Aston Villa Ready for Challenge Against Champions League Spot Chasing Tottenham Hotspur

By Hope Robinson (26/9/26)

Above: Maya Hijikata battling hard in Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw vs Brighton & Hove Albion. Photo: Aston Villa FC

Hope Robinson attended Aston Villa’s press conference this week ahead of their Women’s Super League clash with Tottenham Hotspur at BetWright Stadium on Sunday, with Villa looking to claim points against the league’s second-placed side.

Fixture Overview

Tottenham Hotspur host Aston Villa at BetWright Stadium on Sunday 27th September at 14:00 in the Women’s Super League, with Villa looking for their first league win of the season.

Aston Villa travel to North London after a difficult opening run, while Tottenham have made an unbeaten start and currently sit second in the WSL.

Furthermore, it will be Kirsty Hanson’s first meeting with her former side since making the move from Villa to Tottenham in the summer. Hanson scored 12 WSL goals for Villa last season and has already scored twice for Spurs this campaign.

Form Guide

Going into gameweek four, Villa sit 11th with two points from two draws and one defeat, while Tottenham are second with seven points from two wins and one draw.

Both sides also played in the Players League Cup in midweek, with Villa beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 and Tottenham suffering defeat on penalties. 

The win provided a positive response for Villa after their 1-1 draw with Brighton, with Natalia Arroyo pleased with the way her side reacted.

“If you take one point of your bad days, it’s also important, something that is valuable.”

Villa will now look to carry that momentum into their first league win of the season.

Previous Meetings

The sides have met 18 times across all competitions, with Tottenham winning eight, Villa winning five and five ending in draws.

The most recent meeting came at Villa Park in February, when Tottenham won 7-3 in a ten-goal thriller.

Villa’s last victory over Tottenham came away from home in April 2023, when (now Lilywhite) Kirsty Hanson scored a 90th-minute winner.

Team News

Wednesday’s Players League Cup victory gave Villa the opportunity to rotate their squad and provide minutes to players who have had fewer opportunities this season.

Arroyo believes the additional matches are important for the development of her squad.

“The more games you have, the more you feel you give them the chance to show their level, to grow the best.”

“We knew that there’s room for everybody in different moments of the season now” highlighted the importance of having a squad capable of contributing throughout the season.

Moreover, the result also allowed Villa to head into the weekend with fresh legs and another opportunity to build momentum.

Tactical Battle

Maintaining their level across the full 90 minutes will be crucial for Villa, particularly against a Tottenham side capable of producing late attacking pressure.

Villa struggled in this area at times last season, but Arroyo believes improvements have been made through both recruitment and work on the physical and mental sides of the game.

“We are trying to increase the load and the intensity whenever it’s possible so that we are ready from the physical point of view.”

However, she believes consistency is about more than fitness.

“It’s also like how many solutions you have, how strong you can stay.”

Villa will need to remain disciplined when Tottenham apply pressure, with Arroyo warning of the hosts’ individual quality.

“They have individuals that can kill a good strategy.”

Players to Watch

Kirsty Hanson will pose a huge threat.

The forward is highly direct and clinical, making her one of the hosts’ main attacking threats.

Her knowledge of Villa’s players and style could make her particularly influential, while Villa will be aware of the threat by a player who knows the team well.

Villa’s summer recruitment has also added players with experience of competing at the highest level, including Juventus arrivals Amalie Vangsgaard and Mathilde Harviken.

Arroyo believes their experience can accelerate the team’s development.

“The more we can add players coming from strong, strong environments, the quicker we will grow.”

She added:

“We need that experience from them so that we can grow quicker.”

Strengths and Weaknesses

Villa have already shown they can compete with sides near the top of the table, taking points from Chelsea and Brighton.

Their ability to remain competitive in difficult games could be important against Tottenham, although turning those performances into wins remains the next step.

Against Brighton, Villa did not produce their best performance but still found a way to take a point.

“We did not play a good enough performance, but we found our way of finding a magical action and getting a point, which is also important.”

Tottenham’s attacking quality will provide another test, with Villa needing to limit their opportunities while maintaining their own threat.

Arroyo expects Spurs to make it difficult for Villa to settle into the match.

“They will try to reduce the time where we are comfortable and we show our strength.”

Manager’s View

Arroyo expects another difficult test against Tottenham, who she believes have continued the progress shown during the previous campaign.

“They did an incredible season last year, especially the first half of the season.”

She also pointed to Spurs’ summer recruitment as another reason for their strong start.

“They had a strong recruitment process as well.”

Villa will need to be aggressive but also intelligent in their approach.

“We want to be aggressive, but we know it won’t be happening as much as we tried at Villa Park.”

Despite Tottenham’s position in the table, Arroyo remains confident Villa can compete.

“We will be able to compete against them, to play to our strengths, to try to minimise their strengths.”

She also believes Tottenham have vulnerabilities Villa can target.

“They have their weaknesses, they have their vulnerabilities as well. Let’s see if we can find a way of attacking them.”

Key Matchday Battles

Villa’s ability to maintain their performance level late in the match could be decisive, particularly against a Tottenham side that scored five goals in the final 20 minutes of their last WSL fixture.

Arroyo admitted that squad depth had contributed to previous problems but believes recruitment has helped address the issue.

“Sometimes it was a thing of not having the depth because of availability. We tried to address this from recruitment.”

The aim is now to change Villa’s mindset around the final stages of matches.

“If we can turn this mentality of we are weak on the last 20 minutes to change thinking, okay, actually we are in the other way. We are feeling strong.”

Villa will also need to manage Tottenham’s attacking quality without losing their own identity, particularly against a side Arroyo believes has strengthened through its summer recruitment.

Arroyo knows her side will need to be selective in when they attack and when they manage the game.

“You just need to continue picking the moment.”

“We will be able to compete against them, to play to our strengths, to try to minimise their strengths.”

With Tottenham sitting second and Villa still searching for their first league win, Sunday’s meeting could provide a clearer indication of whether Villa’s improved squad depth and mentality can turn competitive performances into results.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Trailblazers: The Arsenal Women’s Column

by Roberto Revilla (26/9/26)

Above: Renee Slegers giving instructions to her players during their last visit to Stamford Bridge touchline. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Roberto Revilla looks ahead to Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge and why Chelsea’s willingness to attack could present both an opportunity and a considerable risk for Renée Slegers’ side.

Chelsea could offer Arsenal the space they have been searching for

Chelsea away would not normally be the fixture Arsenal would choose after dropping four points from their opening three WSL matches and scoring only twice, but there is an argument that Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge could provide exactly the sort of game their attack needs.

Crystal Palace came to the Emirates and were content to concede possession while closing the spaces Arsenal wanted to exploit. Manchester United employed a similarly compact approach a week later and Arsenal again struggled to find a way through.

HB Køge were slightly different in Tuesday’s Champions League meeting. They did not defend in a permanent low block, but they were extremely well organised and Arsenal again dominated possession without creating enough clear opportunities. Twenty-one attempts produced only two shots on target.

Chelsea are unlikely to approach Arsenal in the same way.

Slegers said ahead of the game that she expects two sides who want to “go against each other”, rather than one team sitting off and looking to counter. That could create a very different challenge for Arsenal and perhaps one better suited to the attacking players at her disposal.

