Matildas stars Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley are out of the Women’s FA Cup after Arsenal slumped to a 1-0 fifth-round loss to Manchester City.
The Gunners had been eyeing a response after losing to Mackenzie Arnold and Katrina Gorry’s West Ham in the Women’s Super League.
But Catley in particular had a day to forget, coming off the bench in the 67th minute before her failed clearance seven minutes later opened the door for Spain international Aleixandri to score the winner.
Arsenal were then denied over and over by 19-year-old City goalkeeper Khiara Keating’s stunning late series of saves.
The Gunners were also incensed when they believed the City keeper had not saved a last-ditch effort from a scramble before it crossed the line, but the officials disagreed.
“It’s super frustrating, especially when I feel like there were really good moments for us and we were on top, especially that second half,” Foord, who started along with Cooney-Cross, told Optus Sport.
“We created a lot, but all credit to their keeper, she had a ‘worldie’ today and pulled off some really good saves.
“But we had plenty of chances to get back into the game and stay in it.
“We’re playing good football, it’s just the results and I guess decisions aren’t going our way at times, which is becoming super frustrating.”
Mary Fowler came off the bench for City, replacing injured striker Bunny Shaw in the 67th minute.
Alanna Kennedy was brought on in injury-time to close out the game and seal progression to the quarter-finals.
Arsenal, who sit third in the WSL, will turn their focus to a League Cup quarter-final against the London City Lionesses, before a league blockbuster against Manchester United.
“They’re massive games and we know the challenge ahead,” Foord said.
“We can’t drop points from now on.
“We want to win that trophy in the (League) Cup and give ourselves the best chance in the league and that’s to win every game from now on and just focus on ourselves
“I guess it’s in our hands now to stay in it.”
Sam Kerr’s replacement at Chelsea, Colombia forward Mayra Ramirez, scored her first goal for her new club to steer the Blues to a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Ramirez, signed after Kerr tore her ACL, scored a wonderful back-heel flick in the 81st minute to secure passage to the quarter-finals.
Matildas midfielder Clare Wheeler played 60 minutes as Everton thrashed Nottingham Forest 7-1.
Defender Charli Grant played the full game as Tottenham beat Charlton 1-0.