Above: Canberra United’s Michelle Heyman evades Ayesha Norrie (L) and Hollie Palmer (R) Photo: Canberra United.
Canberra United achieved their first win of the A-League Women’s season with a 5-1 victory over Brisbane Roar at McKellar Park that has subsequently brought them off the bottom of the ladder. However, they’ll be hoping the potential injury to star player Vesna Milivojevic isn’t as bad as suspected which could be a significant blow to hers and Canberra’s season
In the 6th minute, Canberra opened the scoring via a great through ball by Sophia Christopherson which found Milivojevic in the box. Without hesitation she put the ball into the back of the net for her sixth goal of the season.
Eleven minutes later, United doubled their lead thanks to another great through ball this time by Nicki Flannery which found Milivojevic. As has become common for her in the league, she seized the opportunity in front of her andslotted the ball past Brisbane’s Jordan Silkowitz.
Not only was it Milivojevic’s seventh goal of the season but now led the A-League Women’s Golden Boot. She has truly been on fire for Canberra this season.
Within the first 30 minutes of the match, Canberra did everything they needed to in defence and while the Roar came relatively close with some of their chances, United held their own in that regard and looked comfortable with their clearances.
In the 37thminute, Michelle Heyman provided an amazing pass to Christopherson who made a great run with the ball into the box that saw her shot go into the bottom right corner for Canberra’s third goal of the match and Christopherson’s first in the A-League Women. There aren’t many better ways to open your goalscoring account in the league.
As the first half concluded, what was quite telling was while Brisbane had the majority of possession with 54.4% and more shots than Canberra with six to four, it was United who converted three of their shots in that time which saw them deservedly in the lead.
Within the first minute of the second half, Canberra added a fourth goal thanks to an outstanding turn and backheel pass by Millivojevic that was directed to Christopherson whose cross into the box initially came off Silkowitz. The ball then found United’s Mary Stanic-Floody who with her run on the edge of the box and first-time shot put the ball into the back of the net for her first goal in the A-League Women.
Three minutes later, it was Brisbane who scored via a cross by Mia Corbin that found Sharn Frier in the box as she slotted the ball into the bottom left corner.
As the second half progressed, Brisbane continued to make chances for themselves and despite the scoreline at the hour mark, could have found a way back into the match if they converted better.
In the 73rd minute, any chance of Brisbane getting a result was emphatically shut out via a pass by Heyman that found Milivojevic whose eventual run into the box saw her cut in and slot the ball past Silkowitz for Canberra’s fifth goal in the match, Milivojevic’s hat-trick and her eighth goal of the season.
Unfortunately, the amazing performance by Milivojevic was abruptly halted just two minutes later after a coming together with Brisbane’s Ayesha Norrie that briefly stopped the match and left Milivojevic clutching her knee and in a lot of discomfort.
It was a massively unfortunate end to her afternoon and hopefully, it isn’t anything season-ending.
Above: Cortnee Vine (fore ground) and Kirsty Fenton for Sydney FC. Photo: Sydney FC.
Cortnee Vine’s 84th minute winner was enough to defeat a stubborn and persistent Newcastle Jets side at the No. 2 Sports Ground. It was the World Cup hero’s first of the season but only came after several good Sydney FC chances were denied by the woodwork or Izzy Nino in the Jets goal.
The pre-game discussion was one of out’s and in’s. Newcastle playmaker Libby Copus-Brown was missing with an injury that could see her miss a month. On the other side, Vine returned from injury for her first appearance since Round Two, and 16-year-old Maddie Caspers was put straight into the starting lineup for the visitors.
The Junior Matildas attacker slotted into the starting XI in place of Indiana Dos Santos who was missing from the squad after returning from international duty in China with the Australian Under 20 side.
The game itself could be best described as attacking and combative. In front of a record home crowd, The Jets were eager to attack. Emily van Egmond and Sarina Bolden both looked to unlock the Sydney FC defence through the pace of Lara Gooch and Lauren Allan out wide. For the most part, Kirsty Fenton and Tori Tumeth were equal to the task of stopping the pair of fleet-footed wingers.
Neither team was willing to surrender easy possession in the first half, with midfielders as likely to be found sliding into tackles as often as defenders. The best chance came when Fiona Worts turned the ball in for Sydney FC, but the goal was denied after Caspers was judged to have fouled Nino.
The game steadily opened up, Aideen Keane’s shot flew beyond Newcastle’s far post, and Caspers created a great chance with a clever turn and low cross just after half time. The ball could not find the back of the net for Sydney FC and when Worts was denied by Nino and a desperate effort from Tash Prior, it looked like it just was not going to happen for Ante Juric’s side.
Sydney’s depth on the bench eventually decided the result. With Newcastle tiring and having already withdrawn van Egmond, Juric brought on Vine and Shea Connors. The pair are two of the league’s quickest forwards and almost immediately increased the pressure on the Jets defence.
Connors threatened to score three times in quick succession. First, she ran behind the backline and propped to create some space. The class of the move was matched by Nino’s goalkeeping abilities and the Newcastle keeper held onto the ball at the second attempt.
Sydney’s American striker then tried from longer range on her opposite foot. Nino was beaten, but the ball crashed away off the crossbar. A shot from a tight angle on the right side of the box was easily held onto but Newcastle looked pinned back.
When the goal came, it was born of effort and misfortune. Connors charged down Nino as the goalkeeper attempted to clear. The ball spun high in the air but did not get much distance, Princess Ibini was able to steal possession and whip an effort across the face of goal where Vine was on hand to tap home the unmissable chance.