Olivia Smith has repeatedly demonstrated her willingness to run directly at defenders. Chloe Kelly is at her most dangerous when she can isolate a full-back and Alessia Russo’s movement becomes considerably more threatening when there is space behind a defensive line rather than ten opposition players between her and goal.

Selina Cerci could also become particularly interesting if the game opens up. Her direct running produced the decisive moment against Køge when she drove into the penalty area and won the stoppage-time penalty converted by Mariona Caldentey.

There may also be a physical element to consider.

Chelsea beat Birmingham City 2-0 last weekend before defeating Austria Wien 1-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday. Sonia Bompastor made only three changes between those matches.

Arsenal, by comparison, made eight changes against Køge on Tuesday. Importantly, their intensity did not disappear late in the game. Slegers was able to introduce Russo, Caldentey, Lisa Baum, Cerci and Smith as the match progressed and Arsenal were still attacking with considerable energy in stoppage time.

That does not establish that Chelsea will tire on Sunday, nor that Køge’s late mistake was caused by fatigue, but the difference in rotation could become relevant if the match remains close heading into its final half-hour. The opportunity also creates the danger

The obvious problem with wanting Chelsea to attack is that the space Arsenal hope to exploit will exist at both ends.

If Emily Fox and Ona Batlle advance from full-back, Arsenal need to protect the areas behind them. If Georgia Stanway or Kyra Cooney-Cross carries possession forward from midfield, the structure behind the ball becomes equally important.

Chelsea have players capable of turning a turnover into an attack extremely quickly. Lauren James, if fit, Alyssa Thompson and Sandy Baltimore are among those who can exploit the space Arsenal leave.

Slegers specifically identified Chelsea’s counter-attacking ability as something Arsenal must prepare for and spoke about maintaining a solid defensive structure behind their attacks.

That brings an element of Arsenal’s season into focus which has perhaps been overlooked amid the discussion about their lack of goals.

They have conceded only once in their opening three WSL matches.

Misa Rodríguez has looked assured in goal, Leah Williamson is fit and increasingly comfortable again, Steph Catley has started the season strongly and Fox goes into Sunday having been rested completely against Køge.

Arsenal’s attacking numbers have raised legitimate questions, but their defensive foundation has been strong. Slegers described defending as something Arsenal pride themselves on and an area of focus ahead of Chelsea.

Slegers has difficult decisions to make

With Slegers reporting a fully fit squad ahead of the final training session, Arsenal have considerable options.

Rodríguez appears likely to return in goal after Anneke Borbe played against Køge. Fox should return at right-back, while Williamson and Catley have strong cases to retain their places. Batlle’s experience and attacking ability make her an obvious option on the left.

Midfield presents the more difficult decision.

Caldentey should start, while Stanway’s ability to play through pressure and contribute box-to-box could be particularly valuable in a fast, physical match.

Then there is Cooney-Cross.

The Australian was named UEFA Player of the Match against Køge after an excellent performance in which she moved possession forward quickly, carried the ball into space and repeatedly attempted to increase Arsenal’s tempo.

Slegers spoke positively about Cooney-Cross afterwards, describing her as physically strong and in a mature, calm and positive place after her time back in Australia.

Kim Little offers another possibility if Slegers wants greater control, while Géraldine Reuteler remains available and is still waiting for her first competitive Arsenal minutes.

A midfield of Stanway, Cooney-Cross and Caldentey would offer an intriguing balance between control, ball progression and creativity, although it would be no surprise if Slegers decides Little’s experience is required at Stamford Bridge.

Russo is the likely centre-forward and this could be a match particularly suited to her movement. Smith should also have a strong claim to start, potentially creating one of the afternoon’s most interesting individual contests if she operates from Arsenal’s left against Lucy Bronze.

Kelly, Caitlin Foord, Baum and Cerci provide several options for the remaining attacking position and, perhaps just as importantly, considerable possibilities from the bench.

That depth could become significant later in the match. Cerci’s directness in particular would be an uncomfortable prospect for tiring defenders if Slegers introduces her in the second half.

Arsenal must recognise the moments

The key for Arsenal may not be creating the same volume of opportunities they produced against Palace or Køge.

Slegers questioned this week whether Arsenal’s recent chances have been sufficiently open and clear, referring not only to the eventual shot but the quality of the pass before it, how players set each other up and whether they remain calm enough to recognise the best option.

Against Chelsea, Arsenal may have fewer opportunities, but those opportunities could be better.

When Smith receives possession with space ahead of her, Arsenal need to find her quickly. When Russo makes a run between defenders, the pass needs to arrive before Chelsea can recover their shape. If Kelly can isolate her full-back, Arsenal should be prepared to use that situation rather than allowing the opposition to reset.

There will also inevitably be periods when Chelsea control the game. Arsenal cannot expect to dominate possession for 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge and they will need to be comfortable defending those spells without abandoning their own attacking ambition.

If they can remain in the contest into the final half-hour, their bench could then become particularly important.

Chelsea played on Wednesday and rotated three players. Arsenal played a day earlier and changed eight. If that difference in workload has an effect, the closing stages are the most likely time for it to become apparent.

Arsenal do not necessarily need to produce a completely different version of themselves on Sunday. Their defensive record is already strong and their squad contains more than enough attacking quality.

What they need is to recognise the moments Chelsea give them and make better, quicker decisions when those moments arrive.

After several matches spent trying to manufacture space against organised defensive opponents, Stamford Bridge could finally provide it.

The challenge is making sure Chelsea do not make better use of theirs.

Roberto Revilla is the founder and host of Arsenal Women: Trailblazers, an independent podcast and website providing in-depth analysis and coverage of Arsenal Women. You can find the podcast and Roberto’s latest Arsenal Women writing at Arsenal Women: Trailblazers.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram and TikTok.

From the Winner’s Circle – NPLW Victoria Grand Final 2026

by Alyce Collett (25/9/26)

Above: Avondale FC celebrate after winning the 2026 NPLW Victoria Grand Final. Photo: Alyce Collett for Impetus.

After Avondale FC’s dramatic come from behind win in the NPLW Victoria Grand Final last weekend, the excitement amongst the playing group was palpable for all to see.

Sloane Young – Avondale’s first goal scorer of the afternoon – summed it all up well.

“I feel on top of the world. I mean, coming to this season with such a great team and great coaching staff I didn’t know what to expect, but it surpassed everything for me” Young said.

“I’m just, I’m in awe, I’m in joy. I’m on top of the world.”

Defender Isabella Accardo had similar feelings, noting that she was “just really ecstatic that we were able to get the win in the end.”

“Obviously, first half win was a bit tough to be able to play out but came out second half and I thought we just dominated” Accardo said.

When asked about what was going through her head as she scored her goal, Young said that it was pretty simple.

“Oh my gosh. I think just being in the right position at the right time, KK found me a good pass through the line and took a touch on my left foot and just took it home” Young said.

Perhaps persuaded by the fact that the Grand Final was her final game before retirement, Avondale FC captain Gulcan Genitsaris was feeling a bit different about it all.

“We didn’t expect anything less from the start of the season, and with the group that we’ve got, yeah, amazing feeling and really good way to go out.”

Genitsaris’ thoughts echo a larger sense of confidence amongst the Avondale players, who despite being the underdogs as the newly promoted side in the competition this year never felt like the underdogs.

