Smith taken off on stretcher in Arsenal FA Cup win

Arsenal booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 victory over Bristol City, but the win was overshadowed by a serious-looking injury to forward Olivia Smith. The 21-year-old Canada international was stretchered off in the second half after a clash of heads that forced an extended stoppage and ultimately led to 14 minutes of added time at the Mangata Developments Stadium.

Smith, who started the fifth-round tie, required on-field treatment before being fitted with a neck brace and carried from the pitch to a standing ovation from supporters. The incident occurred early in the second half and briefly halted momentum for the Gunners, who had already built a commanding lead.

Goals from Kim Little, Victoria Pelova and Frida Maanum sealed the win for Arsenal, keeping their domestic cup ambitions alive. Smith, Arsenal’s second-joint top scorer this season with eight goals in all competitions, had been a key figure in the campaign. Her £1 million transfer from Liverpool in July 2025 made her the first player to command such a fee in women’s football history.

The extent of Smith’s injury has not yet been confirmed, and Arsenal will await further medical assessment. The victory, meanwhile, sets up a quarter-final tie as the club continues its pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts.