Arsenal will face fourth tier club Leeds United at home in the fourth round of this season’s Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
The Gunners were made to wait until the New Year to learn of their fourth round opponents. Jonas Eidevall’s side were paired with either Leeds United or Stoke City when the fourth round draw took place last month. Those two clubs’ third round tie was originally postponed when it was due to take place in December and the game was finally played out this afternoon.
Given their FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division status, Stoke City went into this afternoon’s third round tie against Leeds United at the i2i Stadium as the favourites. The hosts were up for the fight though and they were able to cause an upset by running out 3-1 winners.
Leeds United got off to the worst possible start as Kelsey Richardson netted the opening goal for Stoke City inside the first minute. The West Yorkshire side responded though and they were soon level through Danielle Whitham’s strike. The Phoenix edged into the lead courtesy of another Whitham goal just after the break before Amy Woodruff’s effort sealed the win and that dream fourth round date with Arsenal.
The Vitality Women’s FA Cup fourth round tie between Arsenal and Leeds United is scheduled to take place on Sunday 29 January 2023.