“I think coming into the start of the season, people saw the signings we made and every game, every team gave it their best” Accardo explained.

“So we were playing every team’s best team and it was just one of those where everyone wants to beat Avondale, so we really had to step up and I think we proved it on the park.”

Young came half way around the world – from Florida in the USA – to play for Avondale this season, and even she knew that the position Avondale ultimately found themselves in was within the realms of possibility.

“I mean, definitely. I think coming into this program, I knew that it was high level” Young explained.

“I knew the coaching staff, the players, everyone was super competitive and everyone wanted to win, and I knew that it was a squad that I wanted to be a part of.”

Even at half time of Sunday’s decider when Avondale was 1-0 down, its players still had plenty of hope they could turn things around in the second half.

“We never had a doubt” Genitsaris said.

“The goal was kind of something that happens that you can’t control from a corner. So we knew that we had the opportunity to come back second half, and we believed in ourselves, and we did it.”

“I don’t think we lost hope” Accardo also said, echoing her captain’s sentiments.

“I just thought we knew second half coming into it, we just had to be a bit better. We had to play around with the ball a bit more. But …. we proved it. We had more chances. I don’t think they had a chance the second half, so we’re really happy with the outcome.”

Above: Avondale captain Gulcan Genitsaris celebrates with family. Credit: Alyce Collett

Genitsaris agreed that being captain certainly made the win extra special for her.

“For me, I’ve got two kids at home, and I feel like I’ve got kids in the changing room too” Genitsaris explained.

“I look after the team. “It’s a phenomenal feeling, and Avondale is such a great club, so amazing to be a part of this win.”

Young reflected on her decision to move to Australia and play in the NPLW Victoria, and the gravity of the decision.

“I mean, it was definitely a big jump for me” Young said.

“I really didn’t know what to expect coming across the world. I miss my family, but I know that they’re cheering me on and supporting me through this journey of mine, and I know they want the best.

“I’ve just been super grateful I’ve come here to Avondale, and they’ve been a family to me.”

Accardo also made a big move in the offseason, albeit a much smaller one distance wise only coming across from Bulleen, but she said that she was “just really proud of the girls” and what they achieved this season.

“We came in, no one knew each other. It was a whole new squad, learning each other’s positions and learning how each other play, getting that chemistry” Accardo said.

“[I’m] just really proud to see that we could output it on the pitch and throughout the season and grow with that.”

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New faces bring new energy to new Matildas squad

by Alyce Collett (24/9/26)

Above: Tori Tumeth (left) and Charli Grant (right) are just some of the new faces in the most recent Matildas squad, released today. Photo: via Commbank Matildas.

Australia’s squad for the upcoming window in October has been revealed, with some new faces joining the squad alongside plenty of familiar faces.

There are three players who are uncapped at senior level that have been called up into this squad – Tori Tumeth, Courtney Newbon and Hana Lowry.

This call up caps off a pretty big year already for Tumeth, who has moved to Vancouver Rise in Canada’s Northern Super League and really made her mark already, scoring a few times and also captaining the team on a number of occasions.

Lowry has also had a big few months, with the midfielder making the move to Vålerenga in Norway after the most recent A-League Women’s season, and even scoring on her debut for the side.

Newbon’s inclusion comes off the back of a strong A-League Women’s season which saw her win the Goalkeeper of the Year award in the league.

There are also several returning faces to the squad that have not previously been called up this calendar year.

Alexia Apostolakis has earned a first call up since the June/July window of last year, and it comes off the back of captaining the Young Matildas in the recent U20 Asian Cup and a strong season in the A-League Women’s that saw her secure a move to Bristol City in England’s WSL2 competition.

Daniela Galic is back in the squad after a strong season thus far in Sweden, and returns to the squad for the first time since the SheBelieves Cup in early 2025.

Fan favourite Charli Grant is also back in the squad for the first time since October 2025, and after a few tough years playing for Tottenham Hotspur in England is now flying for Malmö FF in Sweden.

There are also a few big names missing from this squad, with Alanna Kennedy and Charli Rule not named because of injury and Kyra Cooney-Cross not named for personal reasons.

Speaking to the media this afternoon about the announcement, Matildas coach Joe Montemurro spoke about what he hopes to achieve with the team this window and how bringing in those new players may help with that.

“I think we’re approaching it basically from from the point of view that we’ve stabilised the way we want to play” Montemurro explained.

“We’ve stabilised the ideas that we think are our base, and what we now need to do is start to introduce a couple of other things that we could be challenged with in the tournament, and that’s maybe tinkering with a little bit of system, tinkering with a little bit of design of structure with the ball, a little bit of design of structure without the ball.

“We just want to make sure that we cover all our bases with the players that we bring in that are able to have the profile to do these little adjustments that we need to.”

Australian Squad – October 2026 window

Alexia Apostolakis, Mackenzie Arnold, Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Alex Chidiac, Caitlin Foord, Mary Fowler, Daniela Galic, Charlotte Grant, Winonah Heatley, Sam Kerr, Chloe Lincoln, Hana Lowry, Leticia McKenna, Holly McNamara, Alana Murphy, Courtney Nevin, Courtney Newbon, Jamilla Rankin, Hayley Raso, Amy Sayer, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey, Tori Tumeth, Emily Van Egmond, Clare Wheeler.

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Table-topping Toon terrorise United

By Texi Smith (23/9/26)

Above: Martha Thomas celebrating her second goal vs Sheffield United Photo: Newcastle United FC.

An action-packed Sunday afternoon of top-quality WSL2 action saw Newcastle United Women leap to the top of the table in style at a breezy Gateshead International Stadium.

An expectant and jovial Geordie crowd roared on their favourites, who were coasting through early goals from Beth Lumsden and Aussie import Kaitlyn Torpey, but watched on in horror as a freak goal from Lucy Quinn had Sheffield United back in the game at half-time.

Two quick goals from Martha Thomas after the break gave Newcastle the footing to go on and fill their boots, but a combination of wayward finishing and unforgiving referee calls prevented them from adding to the agony for the increasingly angry and agitated visitors.

The prospect of watching football in a stadium boasting an internationally recognised running track was not a positive notion, despite the success of South Melbourne and West Ham United in overcoming the tyranny of distance from the stands to the playing surface.

The GIS boasts one main stand, thankfully facing away from the sun, split into North and South sections. The technical areas for the coaches and substitutes brought onto the same side today due to the strong wind.

We had a healthy crowd, the expert pitch-side announcer created a superb atmosphere and explained the tribute planned for the anniversary of WSL legend Matt Beard’s passing due for the 13th minute before the upbeat music whipped up the crowd.

A mix of AC/DC’s Thunderstruck and the Toon Toon Black and White Army chant was a marvellous concoction, and the familiar Blaydon Races, Hey Jude and Local Hero welcomed the players to the field and accompanied the handshakes and coin toss.

Flags provided by the Wor Flags operation were waved furiously by fans young and old, the barriers surrounding the long-jump sandpits of this athletics stadium were adorned with flags bearing Howay the Lasses, while the club’s energy drink sponsor handed out samples of their juicy products to the crowd.

First though, a tribute to Sheffield United’s Maddy Cusack, a minute’s applause enthusiastically delivered by the upstanding crowd, and then we were ready for the action. The Sip and Support movement allowed fans to grab their cans and drink their alcohol responsibly in view of the field.

