Above: Shay Hollman on the ball for Sydney FC Photo: Sydney FC
Leichhardt Oval in Sydney hosted Sydney FC’s Saturday night clash with fellow contender Perth Glory.
Sydney FC came into the game off a 1-1 away draw with Melbourne Victory. The Perth Glory on the other hand came off a surprise 2-1 loss to Adelaide United away from home.
Sydney FC seem to have settled on a consistent XI with their current personnel. The youthful midfield of Shay Hollman and Madeleine Caspers being complimented by a talented mentor in Mackenzie Hawkesby. The front three of Cortnee Vine, Princess Ibini and Indiana Dos Santos will look to create and convert plenty of chances against a talented Perth squad.
Perth made a couple of changes themselves to bounce back. They modified their starting formation to a 4-4-2 with Millie Farrow being joined by Quinley Quezada. Sadie Lawrence also replaced Claudia Mihocic at the back, looking to firm up the Glory defence.
Taking on the Sky Blues under blue skies… It's currently around 24 degrees at Leichhardt Oval, with kick-off just 15 minutes away. Our match referee is Isabella Libri.#SYDvPER#ZamGlory#ONEGlorypic.twitter.com/gtog5fwIej
The first major chance of the game came 13 minutes in for Sydney, with Vine releasing Hawkesby down the right side of the box. Hawkesby cut back to Ibini who drove a low effort just wide of the goal. Sadie Lawrence marked Ibini tightly which led to the shot off target.
At 15 minutes, Vine made a run down the right wing after a long ball from Jada Mathyssen Whyman. Despite a determined effort from Elizabeth Anton, Vine was able to send a very threatening cross that beat everyone in the box, including Morgan Aquino. Indi Dos Santos was just short of making the connection to convert and Perth remained even.
Aquino continued to be put under pressure as a roaming Tori Tumeth was sent through by Ibini drove a low effort that was directed wide by the keeper. The resulting corner from Hawkesby almost went in but Aquino and her defence were able to scramble the ball away before ultimately collecting off a tame Jordan Thompson header.
In the 21st minute, Sydney’s attacking players combined again as Indi Dos Santos played to Ibini who held the ball up to set up a long range effort by Hawkesby. The midfielder’s shot was comfortably over the bar but the passing play by Sydney was continuing to apply pressure.
The pressure eventually did pay off for Sydney as Vine received the ball with space on the right wing. She played the ball clinically across to Madeleine Caspers who showed terrific composure to take a touch and then open the scoring with a driven effort into the bottom corner. Another goal for the 16 year-old who’s been having a terrific season.
In the 27th minute, Indiana Dos Santos was clumsily taken down in the box by Hana Lowry which won Sydney FC a penalty. Princess Ibini stepped up to take the penalty and a driven effort to the middle of the goal was tipped over the bar by Morgan Aquino to keep the deficit at only one for the Glory.
A handball at the edge of the Perth Glory box by Hollman presented the first proper opportunity for Perth. Hana Lowry looped in the free kick which she claimed but took a dramatic deflection to equalise for the Perth Glory. The deflection did in fact come off Quezada which meant that it was the forward’s goal rather than credited to Lowry who did take a great free kick.
The last portion of the first half saw Sydney continue to try and create chances with a few free kicks from Hawkesby and an attempted rainbow flick from Indiana Dos Santos. Ultimately, Sydney were unable to restore their lead before half-time but went into the break with more momentum.
Perth had one more half chance in the first half as Isobel Dalton struck a very long range effort on target but held comfortably by Whyman as it did not have enough power to trouble the keeper.
Early in the second half, some short passing play between Dos Santos and Hawkesby allowed Dos Santos a good look at goal. Her curled effort was competently saved by Aquino as it did not have enough power but Sydney FC picked up where they left off in the first half.
Sydney kept the pressure on, Dos Santos often as a catalyst. A shot from Dos Santos was deflected to the edge of the box which Vine struck with a venomous half volley. Unfortunately for Vine, the shot was wide of the goal but the closest Sydney had gotten in the second half.
Much like the first half, the Sydney FC pressure did not relent, and the moment Ibini found some space on the ball, she played a terrific through ball to Vine who ran on into the box and struck a low driven effort into the bottom left corner which restored Sydney’s lead.
Dos Santos almost added another after a breakaway from Vine. Vine played across to Ibini who lobbed the ball over to Dos Santos, but the defensive coverage from Perth captain Natasha Rigby denied Dos Santos a spot on the score sheet. Ibini struck a snapshot soon after from near the penalty box which was saved well by Aquino.
Mackenzie Hawkesby had an opportunity in the 70th minute after being played through by Ibini. Aquino proved equal to the effort and another which was just a minute later by Ibini which was curled toward the right side of the goal but unable to get past Aquino who had a great game in goal.
Vine put the icing on the cake for the Sky Blues after a sensational through ball by Indiana Dos Santos. Vine got onto the ball just outside the box, rounded Morgan Aquino and slotted the ball home for her brace.
In stoppage time, Perth did have a chance to pull one back. Substitute Georgia Cassidy struck a volley after a corner was not cleared by Sydney FC. The strike was deflected off Jordan Thompson but Whyman was positioned well enough to just make the save.
The possession battle in this game was striking in the sense that while both teams enjoy playing a possession based style, Sydney were able to keep hold of possession a lot more effectively than the Glory.
The fact that Perth were able to score despite having hardly any chances shows just how dangerous the team can be and why they find themselves still in a strong position on the table. The Glory are a very determined side and are never really out of any game, possession or not.
The Sydney FC front three were excellent throughout this game. Dos Santos and Vine created chance after chance and Ibini’s hold-up play was excellent. Sydney created a staggering amount of chances and overwhelmed a Glory side which looked very close to them on paper.
Teams: SYDNEY FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Tumeth, J.Thompson, McLean, Fenton, Hollman, Caspers, Hawkesby,Vine, Ibini, I. Dos Santos. Substitutes: Franco, Lemon, Kruger, J. Dos Santos, Ray.
Above: Chrissy Panagaris celebreates her winning goal. Photo: Adelaide United
Teams travelling away from home to play Adelaide United at their home ground of Coopers Stadium face a tough challenge. The Adelaide United women are staunch in defending their home field advantage demonstrated through their having defeated some high quality teams when at home. With a blazing hot sun and perfect pitch conditions, the final result of the match was largely dictated by the strategies of each team’s use of their energy. It was an excellent decision by the A-League to have two drinks breaks in each half which produced good quality football throughout the entirety of the match.
It was the Western Sydney Wanderers who started fast, securing possession of the ball seeking a go ahead goal. Knowing that the heat of the day would sap players’ energy later in the match, Wanderers employed a strategy of seeking dominance right from the kickoff.
Adelaide however were the equal of the Wanderers finding gaps repeatedly through the midfield formation, putting Dawber into clear spaces to launch attacks. The tenth minute of the match gave Adelaide a fantastic opportunity to score with a well placed corner kick not being dispatched cleanly by the Wanderers defenders but Adelaide were unable to find the back of the net.
Sophie Harding, Wanderers goal scoring wonder, demonstrated time and again why she is one of the best players in the league. Speed, skill and accuracy are hallmarks of her game and all of these were on display early. A shot from distance in the 16th minute was a scoring opportunity but the ball curled up and over the top bar.