Sophie Hoban almost scored a late equaliser after the ball fell to her in the box, but the effort flashed across goal and did not trouble Jada Whyman. In the end, Newcastle’s luck had run out and Sydney FC’s persistence paid off.
The win sees Sydney climb to sixth on the table, but once against Newcastle were no easy beats, and showed enough to offer hope to their fans even after van Egmond was subbed off.
Above:Mariana Speckmaier watches on as Tori Hansen prepares to kick the ball. Photo:Melbourne Victory.
Wellington Phoenix and Melbourne Victory played out a thrilling 2-2 draw on a windy Sunday evening in the New Zealand capital.
The match started in a very high-tempo fashion, with beautiful, attacking football played down both ends of the pitch, but Melbourne Victory had the better of the chances. In the 15th minute, a beautifully weighted corner kick from Beattie Goad found the head of Victory captain, Kayla Morrison, who put it into the side netting.
The Phoenix, however, were not at all disheartened. They picked themselves up and immediately found a response. A high, looping corner kick from Hope Breslin down the other end looked to be curling out of play, but a well-positioned Mariana Speckmaier, poised just past the far post, headed the ball back into the six-yard box and it was headed home by Kate Taylor.
Wellington Phoenix held on to the momentum tightly and just over five minutes later pulled off another successful attack on Lydia William’s goal. A thunderbolt from Kelli Brown outside the 18-yard box beat Williams and ricocheted off the top right corner of the goals. Emma Main was the quickest to react, beating a Victory defender and heading the ball into the goals to give the Phoenix the lead.
By this point, Wellington Phoenix were by no means steamrolling Melbourne Victory, but they definitely had the momentum and were looking strong in possession. However, about five minutes before halftime, Elise Kellond-Knight, in the middle of the park, played a phenomenal ball in behind the Phoenix backline, which found Kurea Okino. Okino was able to take the ball past the keeper and slot it home to equalise for Victory. It was the first goal scored with a foot, the first three having been headers.
That is some finish 😮💨🎯
Kurea Okino scores in two straight matches to level the score for @gomvfc!
The second half was just as exciting and high energy, but the majority of the action took place in the midfield. It was also a lot more physical, with both teams desperate to grab all three points. With about 10 minutes to go in regulation time, both teams began to look fatigued, and space started to open up on both sides of the pitch.
Wellington Phoenix’s game-winning chance came in the 85th minute after an exquisite ball from Alyssa Whinham in the midfield found Speckmaier with only the goalkeeper to beat. She seemed to have time to find the finish but just wasn’t able to put the shot on target. Shortly after stoppage time began, Victory had their own chance to win the match. McKenzie Weinert ran into the box, beating a few Phoenix defenders and put a shot on target, but Rylee Foster produced an excellent save to deny her.
Wellington Phoenix played a solid match. They dominated possession and used quick, accurate passing and well-timed runs to create numerous opportunities on goal. Most impressively, they came back from a goal down to take the lead, and they kept attacking until the very end. Foster put in a great shift in goals, making seven saves to keep her side in the match.
Kate Taylor and Zoe McMeeken were fantastic in the backline, Taylor using her physicality and positioning to her advantage, and McMeeken using her speed and foot skills. The battle between McMeeken and Weinert was a fascinating one, McMeeken winning the majority of the battles.
Melbourne Victory also played a very good match. Although they didn’t have the majority of the possession, they were very effective when they did have the ball, able to create almost twice the number of shots on target as the Phoenix. Victory also showed their fighting spirit, coming back from a goal down to draw the match and take a point home to Melbourne.
Morrison was exceptional (as always) for Victory, scoring a phenomenal header and putting in a solid shift in the centre of defence. Goad had a very good match, bagging a fine assist, and creating a number of other goalscoring opportunities. Kellond-Knight was excellent for Victory pulling the strings in midfield and providing a wonderful assist.
Teams: WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): R. Foster, Davidson, Taylor, Lake, McMeeken, Fraser, Longo, Breslin, Main, Speckmaier, Brown. Substitutes: Barry, Edwards, Elliott, M. Foster, Whinham.
Above: Adelaide United’s Nanako Sasaki (red shirt) in possession against Western United today. Photo: Adelaide United.
Western United have beaten Adelaide United in an exciting 3-1 clash, marking their first match under new head coach Kat Smith.
While the Adelaide rain could delay kick-off, the Reds were unable to delay Western’s attacking prowess, and also unable to finish their own equal chances at goal.
The first half was back and forth between the two teams, and it looked like either could have broken the deadlock, with both sides having solid moments in attack.
It was in the final minute of the first half that Western found their opener through the Taranto twins. Melissa Taranto sent a ball in across the face of goal that Adriana was able to get onto the end of after beating out her defender.
Western United doubled their lead again through a Taranto twin team-up, which replicated the first goal. Adriana again put herself at the far post at the right time to again be on the receiving end of her sister’s cross. Adriana put the ball away with ease and collected her second goal for the afternoon.
It seemed that everything was going Western’s way, but Adelaide weren’t ready to give up. Their breakthrough came from star player Chelsie Dawber, who picked the pocket of defender Alana Cerne, taking on Hillary Beall in goal one-on-one. Dawber made the correct choice in driving the ball hard and low, beating the keeper’s dive and clawing a goal back for the home side.
The final 20 minutes of the 90 were spent with Adelaide trying to find their equaliser and Western pushing for a third goal to take them out of Adelaide’s reach.