The Tyneside crowd had plenty of vocal members throwing their voices to the cause as the chants were familiar to anyone who had been to a men’s game at the cathedral on the hill on the other side of the river, mixed in with a selection of witty and humorous songs for the players on view today.

The opening exchanges were even, Beth Lumsden not afraid to drop deep to receive the ball, Rachel McLauchlan having to race back to foil a Sheffield United attack and Martha Thomas producing a crunching tackle to get the home fans in the mood.

The stirring minute’s applause on the 13th minute had a quirky moment as Newcastle goalkeeper Anna Tamminen made the first save of the game, the applause intensifying for a moment to acknowledge the stop.

Moments later, the home team took the lead, a patient approach from Martha Thomas and a sweet turn by Lumsden, her stunning left-foot shot giving Sian Rogers no chance.

Mollie Lambert continued the forward momentum on the left, and a quickfire second followed, Torpey somehow ending up inside the penalty area with a low side-footed shot that rolled inside the post in slow motion.

Amy Andrews advanced to curl a shot around the post as Sheffield United responded, but this was all Newcastle, Thomas screwing a shot wide when well-placed, and Charlie Devlin displaying her anger to the referee, the visiting player receiving a stern talking to.

Goalkeeper Rogers miskicked a spinning deflected shot to concede a needless corner – nothing was going right – and trickery from Thomas set up Lois Joel for a rasping shot that just cleared the bar.

Just when we were wondering how many Newcastle might score before the break, the unthinkable happened – a routine back pass saw Tamminen hesitate and Quinn reacted to close down the ball, the goalkeeper only able to drill the clearance into the Sheffield United attacker’s legs, the ball rolling into the unguarded net.

Silence and disbelief in the crowd and on the field, and as suddenly we had a game on our hands.

Torpey tried to shepherd out a ball for a goal kick and managed to touch it on the way out, Andrews got to the byline to pull back for Devlin to fire into the side netting, and an equalising goal was suddenly a possibility.

The score remained until the break, however, Joel and Thomas the standout performers for the home team while Andrews troubled the defence with her obvious pace.

Newcastle allayed the fears of their fans with a dramatic opening to the second half.

A mistake allowed Torpey to jink to the byline and deliver a fantastic cross, Thomas rising highest to power home a header to restore the two-goal advantage only seconds after the restart.

Moments later, Thomas raced into the box and pulled the ball back for Kathleen MacGovern, but she fluffed her lines, and the home team were purring.

Thomas treated the crowd to a beautiful nutmeg before Lumsden wowed the crowd with a cheeky flick to beat her player to race away from the defence; her touch was strong but she had the wherewithal to slide in before goalkeeper Rogers could react, touching the ball inside for Thomas to tap home her second goal and Newcastle’s fourth.

Aoife Mannion’s meaty challenge stopped Sheffield United’s Tilly Bristow when she threatened to weave through the whole defence on her own, and the defence was stretched again when the pacy Andrews was played in cleverly by Sophie Harwood and fired in a shot that bounced off the post.

There was life in the visitors yet.

Jordan Nobbs came on to huge cheers and immediately fired a volley just wide, but this was a good spell for Sheffield United, Tamminen again with a nervy moment, this time getting away with it.

When Thomas was strangely asked to leave the field after a head knock, there was confusion on the sideline, and Bristow then bemoaned the referee when she felt impeded in the box by Tamminen’s stretch.

Substitute Leanne Kiernan then broke clean through for Newcastle, looking way offside, and she shaped to shoot before getting it all wrong, tumbling to the floor.

The undeniable pace of Andrews continued to be a thorn in the home defence, and she powered in a shot that Tamminen tipped over for a corner.

By now the result was beyond doubt, but there was still plenty of action, Mollie Rouse into the book for a shirt pull in front of the referee, and Thomas had a chance for a hat-trick but decided to cut in instead of taking the shot on the run, and curling effort clearing the far post.

Following a good chance from a corner that Hildur Antonsdottir maybe could have connected with, a deflected shot from substitute Freya Gregory, the final goalmouth action saw Gregory finish at the far post into an unguarded net, but with goalkeeper Rogers already prone on the turf following a collision, it was no surprise that the referee disallowed the goal.

The final score of 4-1 was reflective of the domination of the home team today, but there were periods when their control went missing; Sheffield United were no pushovers.

The time-honoured worldwide tradition of women’s games ending with a meet and greet with the fans was respected, families, partners and fans all able to meet their heroes and congratulate them on an impressive home win.

There was no rush to leave the stadium, the numerous flags scattered through the main stand were collected by the home fans and deposited at the front and the staggered departure of the crowd made for an easy exit, retracing the steps along the sun-drenched St James’ Boulevard to the Metro with a handful of happy Newcastle United fans.

From a football perspective, what we’d seen today was a well-oiled Newcastle machine making a statement.

The skills of Lois Joel and Martha Thomas were crowd-pleasing, the Newcastle defence was solid and relaxed, and a goal and an assist by Kaitlyn Torpey justified the Aussie Aussie Aussie chant from the delighted main stand.

Looking at this from a fan’s perspective, it was a perfect family day out; the all-encompassing mix of supporters, many of those with the names and numbers of their female heroes on their shirts, everyone willing to join in with the songsheet, made a fabulous atmosphere.

Beers in your seat, a kiosk selling pulled pork rolls, free energy drinks for all, along with dancing magpie mascots, flag waving and player interaction, this was a strong reason for more fans to make Gateshead International Stadium a go-to weekend day out.

Newcastle United are on a roll; the juggernaut is only just in second gear; this will be a powerhouse before we know it.

Lineups: Newcastle: Tamminen, Purfield, McGovern, Lambert, Thomas, Torpey, Bradley, Joel, Mannion, Lumsden, McLauchlan. SUBS: Rendell, Wardlaw, Nobbs, Gregory, Nemeth, Antonsdottir, Sevenus, Evans, Kiernan

Sheffield United: Rogers, Cowan, Kinzett, Pearse, Andrews, Devlin, Houssein, Quinn, O’Rourke, Harwood, Reavill. SUBS: Soper, Baker, Bristow, Scofield, Rouse, Jones.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Trailblazers: The Arsenal Women’s Column

by Roberto Revilla (23/9/26)

Above: Mariona Caldentey slots home Arsenal’s late penalty which finally clinched their win over HB Køge last night. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Arsenal find a way to win, but attacking questions remain

Mariona Caldentey’s stoppage-time penalty gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory over HB Køge at Meadow Park on Tuesday night and ensured Renée Slegers’ side began their Women’s Champions League campaign with three points.

It was a win Arsenal deserved on the balance of possession and territory, but one they made considerably more difficult than it needed to be.

Arsenal finished with 70 per cent possession, 21 attempts and 10 corners, yet only two of those attempts were on target, one of them Caldentey’s penalty.

One commentator described it as quantity rather than quality, and that summed up the evening rather well.

Slegers made eight changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Manchester United on Saturday, with Anneke Borbe coming into goal behind a back four of Smilla Holmberg, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley and Taylor Hinds.

Kyra Cooney-Cross joined Kim Little and Frida Maanum in midfield, while Chloe Kelly and Caitlin Foord started either side of Stina Blackstenius.

There was some early encouragement.