A loose trailing arm in the goal area by Adelaide’s Hannah Blake resulted in Wanderers player Vicky Bruce going down after being hit on the cheek. The referee quickly decided the action was worthy of a penalty. Despite goalkeeper Annalee Grove picking the right direction of the ball, Amy Harrisons shot was too quick and found the back of the net. The Wanderers went ahead 1-0 in the 44th minute.
Western Sydney strike first from the spot 🎯🙌
Amy Harrison with a captain’s goal splits the sides at half-time!
The second half continued on in the same style as the first half ended. The Wanderers pushing hard, desiring an early goal while the Adelaide sides structure remained composed giving few chances away. The effect of the heat of the day became apparent as both sides became far more compact.
It took until the 58th minute for the first opportunity to score arose, with Wanderers getting a clean shot on goal which Adelaide’s Grove was easily able to collect. An immediate counter attack ensued with Chelsie Dawber having an excellent opportunity to score but a badly hit shot found its way into the stands.
Adelaide engineered their first real chance in the 68th minute with a beautiful 1-2 passing manoeuvre down the left hand side that put Dawber into space. A clean pass across the face of the Wanderers goal was unable to find an Adelaide player resulting in an opportunity to score being squandered. It was Dawber again, just two minutes later, who was able to outsmart her defender and sliced through a beautiful pass to a wide open Hannah Blake who netted an easy goal.
Hannah Blake, goal scorer. Photo: @BDbmedia.
With the score line being tied the match sprang to life with both teams not willing to settle for a draw. It was from a handover of possession that Adelaide’s Hodgson pounced on a loose ball in the middle of the pitch. A clean pass cut through the Wanderers defenders finding Chrissy Panagaris, who executed a lovely shot beating the goalkeeper putting Adelaide ahead 2-1 in the 85th minute.
The remainder of the match was played out at high speed and peak energy. Both teams gave their absolute all until the final whistle but it was to be Adelaide’s day as they finished as winners 2-1 over a hearty Wanderers unit.
Chrissy Panagaris. Source: @adelaideunited.
Both teams will be looking forward to some time off the pitch for much needed recovery. Adelaide’s win keeps their season alive despite their being last on the table. The win keeps them within striking distance of achieving a top six finish. Meanwhile, the Wanderers will begin their preparations for their next challenge being the Newcastle Jets on Friday night. The Wanderers also are in the hunt for the top six.
There is a lot to be excited about as the season continues!
Above:Alex Chidiac passes the ball to Elise Kellond-Knight in the midfield. Photo:Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory recorded a tight 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar thanks to a late penalty converted by Rachel Lowe. It was a warm evening in the Sunshine State and there were over 2,000 people in the stands and on the grass behind the goals. The atmosphere was incredible.
Victory got off to a lighting fast start, putting the Roar defence under immense pressure from the get-go. In the third minute, Holly McQueen spotted Emily Gielnik making a dangerous run down the right flank and made a superb slide tackle to deny her a goal scoring opportunity, at the expense of conceding a corner. The corner was taken by Elise Kellond-Knight. It was an awkward high-curling ball that Roar was unable to clear. It fell nicely for Victory defender, Emma Checker, who thumbed it home to secure the early lead. It’s Checker’s second goal in Victory colours, having scored her first against Western United early in the season.
For the next half an hour or so it was a very even contest, both sides having chances up each end. In the 36th minute, Sharn Freier came bounding down the left side, passed it to Tameka Yallop in front of the box, who flicked it on because Victory defenders were crowding her out. The ball made its way to Deborah-Anne de la Harpe who took a shot on goals. The shot was parried away but it fell right to Yallop who volleyed it into the back of the net to equalise the match. The goal was Yallop’s second in as many matches.
Brisbane Roar carried the momentum into the second half, starting strong with a number of chances in the first five minutes alone. Eventually, Melbourne Victory wrestled back control of the match and created some chances of their own, but the Roar defence, and Jordan Silkowitz in goals, was equal to the task.
In the 70th minute, some great build up play from the Roar exposed the Victory defence. Yallop found herself with the ball with some space in a dangerous area in the midfield and decided to go for goals. She took a brilliant shot from about 30 yards out, which was heading for the top middle of the goals, but Courtney Newbon pulled off a simply magnificent reflex save to tip it off the crossbar. It fell to Brisbane striker, Mia Corbin, but she was rushed and was unable to put it away.
About five minutes later, the pendulum swung entirely the other way. Roar were playing a high press, with their defenders up near the halfway mark. A sloppy pass turned over possession to McKenzie Weinert, one of the fastest and most dynamic players on the pitch. She bolted towards the goals, leaving the Roar defenders for dead. She went one on one with Silkowitz who cleaned her up in the box. Silkowitz probably should have been sent off, but instead she received a yellow card and conceded a penalty. Rachel Lowe stepped up and converted from the spot for the second week running, after having scored a penalty against Sydney last week. She’s having quite the campaign.
Victory really picked up their intensity in the last 15 minutes of the match, creating lots of chances. The Roar created a few as well, but nothing came of them. Victory closed out the match with a tight 2-1 win.
This will be a tough one for Brisbane Roar to take. They created tons of dangerous chances, but they were not nearly clinical enough and it came back to haunt them. That said, Jenna McCormick and McQueen put in a solid shift in the backline, both intervening at crucial moments all over the park. Freier was great in the midfield as always, using her speed and footwork to help set up the plays. Yallop in the front line was fantastic yet again. Her experience, physicality, and intent to always win the ball and move forward are a huge asset to any team. Also, her finish today was excellent.
It was a fantastic team performance from Melbourne Victory, who are now undefeated in four matches, coming back from a tough end to the year. Newbon was excellent in goals, making six crucial saves to keep her team in the match. Jamilla Rankin was great against her former side. Checker was strong down the back of the pitch and also clinical once more in front of goal. She got the whole affair off to a positive start. Alex Chidiac was solid in the midfield. But it was the front three who were on another level today. Weinert, Lowe, and Gielnik were a formidable trio, linking together beautifully. Together they created eight chances and took nine shots. Weinert won the penalty, and Lowe converted it. Jeff Hopkins should be pleased with his sides performance.
Melbourne Victory will play Central Coast Mariners away from home next Saturday. Brisbane will also be on the road next week, when they face Western United on Sunday.
Above: Lauren James for Chelsea. Photo: Mariella Prew
Impetus71 looks at the career of Chelsea’s Lauren James and tracks how she has already emerged as a star of the game by age 22.
Lauren James’ journey into being one of Chelsea’s own star players started from a young age of six. Lauren James grew up with football being a big influence in her every day life. She grew up playing football with her two brothers in their garden almost every day aswell as going along to her brothers’ football training. At the age of six, Lauren James went to Cobham where she watched her brother (Reece James) play for Chelsea where she was asked if she wanted to play for the girls’ team.
Although Lauren James was training with Chelsea at the age of six she was unable to play in games until the age of eight. Therefore from the age of six she would play for a boys’ grassroots team, Epsom Eagles, as well as training at Chelsea. After turning eight, Lauren James spent her youth growing up in the Chelsea academy by being apart of the Under 10s to the under-14s level.
The talent that she held at such a young age caught the eye of many, including Pedro Martinez Losa (who at this time, was the coach of the Arsenal Womens senior team). Pedro Martinez Losa brought Lauren James (at the age of 14) to train with Arsenal women. Although she showed amazing ability and potential, Lauren James left Arsenal at age 15 and a half, partially due to requests from senior players who were not comfortable with the age gap.
