There was no first-team game this weekend following the international break, but the Development Team thrashed Bristol City 5-1.

The first team had already completed their FAWSL Continental Tyres Cup group stage games and needed some luck to finish top of the group.

A Millwall win against Reading would guarantee the Gunners first place. Unfortunately the WSL2 side were beaten 5-0 by their WSL1 counterpart and Arsenal therefore finish runner-up in Group One South.

Arsenal could face one of the three other group winners. It could be Liverpool or Sunderland in the Group One North, Manchester City or Everton in Group Two North, or Chelsea or Tottenham.

The game will be played on December 16/17. The draw will be made on Thursday.

Arsenal will be back on league duty on Sunday, December 10 when they are at home to Liverpool. This is a must win game as the Gunners look to chase the top-two teams to try to qualify for the Champions League.

The Development Team easily defeated Bristol in the latest top of the table clash. Both sides were on 15 points before the kick-off, but Arsenal are now three points clear after a solid performance.

The 5-1 scoreline is a fair reflection of the game, with Arsenal dominating the game from the start and scoring early via Jess N’Gunga in the 10th minute.

Anna Filbey doubled the lead after a mazy dribbling run saw her go past three defenders and finish with an excellent left-foot shot on the stroke of half-time.

Lashante Paul scored the third with a powerful effort before Bristol got one goal back with a long range effort.

Tamsyn Sibanda added the fourth with a volley from outside the penalty area that flew under the crossbar.

Gabby Ravenscroft scored on her first touch after coming on as a sub, rounding a defender after being put through on goal and finishing very well.

The development team is currently top of the League with six wins in six games and a +25 goal difference. They are three points ahead of Bristol and four ahead of Watford with two games in hand.

It is quite disappointing, however, that there will be no cup run for that team following their away walkover defeat to Yeovil in the Preliminary Round – a game they actually won 7-0.