Kelly immediately looked willing to drive at the Køge defence, while Holmberg pushed high from right-back and regularly overlapped outside her. Little provided support inside, and Cooney-Cross continually looked to move the ball forward quickly.

That directness from Cooney-Cross became one of Arsenal’s biggest positives and ultimately earned her UEFA’s Player of the Match award.

Above: Kyra Cooney-Cross – who delivered a player of the match performance last night. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Arsenal thought they had taken the lead after 13 minutes following one of their best moves of the first half.

Cooney-Cross drove towards the penalty area, combined with Foord and continued her run before finding Kelly, who finished superbly from the middle of the box.

A VAR review changed everything.

Blackstenius was standing in an offside position between Kelly and goalkeeper Alberte Vingum and was judged to be interfering with the goalkeeper’s line of sight, so the goal was disallowed.

It was a frustrating moment for Arsenal and particularly for Blackstenius, who wasn’t directly involved in the move but found herself in a position which ultimately cost Kelly an excellent goal.

From there, the game’s pattern became increasingly familiar.

Arsenal had plenty of possession and repeatedly reached the final third, but too many promising attacks ended on the wrong decision, an extra touch, or a shot from an area where Køge were comfortable allowing them to try.

The visitors weren’t simply sitting in a permanent low block.

They defended in an organised 4-4-2 shape, pressed Arsenal’s defence with their two forwards and were prepared to play when they recovered possession.

Kyra Carusa continually looked to stretch Arsenal’s back line, while the vastly experienced Nadia Nadim found pockets around the Arsenal penalty area and tested Borbe from distance.

Køge’s attacking quality wasn’t always matched by the final pass, but there were enough warning signs to prevent Arsenal from committing everybody forward without considering the space they were leaving behind.

Little produced an excellent challenge inside the Arsenal penalty area during the first half, while Borbe looked composed whenever she was required to deal with Køge’s longer passes.

At the other end, Holmberg became an increasingly important part of Arsenal’s attack.

The 19-year-old repeatedly got outside her defender and delivered accurate balls into the penalty area, but Arsenal lacked somebody consistently anticipating where those crosses were going.

That became one of the biggest frustrations of the evening.

These weren’t hopeful deliveries thrown into the penalty area because Arsenal had run out of ideas. Holmberg was repeatedly putting the ball into dangerous positions, but the movement in front of her wasn’t good enough to take advantage.

Blackstenius struggled to become the focal point Arsenal needed and was replaced by Alessia Russo at half-time.

Above: Chloe Kelly looks to break through the HB Køge defence last night. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Russo immediately offered different movement through the middle, while Hinds became increasingly adventurous from left-back, but Arsenal were still struggling to turn their possession into clear chances.

There was also a significant warning at the other end when Køge broke through Arsenal’s high defensive line and Borbe raced a long way outside her penalty area to prevent Carusa getting through on goal.

It was an important intervention during an otherwise relatively quiet first Arsenal start for the German goalkeeper.

Slegers made two further changes just before the hour, with Caldentey and Lisa Baum replacing Little and Foord.

Kelly moved to the left and Baum took up the position ahead of Holmberg on the right, reuniting a combination which has already shown considerable promise this season.

Arsenal became more positive after the changes, but the end product was still missing.

Maanum endured a particularly difficult evening in front of goal, sending another opportunity high and wide after Russo had produced an excellent cross from the left.

By this stage Køge knew what was coming.

Arsenal were attacking from both sides and putting numerous balls into the penalty area, but the Danish champions were getting three or four players around the ball and dealing with almost everything being sent towards them.

The frustration inside Meadow Park was becoming increasingly obvious.

Slegers finally introduced Selina Cerci for Maanum after 72 minutes, allowing Russo to move into a deeper position and giving Arsenal a different presence through the middle.

It proved decisive.

Arsenal continued to push without finding a way through until stoppage time, when Cerci did something they hadn’t done often enough in the previous 90 minutes.

She attacked the penalty area directly.

With three Køge defenders around her, Cerci forced Yukina Sakabe into making a decision, and the defender brought her down.

Caldentey stepped forward and although Vingum got something on the resulting penalty, she couldn’t prevent it finding the net.

Arsenal finally had their goal.

Above: There’s a lot for Renee Slegers to think about ahead of Sunday’s huge trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Cerci deserves considerable credit for creating it because her approach represented something Arsenal had lacked for much of the evening.

Rather than searching for another pass or waiting for the perfect opening, she attacked the space in front of her and forced the defender to react.

For Slegers, there were other positives.

Cooney-Cross was direct and decisive throughout. Holmberg once again demonstrated the attacking qualities which are making her increasingly difficult to leave out. Kelly continually tried to make things happen in crowded areas, and Borbe handled everything asked of her.

Køge also deserve credit.

They were well-organised, committed players around Arsenal’s attackers, and retained enough ambition in possession to ensure the hosts couldn’t simply forget about defending.

But Arsenal’s attacking numbers remain difficult to ignore.

Twenty-one attempts with only two on target cannot simply be dismissed as poor finishing.

Some of it certainly was, but there were also too many attacks where the problem came before the shot: the extra touch, the delayed pass, the run that wasn’t made, or another accurate cross arriving without anyone attacking the space.

Arsenal are producing plenty of attacking activity, but too much of it isn’t ending with a player receiving the ball in a position where they would reasonably be expected to score.

Tuesday night may at least have provided some clues.

Cooney-Cross speeds Arsenal’s possession up. Holmberg can provide consistent quality from the right. Kelly is willing to attack defenders, and Cerci again showed that her instinct is to attack the penalty area.

Slegers now has to work out how to put enough of those qualities onto the pitch at the same time.

Arsenal have their first three Champions League points and, ultimately, that was the most important requirement on Tuesday night.

But with Chelsea waiting at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Arsenal’s attacking play will have to improve.

They won’t have 70 per cent possession and 21 attempts every week.

Above: Frida Maanum bursts through last night. Photo: Arsenal FC.

Roberto Revilla is the founder and host of Arsenal Women: Trailblazers, an independent podcast and website providing in-depth analysis and coverage of Arsenal Women. You can find the podcast and Roberto’s latest Arsenal Women writing at Arsenal Women: Trailblazers.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Trailblazers: The Arsenal Women’s Column

by Roberto Revilla (23/9/26)

Above: Smilla Holmberg hits Arsenal’s late equaliser against Manchester United on Saturday. Photo: The Guardian.

Arsenal simply have to be quicker at exploiting the moments

Smilla Holmberg struck a superb stoppage-time equaliser as Arsenal rescued a 1-1 draw against Manchester United at the Emirates, denying Eva Olid’s side their first WSL victory of the season.

Julia Zigiotti Olme had given United the lead midway through the second half and for much of the afternoon their disciplined defensive performance looked set to deliver all three points. But Holmberg, introduced before the hour, met Leah Williamson’s long delivery at the far post in the 94th minute and volleyed beyond Phallon Tullis-Joyce to rescue Arsenal.

The result leaves Arsenal unbeaten after three league games, but having dropped four points from consecutive home draws against Crystal Palace and Manchester United, there will be frustration for Renée Slegers despite the late escape.

United provide an early threat

Arsenal began reasonably brightly, with Olivia Smith finding space on the right and Lisa Baum testing Tullis-Joyce early on.