Club Career
In 2018, at the ripe age of 16, Lauren James signed her first professional contract with Manchester United and made her debut in the women’s championship. In the 2018/19 season Lauren James went on to score 14 goals within 18 matches which helped Manchester United receive a promotion into the top tier of women’s football in England, The Women’s Super League. In 2019, James started of her season the same as the previous season, by scoring United’s opening goal of the season which led to a 2-0 against liverpool.
After a successful journey at Manchester United for two seasons, Lauren James technique and ability didn’t go unmissed. During her time at United, James was nominated and named the FA womens championship player of the month for september 2018. As well as ending the 2019/20 season as United’s top scorer and was named on the shortlist for the PFA Women’s Young player of the year.
In July 2021, James signed a four year contract and rejoined a former club, Chelsea. Within her debut season with the Blues, Lauren James went on to make 12 appearances as well as winning the league and FA cup double that season. During the 2021/22 season, James’ development and talent was recognised when she was nominated, for the second year in a row, for the PFA young player of the year award.
Throughout the 2022/2023 season Lauren James appearances more than doubled, with her having 33 appearances for chelsea and scoring eight goals in all competitions (five in the WSL). Many recognised James’ influential and powerful performances for Chelsea in the 2022/23 season, which led to her winning the young player of the year award at the Women’s Football Awards as well as the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award.
In June 2023, Lauren James signed a new long-term contract with the blues that extends her stay at Chelsea until 2027. For the 2023/24 season, James started off her season with a bang by scoring her first hat trick in the WSL in a 5-1 win at home to Liverpool in November 2023. James put on yet another masterclass at the Bridge in Chelsea’s first game of the 2024 year when she pulled her second WSL hatrick out of her bag in a 3-1 win against her former club, Manchester United.
After the 21st January, the WSL hit the halfway mark, with 11 match days completed and 11 more to go. So far in the 2023/24 season throughout all competitions Lauren James has had 16 appearances, and 10 goals all which were scored in the WSL which equals to 1 goal per match. If Lauren James keeps consistent with her performance, she could be on her way to grabbing the 2023/24 WSL Golden boot however she will be battling alongside Manchester City forward, Khadija Shaw who has 12 goals so far in the WSL.
Lauren James made her first international duty in Englands youth team for the Under-17 team. James made her debut for England in a friendly against the USA in April 2017, and at age 16, she captained England to a 10-0 victory over Latvia in the 2018 UEFA Under-17 Championship qualification match in Scotland in November 2017, in which she scored four goals. James went on to then receive her first call up to the Under-19 squad for a tournament which took place in Portugal.
In November 2020, James received her first senior call up to St Georges Park where the training camp took place which included a 29-player squad. During England’s 2023 world cup qualifier against Austria, the young star made her senior debut after coming on in the 79th minute as a substitute.
Five Months after Lauren James made her debut, on the 16th February 2023, she scored her first international goal in a 4-0 win over South Korea in the 2023 arnold clark cup. After England lifted the trophy due to a 6-1 victory, Lauren james received the player of the tournament award after her first class performance throughout the Arnold clark cup.
Due to James’ hard work which was evident in her performances throughout the previous season, she was picked for the England squad for the 2023 World cup which took place in July 2023. Although, at the age of 21, she was the second youngest on the team this didnt stop her from spreading her magic. In the group stage the england forward scored three goals and made three assists which helped push her country’s team to the Knock-out phase.
During the first Knock-out stage matchup with Nigeria, James was named as a member of a three-at-the-back formation. But following a tense game, James recieved a red card and as a result was sent off, and banned for the following two games. This will always stay with her at such a young age, but we are sure she will use it as a lesson to become a better player.
The Lionesses progressed their way to the 2023 World Cup final in the absence of Lauren James. Fortunately she was eligible to play in the final where she came on as a substitute in the second half of the match, however after a 1-0 loss to spain, James came out of the tournament with a silver medal which although there was disappointment is such a valuable medal to earn at such a young age.
At the age of 22, Lauren James has many notable performances and honours for both her country and club, and this is just the start of a successful and legendary journey of Chelsea’s Home grown football legend.
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Above: Arsenal head coach, Jonas Eidevall speaking to the media. Image: Morganna King for Impetus 71
Before the big news was revealed that long-time Arsenal defender Jen Beattie would be departing the side, here is what head coach Jonas Eidevall had to say ahead of this weekend’s fixture against West Ham United.
It was announced earlier this weekend that 37-year-old Lyon legend, Sarah Bouhaddi, would join the club on loan until the end of the season. This move came in anticipation of Canadian goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo’s absence due to the Gold Cup commencing in February and March.
Bouhaddi is a goalkeeper the manager admires not just for her qualities as a player but her ability to act as a role model.
“Apart from her experience and apart from all her winning records and goalkeeper quality, one thing that really sticks out with Sarah is her leadership qualities and her ability to communicate and set really high standards both on herself and others around. She knows what it takes to win. She is not shy to communicate that, and I really hope that is something that she will give us a little bit of as well during the time she spends with us.”
West Ham had been busy in the transfer window bringing in strength and depth in the form of experienced internationals Katrina Gorry (Australia), Kristie Mewis (USA) and Shelina Zadorsky (Canada). Eidevall warned his side not to pay attention to where their opponents are in the league table going into this weekend’s game as it’s not a true reflection of the performances they have put together.
“I have a lot of respect for West Ham as an opponent…In a low-scoring sport like football… West Ham is the fifth-ranked team in this league, so I think that’s the team that has massively underperformed for points compared to their performances so far this season. For me, West Ham’s performances in a lot of games have been really strong… They made a really strong transfer window as well and brought in some real quality players so for me, it’s a really strong opponent and we need to be on our best behaviour.”
An update on team news indicated there were no changes to the squad from last weekend’s win over Liverpool so the focus turned to this Sunday’s fixture against Rehanne Skinner’s West Ham United.
The Hammers will host Arsenal at the Chigwell Construction Stadium on Sunday afternoon with kick-off at 12.30 pm. Action can be found live on the FA Player as well as highlights on the WSL Show.
Before the unexpected news of Melissa Phillips departing the club, this is what the former Brighton manager had to say in advance of the Seagulls’ away game against Manchester United. After the side’s performance last weekend and now with the addition of new signings during the January transfer window, their confidence has been boosted.
The WSL transfer window closed at 11 pm on 31/01/24 with the Seagulls making some excellent new signings. Currently standing at 10th in the WSL, they get ready to face Manchester United on Sunday.
On the last day of the transfer window, 30-year-old USA forward Taylor Smith became a seagull. Phillips praised Smith, describing her as a “dynamic attacking player that can play across multiple positions.” With this, Phillips hopes Smith “will add some depth and real value in wide areas.”
When asked about how important the USA international’s experience was to the team, the Brighton manager stated: “It’s very much the model at Brighton, in terms of bringing in experienced professionals who have been there and won at the highest level to put alongside and really help develop the younger players that we have in our squad.”
In terms of their recent clash against Chelsea last weekend, which finished 3-0 in Chelsea’s favour, the head coach made it clear that she was proud of how Brighton had held their own.
“They defiantly defended well (and were) robust in defending in and around the defensive third in our box.” She stated that “Chelsea had two clean chances in the first half,” but that her team would have to have better “energy and focus”.
Phillips expressed that “conceding two quick goals was hard (for the team) to dig themselves out of, but the group kept on pushing and searching and hit one off the crossbar from Pauline when it was 2-0.”
Despite their loss, the head coach said that there were “loads we can take from it” when looking towards their next game this weekend.
