A Bitter April Weekend: Arsenal Men and Women Crash Out of FA Cup
The first weekend of April 2026 proved to be a historic disappointment for Arsenal fans as both the men’s and women’s teams were eliminated from the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage within 24 hours of each other.
On Saturday, 4 April, the men’s team suffered a “jaw-dropping” 2–1 upset at the hands of Championship side Southampton. Despite dominating possession and recording 23 shots, Arsenal were undone by a defensive lapse that allowed Ross Stewart to score in the first half. Although Viktor Gyökeres equalised in the 68th minute, a late 85th-minute winner from substitute Shea Charles ended the Gunners’ pursuit of a domestic double.
Less than 24 hours later, on Sunday, 5 April, the women’s team followed suit with a 2–0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion at Meadow Park. Clinical second-half goals from Madison Haley and Caitlin Hayes secured the victory for the Seagulls, leaving Arsenal without an FA Cup title for the tenth consecutive year.
Current Standings: April 2026
While the FA Cup exits were painful, both teams remain in strong positions in their respective leagues and the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal Men’s Team
The men currently lead the Premier League and have a slight advantage in their European campaign:
- Premier League: Arsenal sit 1st in the Premier League table with 70 points from 31 games, holding a nine-point lead over second-placed Manchester City (who have a game in hand).
- Champions League: They have reached the Quarter-finals and hold a 1–0 lead over Sporting CP following the first leg on 7 April.
- League Cup: Eliminated in the final by Manchester City on 22 March.
| Competition | Position / Status | Points / Round |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 1st | 70 pts |
| Champions League | Quarter-finals | 1–0 lead (1st leg) |
| FA Cup | Eliminated | Quarter-finals |
| League Cup | Runners-up | Final |
Arsenal Women’s Team
The women remain competitive on two fronts despite a heavy schedule:
- Women’s Super League (WSL): Arsenal are currently 3rd in the WSL standings with 38 points from 17 matches, trailing Manchester City and Chelsea.
- Champions League: They have advanced to the Semi-finals after a 3–2 aggregate victory over Chelsea in the quarter-finals. They are scheduled to face OL Lyon next.
| Competition | Position / Status | Points / Round |
|---|---|---|
| WSL | 3rd | 38 pts |
| Champions League | Semi-finals | vs. OL Lyon |
| FA Cup | Eliminated | Quarter-finals |
| League Cup | Active | – |