United, however, were not content to simply retreat into a low defensive block. They enjoyed spells of possession and produced arguably the most dangerous spell of the opening half, when Elisabeth Terland forced Misa Rodríguez into two saves in quick succession around the 20-minute mark.

Misa’s first stop was particularly important, and the Spanish goalkeeper would go on to produce another assured performance, both with her handling and her distribution.

Arsenal continued to probe. One of their better moves saw Smith release Emily Fox, who found Alessia Russo before the ball was worked to Mariona Caldentey on the edge of the area, but her effort curled wide.

Their clearest opportunity of the half came shortly before the interval and began with Rodriguez.

The goalkeeper spotted Ona Batlle’s run and sent an excellent long pass over the United defence. Batlle couldn’t quite bring it under control, but Baum recovered the ball and delivered it back into the area for Stina Blackstenius.

The Swedish striker connected powerfully with her header, but directed it too close to Tullis-Joyce, who made a strong save to ensure the teams went into half-time level.

Holmberg changes the game

United had increasingly succeeded in making Arsenal’s possession relatively harmless. Olid’s side remained compact centrally, encouraged Arsenal towards the wide areas and defended the resulting deliveries well.

Slegers responded before the hour.

Kim Little replaced Mariona while Holmberg came on for Smith, with the 19-year-old immediately adding greater directness on Arsenal’s right.

Rather than continually recycling possession, Holmberg looked to attack Anna Sandberg, get around the outside and deliver early. Her willingness to run directly at United’s defence began to alter the rhythm of the game. 

But just as Arsenal appeared to be increasing the pressure, they handed United their breakthrough.

In the 66th minute, Georgia Stanway attempted to find Steph Catley under pressure, but the pass was loose and Zigiotti Olme seized upon it. The Swedish midfielder still had work to do, but finished impressively beyond Misa to give United a 1-0 lead.

Above: Manchester United celebrate Julia Zigotti Olme’s (centre) opening goal at The Emirates. Photo: The Guardian.

Slegers responded quickly. Caitlin Foord and Selina Cerci replaced Blackstenius and Baum, before Chloe Kelly was introduced for Batlle as Arsenal committed more players to finding an equaliser.

Foord forced an excellent save from Tullis-Joyce; Cerci headed another opportunity at the United goalkeeper; Williamson went close, and Kelly tested her from distance.

United were being pushed progressively deeper but continued to defend impressively, with Maya Le Tissier particularly influential centrally and Tullis-Joyce providing the final barrier whenever Arsenal found a way through. 

Cerci also went down under a challenge in the penalty area during stoppage time, but no penalty was awarded.

Arsenal would not need it.

Holmberg rescues Arsenal

With Arsenal still trailing in the 94th minute, Williamson sent a long diagonal delivery towards the far post.

Holmberg timed her arrival superbly and, with no hesitation, met the ball first time on the volley to beat Tullis-Joyce and send the Emirates into celebration.

It was a moment of considerable composure from the 19-year-old, but her contribution extended beyond the goal. Her direct running had given United a different problem from the moment she entered the game and provided one of the clearest positives for Arsenal on another frustrating afternoon. 

Arsenal’s attacking problem

The result leaves Slegers with questions to answer before Arsenal’s next fixture, although the problem may be more complicated than simply struggling to break down a low block.

Arsenal finished with 16 shots, six on target and an expected goals figure of approximately 1.4. They also forced 18 high turnovers but produced only three shots from those situations and recorded no shots from fast breaks. Around 0.6 of Arsenal’s expected goals came from corners. 

Those numbers suggest the issue is not solely finishing.

There were opportunities when United had not yet established their defensive shape, but Arsenal frequently failed to turn those moments into immediate attacks. By the time possession had been recycled, United had recovered their positions, closed the central spaces, and Arsenal were once again faced with an organised defence.

Slegers described Arsenal’s problem afterwards as failing to turn “dominance into danger”, and the distinction is important. 

The Arsenal head coach had deliberately selected Russo behind Blackstenius to get two strikers into the penalty area when Arsenal attacked from wide positions. The logic was understandable, but too often United were organised before the delivery arrived.

Holmberg demonstrated one possible solution: attack the space earlier.

Her introduction also provides some mitigation for criticism of Slegers’ substitutions. The first changes came before the hour and before United took the lead, with Holmberg immediately influencing the game. Cerci and Foord followed shortly after United scored.

United deserve significant credit too. Having suffered a 5-0 defeat against Chelsea in their previous fixture, Olid had worked extensively on defensive organisation during the week. The improvement was clear.

Sandberg handled her individual battle with Smith well, Le Tissier marshalled the central areas and Tullis-Joyce produced important saves when Arsenal did find openings.

For Arsenal, Misa and Holmberg were the clearest positives, while their response after falling behind demonstrated the attacking options available to Slegers.

The concern is that the urgency seen in the final stages only appeared when Arsenal were chasing the game.

Four points have now been dropped from successive home fixtures and, for a side with ambitions of winning the WSL, that cannot become a recurring pattern.

The task for Arsenal is therefore not simply finding better ways to break down organised defences. They must become quicker at exploiting the moments before those defences have a chance to organise in the first place. 

Keep your eyes peeled for Roberto’s deep dive analysis of last night’s Champions League opener for Impetus – on the site shortly.

Roberto Revilla is the founder and host of Arsenal Women: Trailblazers, an independent podcast and website providing in-depth analysis and coverage of Arsenal Women. You can find the podcast and Roberto’s latest Arsenal Women writing at Arsenal Women: Trailblazers.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

NPLW VIC Grand Final: Avondale FC are Champions

By Kieran Yap 23/9/2026

Above: Avondale FC celebrating their win. Photo: Alyce Collett for Impetus.

Avondale FC are the 2026 NPLW Champions after defeating Box Hill 2-1 in an absorbing contest at the Home of The Matildas. Goals to Sloane Young and Aideen Keane claimed the Grand Final win after the clubs first season in the top flight and marks a significant achievement for the ambitious club who now hold the men’s and women’s titles.

After 26 games of the home and away season and two weeks of finals, it all came down to this. The defending champions, and current premiers Box Hill United Pythagoras against the fast rising superpower Avondale FC.

Box Hill went into this game as marginal favourites. They have been the best team of 2026 and been the pacesetters from early in the season. a convincing win over Bulleen Lions in the preliminary final did nothing to dampen expectations. Watchers of this competition may have become accustomed to them winning, but that did not make their run to a second decider any less impressive.

Kogulan Sabaratnam named a strong lineup, even without Holly Murray who had begun pre-season with Adelaide United.

Kiara Bercelli came into this game with 18 assists and 11 goals after a season that should see her in contention for Gold Medal status. Erin Keyt joined in in attack with 13 goals and four assists, with club icons  and A-League stars Sofia Sakalis and Rhianna Pollicina pulling the strings in midfield.

At the back, they had Keeley Sevagvic. The goalkeeper has been one of the best signings of the season, and considering the stats of Bercelli and Keyt, that feels like a huge statement, but her performances in goal for Box Hill also make it an easy one to make.

Box Hill had a week’s rest after the Round 26 and looked fresh against Bulleen in the preliminary final. It was not an easy win. Box Hill had to survive Bulleen’s early onslaught and a valiant comeback attempt from the Lions, but it was a ruthlessly professional win by a side still operating at the level that won them the Grand Final last year.  