When questioned about their last meeting with United and how they ‘should have won that game,’ the boss danced around the question. The manager explained that her “group is fearless in facing those top teams and relish the opportunity and certainly compete in those games, but it’s about fine margins and minimising errors.”
The head coach then went on further, saying “There is only three times this season where we have not scored first” which she was very proud to admit. “It’s about managing the finer margins and key moments in the game against United this weekend.”
Regarding team news, the manager had no problem in telling us that forward Madison Haley, who had previously picked up a knock, “is getting really close to being back involved in squads.” A few players however are still a few weeks out, including the likes of Dejana Stefanovic and Charlize Rule, “who had picked up an injury and is still a couple of weeks out as well.”
Phillips’ closing comments were on how adaptable her team needed to be in the games against the top four. She emphasised the fact that the side needs to have confidence within their system of play and find their preferred system to manage the game, allowing the players to feel comfortable.
Bristol City
By Beth McCowen
Above: Bristol city head coach Lauren Smith Image: BBC
The media heard from Lauren Smith on Wednesday afternoon, as the head coach looked towards Bristol City’s away fixture against Aston Villa on Saturday in the Women’s Super League.
“You can’t get everything all the time, and we know that we’ll have to fight,” said the Bristol City head coach.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 2-0 defeat for Smith’s Bristol outfit at their home ground, Ashton Gate.
The newly promoted Robins are sitting at the bottom of the table, whilst Carla Ward’s side currently occupy the eighth spot. The Reds are hoping to further their campaign to maintain their place in the WSL this weekend, following a disappointing loss against West Ham on Sunday.
The mood in the team has been “the same as ever” following a frustrating 2-1 loss to the Hammers last weekend. The boss was especially pleased with Ffion Morgan’s performance on the day.
“We are just chasing a bit more, I guess. We had a few honest conversations yesterday about where we are, but I think keeping it positive in the fact that we’re still only one win away from where we already were. It’s not like anything’s suddenly slipped away from us.”
Appearing both optimistic and realistic in her approach, Smith suggested that the first day back following their fixture against West Ham was a slightly difficult one. However, she went on to describe Wednesday’s training session as “excellent”, affirming that “the focus is there.”
Smith clarified that “we have to improve ourselves.” Highlighting what needs to change going forward, the Robins’ head coach explained, “We are gifting chances still” and must work on creating “more dangerous attacks; we’ve got real pace in the team, and we just don’t use it enough.”
The manager also emphasised that there are positives to be taken from the fact that the last three games have only seen City lose by a margin of one goal. Smith declared, “We are performing, so it has to have a turnaround at one point.” She insisted that they are determined to prioritise results over performances and pick up points going forward.
“We’d much rather stay in games, give ourselves an opportunity to get something out of it (…) which means stop the goals going in and that normally means a lower block and more players in the backline or midfield.”
Regarding the imminent closure of the winter transfer window, the Robins’ manager made it clear that Bristol was not looking to make any further additions prior to the deadline. She also spoke highly of the new additions to the club.
There was praise for the experienced Lisa Evans in particular, who Smith appeared to hold in high regard as a determined, proactive professional both on and off the pitch. “She wants to be a big part of us staying up (…) She’s really quick, she scores goals, she’s ruthless, and we wanted to add a player like that.”
Providing an update on team news, Bristol’s head coach confirmed that there are a few knocks which will need to be properly assessed on Friday. Satara Murray picked up a calf injury during the first half of the West Ham game, Smith confirmed that they are awaiting scan results, and the defender may be out for a few weeks.
Centre-back Naomi Layzell is also suffering from a “niggle in her groin.” She is now running again, but this weekend may be too soon for her to make a full return. Smith spoke passionately about the brilliant support of Bristol City’s fans, which will likely increase further as the season progresses and the Robins continue to work for points.
Manchester United
By Liberty Simons
Above: Manchester United’s head coach Marc Skinner
In the reverse of this fixture in November, Manchester United had to come back from a goal down twice to gain a point on the road. Skinner spoke to the media ahead of this weekend’s WSL home fixture against Brighton and Hove Albion.
When asked about the shock sacking of their opponents’ head coach Melissa Phillips on Thursday 1st February, Skinner said he wished her all the best. He commented that he thought she had done a fantastic job and it could change the context of this weekend’s game.
The United manager also mentioned how ownership groups measure the success of head coaches on different ‘metrics’ and how personally, it lies in maximising results. He also said how they will always be judged against the previous season and the results, but it is also related to each individual model.
Speaking specifically about Brighton’s game, Skinner mentioned how the Seagulls “press everything”, from both the front and backlines. He commented on how the side is aggressive in play across the pitch. He also said how he expects them to play a version of what Phillips would’ve wanted.
In terms of injuries, there were slight knocks to Geyse and Jayde Riviere after the Aston Villa game. Aoife Mannion is close to returning from her injury, with Evie Rabjohn back running on the grass. When asked about the upcoming Gold Cup and the potential loss of Riviere to Canada’s participation, he said that the return of Mannion would be good. However, there will have to be adaption without Riviere in mind too.
Commenting on the lack of movement from Manchester United in the transfer window, Skinner said it wasn’t the right time to bring people in and they look towards “the summer and beyond.” He also said there was no disappointment in the lack of movement from the club in the window, despite previous comments. Regarding the news sphere around Mary Earps’ contract, he said he forgets the noise and wants to work with people.
On Leah Galton’s contract extension, Skinner commented that Galton “on her day, is one of the best forwards in the league.” The manager also explained how she was unbelievable last season and has grown so much. He also commented how it’s fantastic for the fans and how he can’t wait to keep working with her to push her even more.
The head coach also spoke about the disappointment of being out of the running for the Continental Cup Tyres trophy. Skinner clarified how he didn’t think there was “any scope to challenge” the decision to keep Aston Villa in the competition as Manchester United were not involved in the fixture. He did, however, say how they would move on quickly to push for silverware in the league and FA Cup, where their full focus will now be.
Tottenham Hotspur
By Myles Thornton
Above: Spurs Women head coach Robert Vilahamn Image: The Telegraph
Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon ahead of their league clash with fifth-place Liverpool.
As for injuries, Vilahamn confirmed that both Ashleigh Neville and Drew Spence are set to miss Sunday’s WSL clash. However, he also made it clear that as for now, Luana Buhler is back fully fit and available for selection. The defender hasn’t played since mid-December, but she did feature on the bench last time out at home to Manchester City and is now in full training.
Vilahamn also spoke about the Lilywhites’ next three games which are all in the space of seven days. The head coach explained “We train to prepare for two games per week so that helps the situation”, but suggested he is “confident that they will be okay.”
When the media asked about the 2-0 loss to Manchester City, Vilahamn stated “I like those games, we need to play against the top teams to know how to beat them, it is a lot different to playing against West Ham or Bristol City.”
Earlier in the week, Kit Graham signed a new contract in North London, and the boss stated he was “very happy”, about her signing a new contract, describing the young forward as “a very good player who will go far in her career.”
When asked if there were any problems with communication ahead of the clash with Liverpool, the Spurs boss said “Communication is so important, it builds new relationships, and for me, football is all about relationships.” He also added that his side “need to handle mistakes”, and in the last game, away to Manchester City, he thought his team “reacted quite well to any mistakes that were made.”
There have been some questions over Australian international Charlotte Grant and whether she would be played in a new position anytime soon, Vilahamn said “She’s athletic, she can run and has the potential to be a very good full-back.” There are “no plans to change her position yet, but if injuries occur, that could change.”
