Championship side Birmingham City pulled off the shock of the fourth round in the Women's FA Cup as they knocked out top-flight opposition.
Everton were beaten by Darren Carter's team after a well-taken goal from winger Jade Pennock was the difference, giving the second-tier outfit a huge win against a team sitting fifth in the WSL. Elsewhere, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City all secured comfortable wins to advance to the last 16.
Aston Villa had the biggest win of the round with an 11-0 win over AFC Fylde, while Chelsea and Liverpool played out a five-goal thriller at Kingsmeadow, only a week after the same two sides saw their WSL clash abandoned after just six minutes.
Here are the major takeaways from a big weekend of cup football.
1. Kerr continues sensational form
The only all-WSL tie of the round proved to be a cracker as Chelsea held off a resilient Liverpool fightback to win 3-2. Once again the holders had Sam Kerr to thank, the Aussie striker hitting a stunning hat-trick to down the Reds, who threatened to force extra-time through goals from Ceri Holland and Gemma Bonner.
But Kerr provided the difference in class, with her first goal the pick of the bunch, lashing a superb volley home after an excellent cross from Niamh Charles. The Chelsea star went through a slightly quiet period before Christmas but has started 2023 in fine form.
Kerr saved the day with her late equaliser at Arsenal, then scored twice to down Tottenham in the Conti Cup quarter-final last week, before Sunday's display. If she keeps up this form through to the end of the season, Chelsea won't be far away from silverware.
2. Birmingham show WSL class to stun Everton
Although the majority of the WSL sides involved were able to advance safely, Birmingham's win over high-flying Everton shows the magic of the cup is still very much alive.
The Toffees have climbed the table over the last two months, but had their cup dreams shattered by Pennock's first-time finish. Everton did dominate large parts of the tie and were slightly unfortunate not to at least force extra-time.
But the result is good for the competition and shows the gap between the WSL and the Championship isn't as big as often made out. Birmingham were relegated from the top flight last season, but this result shows they can still match anyone on their day. A few teams from the top flight will be hoping to avoid them in the draw on Monday evening.
3. Parris keeps Man Utd's run going
WSL leaders Man Utd are also through to the last 16 after edging out Championship opposition in Sunderland. The Lady Black Cats were no pushovers and only went down 2-1 after giving United a scare.
England's Nikita Parris broke the deadlock with a fine finish not long before half-time, but Sunderland levelled through defender Abby Holmes. It took another finish of the highest quality from Parris to restore United's advantage.
Katy Watson headed just wide as the Championship outfit very nearly forced extra-time in front of a record home crowd, but it wasn't to be. The win not only keeps United's hopes of a double alive but maintains the positive momentum at the club, with Everton next up in the league.
4. Fourth-tier Cardiff still alive
The lowest ranked side in Monday's draw will be Cardiff City Ladies after they shocked Northern Premier side Burnley, 4-1. The Clarettes are unbeaten in the league so far this season but had no answer as their fourth-tier opponents ran riot in the opening 45, leading 3-0 at half-time.
The Welsh outfit, who top the National League Division One South West, outclassed their hosts in what was possibly the surprise result of the round. It means that a fourth-tier side will be in the last 16 for the first time since Southampton in 2021.
Jamie Phillip's team can now dream of a glamour tie with WSL sides Arsenal, Chelsea or Man Utd, a deserved reward for an outstanding away performance.
5. Shaw and Daly show no signs of letting up
Although rotation can become a factor for some of the leading WSL clubs in the early rounds of the cup, Man City and Aston Villa were both rewarded for playing strong sides on Sunday. City stormed past Championship side Sheffield United 7-0, while Villa became the only team to hit double figures in the fourth round, with an 11-0 win over AFC Fylde.
Khadija Shaw and Rachel Daly are both currently locked in a battle for the WSL golden boot and as both were starting, neither wasted an opportunity to maintain their remarkable goalscoring form.
Shaw smashed home a hat-trick against the Blades, meaning she now has 16 goals in just 16 games in all competitions this season, with England's Chloe Kelly also getting on the scoresheet. Not to be outdone, Daly found the net four times in Villa's big win, including two in the first 11 minutes.
On current form, it is virtually an impossible call to say who will end the league campaign as the WSL's leading scorer.
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