Western were successful in the final minute of stoppage time, when Hannah Keane was released perfectly by Lucy Richards. Keane then sent the ball under the arm of a diving Claudia Jenkins in goal, putting Western back up by two goals.
This result pushes Western up to fifth on the ladder, and leaves Adelaide sitting one off the bottom, a far contrast from the team that played finals only two seasons ago.
Teams:ADELAIDE UNITED (4-3-3): Jenkins, I. Hodgson, Tonkin, Waldus, E. Hodgson, Sasaki, Holmes, Jancevski, Blake, Dawber, Lee. Substitutes: Condon, Grigg, Holtz, Tolland, Wilson (GK).
Scorer: Dawber 71′.
WESTERN UNITED (4-2-3-1): Beall, Sardo, Cerne, Maher, Papadopoulos, Sawicki, Logarzo, M. Taranto, A. Taranto, Keane, Vlajnic. Substitutes: Dakic, Dell’Oste (GK), Hieda, Richards, Robers.
Above:Perth Glory’s hat-trick hero Millie Farrow (right) celebrates with Susan Phonsongkham today. Photo: Perth Glory.
Perth Glory produced a gritty and ruthless performance to make the most of their chances when they came. Despite having significantly less possession and opportunities on goal, Alex Epakis’ side defeated Melbourne City in the battle of the top two in wet conditions at Genis Steel Stadium.
The home side had to make a number of changes in their squad after late returns from players who were away with national teams. Leia Varley was called in for her City debut, Keira Meyers and Tijan McKenna made their first starts in a sky blue shirt, and Karly Røstbakken came in for her first game of the season.
For the Glory, Grace Jale moved down to the bench with Sofia Sakalis moved up front with Millie Farrow.
With 15 minutes on the clock, Farrow had possession along the right before linking with Sofia Sakalis, centrally positioned on the edge of the box who laid off for Izzy Dalton to offload with a rocket that needed to be pushed over the top by City goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx.
Above: Leticia McKenna leaps on goal scorer Hannah Wilkinson with Karly Røstbakken (left) and Rhianna Pollicina also celebrating as City went ahead. Photo: Melbourne City.
However, within a minute it was City who went ahead. Kiera Meyers, positioned near the by-line laid the ball back for Western Australian and former Glory player Tijan McKenna to lift in a centimetre-perfect cross from the right wing for Hannah Wilkinson to rise between two defenders in the box to direct a header into the far corner of the net.
The home side’s lead lasted for 15 minutes as Laura Hughes’ lost possession to Hana Lowry who played in Quinley Quezada to thread through a perfectly weighted pass which took City’s Taylor Otto out of the game for Farrow to enter the box, round Proulx, and calmly direct the ball home from an increasingly acute angle.
There was still time for Perth to have claims for a penalty as Farrow went down under the attentions from former Glory star Leticia McKenna on the left hand edge of the box, but referee Kate Jacewicz was non plussed.
With the scoreline remaining locked at 1-1 into the break, it was Perth who grabbed the momentum in the early period of the second half of this showdown between the A-League Women’s top two.
Six minutes in, Dalton played a looped pass from the centre out to take Meyers out of the play for Liz Anton on the left flank. The Football Fern then turned the teenager and made for the byline to play a low ball to the feet of Farrow who sidefooted in first time from 10 metres in a classic poacher’s finish.
Above: Perth Glory’s hat-trick hero Millie Farrow celebrates once more today. Photo: Liberty A-League.
City would look to press, and with 65 on the clock, Perth goalkeeper Morgan Aquino’s less-than-perfect clearance eventually came to Daniela Galic on the edge of the box who played in Emina Ekić to hit a powerful curling shot from around 15 metres out that Aquino did well to get a hand out to save.
The visitors’ ruthless form this season was seen once more, as within four minutes of Ekić’s opportunity, a City attack involving Wilkinson was broken up and Farrow released. The English striker comfortably won the footrace with Karly Røstbakken to burst through the City half, round Proulx in the home side’s goal, and direct the ball into the net with ease.
Melbourne City conjured up one remaining half-chance in the dying embers as Ekić escaped along the right to play in a low cross for Wilkinson to direct goalwards, but Aquino got down to make a comfortable save.
Time and again this campaign Perth have taken chances at crucial times of matches – and this was the most prominent example thus far. They had less than 40% possession, 14 fewer shots on goal, and six fewer on target, yet they still won 3-1.
This was the most prominent example of their ability to do so. That is the sign of a team who are potential champions. Whilst we are still only in round seven, this was a statement-making win by Alex Epakis’ side.
Teams: MELBOURNE CITY (4-1-4-1): Proulx, Meyers, Røstbakken, Otto, Varley, Hughes, L. McKenna, T. McKenna, Pollicina, Torpey, Wilkinson. Substitutes: Barbieri (GK), Davidson, Ekić, Galic, Thomas-Chinnama.
Impetus had writers in five WSL media conferences this week ahead of another vital weekend of action. Their club-by-club reports of who said what is below (8/12/23)
Arsenal
By Liberty Simons
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Jonas Eidevall repeatedly highlighted the impact of his staff, the players, and the supporters of Arsenal Women in the lead-up to Sunday’s London Derby against Chelsea.
Eidevall spoke about the game ahead and how everyone involved at Arsenal has helped to nearly sell out the Emirates for the game, starting by commenting that the club has to “push and make it a sell-out.” He spoke highly of the two main supporter groups of the team’s, the Red and White and Arsenal Women’s Supporter Club, and how their continued support and noise helps bring in the crowds.
