Arsenal learn FA Cup 5th round opponents

Story byArsenal learn FA Cup 5th round opponentsDaily CannonTue, January 20, 2026 at 8:35 AM UTC·2 min readGoals from Stina Blackstenius and Kim Little were enough to defeat a robust Aston Villa team and set up a fifth round tie for Arsenal Women against Bristol City. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesRenee Slegers made only two changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Manchester United, with Blackstenius coming in to play at 9 alongside Alessia Russo, and Lotte Wubben-Moy coming in for the injured Leah Williamson. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOn the bench, we had two goalkeepers, four defenders and three forwards, with no real midfielders, and Laila Harbert missing out again. While I do not think it makes sense to have four defenders on the bench, it worked out in a way as Emily Fox was subbed very early due to injury. Having that extra security for defensive substitutions proved useful. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesStill, you do wonder how we ended up at the end of the game with a double pivot of Pelova and Codina, something we do not want to see against United on Wednesday or Chelsea on Saturday. The biggest news was Fox’s early withdrawal, as there was confusion over whether it was a precautionary substitution or a concussion-related one. Concussion protocols lead to a compulsory rest and multiple brain checks, while a normal injury substitution would mean Fox would be available for the United and Chelsea games. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSmilla Holmberg, who came on to replace her, was superb, Wubben-Moy was solid, and Little put in a player-of-the-match performance.