Pep Guardiola influence on Man City Women speaks volumes in FA Cup win over Arsenal

Manchester City Women have been benefiting from the coaching skills of Pep Guardiola, according to their boss. Goalkeeper Khiara Keating has been praised for her role in the team's FA Cup fifth-round win over Arsenal, but it's the work with Guardiola's staff on set-pieces that has really made a difference.

In recent years, Man City's men's team have become experts at set-pieces under Guardiola, while the women's team haven't had as much success with these opportunities. This season, things are changing. In their last two games, City have won thanks to set pieces, including their tight FA Cup fifth-round match against Arsenal.

With just over 15 minutes left in the game, Chloe Kelly sent a dangerous free-kick into the area, confusing Arsenal's defence. Defender Laia Alexandri took advantage of this, scoring from inside the six-yard box. The goal not only won the match, but also marked the first time in five attempts that City have beaten Arsenal away, and the first time since Jonas Eidevall became manager.

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City fans might have noticed a similarity with the goal. Only two weeks ago, in the Men's FA Cup fourth round, City were stuck in a stalemate against Tottenham Hotspur. An 88th-minute corner from Kevin de Bruyne and Nathan Ake's skilful finish changed that, giving City a vital 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Man City defender Kyle Walker praised the coaching staff for their focus on set pieces. He spoke about how the team drilled these routines during their winter camp in Abu Dhabi and continued that upon their return to Manchester.

Following Sunday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal, City Women