After their previous game, Spurs will be looking to get back to winning ways as they face a strong Liverpool side away this weekend.
Impetus’Genevieve Henry and Ryan Miller-Woods report on four clubs’ media conferences ahead of Round 15 (2/2/24).
Canberra United
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Nicki Flannery speaking with the media. Image: Canberra United.
Canberra heads into the match against Melbourne City off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Wellington Phoenix that they will have seen as a missed opportunity. To have not got a result from it, given that Adelaide United (who going into that last round were behind Canberra on the ladder) leapfrogged them, will be a huge disappointment. Canberra United’s Nicki Flannery and Head Coach Njegosh Popovich spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s match.
Furthermore, they are 10 points behind sixth (though with a game in hand) and even though they definitely have the goals in them to get results, with one of the best attacks in the league, it will still be a hill to climb to make the finals. If any team can make up the deficit, it’s Canberra.
When asked about Canberra’s finals chances and the match against City, Flannery said, “there’s still 27 points up for grabs and we haven’t lost belief at all in each other. I think our hard work hasn’t paid off just yet, so we’re hoping that’s going to happen. Last game against Melbourne City, to give them full credit, they completely played us out of the game, so there’s a little bit of revenge on the line and we have more to offer, so I’m really excited for this weekend.”
In many ways given how Canberra has played this season, week in and week out, it is seriously hard to believe that a team that has scored the second most goals so far this season and has the equal joint leading goalscorers in their squad, that they are currently on the bottom of the A-League Women’s ladder.
When asked how certain results haven’t gone Canberra’s way so far this season, Flannery said, “I think that’s why it’s so painful how we’re losing games in the last thirty seconds or an unfair goal or anything like that but I think it’s good that we haven’t lost hope and we keep approaching each game as if we forget about the last result and we focus on the next one.”
Above: Canberraboss Njegosh Popovichdiscussing Sunday’s opponents with the media. Image: Canberra United.
Something that in a way goes in the favour of Canberra this weekend is that their opponents for this round in City have had a couple of hiccups as of late which proves that no matter the circumstances or the stature of a club, any team can beat any team in this league. However, City has scored the most goals of any team so far this season and most importantly are on top of the A-League Women’s ladder by six points to Western United and Sydney FC.
When asked about his thoughts on the upcoming against City, Popovich said, “They have been challenged by teams that are in the lower part of the competition, so for us it’s an opportunity rather than a negative. We should look at it that way and I think that’s the message that’s been sent out all week to the players, that this is an opportunity to prove yourselves.”
Central Coast Mariners
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Annabel Martin addressing the media ahead of the Mariners’ match on Saturday. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
The media heard from Central Coast Mariners’ Annabel Martin and Head Coach Emily Husband ahead of their upcoming match against Western United on Saturday.
Central Coast last round got their revenge over Newcastle Jets from the opening round of the season with a 2-0 win, with goals from Wurigumula and Paige Hayward in what was a highly competitive and entertaining F3 Derby which moved the Mariners up into fifth position on the A-League Women’s ladder.
When asked how the team is feeling from that match and coming away with the F3 Trophy, Martin said, “yeah, it’s a pretty good win. (A) great three points first and foremost and then to get the trophy, a nice bit of silverware, our first as a team, which is really great.”
Martin was then asked whether the match last round was a tough match, which she said, “every game is a tough match I think in this league, especially this year it’s quite even as we’ve seen in the ladder you can drop from third to seventh in a matter of one week. (It’s) always a bit of a grudge match against our rivals especially after Round One, that 1-nil defeat, I think it was really important for us to get back out there and get those three points back.”
Above: Mariners’ head coach Emily Husband speaking with the press. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
When asked to sum up the performance and the result against Newcastle, Husband said, “it was great first and foremost to get the three points on such a special occasion as well. Obviously, going down 1-nil in the first leg (in Round One) which arguably may not have been deserved. I thought both sides played decent football at times, I think both sides had the opportunities (and) it was good to see us being clinical and take home another trophy.”
Sunday’s match also saw Kyah Simon’s highly anticipated return in her first competitive match in 480 days.
When asked about her thoughts on seeing Simon back on the pitch, Husband said, “it’s been a really long journey for her, so I’m really pleased for her as an individual. It’s been a long time coming but for us she’s been in and a part of the group for so long now. She’s offered us so much in training and off the pitch as well, so it was just good for her to finally get that reward of getting back out on the pitch.”
The Mariners will be heading to Tasmania up against an in-form Western United, currently second on the A-League Women’s ladder, who have turned their season around under head coach Kat Smith since her appointment in December. Smith’s style of coaching got them playing some great football which sets the precedent for what should be an exciting match this weekend.
When asked how she views Western United, Martin said, “they’re a really solid side, they’re sitting second up the top of the ladder. It’s a really big game going to Tassie (Tasmania).”
When asked what dangers she sees Central Coast’s upcoming opponents Western United possessing leading into Sunday’s match, Husband said, “they’ve hit a run of form recently and they’ve got two good players up top in (Hannah) Keane and (Chloe) Logarzo, they’re both on fire at the moment. They (Western United) try and get the ball down and play some good football at times, so we’ve got to be on top of our game.”
Sydney FC
By Genevieve Henry
Above: Sydney defender Tori Tumeth sharing her thoughts on Sydney’s current position. Image: Sydney FC.
With an all-important clash ahead of her with Sydney preparing to meet Perth Glory on Saturday, Tori Tumeth addressed the media with her thoughts on both the upcoming game and the previous game.
While Sydney sit in second place, equal in points with Western United, Perth are nipping at their heels in fourth, only one point behind. On their position in the table after a tough start to the season with injuries, Tumeth said, “we’re happy with where we are at the moment. We’re still building, we’re not where we want to be by the end of the season, that’s for sure, but we’re putting in some really strong performances.” Sydney will be looking to stand strong in the next few rounds, with some tough matches in store. After they face Perth, they will be pitted against league-leaders Melbourne City, and then taking on the excellent attacking force of Canberra United. While these may sound daunting, Tumeth expressed Sydney’s optimism, saying, “We’re just looking to find really good form into those couple of games.”
Addressing the high pressure of playing for such a winning side, Tumeth shared, “the girls over the past couple of years have been really successful, so we want to build on that success. We’re just looking at every game as it comes, and focusing on the next week.” The extended season may be a blessing for some sides, like Western Sydney who have been growing in their success as of late, but may come as a deadly strike to others. “I think with the extension of the season, you’ll see which teams have depth and you’ll see teams find their form in the back-end of the season.”
While Tumeth may be new to the squad, she slots right in with the core group, playing with experience and confidence. “We have a really strong spine that’s stayed together for the past few years. It’s been a really easy transition (as a newcomer) because they are so close as a team.” Tumeth has been an astonishingly good addition to the backline, enamouring fans in her first season.
Although Sydney have performed excellently in front of their own net, having conceded the least goals in the A-League Women so far, they have struggled to score more than one or two against their opponents. “I definitely think we’re due for a couple goals.” Tumeth said of her attackers, but it won’t come easy against Perth, who have only conceded four more than Sydney. The matchup between these two excellent defensive sides will likely be lacking for goals, but it could prove to be just the thing Sydney need to unlock their full attacking potential.
Wellington Phoenix
By Ryan Miller-Woods
Above: Hope Breslin addressing the media. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
The media heard from the Wellington Phoenix’s Hope Breslin and Tiana Jaber ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Newcastle Jets on Sunday.