Co-Captained by Pollicina and  20 year old Sofia Palywoda, Box Hill’s season has been even more impressive than last year. They arrived at The Home of The Matildas looking to add a third trophy to the cabinet in two years and underline their status as the state’s benchmark club.

Avondale FC held no fear of recent history. Why should they, when they are in the middle of a purple patch of form.

The newly promoted club has invested heavily in their women’s side. They had a slightly stuttering start to the season. Some early wins preceded some surprising losses. Despite the significant star power ate the club. Del Donnelly’s challenge was turning an all-star squad into a consistent team and they peaked when it mattered most.

Avondale played some sparkling football in the first half of the season, but the additions of Taylor Ray, Ellie Wilson  and Aideen Keane helped them to another level. The foundation’s were solid. At the back they had the defensive duo of Isabella Accardo and Gulcan Genitsaris.

In midfield, Asuka Miyata has been outstanding from Round one. standing out in a midfield that boasts Ray and Matildas legend Elise Kellond-Knight.

Up front, Sloane Young has been a star. The American winger scored 21 goals and had seven assists. Her close control and powerful finishing have made her almost impossible for any side to contain.

There were key matchups all over the field, and stars in every position. The quality on both sides of the team sheets made it feel like goals could come from anywhere, but the manner of the first one was still a surprise.

Box Hill earned a corner on the right of their attack. Maho Murakami stepped up and delivered an excellent ball into the goalmouth that evaded everybody and ended up in the back of the net. Olimpico’s are always special and always crowd-pleasers. This was a spectacular way for the game to begin.

If there was a downside to it, it is that Box Hill had taken a half chance and spun it into gold, but they are known for dominating games, and after Murakami scored, they were unable to do that as easily as they have this season.

Avondale began to push forward, Kellond-Knight moved higher up the pitch and began to link with Kellond-Knight. A crunching, but perfectly timed tackle by Genitsaris left Keane momentarily hobbling, but she recovered to set up a dangerous chance for Hannah Wilkinson that the striker’s lunging leg just missed.

Box Hill appeared to sit back after scoring, but Avondale were increasingly gaining control of the tempo. Their defensive line pushed up near halfway, almost daring Box Hill to hit them on the counter with Accardo starting to initiate play from the back.  

Bercelli took advantage of this high line and almost doubled the lead after skipping past her marker and bringing a great save out of Brooke Bennett.

Erin Keyt was next to find an opening in Box Hill’s attack. Her clever turn made room for the shot, but it went over the bar from 10 yards out.

A perfectly timed intervention from Taylor Ray at the edge of the penalty box denied Box Hill another chance and typified a game of fine margins and split second decisions.

Avondale were not affected by conceding early, and looked to be playing the game on their terms, but still could not find an equaliser, despite Keane and Sloane’s influence beginning to grow. Another missed chance by Wilkinson felt fateful at the time, but in hindsight, Avondale were just going to keep trying until one went in.

That happened midway through the second half. Keane’s surging run down the right ended with a cutback to Kellond-Knight. The midfielder was faced with a wall of Box Hill defenders but prodded the ball wide to Young who swept the ball into the net to level the scores.

Avondale had started the half stronger, and it had increasingly felt like Box Hill were holding on. At 1-1 it was still anybody’s game, but Taylor Ray in particular had tilted the scales in midfield and was having a huge say in proceedings.

Ray was instrumental in keeping the ball moving for Avondale, and breaking up Box Hill’s attacks. Her positioning off the ball is if the highest quality, her Grand Final pedigree well established and her intelligence was on full display as she effected how both teams played.

Keane was the driving force behind the goal, Young finished it, but Ray was making life impossible for Box Hill,  just as she had In the 2024/25 A-League Grand Final against Melbourne Victory.

Ray was not alone. Asuka Miyata was busy and creative. The Japanese midfielder is hard to track across the field when she is in this kind of form. She looked to be everywhere, knitting together play between midfield and attack. She is tough as nails too and drew fouls as much as she snapped into challenges.

Wilkinson had been wasteful in the first half, but she is an experienced striker who started in a home World Cup. Her head was not going to be bowed and she found a way to help win the game.

Wilkinson drifted out wide, dragging a marker with her. At first Box Hill would have been happy with that sight. That is where you want her ideally, out wide and far away from the penalty box.

But Keane had made an explosive overlapping run through the middle and Wilkinson weighted the pass perfectly. Keane’s finish beyond the rushing Segavcic delicately directed the ball into the bottom corner. It was 2-1 to Avondale with 14 minutes left to play.

Box Hill looked re-energised by going behind, and Pollicina moved to the point of the attack. The idea was to get her closer to goal and take advantage of her renowned finishing, but she was rightly marked and Box Hill were forced into more hopeful balls wide to Bercelli and substitute Gabrielle Simpson.

Avondale FC held on and were crowed Champions in an historic first season in the NPLW. They had beaten the reigning champions and current premiers in an epic encounter. There was little to separate these teams in the end, a moment of quality and determination was the difference for the winning goal and Box Hill had their chances, but from repeat viewing, this was a clearly deserved victory over a mighty opponent.

There are stories across the squad for Avondale. Genitsaris announced her retirement from the league after a long career in the game including 60 games with Melbourne Victory and international caps for Türkiye.

Keane and Ray are the new benchmark for mid-season signings. Their impact since joining Avondale and in particular for this finals series has been incredible.

Accardo made the switch from Bulleen Lions in pre-season and played every game for her new club, anchoring them in defence and using her composure on the ball to start attacks.

Beattie Goad made a triumphant return to football after retirement in late 2024. The capped Matilda and long time NPLW star was a delight to watch, and it was a privilege to watch Kellond-Knight play up close again. KK is simply one of the best midfielders Australia has ever produced and was influential when it mattered most.

Miyata was one of the best midfielders in the league over the season and Sloane Young was electric from Round One.

It is a testament to the quality of this competition that even with this stacked team, Avondale were made to earn this championship. They had a lot of quality, incomparable experience but no easy wins. When it came down to it, they were able to find a way against an opponent that could best be described as a winning machine over the last 12 months of football.  It is to the credit of the coaching staff that Avondale were able to peak at exactly the right time of the year.

Aideen Keane was named player of the match. Box Hill had no answer for her, but they are not alone in that. Few A-League teams did last season either, nor did Lucy Bronze. She is a huge talent, dynamic, combative and creative. Able to turn games in a moment of explosive confidence.

Keane will return to Melbourne City and if she continues to improve at the current rate, she could easily be in Matildas contention by mid-season. She was a delight to watch and frighteningly is still approaching her peak. Keane made this finals series her own, and it feels fitting that she scored the winning goal.

As for Box Hill, they can hold their heads up high after this season. It is one of the fun quirks of Australian Football that finishing on top of the ladder is both a massive achievement and the hardest thing to accomplish, but also no the pinnacle of the season.

Box Hill were incredible in 2026, even better than they were last year. Only Essendon Royals were able to convincingly beat them and they played some of the most eye catching team football in the league.

They will be disappointed with how the final day ended for them, but history will still record Champions in 2025 and Premiers in 2026. They remain a benchmark club in the Victorian NPLW.

