents raises questions about the growing gap between the top tier and the rest. Is the WSL becoming too predictable, or is this simply a testament to Chelsea's dominance? Let’s dive in.
The Blues set the tone early when Millie Bright nodded home a corner in the 13th minute, giving Sonia Bompastor's side the lead. By the half-hour mark, Chelsea had extended their advantage to 3-0, with Kerr calmly slotting home after a clever through ball from Erin Cuthbert, followed by Guro Reiten's penalty conversion. The Australian striker wasn’t done yet, though—she added her second in the 52nd minute with a well-timed header from a Reiten cross. Alyssa Thompson put the icing on the cake with Chelsea's fifth goal, leaving Crystal Palace with little to celebrate.
Meanwhile, in another WSL2 vs. higher-tier clash, Sunderland traveled to face London City Lionesses, hoping to pull off an upset. But this is the part most people miss: despite Sunderland's disciplined defensive setup, London City’s persistence paid off in the 50th minute through a set piece, with Wassa Sangare heading home the game’s only goal. The Lionesses dominated possession but struggled to break down a stubborn Sunderland side, highlighting the importance of set-piece strategy in tight matches. Was this a tactical masterclass from London City, or did Sunderland simply run out of steam? The debate is worth having.
As we look ahead, the draw for the fifth round takes place on Monday, 19 January, promising more thrilling matchups. And for fans craving deeper insights, Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie are back with another season of the Women's Football Weekly podcast. Tune in every Tuesday on BBC Sounds for expert analysis, interviews, and exclusive content from the Women's Super League and beyond. (Find it here: https://www.bbc.com/sounds/brand/p0bzmv49)
But here’s the controversial question: Are the Women's FA Cup’s early rounds becoming too one-sided, or do these matches still serve as a vital platform for lower-tier teams to shine? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