He highlighted how the players drive the excitement for the matches at the club’s stadium and continued this praise of the collection of people at Arsenal. He gave mention towards the communications and commercial departments at the club for their work towards selling crowds out and making the most of the games at the Emirates, saying it “can’t only be driven by a few, it has to be driven by many.”
He also spoke about winning Manager of the Month from Sky Sports this week saying it was a “reflection of a really good month” and “credit should go to the wider staff group and the players.” Likewise, he commented on Frida Leonhardsen Maanum’s recent success in winning the Football Supporters’ Association Women’s Player of the Year award, commenting how happy he has been to see her progression since joining Arsenal from the Damallsvenskan.
Eidevall emphasised the dynamics of Arsenal as a club as a whole and the effects that positive results for both first teams are rubbing off across the club. He also commented that apart from the known injury to Lina Hurtig during the international window, the full team is fit and training for Sunday.
He once again returned to the praise of the trio of fans, players, and backroom staff when asked if other clubs could learn from Arsenal’s success in bringing the crowds to the club’s stadium, saying he can’t comment purely because he has “no knowledge of other teams” but Arsenal’s success lies in the triad.
The Arsenal manager also commented that playing all games at the Emirates is not as easy as people would like, due to restrictions outside of the club’s control as well as things like pitch maintenance. He did, however, highlight the fact that Arsenal are playing more games every season at the Emirates, but playing additional matches at the venue is something that is reviewed before the start of every season.
Touching on this weekend’s opponents Chelsea, Eidevall views them as “not unbeatable.”
Aston Villa
By Emily Brown
Above: Carla Ward taking part in Aston Villa’s media conference on Zoom this week. Image: Aston Villa.
This Saturday, Aston Villa will travel to Manchester City’s Joie Stadium ready to kick off the first WSL match following the international break.
Villa’s last match before ended in despair as Everton took the win at Villa Park, putting a stop to the Villans’ winning run.
Not only will Ward have to pick her players up from the Everton defeat, but she will also have to manage the differing emotions that are circulating within her team due to events unfolding over the break.
With England, Scotland, and the Netherlands all being in Group A1 in the Nations League it meant that many Villans battled it out against each other in a feat for Olympic qualification.
The dramatic game that played out at Hampden Park earlier this week saw England face an already relegated Scotland, putting six goals past the Scottish, accompanied by a clean sheet. However, this mighty victory was just not enough for England and their Olympic dream, with the Netherlands topping the group by a single goal.
On Rachel Daly’s return after missing out on qualification, Ward said: “I’ve picked up with Rach this morning, she’s obviously gutted, she’s a passionate person that takes a lot of pride in playing for her country and yeah of course it’s gonna hurt…”
She went on to recognise other emotions following the massive hit on Scotland’s Rachel Corsie and Kirsty Hanson, as well as the gritty win from the Netherlands:
“…but there’s not just Rach…You always have to manage when you come back (with) different emotions, and this is probably the biggest one because of the fact that…. some people have obviously come out of their nations group (with Scotland being relegated), some people are on the back of Olympic qualification (with goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and the Netherlands scoring a playoff spot) …
“…there’s different scenarios so there’s a lot of emotion that we’ve got to manage…”
Due to players only just beginning to arrive back from their respective countries, it is unclear who will be fit to play come Sunday. Ward claims player fitness will “really depend on how people have come back… so we’ll have to (assess) that.”
On having so little time to prepare, Ward claimed: “You have to plan effectively… myself and Gareth (Taylor) will be in the same boat, so we can’t make excuses… we’re used to it in the women’s game, we’re used to having them for one day…It’s a sad reality of the women’s game, it’s what you’re used to but it’s definitely no excuse…”
With the form that City have built up from performances so far this season, it certainly bodes for a tough match for Villa. Gareth Taylor’s side is proving to be a threat on both ends of the pitch, with 19-year-old goalkeeper, Khiara Keating starting all eight matches and achieving the most clean sheets in the WSL so far this season, keeping four clean sheets in total.
Up at the opposite end of the pitch, Jamaican striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has scored the most goals so far (joint with Chelsea’s Lauren James), putting six shots into the back of the net in the run-up to international duty.
After Villa’s defeat against Everton, Ward recognised: “We have to try and take points from both (upcoming matches against City and Brighton) … City’s a difficult place to go and I think they play some unbelievable football, so that’s going to be tough…”
This week she reiterated that Man City manager, Gareth Taylor, “doesn’t get enough credit…”
“….I think he’s done an unbelievable job… they had a big turnover of players last summer and I think what he’s done has been brilliant…. (he) deserves an awful lot of credit, they’re an unbelievable team, they play with a lot of freedom, they play with a lot of quality… it’s going to be a tough game. They’re a team that you don’t want to face on the back of their last two fixtures…”
She further commends City’s position and believes in them going far this season: “… I think they’ll be title contenders… I think for sure, come the end of the season, I think they’ll be up there.”
Brighton and Hove Albion
by Aimee-Lou Caldecourt
Above: Brighton and Hove Albion boss Mel Phillips speaking at today’s media conference. Image: Brighton and Hove Albion.
Mel Phillips’ Seagulls take on Leicester City at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday, a win would see Brighton soar above the Foxes in the WSL table.