In Appreciation of everyone who read this season

This was one of the most enjoyable seasons of the Victorian NPLW. From Round One it has been thrilling to watch and recap in this column. For a peek at how the sausage is made. I usually watch at four games in full each round, and the highlights of the remaining matches. Time does not allow for much else.

It can be tiring, but it is not a chore. I look forward to writing about this league more than any other football competition. It is a fun, passionate, community based and skilful league and it is nice to be in a football environment that exists almost purely because people love it.

I have written match reports covering the A-League Women, Matildas and NPLW back-to-back-to-back every week since 2020,  and I am now looking forward to an “off-season” in terms of writing (it’s truly superhuman that players manage to do this on the pitch)

I won’t be doing weekly match reports for The A-League women in 2026/27 with the intent of being recharged for the next 2027 NPLW season.

I greatly appreciate everybody who has taken the time to read these article this season. I try not to check the numbers, but love getting messages, even and often especially those that disagree with me or want to point out something I should focus on more. Talking about the game, the players and the league is the best way to help it grow and I think it is the whole point of watching sport.

I hope people have enjoyed this season, and my tiny contribution to it. Thankyou for reading.

To finish things off, here is the objective, definitive official Top 3 Hot Chips ranking for 2026:

Photo by Isabelle Campbell

1: Lakeside Stadium, South Melbourne. The right level of crunchiness and fluffiness with the best seasoning I the league

2: Home of The Matildas. Excellent but could probably be a bit larger in the serving size

3: Cross- Keys Reserve: pretty basic chips, the price is good, the bucket is handy to hold at a ground that is better to stand at, and I appreciate them getting so many made in a small one-person canteen.

Seeya at a cold ground with hot chips next year.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.


Arsenal FC pre-HB Køge press-conference

By Monica Clarke (22/9/26)

Above: Renee Slegers preparing her side for their UWCL opener Photo: Arsenal FC

Renee Slegers and Smilla Holmberg discuss Arsenal’s turn to focus on today’s Champions League matchup with HB Køge after back to back draws in the WSL.


Slegers reflects on Arsenal’s two most recent performances in the WSL where Arsenal struggled to create goals, drawing 0-0 against newly promoted Crystal Palace and 1-1 against Manchester United who had yet to collect any points in the WSL season so far until then.

“The way we progress onto the pitch is good, the way we dominate in many ways and get the ball forward is good. But then, of course, again, the final third and the chances that we set up. So, we’ve looked at that again, and both from a tactical, psychological, technical perspective.”


“I think one positive takeaway is that mentality of the squad and the players on the pitch, the players that came on and made a difference, Smilla scoring the goal in a forcing face towards the end in the 94th minute, we take that with us from a resilience mentality perspective, but yeah, of course we want to score more goals.”

Slegers also spoke on the talent and depth within her squad this season and being “doubled up in every position”.

Especially in the context of Arsenal’s quick turn between Manchester United, HB Køge tomorrow and then Chelsea FC in the upcoming weekend.

Slegers discussed the importance of player freshness going into this busy season of football.

“We also have to make sure that players are fresh, and players deserve opportunities as well to play.”

Slegers was asked about her choices in remaining players fresh for upcoming games and rotation.

“We’re just looking at what we need in the game, what partnerships are strong, what
players are in form, where’s everyone at physically?”

With a total of eight new signings joining Arsenal’s squad going into this season, Holmberg, the 94th minute equalising goalscorer vs Manchester United discussed the player’s connection as the season has begun.

“All the new players coming are very great in the team, both off the pitch and on the pitch and I’ve enjoyed playing with everyone”

“I think all of us have such a belief in this team and what we can achieve this season”

Going into the match this week Arsenal have focused on “how can we set up our chances and how do we arrive in the box?”.

Slegers spoke on “expecting to face a low block” with “fast attacks and counter attacks” from the HB Køge squad.

“They will try to close down spaces we’re expecting, whether that’s a back four or back five.”

Holmberg will be playing her first League phase of the Champions League having joined Arsenal in January last season.

“I know the Champions League campaign is something special and I love playing Champions League games so it will be exciting.”

Arsenal FC will face HB Køge at Meadow Park, Boreham Wood on Tuesday the 22nd September at 8pm BST.

@ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

Renee Slegers: Squad selection is “hardest part” of the job ahead of Manchester United

Above: Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers in a press conference. Image: Arsenal.

By Sarah Myles (18/9/26).

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers spoke to the media Thursday about squad sizes, frustrating draws and Arsenal’s next home game against a struggling Manchester United.

Following a tough 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, Slegers said the best thing for her team is to get back on the grass to resolve the frustration of failing to score despite a dominant performance. 

“We were happy with our dominance in the game and our entries in the final third, entries in the box, amount of shots,” Slegers said. But we’ve also been looking at how we can create even bigger opportunities for ourselves when the spaces are really tight and there’s a lot of bodies in the box.”

“We’ve been on a training pitch, and the players’ reaction has been really, really good. They’ve been working hard in training.”

Arsenal have the potential to extend their undefeated run in the WSL to 20 matches — the longest in club history. Slegers said she had “mixed emotions” about the statistic, focusing on how some of the draws in the period have been frustrating. 

“It’s very positive; what you say is that we’re hard to beat and that’s really what we feel about ourselves,” Slegers said. “It’s nice to see in the background, but for us, it has no meaning in the moment.”

Arsenal made several high-profile signings over the summer transfer window, with Selina Cerci and Geraldine Reuteler still to make their debut. Slegers said both could make an appearance this weekend. 

“They’re great players, both of them,” Slegers said.  “They’ve both had disrupted pre-seasons and have been away from the team a couple of weeks.”

“Of course, they want to represent Arsenal, and they want to pull on the shirt and connect with the fans in the competitive games, and they will,” Slegers said. “So what we’ve been talking about is the patience and the importance of everyone in the squad. It’s a marathon, it’s a long season, and we’re going to need everyone.”

Slegers recently called for an increase to the WSL match day squad. Another summer signing, Lisa Baum, has had a bright start to her Arsenal career, starting against both Brighton Hove and Albion and Crystal Palace and scoring on her Women’s Super League debut.

“She’s in a great place and can still improve her repeatability,” Slegers said. “She was a really good player for us on the pitch against Crystal Palace.”

“We have everyone in a great position,” Slegers said.We have good fitness and we have a lot of quality — and we think over time it’s going to benefit us. We’re also now going into short turnarounds with midweek Champions League games.”

Slegers said there are many factors she considers when selecting a match-day squad, including physical readiness and player profile.

“It’s the hardest part of my job at the moment,” Slegers said. 

Katie Reid, Daphne Van Domselaar, and Michelle Agyeman are still out with injuries. Slegers confirmed that new signing Elisa De Almeida is also unavailable due to injury.

Providing an update on Van Domselaar’s ongoing absence, Slegers said that October is a target for her return and that the goalkeeper “is working hard in the background with the medical team.”

Arsenal’s upcoming opponents, Manchester United, are still searching for their first league points following an opening weekend defeat to London City Lionesses and a catastrophic loss to Chelsea. Both of the league matches between Arsenal and United finished in scoreless draws last season.

“I can imagine they’re not happy with the start of their season,” Slegers said. “We know it will be a very competitive game against United on Saturday.”

Arsenal face Manchester United at The Emirates on Saturday 20th September at 5:30pm.