Wellington got their first win and points in five games last round against Canberra United with a 2-0 victory thanks to a brace from Mariana Speckmaier. This win has potentially gotten the Phoenix’s finals aspirations back on track.
When asked whether the result was a bit of a turning point for the season and got the club back on track, Breslin said, “yeah, definitely! I feel as though a lot of teams go through a bit of a slump but I think it’s how you respond to that and just how we responded in that game gives us that motivation and drive to keep this winning streak going.”
For the Phoenix, it was a much-needed result last round, especially for their finals prospects. Should Wellington emerge victorious this next round against Newcastle, these results could not only see them back in the top six but as high as fourth come the end of the round, pending other results.
When asked her thoughts on how much the team needed the win against Canberra, Breslin said, “I think we needed it a lot. The vibes were down a little bit but we always had that sense of belief and that spirit was still there, knowing that we just needed one game to turn it around.”
Despite their overall record away from home this season which they have only won once outside of New Zealand, Wellington can have some form of confidence against their upcoming opponents this round in the Newcastle Jets, knowing the last time the two teams met Wellington beat the Jets 2-0 with goals from Speckmaier and Breslin respectively.
When asked whether beating Newcastle earlier in the season gives the team some confidence ahead of the second match between both sides, Breslin said, “definitely! I think in this league anybody can beat anybody, so you have to be on your game at all times. Having that last game will give us confidence and I think if we play the way we did last time, then we’ll be fine.”
In regards to the match against Canberra, one of the players that was important towards the final result was injury-replacement player Tiana Jaber who definitely played her part in the backline that not only prevented United from scoring against the Phoenix but denied the two leading goalscorers so far this season in the A-League Women, which are Canberra’s Vesna Milivojevic and all-time leading goalscorer in the league Michelle Heyman.
Above: Tiana Jaber reflects on the match with Canberra. Image: Wellington Phoenix.
When asked about being pleased to have kept a player such as Heyman from scoring, Jaber said, “yeah! Her (Michelle Heyman) and Vesna (Milivojevic) are absolute weapons. I’m so proud of us for keeping a clean sheet and keeping them at bay. So, now we’ve just got to do that to every other striker in the league.”
The inclusion of Jaber into the Wellington squad also added to what was already quite competitive for spots among the players who can play within the defence.
When asked how she has found the competition within the team, especially at the position of centre-back, Jaber said, “it’s good. Mack (Mackenzie Barry) and Becs (Rebecca Lake) are doing absolutely awesome, they’re good, strong players. It’s tough competition but that’s a part of sport.”
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Ci-dessus : La joie des joueuses du Paris Saint-Germain après leur qualification. Photo : L. Pestel / PSG
Paris FC 0-4 Chelsea
Stade Charléty, Paris, France – 30 janvier 2024
Le Paris FC, qui doit gagner pour espérer se qualifier, démarre très fort avec un gros pressing et beaucoup d’engagement mais c’est Chelsea qui a la possession du ballon et qui ouvre le score à la 10ème minutes de jeu par Fran Kirby.
Ci-dessus : Fran Kirby, Chelsea. Photo : Gracieusement offerte par Pauline Figuet.
Après le but de Chelsea, le Paris FC continue à y croire et se créé quelques occasions de but sans toutefois arriver à concrétiser par manque d’efficacité dans la surface.
Malgré la bonne volonté du Paris FC, Chelsea fait le break à la 37ème minute par Mia Fishel d’une tête au point de pénalty.
12 tirs dont 1 seul cadré en première mi-temps pour le Paris FC, ce n’est pas possible de faire un résultat avec si peu de précision. Surtout quand pour Chelsea il y a 2 tirs, 2 cadrés, 2 buts.
Ci-dessus : Clara Matéo, Paris FC. Photo : Gracieusement offerte par Pauline Figuet.
La deuxième mi-temps recommence comme la première pour le Paris FC avec un tir au-dessus de Julie Dujour à la 48ème minute.
Sur une incompréhension de la défense du Paris FC entre Julie Soyer et Chiamaka Nnadozie, la gardienne du Paris FC, Guro Reiten, Chelsea, récupère le ballon et marque dans le but vide le 3ème but pour les visiteurs à la 74ème minute de jeu. Puis ça tourne à la correction 5 minutes plus tard, avec un 4ème but sur une tête de Maren Mjelde pour Chelsea à la 79ème minute de jeu.
La marche était trop haute pour le Paris FC qui termine 3ème de son groupe. J’espère qu’ils auront appris de leur parcours cette année dans la phase de groupe afin de progresser en UWCL.
Paris FC : 4-3-3 : Nnadozie – Soyer, Greboval, Hocine, Bogaert (N’Dongala 86’) – Le Mouel(Korosec 67’), Thiney, Corboz D. – Dufour(Bussy 75’), Bourdieu (Ribadeira 75’), Matéo(Fleury 86’).
Cartons jaunes : Paris FC : Korosec (81’). Chelsea : Ingle (51’).
Arbitre : Ivana Projkovska, Macédoine du Nord.
Affluence : 1274.
Bayern Munich 2–1Paris Saint-Germain
FC Bayern Campus, Munich, Allemagne – 30janvier 2024
Un premier quart d’heure équilibré avec le ballon qui va d’un côté à l’autre sans vraiment d’occasions très franches.
Enorme première occasion pour le Bayern avecConstance Picaud, gardienne du Paris SG, qui repousse un tir de Léa Schüller en corner à la 35ème minute. Sur le corner qui suit, le Bayern ouvre quand même le score sur une tête de Giulia Gwinn.
Après leur but, le Bayern continue de pousser très fort et se créé des occasions sans aggraver le score, heureusement pour le Paris SG.
La première mi-temps a été assez fermée jusqu’au but du Bayern.
Le Bayern entame la deuxième mi-temps beaucoup mieux que le Paris SG. La meilleure et première véritable occasion est toutefois pour le Paris SG sur un tir de Grace Geyoro repoussé par, Maria Luisa Grohs, gardienne du Bayern à la 52ème minute de jeu.
Ci-dessus : Sakina Karchaoui, Paris SG. Photo : L. Pestel / PSG
Le Bayern domine largement le premier quart d’heure de la deuxième mi-temps sans arriver à faire le break. Il y a trop d’erreurs techniques des joueuses du Paris SG pour espérer réduire le score.
Le Paris SG égalise, contre le court du jeu, à la 73ème minute avec un but de Tabitha Chiawinga sur un contre initié par Constance Picaud.
Mais la joie du Paris SG est de courte durée car le Bayern marque un deuxième but de la tête par Sydney Lohmann à la 75ème minute.
Le Paris SG recommence à y croire à la 88èmeminute en égalisant de nouveau sur un tir de Sandy Baltimore dévié par Georgia Stanway.
Une qualification de justesse du Paris SG mais il faudra s’améliorer pour espérer aller beaucoup plus loin dans cette compétition.
Groupama Stadium, Décines (Lyon), France – 31 janvier 2024
Un match sans enjeu très largement dominé par une équipe de l’Olympique Lyonnais un peu apathique et pas très inspirée devant les buts ; avec plus de 30 tirs dont plus de 10 cadrés, Lyon n’a marqué que 2 buts et s’est fait surprendre par Prague 2 fois.
