Brighton produced a superb performance to knock out 14-time winners Arsenal and secure their place in the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
The Seagulls took control early in the second half, with Madison Haley opening the scoring just three minutes after the restart.
Latching onto a perfectly weighted through-ball from Fran Kirby, Haley stretched to guide a fine finish into the top corner.
Brighton doubled their advantage on 63 minutes when Caitlin Hayes rose highest to meet Kirby’s corner, sending a looping header beyond goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
Arsenal attempted to mount a response, but Brighton remained composed and defensively solid, rarely allowing the hosts a clear opportunity as they sealed a deserved victory and a place in the final four for the fourth time.
It marked another disappointing FA Cup exit for Arsenal, who have not lifted the trophy since 2016.
The Gunners came into the tie on a high after reaching the Champions League semi-finals earlier in the week, but manager Renee Slegers made several changes to her starting XI - a decision that appeared to impact their sharpness.
Brighton started brightly, nearly taking the lead inside two minutes when Jelena Cankovic’s powerful effort forced a fine save, while Charlie Rule saw a follow-up effort cleared off the line.
Arsenal grew into the contest and were denied by an outstanding save from Chiamaka Nnadozie, who reacted brilliantly to keep out Smilla Holmberg from close range.
However, Brighton weathered that pressure and struck decisively after the break.
Even after going ahead, Brighton continued to threaten, with substitute Carla Camacho forcing another save before Hayes’ header extended their lead.
Slegers introduced Alessia Russo, Olivia Smith, and Frida Maanum in an attempt to turn the tide, but the Gunners struggled to break down a disciplined Brighton side and appeared fatigued following their midweek European exertions.
Despite an inconsistent league campaign, Brighton’s display highlighted their quality when everything clicks.
This was no smash-and-grab - they outplayed Arsenal for large periods and executed their game plan superbly.
Manager Dario Vidosic’s tactical adjustment to a back four in the second half allowed Brighton to push forward with greater intent, while Fran Kirby’s experience and creativity proved decisive in unlocking the Arsenal defence.
As Arsenal pushed forward late on, Brighton held firm and remained dangerous on the counter.
“It’s really special,” said Kirby.
“We believed we could come here and get a result, but to do it against a team like Arsenal is something to be proud of.”
With momentum on their side, Brighton can now dream of a first FA Cup final, a Wembley appearance, and potentially the first major trophy in the club’s history.