The team news ahead of the game was rather positive after this international break. There is only one concern, and that surrounds the fitness of goalkeeper Nicky Evrard as she came off with an injury in the final minutes, which is currently still being assessed by the Sussex side and her parent club Chelsea.
Phillips praises the ‘’focus levels and professionalism’’ of her squad on their return from international duty after ‘’a really short turnaround.’’
‘’The Liverpool performance was far from our best performance and we’re very clear about the areas that we need to be better in and things that we can manage differently.’’ Some deep reflection of the last game before the break.
Before the international break, Brighton had a tough run of games against the top four. Now focus is fully forward on the upcoming games. Similarly with Leicester, ‘’they score and concede a lot coming towards the end of the first half and beginning of the second half.’’
Charlize Rule was awarded her first cap for Australia over the recent international break, and Phillips was full of praise for her young Matilda. ‘’Charlie’s a fantastic young professional. She’s made a big jump to come across into one of the top leagues in the world and she’s just continued to grow from day one up until now, and I think that the opportunities of the national team are very deserved and show that she’s been very committed.’’
‘’She’s an exceptional technician on the ball, she has real quality under pressure.’’ Overall a lot of high praise from Phillips’ about Rule, ‘’she’s got a massively bright future ahead.’’
Katie Robinson has had success in the England U23s during the break. Phillips’ says that the call up to the U23s rather than the senior squad has ‘’taken a lot of pressure off of her.’’ She often ‘’ has a very different role [in the senior squad] than maybe what she has in our Brighton team.’’ Phillips’ believe she’s on the upward path and that she’s excelled in the U23 setup. ‘’It’s the journey that she’s on.’’
‘’We’re really excited about the likes of Maisie Symonds getting her first call in back to the 23s since a long period away with injury.’’ Symonds was side-lined through illness and injury for most of last season and is now finding some quality form and looks like a really promising young player for Brighton and England.
Usually, the matchups between Brighton and Leicester are close with three of the four meetings between them being won 1-0. This game should be tight and very entertaining for fans and neutrals alike.
Chelsea
by Ava-Marianne Elliott
Above: Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, who spoke to the media this afternoon ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown with Arsenal. Photo: Sky Sports.
With their fixture at a packed-out Emirates in front of a WSL record crowd this Sunday rapidly approaching, Chelsea’s manager Emma Hayes’ addressed the media to discuss how her team would face the challenge.
The questions opened with queries about how her side were readjusting after the international break, especially the players like Lauren James, Niamh Charles, and Jess Carter who were fresh off the back of their last-minute UEFA Nations League heartbreak. “Listen these players are professionals and they have had a couple of days to digest it and get it out of their system, and I had no concerns going into training today.”
On Sunday, the battle between the two London sides could be an early factor contributing to the outcome of the season, but Hayes’ focus was insistent that this game was just another match to be played. She iterated that “we’re in December, we’re not even halfway yet, we’re miles away from all that stuff” when asked about the title race, and her role isn’t to treat one fixture differently to the next, as each match is an opportunity for three points. Not one game is to be taken as less serious than another, and mentality played a huge role in the results her side have seen so far.
Their opponents, Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal who are in flying form, but she further added that her players are used to the pressure, particularly from the Champions League or international football. They know how to remain cool under the eyes of opposition fans, and games where the stadium is packed out with spectators are more enjoyable.
A credit she gave to the Arsenal team is their ability on the counter-attack, and how they can cut teams open of two or three passes. Especially with their squad depth, Hayes commented that the Gunners “have a lot of experience, but they also have a lot of new players that I think are adding different qualities to their team.” It’s something that the Blues will have to be prepared for tactically, especially without Millie Bright’s expertise in the back line.
When the big question of selection rolled around, the Blues boss mentioned that two of her players would not be available for this weekend’s fixture. England’s Millie Bright is still out due to a prolonged knee injury and Serbia’s Jelena Čanković is still recovering from a calf injury that has seen her sidelined for two weeks now. Despite the injury to the side’s captain, Guro Reiten and Melanie Leupolz are available for selection this Sunday. After the news she recently suffered a rupture to her ACL on international duty, Aniek Nouwen is set for a long road of recovery.
Hayes’ was insistent that everything was business as usual for the Chelsea team. The fixture may be a big one in many people’s eyes, but she personally doesn’t see it that way, and nothing has changed because Arsenal always was going to be a huge presence in their chase for the title.
“I understand that to get anybody to perform you can’t think too far in the future and you can’t talk about the past.”
Although the scoreline for this Sunday is unpredictable and this fixture is a big one in the eyes of many, Emma Hayes’ is sure her side will play to the best of their ability and focus on moving forwards regardless of the result.
Manchester United
By Emily Brownand Holly Wright
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner, who spoke to the media this morning. Photo: Matthew Appleby for Impetus.
This Sunday, Marc Skinner’s Manchester United will make the journey down south ready to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Heading into this weekend the Reds are sat just outside the top three in the table with a single point separating them and their fierce rivals Manchester City. Spurs sit in at sixth with 12 points with still a lot more time for them to regain their promising start to the season.
The Lilywhites will be determined to threaten Skinner’s United this weekend, with the side’s last match before the international break ending in despair with a defeat of seven goals to nil against Manchester City.
Regarding team news, whilst away on international duty, Japanese midfielder, Hinata Miyazawa has suffered an injury. On her expected return to the squad, Skinner explained: “Hini (Miyazawa) will probably be out until after Christmas. We are waiting on an assessment. It looks like she will miss these three games.”
United’s manager hopes she will be able to make her return following the next international camp.
Another player who, in November, joined the increasing list of United’s injured is Irene Guerrero, who remains “still in training” and will hopefully make her return after Christmas with her being “likely to miss these three games.”
Looking towards their matchup against Spurs, Skinner outlined that will make no mistake in underestimating the side. In their previous match against Manchester City, the United boss felt his team’s “attacking play was pretty bright” and felt the level of the defeat was unjust in some ways.
“You could see what they were trying to do… I think they will do the same again and I think that they will mark that as something they will not want to experience again… We need to make sure they don’t get chances.”
United will focus on nullifying the chances Spurs create with their clinical attacking players, especially with the potential for striker Beth England to make her return from injury this weekend.
“Beth (England) has a chance to be back, and we all know how good she is….it is going to be a tough game and we have to be at our very best.”
United’s player on loan to Spurs, Grace Clinton will be unavailable this weekend due to her being unable to play against her parent club. Domestically, Clinton has been performing excellently and has recently been rewarded with her first call-up to senior national camp with the Lionesses.
On the 20-year-old Skinner commented: “I think the way Grace performed I’m really really happy with and I’m watching closely… I’m really happy where she’s at and I’m really pleased…”
However, someone who will hope to pose a threat to United this weekend will be former Red Devil, Martha Thomas. On the striker’s recent performances, Skinner stated: “I hope she doesn’t do it against us, but I hope she continues to do it in the league… I’ve been really impressed with her, especially (her) goals against Villa that I thought were… excellent…We’ve got to, have to be, very good against her to keep her quiet for sure.”
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Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 Central Coast Mariners
by Jamie Spangher (8/12/23).
Above:Western Sydney Wanderers celebrate a goal in their statement victory over the Mariners Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Western Sydney Wanderers showed impressive dominance in their 3-0 victory over Central Coast Mariners at Wanderers Football Park.
The fixture kicked off with an impressively even scrap, both sides remaining poised in defense despite the persistent press from both attacking frontlines. An arm wrestle from the outset, neither team were able to create an opening chance in the opening seven minutes as a result.
A searching strike from the Mariners forward Rola Badawinya opened up the action, though just flying wide of the right side despite a stretching effort from Shamiran Khamis. Khamis was tested again just minutes later, as she managed to palm away an unanswered cross from Annabel Martin.
Holding a majority of possession during the opening fifteen minutes, the Mariners continued to push forward in a threatening manner. Despite controlling the tempo from the outset, the side lacked conviction when it came to providing the final delivery inside the 18-yard box.
Tensions began to rise as a late challenge from Ash Irwin on Olivia Price saw her receive a yellow card, providing the Wanderers with a golden opportunity just outside of the 18 yard box. Though Price’s right-footed effort saw the free-kick land in the safe hands of Casey Dumont, the Mariners goalkeeper.
The Wanderers came again, with Cushla Rue evading the Mariners’ defence with precision, cutting past the yellow shirts before Dumont saved her shot on goal at the near post. An end-to-end transition saw Khamis put back to work, as Paige Hayward’s searching cross was left unanswered, Annalise Rasmussen’s late arrival leaving the open goal begging.
It was the opening minute of first-half stoppage time that saw an unmarked Sophie Harding head home Western Sydney’s first of the fixture, opening the evening’s scoresheet in what would be her fourth goal in three consecutive appearances for the Wanderers.
Above: Sophie Harding (9) celebrates on a brilliant night for her personally and her club. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Despite holding the smaller side of the possession in the opening half (39%), Western Sydney headed into the break with a 1-0 lead.
The half-time break saw Rasmussen make way for Peta Trimis, fresh from Young Matildas duty in China. Trimis was looking to offer a dynamic quality to the Mariners’ frontline come the second half of play.
As the second half commenced, an experienced challenge by Martin saw Talia Younis denied on the edge of the box, the 15-year-old attempting to generate a chance for the Wanderers in the opening minutes.
Beginning to control the tempo despite their lack of possession in the first half, Western Sydney began to dictate the field of play with authority. A looping ball launched from the right-foot of Price saw a consequential deflection from Mariners captain Taren King amidst the goal line scuffle, allowing Western Sydney to double their advantage in the 53rd minute of play.
Despite trailing by two goals, Central Coast refused to roll over. The side continued to press with aggressive determination, earning a free-kick on the edge of the 18 yard box. Bianca Galic’s searching effort forced a crucial save from Khamis, the Wanderers goalkeeper having to provide an impressive stretching effort in order to push the strike out for a left-side corner.
Though the attacking prowess of the Wanderers proved far too overwhelming for the Mariners side. With Harding’s stellar form continuing to take exponential rise, the young forward flew the ball through the hands of Dumont to settle into the bottom right corner. Adding a brace to her evening account, and giving the Wanderers a 3-0 advantage heading into the game’s final stages.
Despite last-minute attempts to generate an attacking presence, the Mariners were unable to respond to the three-goal deficit provided by the home side.
Above: It was a memorable night for the Wanderers. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers.
Teams: WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (3-2-3-2): Khamis, Bruce, Harrison, McComasky, Gordon, Price, Younis, Rue, Mates, Caspers, Harding. Substitutes: Feris, Keir, Morris, Abdul Massih, Collins.
Above: Melbourne City manager Dario Vidosic Photo: Melbourne City.
Melbourne City Women’s head coach Dario Vidosic sat down with media this morning to discuss his team’s return to the park after a two week break for an international window.
City remain the only team in the Liberty A-League yet to lose a match and now they host Perth Glory at B.T. Connor Reserve in round seven, which was initially meant to be played at their permanent home of Casey Fields, moved due to building delays on site.
“We want to dictate the game, and we go out to win, nothing changes, we don’t look at the table,” said Vidosic.
Perth Glory are currently seated at second on the ladder, just underneath City, who currently have a three point clearance.
“We respect Perth, we know they’ve had a good season and I’m sure they’ve used the two weeks to prepare for us.”
“If we dominate the ball like we usually do, then we take away their attacking threat.”
Perth’s attacking threats consist of players such as New Zealand international Grace Jale, and Susan Phonsongkham, who both have three goals apiece so far this season.
Alongside focussing on getting their next three points, City will also be looking to see how their international and youth national team players have returned from their time with their respective teams.
“Once they’re away then we let them concentrate on their national team duties, the only time we tell them to reach out is to let us know if they’re injured,” said Vidosic on his national team players.
“The fact that my phone has been quiet for those two weeks is good news.”
One player on the return is Captain and New Zealand defender Rebekah Stott, who has been crucial to City’s defensive performance this season. Stott played a full 90 minutes in their first game against Colombia but was not named to the team sheet for the second meeting.
“When we saw that she wasn’t in we were a little bit concerned but we got news pretty quickly that there was a bit of illness, that’s why they gave her the rest,” he said regarding his Captain.
“We’ll assess her, and all the others and make a decision for tomorrow.
Melbourne City take on Perth Glory at B.T. Reserve on Saturday 9 November, kicking off at 4pm.
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Above: Chelsea’s Sam Kerr will be a key player in Sunday’s huge game with Arsenal, where she will come up against three of her national side team-mates.Photo: Mariella Prew for Impetus.
Chelsea have made a stunning start to the season with 28 goals scored, a +21 goal difference (GD), and 22 points accumulated. However, after a sticky start to the campaign, Arsenal are just three points behind as the two prepare to face off this coming Sunday at The Emirates.
This time last season, in comparison, Chelsea had just scored 20 goals with 14 GD and 21 points, occupying the second position on the table behind Manchester United. The Blues additionally set a WSL record for the highest number of consecutive home wins (20) with their victory against Leicester City before the international window.
After Arsenal’s shocking opening day loss to Liverpool and a dramatic draw to Manchester United, Jonas Eidevall’s side have now won six matches in a row, scoring sixteen goals during the process. They have achieved this feat with different approaches; sometimes they grind out victory at the very end like they did against Aston Villa, some other times, they come from behind to score barrage of goals like they did against Leicester City, or, like they did against West Ham United before the international break they come out red hot from the very start.
However, facing Emma Hayes’ versatile team might be the real test of their recent run. The season is still to reach its halfway mark, but in a timeline of 22 matches, any point dropped matters a lot which is why all eyes will be at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Beth Mead’s brace against West Ham just before the international window saw her become only the second player with 100 goals/assists in the WSL and other attackers like Australia’s Caitlin Foord and England’s Alessia Russo have been sharing the responsibilities of scoring goals when required with help from defenders like Steph Catley coming in handy when required.
The return of Beth Mead and Vivian Miedema have been great additions to Eidevall’s team and if there is a perfect time to challenge the current champions to make the title race more exciting, it is now. Do note; that it won’t be an easy feat.
Above: Beth Mead dedicates one of her goals for Arsenal before the international window to her late mother. She is hitting her best form once more after a year on the sidelines. Photo: Arsenal Women.
Despite playing in Europe and plagued with a few injuries, Chelsea’s squad depth is intriguing and everyone is turning up when called upon. You could talk about the starlight stealing the spotlight – Aggie Beever Jones who has scored five goals in as many matches or Lauren James who has scored five goals in her last two club games, and has already surpassed her tally for last season. You could also make reference to the ever-commanding presence of the Australian captain, Sam Kerr who is still delivering when required despite not being at 100% fitness yet, or Mia Fishel who has been a reliable second striker when beckoned upon.
The Blues’ ability to create goals from any part of the pitch is one of the dangers that Arsenal will be wary of when they meet on Sunday as the outcome of this match could affect how competitive this year’s title race will be.
A victory for Chelsea will mean they are six points clear of their closest rivals while a victory for Arsenal will throw the title race wide open – a result either side of Manchester will hope for.
A draw will be an almost perfect outcome for any neutral as it keeps the race exciting for the Christmas season knowing that Chelsea’s WSL first match in January is against last season’s runners-up, Manchester United.
International breaks often come with different dynamics but this match-up is exactly what you want to watch after an international break. The exciting news is that there is a derby on December 10th that could be a title decider.
Mark your calendars, get your sweaters, it’s about to be an enthralling winter.
This is the third part of our series previewing Sunday’s big game with detailed coverage from tomorrow’s media conferences to come:
TOMORROW:Liberty Simons reports from Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall’s media conference and Ava-Marianne Elliott from Chelsea boss Emma Hayes’ media conference.
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Impetus’ Ryan Miller-Woods and Ben Gilby report on three of this week’s media conferences to date ahead of the A-League Women’s return after the international window (7/12/23).
Canberra United
Above: Holly Murray speaking to the media this week ahead of Canberra United’s return to action. Image: Canberra United.
by Ryan Miller-Woods
Canberra United go into the weekend’s match away to Brisbane Roar bottom of the A-League Women’s ladder but do have two games in hand compared to some teams that are ahead of them.
Despite only having one point from their first four matches of the season the capital city club have scored the equal fourth-most goals with 10 but have conceded the second-most goals with 13. The quality they have in attack and midfield with players such as Michelle Heyman, Nicki Flannery and Vesna Milivojevic who have been pivotal in that regard with an average of 2.5 goals scored so far this season, Canberra just need to reduce the amount conceded to stay competitive in games.
Ahead of the game with the Roar, Holly Murray reflected: “(We’re) a new team getting used to each other’s playing styles. It’s going to take time but one thing that we’ve really stuck to as a team is just to know that what we are doing (as a side) is going to help. Just sticking to our own game and hopefully, that will pan out well (by doing that).”
Conversely, Brisbane Roar have had a good start to the season with two wins, two draws and two defeats which has them in fifth position on the A-League Women’s ladder.
When asked what she is expecting from Brisbane on Sunday, Murray said: “Well, we know that it’s going to be hot (temperature-wise), so they’re used to that, we can’t use that as an excuse. I think Brisbane like any other team (in this league) is going to be a difficult one and we’ve just got to stick to what we’re good at and what we know.”
Central Coast Mariners
Above: Central Coast Mariners head coach Emily Husbane addressing the media today. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
by Ryan Miller-Woods
The Mariners will be going into tomorrow’s match against Western Sydney Wanderers knowing that a victory will solidify their position within the top six on the A-League Women’s ladder regardless of results elsewhere this round.
Head coach Emily Husband said outlined the threat she believes Wanderers will pose. “They’ve got a far bit of pace up top, so I’ve got no doubt they’ll be looking to play in behind and that’s something we’re preparing for. Obviously, they’ve got their first win (of the season), so they’ll be looking to build on that and that’s something that we want to make sure we don’t allow them to do (against us).”
Central Coast’s last match in the league against Melbourne Victory saw the league’s newest club come close to securing a point after being denied a draw by Victory’s McKenzie Weinert in the 91st minute after the Mariners levelled the scoring 20 minutes prior with a maiden goal in the league for defender Faye Bryson.
When asked about her thoughts on the performance against Victory last round despite the result, Husband said: “Our biggest thing at the moment is just being a little bit more consistent and we didn’t (do that against Victory), we dropped off during certain parts of the game and they managed to capitalise on that. I think one of our strengths is coming into that last 20 minutes and we do sort of put the pressure back onto teams, which is great to see but again we have got to make that more consistent (going forward).”
Above: Casey Dumont reflects on her Mariners debut and looks ahead to tomorrow night’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers. Image: Central Coast Mariners.
Fresh from facing her old club Melbourne Victory in that last encounter before the international window, Casey Dumont put in a respectable debut display in between the sticks for the Mariners. Reviewing her performance, the goalkeeper told the media: “Yeah! It was phenomenal to even just get back on the park. It’s been seven months away doing a different code (AFL) and then to come back and get a full 90 was a great feeling within. It’s a shame we (just walked away with the result that we didn’t want.”
When asked how the squad is feeling ahead of the match against the Wanderers, Dumont said: “I think the whole team has a really high vibe, (we’re) ready to take on a Western Sydney team. I think too just with the result from last week, we really want to bounce back and make sure that we get those three points and cement it because last week there was a lot of positives we should have come away with maybe a point. I think the girls are really out there to prove (themselves), so we’re very excited.”
Perth Glory
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s big game at Melbourne City. Image: Perth Glory.
by Ben Gilby
Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis is confident that his team will bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they travel to Melbourne City on Saturday in a battle of the teams placed first and second on the ladder.
Glory’s reverse to Wellington Phoenix after making world football’s longest journey for a domestic club match prior to the international window cost them the leadership of the A-League Women, but Epakis believes his team are ready to get back to winning ways.
“We’ve definitely had a lot of time to look at the performance (against Wellington) and it certainly wasn’t one of our best outings. We acknowledge we did a few things well, but, as a whole, there were a number of things that we need to do better.
“It’s important that we do progress after a result like that, and I’m completely confident going forward that is the case on this occasion…the response from the players has been really good.”
After making the 5,346 km to and from New Zealand to face the Nix, Perth benefited from having the international window to help recovery. However, some of the Glory’s stars have been overseas on international duty, notably some of their young guns with the Young Matildas in China. Epakis doesn’t see that as being detrimental to the big test on Saturday.
“The international break after a long trip to Auckland really helped us. The players are fresh mentally and physically…We’ve got a very deep squad and it’s for situations like this. I’m comfortable with however the squad looks, and how it takes shape – we’ll have the quality to compete whatever.”
With Perth about to make the trip to Victoria for the first versus second battle, the Western Australian side’s head coach has a lot of respect for Dario Vidosic’s team. “City have a really good squad, they’re well structured and have a clear playing style with and without the ball. On a personal front, I’m really excited about what that challenge will look like (for us) as a team…credit to City because they are where they are because they have been consistent and it’s a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against a team who are sitting top.”
Epakis has seen so much growth in his charges this season that he knows his side are ready to go toe-to-toe with the Sky Blues and are capable of gaining the result that will see the Glory return to the A-League Women’s summit on Saturday evening.
“Internally, we have so much focus and intent on what we want to do. I’m focused on helping the players to have an improved performance, and if we can do that, then we can go up against anyone.
“We’re in a position now where we are competing with the best teams. Doing it week-in-week-out going in with that confidence that if we’re really focused and committed to our performance, it can excite us. It excites me and that’s what I’m really looking to see at the weekend.”
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