Ci-dessus : Quelques fans du Slavia Prague qui avaient fait le déplacement à Lyon. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Trop de changements, pas assez d’engagements, probablement par peur de la blessure, un match à oublier rapidement afin de se remettre vite dans les meilleures dispositions pour le prochain match de D1 Arkema samedi 3 février.
A noter toutefois, la bonne performance de Selma Bacha qui n’a cessé d’essayer de mettre du rythme dans la partie et celle de la gardienne du Slavia Prague, Olivie Lukasova, qui a évité à ses coéquipières de prendre plus de buts.
Ci-dessus : L’un des sauvetages de Olivie Lukasova, Slavia Prague, en jaune. Photo : Jean-Pierre Thiesset, Impetus.
Lyon : 4-3-3 : Benkarth – Bacha, Sombath, Gilles, Carpenter (Mbock 74’) – Horan, Egurrola(Marozsan 46’), Van De Donk (Däbritz 62’) – Majri (Becho 50’), Hegerberg (Le Sommer 62’), Diani.
Above: Vivienne Miedema celebrates her first goal for Arsenal since returning from injury. Photo: Arsenal FC.
Last week, 22 to 28 January, attention was on Arsenal as they reached milestones, had players return from injury, and scored a total of seven goals.
Arsenal’s FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup match against reading was a night to remember for Arsenal. The match saw them go through to the quarter finals of this tournament with a 5-0 victory, and also included the return of two of the club’s most valued players.
Williamson’s much anticipated return to the pitch came on Wednesday 24 January.
Nine months after her ACL injury, Williamson came off the bench at 61 minutes to substitute for Jen Beattie. McCabe handed Williamson the captain’s armband and the defender seamlessly fitted back into the team.
Less than 20 minutes after she ran onto the pitch, she assisted Beth Mead’s goal. Mead hit the ball she had received from Williamson into the net from the edge of the box, for many fans this moment was the highlight of the match – Mead and Williamson both suffered ACL injuries last season and now they are back playing quality football with the Arsenal squad.
This Conti Cup game not only saw the return of Williamson, but also the return of Kim Little.
Arsenal’s captain came on as a substitute for McCabe at 71 minutes, following time off due to a foot injury. Once more Arsenal’s captain changed and Williamson placed the armband on Little.
For Little this match was extremely significant as it marked her 300th appearance for Arsenal. She is only the 6th player to have reached this milestone.
Little signed her first contract with Arsenal in 2008 and scored her first goal for the club at the Emirates Stadium against Chelsea that year – at this game Williamson was a mascot.
Later in the week, on Sunday 28 January, Jonas Eidevall reached his own milestone; he managed his 100th game for Arsenal.
Since signing for the club in 2021, he has led the squad to finish second in the WSL in 2022 and to victory in last season’s Conti Cup.
Sunday’s game resulted in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool for Eidevall’s side and the points the club gained have led Arsenal to sit in third position in the WSL table.
The first of the goals in this game was scored by Vivianne Miedema. Her first goal back since her ACL injury was scored in a friendly match played behind closed doors, making this her first competitive goal in 413 days.
Assisted by one of Arsenal’s new signings Emily Fox, Miedema fired the ball into the net. It was a gorgeous goal and served as a reminder as to why Miedema is such a respected player.
After 11 months out after her ACL injury, which occurred in October fans had been waiting to celebrate a goal from the club legend.
In an interview with Sky Sports Miedema said, “something over Christmas shifted my mindset and after winter I’ve been feeling more like myself again.”
💬 "I wanted to use the winter break to come back and start being me again. I feel better and I'm less scared."
Another Arsenal player who suffered an ACL injury last season was Laura Wienroither.
Wienroither was Arsenal’s fourth player to be forced to take months out due to this major injury and fans are still awaiting her return.
However, on 26 January she was photographed in team training, she posted pictures on her Instagram with the caption, “getting closer”.
Wienroither’s impending return is exciting and her involvement in team training is another monumental moment for Arsenal that occurred last week.
Arsenal’s comeback is well and truly underway; last seasonnumerous players at the club suffered with injuries but the majority of them have now returned.
The week beginning 22 January was clearly a memorable one for the club and has given fans hope for Arsenal’s upcoming games.
Momentum has kept building following on from last week as the beginning of this week saw Sarah Bouhaddi, the French goalkeeper, sign for the club as a free agent.
The remainder of the 23/24 season is set to be a big one for Arsenal as the squad will be hoping to keep gaining points in the WSL, carry on progressing in the FA Cup, and retain their Conti Cup title.
Above: Beth Mead returns after a long absence. Photo: Ian Middlebrook
By Emmanuel Faith.
If the WSL season was a 90-minute match, the half-time whistle would have been blown in the last minute of the seven-goal thriller between West Ham United and Tottenham. What a way to end the first half!
The 2023/2024 season has been an exhilarating journey. From 5-star performances like Lauren James scoring three goals and an assist to last-minute winners and equalizers like Melvine Malard and, Katie McCabe and unexpected blows like Sam Kerr’s ACL, our correspondent, I wanted to bring you my personal highlights of the season and predicts what you should expect in the second half.
It isn’t exactly surprising that Chelsea currently leads the log. They are also leading the pack in other fascinating stats like; the most goals scored (35), the highest Goal Difference (21), the highest attempts, the highest shots on target and of course, the highest points (28).
The blue side of Manchester has been unsurprisingly steady as they follow Chelsea closely with twenty-five points while holding the record of the least conceded number of goals (8), a record Chelsea often boasts of.
At the bottom of the log is the newly promoted side, Bristol City with five points, and surprisingly, West Ham United who are also on five points but rank higher on goal difference. With the new signings West Ham made over the January Transfer window, they would be looking to change the course of their path in the second half of the season.
Memorable Moments
The first big-4 match of the season was between Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal who had experienced a shocking home loss to Liverpool in their opening match were looking to pick up their first points while Manchester United who finished second last season were hoping to continue on that stride.
The game opened up in the first few minutes, as the Swedish striker, Stina Blackstenius took the lead for Arsenal in the 13th minute. Marc Skinner’s team mounted a lot of pressure and it finally paid off with Leah Galton’s equalizer in the 27th minute.
The first half ended in a draw, and the second half was quite balanced until the Olympic Lyon loanee and French striker, Melvine Malard opened her WSL account with a striker’s finish. It looked like Arsenal was heading to a consecutive defeat until the Canadian attacker, Cloe Lacasse scored one of the best goals you’d witness this season to ensure the spoils was shared.
On the same weekend, there was another “big four” match which was more pulsating at the blue side of Manchester as cards flew left and right in a game marked with a lot of controversy. From Alex Greenwood getting a second yellow for wasting time to take a free-kick to Guro Reiten snatching a last-minute equalizer, these are matches you probably want to rewatch if you love epics like me.
We could also talk about Manchester City scoring seven goals without reply against Tottenham or Chelsea pummeling Aston Villa 6- 0. This season has been more than the matches and goals.
There are other moments worth celebrating. Like seeing Beth Mead who returned after being out for ten months and made an assist almost immediately and Vivianne Miedema returning to the pitch after eleven months. There were also some major blows, we would rather not remember.
Major Blows
The first major blow of the season was losing Gabriel George to ACL, her second in four seasons. The Manchester United defender suffered the injury during the match against her former club, Leicester City in October after a really brilliant start to the season.
ACL knocked again when Chelsea announced that the young Dutch defender Aniek Nouwen had suffered an ACL rupture during her U-21 call-up in November. The heartbreaking was yet to come.
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, while the world was calm, and every Chelsea fan anticipated a piece of positive news like a contract renewal, ACL brought its fiery dagger to puncture the fan’s hearts as Chelsea announced that their star striker, Samantha Kerr had suffered an ACL tear during a warm-up in Morocco, keeping her out for the rest of the season. The WSL community was sombre as it looked like Sam Kerr was finally getting her groove after missing the World Cup and some part of her season due to calf injuries.
Seasons Surprises
In a season filled with departures, returns and galore of goals, the most surprising news was probably the departure of Emma Hayes. The Chelsea head coach who had been with the team for twelve years announced her departure after her team recorded their biggest win of the season so far against Aston Villa.
Emma joined the reigning double winners in 2012 and during her tenure with the club won six FA WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two FA Women’s League Cups, one FA Women’s Spring Series trophy and one FA Women’s Community Shield.No one would have predicted this to happen at the beginning of the season, but everyone wants change sometimes, right?
Another shocking surprise of the season was Aston Villa who didn’t pick up their first win until the sixth match of the season. For a club that had been tipped to upset the “big four”, it was a woeful start to the season. They currently sit in the seventh position with twelfth points, seven above the relegation zone and they would hope they are closer to the top four than the bottom two in the second half of the season.
At this point, it is worthy to spotlight two amazing finishers who have hugged the spotlight in some way. With nine goals in eleven appearances for a mid-table team, the 22-year-old Norwegian striker, Elisabeth Terland, has made a statement for herself this season. She is also in the top five of any attacking stats from xG to xG overperformance and goal per 90 according to Stattorinoreports on Twitter.
The second finisher is a familiar name; Lauren James. Known for her ability to glide through defenders seamlessly while scoring occasional wonder goals, the English whiz has added clinical finishing to her game and currently occupies the second spot in the race for the WSL Golden Boot thanks to her consecutive hat-tricks. With Chelsea’s major striker Sam Kerrout for the rest of the season, there is no limit to what James can achieve this season.
Above: Lauren James celebrates after scoring against her former side. Photo: @ChelseaFCW
An honourable mention is another Chelsea wonder, Aggie BeeverJones who has taken the WSL by storm. From scoring in five consecutive appearances to leading the ranks of xGs and goals per 90 minutes, we can’t wait to see what the second half of the season has in store for the young English attacker.
Signings of the Season
To be very honest, while this is too early to decide, SjoekeNusken, Martha Thomas and Melvine Malard have made great accounts of themselves. Aside from the fact that Nusken has scored a surprising hat-trick, becoming the fifth Chelsea player to do so, she has also played almost everywhere for Emma Hayes’ team. Thomas was the first WSL player to reach 5 goals thanks to her brilliant start to the season and Malard has been a great addition to Manchester United’s attack either as a starter or a substitute.
A worthy mention is probably Grace Clinton who has been a great addition to Tottenham Hotspur despite being on loan from Manchester United.
Second half of the Season
The second half of the season will be enthralling. Arsenal will be looking to pounce on Chelsea and Manchester City now that they have a fully fit squad although everyone will be curious about how Jonas Eidevall will manage the rotation of her star players. Manchester City doesn’t look like they are relenting soon, with their attackers firing from all cylinders and Khadija Shaw finding her goal-scoring boots.
While Chelsea’s star, Sam Kerr has been injured, they have a lot of attackers who can provide the goals from different angles in different ways and if there is something the league leaders know how to do, it is to win.
More drama will happen in the mid-table and much more in the relegation zone as West Ham will hope that their major signings (Katrina Gorry and Kristie Mewis) can save them from the relegation battle.
Wonder goals will be scored, records will be broken, and we can’t wait to witness the second half of the season, and the last lap with the legendary coach, Emma Hayes.
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Above: Arsenal celebrate their 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the 2022/23 Final. Photo: Jon D Barker
As the referee blew for full time at the Eppleton Colliery Football Ground, I imagine that Carla Ward’s team left the pitch suitably proud of their performance and result. They overpowered Barclays Women’s Championship (WC) side Sunderland in the Conti Cup by seven goals to nil, with six different goalscorers.
It wasn’t long after the final whistle when speculation began suggesting that Aston Villa had fielded an ineligible player – Noelle Maritz.
Signed by Villa earlier this month, Maritz had previously made three appearances in the competition for her parent club Arsenal. This is quite a staggering error as it wasn’t like Maritz made just the one late substitute appearance, she’d made three starts against Bristol City, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
While I don’t have access to the competition’s rules for 2014 it does currently state that any breaches will be referred to an independent tribunal which may “order that the Cup match or Cup matches be awarded to the opposition club, or make any such other order that the independent tribunal may decide.
The preceding FA Investigation this week confirmed in a short statement that, “An independent tribunal has deducted three points from Aston Villa for fielding an ineligible player during their FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup group stage fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday 24 January 2024.
“The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this game, as she had previously featured in the competition for her former club, which constitutes a breach of Cup Rule 8.19.
“Aston Villa admitted this charge and acknowledged the breach had occurred. The independent tribunal ordered that the points deducted from Aston Villa be awarded to their opponents Sunderland, while the 7-0 scoreline is to be expunged from the record.
“As a result, Sunderland will finish as Group A Winners, with Aston Villa progressing to the quarter finals as one of the two best-placed runners-up alongside Tottenham Hotspur.”
While all the headlines have been about Manchester United’s subsequent elimination as a result, I think the real story should focus on a review of the suitability of the Conti Cup as a competition.
I believe that the competition should be reformed at the earliest opportunity to make it more significant.
I would like to do away with the regionalised group stage. We see a Manchester derby pretty much every season as the two clubs are paired in the same group. Given that both teams ordinarily qualify for the knock out stages irrespective of the outcome, the stakes should be raised and the best way to do that would be to make the competition a straight knock out from day one.
If the money grabbers wanted to make more money then you could put the semi-finals over two legs, something that occurs in the men’s equivalent competition, the Carabao Cup but in a busy calendar I don’t believe that two legs would be needed.
I would also like to see the Conti Cup mirror the Carabao Cup by increasing the number of participants to include the top four divisions. So this would see the introduction of the FA Women’s National League (WNL).
Doing this is not straightforward due to the number of clubs involved but with the assistance of Chris Gadsby, the host of the wonderful Women’s Football Chat, he came up with a proposed format that could work and would incorporate WNL teams.
Round One would consist of all fourth tier teams along with sixteen third tier teams that that finished fifth through to tenth in the previous season – those relegated would be from within the fourth tier group.
Round Two would feature the thirty-two winners from the previous round and they would be joined by twenty-four WSL and WC teams, along with the outstanding tier teams. From here the competition continues to be a straight knock-out competition with seven rounds in total.
With next season’s increase in Adobe Women’s FA Cup prize money targeted at clubs from within the latter stages threatening to widen the gap between those at semi-professional and amateur level the prospect of drawing a big club early in the campaign would be appealing to clubs at WNL level.
While I do recognise that there are complaints about the amount of matches being played and I am very much looking at this from a fan’s point of view but I struggle to find any drawbacks with this plan as it benefits everyone. There will be new opponents for those at WSL and WC levels and exciting matches which will draw fans to clubs at WNL level.
I understand that there could be an argument against this on the grounds of midweek matches being difficult for some teams to accommodate but I think it is important that the FA and the league support clubs to make this happen because it is important for the long-term health of the pyramid.
With NewCo coming in to take over the management of the WSL and WC next season I do not expect any changes to the domestic women’s football calendar but let’s all keep our fingers crossed.
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