Above: Charli Grant at her new home. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur
The January transfer window has brought numerous players to the WSL. Two of these players whose moves have attracted attention are Australian national team stars, Katrina Gorry and Charlotte (Charli) Grant, who had both previously been playing together in Sweden.
Over the summer the Australian women’s national team, nicknamed the Matildas, showed the world what they are capable of. The squad reached the semi-final of the Fifa women’s world cup that was held on their home turf.
Gorry and Grant, alongside Kyra Cooney-Cross, are often seen together on Australian national team camps. Therefore, it is only fitting that the pair have moved over to the WSL at the same time. They join Cooney-Cross who has been playing for Arsenal this season, having signed for the gunners in September 2023.
Katrina Gorry
Only a couple of months prior to their history making tournament last summer, a documentary aired on Disney Plus which gave an insight into the Australian team.
The episode which focused on Katrina Gorry and her journey back into the national squad, following the birth of her daughter Harper, was perhaps the most memorable.
In 2021 Gorry, nicknamed Mini by fans and teammates, gave birth to Harper and only a year later she returned to play for the Matildas, winning Player of the Match in her first game back.
At the beginning of January, Gorry completed her deal with West Ham, becoming their third signing of the 23/24 January transfer window.
The midfielder has over 100 caps for Australia and has joined West Ham following her departure from Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vittsjo GIK in November of 2023.
Prior to playing in Sweden, Gorry has played for clubs in Australia, the United States, Japan, Canada, and Norway. Her signing with West Ham marks the beginning of her first WSL stint.
Speaking on her signing, Gorry said, “The Women’s Super League is the league everyone is speaking about at the moment.”
Playing in the WSL gives Gorry the chance to test her skills against some of the best players in the world, and there is no doubt that she will rise to the challenge.
She is a talented midfielder who made the starting eleven for her first game with West Ham on 14 January.
Not only is this move going to benefit Gorry, but it is certainly going to benefit the club which is currently fighting to prevent relegation.
Rehanne Skinner, West Ham women’s first team manager, will be hoping that the addition of Gorry will lead her squad to win matches and earn points.
Aswell as this, Skinner’s squad is likely to notice an increase in fans and attention.
Gorry, and her daughter Harper, have won over the hearts of Matildas’ fans and West Ham included Harper throughout Gorry’s signing announcement.
Harper was seen sporting a West Ham kit in photos and has even been given a profile on Fantasy Football’s WSL app.
Seemingly, Gorry has immediately become a big part of the West Ham family.
Grant signed her contract with Tottenham Hotspur on 3 January and came on as a late substitute in the club’s second match of 2024, helping to maintain the team’s lead and securetheir 4-3 victory over West Ham.
So far, we have only seen Grant play a couple of minutes for Spurs, but her previous performances have led to excitement amongst fans.
Like Gorry, Grant featured in the Australian World Cup squad over the summer.
Grant, however, is younger than Gorry and is consequently less experienced. She is only 22 years old and made her debut for the Matildas in September 2021, scoring her first international goal just seven months later against England.Now, she has 21 caps for Australia.
Grant’s professional career began in Australia when she signed for her hometown club, Adelaide United, making her debut at the age of 17.
Then three years later, in 2021, the defender moved to Sweden to join Rosengard where she featured in 23 games. Following this, she joined Vittsjo GIK on loan in 2022. This move became permanent in August 2023.
Grant has signed with Spurs until 2026, meaning that if she stays for the duration of her contract, she will play at least three full seasons with the club.
As a young defender, experience in the WSL will be beneficial for Grant as she will face the challenge of playingagainst some of the most talented forwards. She will also have the opportunity to play in front of huge crowds in large stadiums.
Spurs currently sits in sixth position in the WSL table and the team will be hoping that the introduction of Grant can help them to end the season in the top five.
Gorry and Grant are two of fourteen Matildas currently playing in the English league – Arsenal is home to three of these players with Manchester City and West Ham both having two Matildas in their squads.
There are numerous reasons why these Matildas would want to play in the WSL; its dedicated fans and quality ballersmake it a league that is bringing stars from across the globe to England.
Gorry and Grant, two of the WSL’s most recent additions, are embarking on the opportunity of a lifetime.
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Above: Wellington players mob Brianna Edwards after her penalty save. Photo Wellington Phoenix
A Marianna Speckmaier double and some heroics from Brianna Edwards gave Wellington Phoenix a 2-0 win against Canberra United and reversed a run of four straight losses.
The Nix were playing at home for the first time in over a month, but any hope that provided their fans was tempered by the absences of Michaela Foster and Mackenzie Barry. Canberra United arrived in Porirua looking to make amends after a last-minute defeat to Melbourne Victory in the previous round.
Zoe McMeeken was deployed at left back by Pheonix coach Paul Temple but spent the opening stages operating more as an out and out winger. Her direct running brought the crowd the life early and created the home side’s first opportunity of the game. At the other end, Michelle Heyman was causing problems, and up against Tiana Jaber league’s greatest goal scorer was looking dangerous early.
In response to McMeekan’s attacks, Canberra United swapped their own fullbacks. Tegan Bertolissio and Sasha Grove switched flanks in an effort to unlock the latter’s attacking potential, and for much of the first half it was an even affair even if Wellington did provide the better highlights. Speckmaier’s nutmeg of Cannon Clough delighted the home crowd and her shot from the tight angle tested Chloe Lincoln who needed two grabs to snuff out the danger.
The opening goal arrived in the shadows of half time. Isabel Cox dissected the Canberra defence with a through ball to Speckmaier. The Venezuelan striker burst through and clipped her shot over Lincoln in a moment of poise and composure.
Speckmaier doubled the lead in the 52nd minute from a corner kick and The Pheonix appeared to be in cruise control, but a contentious red card to Rylee Foster barely 10 minutes later changed the momentum of the game. Most players an fans were confused at best when the Wellington goalkeeper was dismissed for an elbow into the stomach of Sofia Christopherson. That contact was made is undeniable, but whether it was forceful enough or intentional at all will be strongly debated.
When the confusion settled, Macey Fraser was withdrawn and Brianna Edwards entered the game. The substitute goalkeeper’s first task was to face a penalty from Maria Rojas. The save was celebrated like a goal as she dove to her right and pushed the ball away with two hands.
With The Phoenix players flooding back to preserve the score, Canberra had the opportunity to attack, although not the space. Long shots were blocked while Heyman and Rojas were both crowded out by the numbers of Wellington players behind the ball.
The comeback looked like a tall task for the visitors while the home side were spurred out by vocal support. Every clearance tackle and foul earned was greeted with rousing encouragement as the Nix edged toward a drought breaking win.
When the whistle went, it was a triumphant moment for Wellington. They had broken a four game losing streak and done It with a mix of panache and grit. In some ways this might be their most mature performance. They had to manage the game against one of the leagues most dangerous attacks, and do so with only 10 players on the pitch.
Next week, they are on the road again to face Newcastle in a winnable game, but they will hope that Mackenzie Barry returns to try and stop the likes of Sarina Bolden. Canberra United will host Melbourne City in what can only be described as a tough challenge.
Above: The Central Coast Mariners hold aloft the F3 Derby trophy. Photo: Central Coast Mariners
In a highly entertaining F3 Derby that saw a combined 29 shots between the two sides, Central Coast Mariners have moved up to fifth on the A-League Women’s ladder after a well-deserved 2-0 win against Newcastle Jets.
Newcastle came close to scoring within the first minute thanks to a great run by Sarina Bolden. Her cross found Melina Ayres on the edge of the box, but the first-time shot just went wide.
Three minutes later, Rola Badawiya laid off an integral through ball for Wurigumula who seized the opportunity in front of goal. Her first-time shot put it past Isobel Nino and into the back of the net for the opening goal of the match.
Badawiya and Wurigumula have been really important signings for the Mariners in terms of their attack prowess this season and this goal personified that with the roles both players had in the end product.
Melindaj Barbieri almost equalised in the 11th minute for Newcastle from a free kick. Her delivery kept Sarah Langman honest who was forced to clear the ball away with a very good save that then went out for a corner. It would have been a great goal for Barbieri and the Jets had it been scored.
Seven minutes later, Central Coast came close to doubling their lead with Bianca Galic as her shot ricocheted off the post. Unlucky for both the Mariners and Galic that it didn’t go in.
Overall the first half an hour of the match was exactly what’s expected in an F3 Derby with end-to-end action, chances aplenty and excitement all round as neither team let up with how they both played.
In the first minute of stoppage time for the first half, Natasha Prior’s free kick for Newcastle went through the Central Coast defence and found Ayres in the box whose shot towards goal was denied via a great save by Langman.
Four minutes into the second half, Central Coast was once again unlucky not have doubled their lead. Peta Trimis made a great run into the box and slotted the ball across for Paige Hayward who’s first-time shot put the ball over the bar. Hayward probably would have wanted that opportunity back if it was possible.
In the 60th minute, Newcastle had another chance to equalise as Lauren Allan provided a cross for Ayres on the edge of the box. The first-time shot at goal went over the bar. In hindsight, Ayres probably could have taken more time to set up the shot at goal better for herself.
Twelve minutes later, Central Coast got their second goal of the match as Tiarna Karambasis provided an important through ball that found Hayward. She timed her moment and run as she controlled the ball and slotted it past Nino for her first goal of the season.
In the 83rd minute, Kyah Simon , made her long-awaited return to competitive football as she was substituted on for Trimis. It was her first competitive match since her ACL injury and first time she has been seen in the A-League since the 2020 Grand Final.
Ten minutes later, the Mariners had a great opportunity to have scored a third of the match as Annalise Rasmussen provided a great ball for Simon who then laid the ball off for Shadeene Evans, but the shot came off the crossbar.
Above: Ciara Watling signing for her second spell at Millwall. Photo: Millwall FC
By Myles Thornton
Over this weekend, Millwall Lionesses confirmed 2 new signings, one on Friday and one on Saturday morning.
The first was Northern Ireland international and Millwall fan Ciara Watling.
Watling brings bags of experience to this young Millwall side, starting her career at the age of 15 in the Charlton Athletic Academy, and made her first team debut for the Addicks in 2010.
After 20 professional appearances for the South London side, she moved to Millwall in 2012, and was there until 2016 making nearly 50 appearances.
Then, Watling signed for Crystal Palace in 2016 before departing there in 2020 to return to Charlton Athletic, before moving to the south coast and signing for Southampton in 2021 until 2023. Born in Sidcup, the 31-year-old is a Northern Ireland international and has made 11 appearances since she made her debut in 2015.
Speaking to Millwall FC media, Lionesses co-manager Alex Russell said “Ciara is a fantastic addition to the group, both as a player and as a character. She brings a fantastic pedigree and a level of professionalism that will be infectious to the girls. I’m delighted she has returned and I look forward to seeing her in action.”
Millwall Media also spoke to Ciara Watling and she said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be back at Millwall Lionesses and can’t wait to get going again. I’m looking forward to playing competitively once again and I’m hoping for a very successful second half of the campaign.”
Ciara will bring a magnificent amount of experience to the Lionesses side and could slot in nicely alongside vice-captain Grace Seely, or Chloe Burr, or even Maizi Garwood who has 4 goals in her last 3 games.
There are a lot of youngsters in the Lionesses’ squad. So her wealth of experience in not only the women’s championship with all three of her previous clubs – Charlton Athletic, Crystal Palace, and Southampton – but also at international level with Northern Ireland means that she could pass along everything she has learned throughout her career for all of the young players to add to their game.
The second signing was from abroad, American forward Madison Grandys.
Madison Grandys signing for Millwall Photo: Millwall FC
Above: Madison Grandys signing for Millwall Photo: Millwall FC
Madison Grandys, born in Chicago, has been playing football since the age of 4 and was in and out of clubs until being enrolled at the University of Illinois – Springfield.
The 22-year-old forward has set a record at her University in the US for most assists in a single season (8). She has played every single game in her 3 years at university.
Grandys, who hasn’t really had many injury problems in her career so far, will be a bright spark to the Lionesses side and will bring competition for co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland when they are deciding who to start in attack.
Speaking to Madison about her thoughts regarding the move she said “I’m feeling good about the move, and excited to be a part of the team! Looking forward to playing at a high level with a great group of girls.”
Like her fellow new signing Ciara Watling, Madison could be lined up to make her Millwall debut on Sunday afternoon as the Lionesses face Ashford away from home in the London and South East Regional Women’s League.
Above: Brisbane Roar celebrate a goal against the Western Sydney Wanderers. Photo: Brisbane Roar.
Marconi Stadium hosted an encounter between two sides on different sides of the table as Brisbane Roar managed to take some momentum from the Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Wanderers came in off a crucial 2-1 away draw against the Central Coast Mariners while Brisbane came off a 0-0 away draw against Perth Glory.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ line-up was unchanged as the in-form Holly Caspers held an attacking midfield role behind Sophie Harding and Maliah Morris. The Wanderers went with three central defenders, Victoria Bruce and Madison McComasky joining captain Amy Harrison.
On the other side, Brisbane kept the same starting line-up from the Perth fixture with Ruby Cuthbert getting the second consecutive start at the back for the Roar. The dangerous trio of Kijah Stephenson, Tameka Yallop, and Mia Corbin formed a narrow attacking three for the visitors
An early corner for the Wanderers tested Jordan Silkowitz in goal as a looping cross from Alexia Apostolakis almost found itself in the net before the Roar cleared. The Wanderers implemented a high press which gave them strong territory in the first 10 minutes of the game.
At eight minutes, Olivia Price played a clever ball through to the right side of the box which released Maliah Morris. The forward was caught in two minds and ultimately played a mix of a cross and a shot that Silkowitz was able to deal with handily.
Against the run of play at 10 minutes, a sublime pass from the center circle by Tameka Yallop was weighted perfectly to a running Kijah Stephenson who rounded the charging Kaylie Collins and put away the chance into an empty net. 1-0 to Brisbane despite the game being dominated by the Wanderers.
Maliah Morris had a chance in the 22nd minute, set up by a short lop by Caspers, Morris moved the ball to her left foot before striking a low-driven effort. Silkowitz was well positioned and collected what was Wanderers’ best chance up to that point.
At 25 minutes, Sharn Freier sent in a very dangerous cross that beat all the players in the middle of the box but ultimately fell for a half-volley at the feet of Deborah-Ann de la Harpe. De La Harpe struck the shot well but straight at the keeper Collins who was able to collect possession.
Two minutes later, Freier tested Collins again with a very similar chance to the previous, just in the reverse as de la Harpe’s long cross found Freier who got a good look at goal. Collins covered her near post well.
The subsequent break should’ve been the equaliser as an athletic run from Harding rounded the keeper and left a two-on-one between herself and Morris with Holly McQueen. Morris took the shot off of Harding’s dribble which rattled the crossbar and kept the Roar in front, a visibly frustrated Harding in disbelief that the ball didn’t find the back of the net.
The pressure and territory from the Wanderers did eventually find them the equaliser at 38 minutes. A long ball released Morris who cut inside and played the ball across to Harding who cleverly squared the ball across to Holly Caspers who continued her scoring streak, finishing clinically past Silkowitz.
Just before halftime, a ball was played over the defence again which set Harding one-on-one with Silkowitz. Silkowitz sprinted toward the forward and was able to dive and pick up the ball before Harding could get a shot away. This lead to a Brisbane breakaway with Corbin putting a left-footed looped shot over the bar after running wide from Collins on the run.
The second half started with a bang, a clever ball across to Freier by Stephenson led to a shot at goal which was at Collins. Collins spilled the effort however and Yallop ran in to convert and give the Roar another lead in the second half. The Wanderers peppered two near-post efforts in response, substitute Melissa Caceres almost equalising.
In the 52nd minute, Brisbane were pushing forward and Mia Corbin won a corner. The subsequent delivery led to a scramble in the box and the deflection found its way to the opportunistic Corbin who was able to put away the chance and double the Roar’s advantage.
At 63 minutes, the Wanderers won a free kick on the edge of the box after a slightly clumsy challenge by de la Harpe. Amy Harrison stuck the free kick firmly but was unable to get the ball on target. Another opportunity missed for the Wanderers who were running out of time.
Apostolakis’ corners were on point throughout the match as the centre-back McComasky headed just over the bar from a well-placed corner in the 73rd minute. The Wanderers were continuing to hunt for a route back into the game but the defence of the roar stood firm in the second half.
Yallop took a couple of shots in the later stages of the second half but Collins proved equal to those efforts. The Roar focused on holding possession once they took the two-goal lead, but were still able to create a couple of chances.
The first half was extremely competitive, with the Wanderers creating many chances and showing why they’ve performed so well this season. However, the Roar were able to maintain a strong shape and create quality chances, especially early in the second half which allowed for such a solid result.
The recovery of the Roar’s season continues to this result whereas the Wanderers will need to bounce back if they’re able to fulfil their high hopes for this season.
Above: Adelaide United celebrate a goal in their excellent win today. Photo: Adelaide United.
Perth Glory’s recent disappointing run of form continued after doing down to defeat at Adelaide United, who started the day bottom of the table. It was a result that continued the Glory’s poor run in South Australia where they are without a win since December 2016.
The opening five minutes of the match had both the Adelaide and Perth teams settling into their respective styles of play. While the completed passes from both sides were crisp, the ability to retain possession eluded both teams, The fifth minute of play saw some fantastic strategic passing that bamboozled the Adelaide defence putting Perth’s Hana Lowry into a one-on-one challenge with Adelaide’s keeper Annalee Grove who safely secured the ball.
The match soon settled into a repeating pattern of each side advancing the ball down the pitch but no real goal-scoring opportunities becoming apparent. Perth were the more dominant team in terms of field placement however Adelaide’s midfield were up to the challenge, repeatedly keeping Perth’s attackers at bay.
Eventually the pressure exerted by Perth was too much for Adelaide resulting in a wide-open Lowry connecting with a well-played volley from Liz Anton in the 22nd minute. In the build-up play Perth’s high pressing forced an error from Adelaide which cost them the goal.
After a settled period of play, the Adelaide team turned up the offensive heat, becoming more creative in their attacking style, playing precise long passes through Perth’s midfield lines. This strategy kept the visitors on the back foot until a magnificent cross from Chelsie Dawber to Isabel Hodgson who narrowly missed lodging the ball in the bottom left corner in the 33rd minute.
Hannah Blake, formerly a Glory player, carved open her former teammates with a stellar run up the middle of the pitch in the 46th minute finding teammate Isabel Hodgson just onside inside the goal area however Perth’s goalkeeper, Morgan Aquino, was up to the challenge and made a clean save. The extended period of extra time resulted in an equalising goal to Adelaide as another former Perth star, Alana Jancevski, threaded a pass to Isabel Hodgson who sweetly tapped a loose ball into the bottom of the net.
Adelaide could be well pleased with their patient and progressive approach to the match. Even though they went down a goal early on, they worked their back into the match. Perth on the other hand would be looking to improve both the quantity and quality when in possession.
In a stunning turn of events, a goal keeper error in the opening minutes of the second half resulted in Adelaide securing the lead. A rather innocuous shot on goal by Nanako Sasaki was fumbled by the usually exceptional Aquino and dribbled over the line.
From this point on, the hosts sought to capitalise on their momentum unleashing repeated waves of attack led by Isobel Hodgson. Perth were certainly not going to give up and they too ratcheted up the energy levels.
Where Perth introduced substitute players in the 60th minute, Adelaide decided to wait a little longer before making changes. The energy of the newly introduced Susan Phongsongkhan into the attack for Perth didn’t quite achieve the goal of scoring. Many of the Perth players appeared to struggle with the pace of the match, resulting in defensive gaps and lapses creating space for Adelaide.
A wonderful counterattack play launched from within the Adelaide half by Dylan Holmes in the 73rd minute resulted in a very close goal opportunity that somehow wasn’t put into the Perth net.
The final few minutes of play were a torrid affair with both teams looking to score. Both sides pressed hard to score again as the ball travelled from end to end of the pitch with incredible speed.
A 2-1 win over a very talented Perth side is a win they can be very proud of. Having dominated most of the match and all the key statistical elements, Adelaide deservedly secured the win.
Adelaide at home are not a side to be taken lightly. They’ve now beaten both Wellington Phoenix and Perth Glory, both teams with much better records. Perth they need to figure out how to win regularly again.
Teams: ADELAIDEUNITED(4-3-3): Grove, E. Hodgson, Tonkin, Tolland, Waldus, Sasaki, Holmes, Javcevski, Blake, Dawber, I. Hodgson. Substitutes: Wilson, Morgan (83’), Mullan (83’), Holtz.(86’), Panagaris (88’).
Five Impetus 71 writers covered six different WSL conferences ahead of the head-to-head weekend!
Arsenal
By Beth McCowen
Above: Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall at this morning’s media conference.
Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal will come up against Liverpool on Sunday in the WSL. The Gunners’ first game of the season ended in a home defeat against Matt Beard’s side. This weekend’s fixture will mark Eidevall’s 100th game as Arsenal’s head coach.
Currently seven points behind Arsenal in the league table, Liverpool will be eager to make the most of their home advantage against the North London club. The media heard from Eidevall ahead of this highly anticipated clash.
It has been a positive week thus far for Eidevall’s side. Arsenal’s Continental Cup win over Reading earlier this week saw the Gunners net six goals, with captain Kim Little coming back from injury, and vice captain Leah Williamson securing an impressive assist in what was her first appearance since suffering a ruptured ACL in April last year.
Speaking on Williamson’s return to the field, Eidevall said it was “great” to see her back. “It didn’t come as a surprise,” he insisted, considering the extent to which the England international has been training as of late. The manager also acknowledged that “It is tricky coming on as a central defender sometimes (…) it was a nice game to come into because we saw a lot of the ball.”
Talking about dynamics off the pitch and how things could change going forward, “The team has been very strong together and the players who have been out injured have played a really big role in that.”
Williamson’s long pass to Beth Mead was described by the boss as “almost as good as the finish.” The manager also praised “Her ability to pass the ball between lines and break down defensive organisation.” Williamson was a key player for the Gunners prior to her injury, and the head coach is confident that this will remain the case as we move through the second half of the season.
Regarding Sunday’s line up, Eidevall asserted that “It’s very unlikely that you will get an answer from me regarding my starting 11” and “We have a really good squad to select from.” Forward Lina Hurtig, however, has been plagued by injuries since signing for the Gunners. Regarding her current back injury, the boss confirmed “I don’t have any clear prognosis on Lina at the moment, which of course is frustrating, but we have to wait and see.”
Above: Jonas Eidevall speaks to the press ahead of his team’s match against Liverpool. Image: Arsenal.
Touching on Arsenal’s unwavering support from fans, Eidevall proudly stated “It’s one of the things that really makes us unique.”Looking towards the landmark fixture this weekend, the head coach also highlighted one of his most poignant moments with the club as being the Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg in May 2023. Despite the match ending in a loss, the Gunners fought to the bitter end in front of a packed-out Emirates, even at the height of an unprecedented injury crisis.
Discussing preparations before facing Liverpool, Eidevall described them as “a very capable team.” He emphasised that Beard’s side can be “aggressive and pressing”, confirming that this game will be “a challenge, but we are up for it.” The manager also spoke openly about the nature of the league as a whole, explaining how “This WSL is the strongest and most competitive it has ever been, and Liverpool is a part of that.”
Eidevall did not shy away from the threat a team like Liverpool can pose. Rounding off this press conference with a surprise, the manager hinted that the transfer window for Arsenal is “still potentially open.”
Aston Villa
By Emily Brown
The topic that was at the forefront of everybody’s mind this morning was the administrative error that led to Aston Villa fielding an ineligible player in the Continental Cup earlier this week.
Despite Villa winning 7-0 in their fixture against Sunderland, the impressive performance was quickly forgotten as the news broke that former Arsenal right-back and new Villa signing, Noelle Maritz, played in the side’s most recent game despite being cup-tied.
On the matter in question, Villa manager Carla Ward explained: “…first and foremost as a club I think we understand that there’s been a horrible mistake quite honestly and there’s been some internal conversations and investigations on how it’s happened…”
Above: Aston Villa boss Carla Ward addresses the media. Image: Aston Villa.
Going forward the issue has been handed over to the FA to decide the fate of Villa’s success and continuation in the competition. It is currently unknown as to when the outcome of this investigation will be revealed. For now, Ward believes that the club has to take “collective responsibility” for “a horrible moment” and ensure that the club get the “right processes in place” so that this doesn’t happen again.
In terms of what missing out on the Conti-Cup means for the side, Ward appeared concerned. Unfortunately, Ward has spoken earlier on in the season regarding how the competitions running alongside the WSL have been great opportunities for Villa despite their struggle within the league. Now that this might have come to an end Ward said:
“… of course there’s a worry …we targeted this (Conti-Cup) to try and get to the semi-final, if not the final… we believe we’ve got enough quality to get to a final, we went to the semi last year, we want to get to a final. But look, it’s in the hands of the FA now, we’re not sure what will be, what I can say though is hopefully they’ll come to the right outcome of course and whatever that looks like, we’ll have to accept.”
However, despite the current state of affairs, there comes good news for every Villa fan with the soon-to-be return of trusty defender Dan Turner. The news came back that the centre-back is “back on the grass and will probably return a little bit sooner than expected.” Potentially we could see Turner return as early as next weekend with the possibility of her featuring in the squad against Bristol City.
Moving on to the game ahead, this weekend Villa will travel up to Leigh Sports Village ready to face Marc Skinner’s Manchester United. United are currently fourth in the league with Villa three places behind them, six points between them and the Reds. In their last meeting, they kicked off the WSL’s 2023/24 season at Villa Park where, despite Villa putting up a good performance, the win swayed to United.
On the game this weekend Ward exclaimed: “I’d say it’s a really big game you know, we’re going into it in good form if I’m being honest… we’ve won four out of the last six WSL games, that’s good form. I think we need to take note of that…
“… we know Leigh Sports Village is a tricky place… the fans are unbelievable and it’s going to be tough… but we’ve got a lot of quality in our side and so have they, so I’d imagine it would be a good game of football.”
With Manchester United going through a potential bump in the road after losing to Chelsea last week in the WSL and Manchester City in the Conti-Cup when asked about whether now is the right time to play Skinner’s side, the Villa boss said:
“There’s never a good time to play a team that are up and down because you can never know what to expect… what we do know is that Manchester United are a top side, they’ve got top quality players in their ranks, and they can win football matches… they can hurt anybody on their day … What I would say is if we’re going to focus on ourselves, we’re in good form, we’re finding our feet again so you know it’s a good time for us to play anybody…”
Ward recognises that for a win on the weekend, Villa need to “have a look at where (they) can hurt them” and be “more clinical.” If the claret and blue side “can get it right in front of goal” Ward believes Villa can “cause an upset come Sunday.” However, with Villa having a reputation of losing matches late on they will have to remain stable against United, right up until the final whistle.
Brighton and Hove Albion
By Ava Marianne Elliot
After her Brighton team gave Chelsea a tough time away at Kingsmeadow in October, manager Melissa Phillips, alongside captain Vicky Losada, previewed this Saturday’s reverse fixture against the Blues to discuss their intentions to walk away with a win over the current league- leaders.
Above: Brighton head coach Melissa Phillips in strategy mode. Image: Sky Sports.
With a huge challenge to face against Emma Hayes’ Chelsea, Phillips appointed the majority of her focus to showing the upmost belief in her team heading into the battle after their win in the League Cup on Wednesday evening. The entire squad has come away from the mid-week fixture with no injuries, meaning they have a fully fit team to their advantage.
The January period for the Seagulls has been a busy month, with the efforts turned to reflecting on the first half of the season’s errors. Phillips’ outlined how she believed her side coped well with the pressure of facing the four top- table teams in quick succession, and bringing the same intensity and mentality consistently across the remainder of the season is crucial moving onwards. As an addition, the January transfer window still very much remains open, and there were implications that the team aren’t quite finished with their recruitment just yet.
Last time out against the Blues, Brighton lost the fixture 4-2. Reflecting back, the Seagulls manager credited Chelsea’s efficiency in capitalising on their mistakes, which have been pinpointed and improved ahead of tomorrow’s game. Still, she further noted that their opponents have such a depth of players that they have the ability to change the game in small ways, especially through individual player’s brilliance, but she believes her side are adaptable enough to handle any obstacles thrown their way.
When the questions turned to team captain, Vicky Losada, she reinforced that the team have had a clear focus on challenging themselves to fill previous gaps and work on heavily improving their areas of weakness. Due to the rapid movement across the WSL season, she believes that the Brighton squad haven’t quite had the time to bind together entirely as a unit yet, but each week the connections are growing stronger.
Losada further outlined that her individual performances are still something that she is building up on each week, especially learning to be comfortable out of possession and knowing how to push herself out of her comfort zone in order to adjust to the league’s physicality.
With half of the WSL season already past, Brighton has a huge opportunity to walk away with three potentially pivotal points to their outcome this campaign this Saturday. Phillips’ side are prepared for the challenge, and ready to face the rest of this season’s competition with a fresh energy and confidence.
Chelsea
By Claudia Loy
After Chelsea’s midweek win in the Champions League in which they nudged past Real Madrid on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge, they look towards the weekend to continue their winning streak in the WSL.
Chelsea will take on Melissa Phillips’ Brighton and Hove Albion tomorrow away at Bescot Stadium. Despite a tough end to 2023, Brighton are a side who are looking to continue their winning start to 2024 in all competitions.
Having played midweek, the Chelsea team has only had one day’s preparation. On the tight turnaround, Hayes said “We are used to doing it. It doesn’t make it easier, but we are used to having one day preps for games at this stage of the season. The squad is ready.’ Hayes also added that despite time pressures, ‘the whole squad will be utilised in the next two games, and I think we’ve found a little bit of a rhythm.”
Above: Emma Hayes, who just made a huge move in the transfer window, is prepared for the next match. Image: Sky Sports.
Team news was that Millie Bright is still out, and this game will come too early for her. However, the big story of the day was the news that Chelsea have signed Columbian forward Mayra Ramírez from Levante for a potential world record fee for a female footballer. Hayes confirmed that Ramírez has trained with the team, but when asked about her availability, Hayes confirmed That she was not yet certain if she would be available for this match due to international clearance, although she has trained with the team.
Ramírez was impressive at the world cup. In terms of her qualities, Hayes described her as “powerful”, praising her physicality and presence in the box, speed with the ball, and ability to score goals.
Brighton are a team who have demonstrated a open style of play. When Hayes was asked what to expect from them in this match, she said “We expect them to play in a back five. They are very aggressive going forward. They like to get their wing backs nice and high.”
Brighton striker Elisabeth Terland has impressed this season with her goal tally, and on her abilities and her counter attacking threat, Hayes commented “she is excellent. She takes her chances and is a prolific goal scorer, no question.”
This is expected to be an exciting game, given that Brighton are a team that has shipped two goals in each of their six home games this season in the WSL. and Hayes added “They commit numbers forward and the way they link with Terland means that they have a good attacking theat. So we have been showing that to the team.”
Manchester United
By Beth McCowen
Above: Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner at this morning’s media conference.
Manchester United are set to face Carla Ward’s Aston Villa this Sunday in the WSL. Marc Skinner’s side are hungry for all three points at Leigh Sports Village, and the manager spoke to the media ahead of the clash. The Red Devils currently sit fourth in the league table.
In terms of team news, Skinner suggested that the only question mark ahead of Sunday’s game is over Jayde Riviere, who will be assessed today having missed out on being in the squad against Chelsea.
Early in the conference, the media asked Skinner about the situation surrounding Aston Villa’s breach of rules in the Continental Cup. An administrative error meant Carla Ward’s side fielded new signing, ineligible defender Noelle Maritz. They will face a tribunal as a result.
Regarding this, the Red Devils head coach said, “I don’t think we have a say in it even though it directly affects us.” Highlighting the injustice of the current predicament, the United boss emphasised that “we’ve done everything to qualify from the most difficult group.” Skinner appeared understandably disappointed that as a club, Manchester United haven’t had a say in the matter, and confirmed that he is “hoping it’s taken to that serious extent.”
The last couple of weeks have seen Skinner under pressure from fans. Speaking on the stresses of this, the manager stood firm that “There is no problem with pressure.” Elaborating further, the boss seemed determined to make the most of the current situation, affirming that “You can face into it.”
Above: Marc Skinner in his press conference discussing the Conti Cup complications. Image: Manchester United.
Despite a 2-1 loss in the Continental Cup, Skinner appeared positive about his team’s performance on the night. Explaining that United are still working to build on-field relationships, he specified “If you watch the way my team performed the other night against Manchester City, we made 7 changes, and they changed zero.”
United have recently found it difficult to make the most of chances in front of goal. In relation to this, the head coach pondered what the problem could be: “I don’t think it’s confidence (…) it’s mainly an eagerness to try and get those goals.” Skinner remained pleased with the number of chances that were created against their Manchester rivals, and declared that the focus is on “mindset” ahead of their meeting with Aston Villa.
Skinner praised the recent contributions of forward Nikita Parris, who has been “excellent (…) holding the ball up and taking the ball under pressure.” Asked about her primary role as either a central or wide attacker, the manager acknowledged that “Nikita scores from a central channel, but most players do.”
Considering this, the manager also addressed the style of play his side are striving for, saying “It’s not about standing in high and wide positions like some teams do” and “Continuous adaptation stops it being so predictable for the opponent to play against.”
Touching on the Red Devils’ upcoming back-to-back home fixtures, the boss maintained that “We’re not going to solely try to get results at the detriment of our performance.” Looking ahead to Sunday, he noted that “It’s about playing Aston Villa with our intensity.” Skinner remains aware that “Our backline is having to play continuous minutes” but said “We want to prioritise our performance and we believe that gets us results.”
As the winter transfer window nears its close, United’s head coach spoke about “always hoping to be busy” and said his side are “continuously improving” but may “need that added quality.”
Tottenham Hotspur
By Ruby Joanne
After last night’s 3-0 win against Southampton, Spurs are feeling optimistic for Sunday’s game against Manchester City. The team has been on a winning streak in their last couple of games, ever since their triumph in the North London Derby over Arsenal.
Above: Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn in his press conference. Image: Tottenham Hotspur.
When reflecting on what the team can take from the Arsenal match, Vilahamn said that the team realised that “we can do it. If we defend well, it we attack well, if we do everything right.” In reference to the upcoming fixture on Sunday, “I don’t think that anyone expects us to win this game, but everyone knows that we can win it.”
Vilahamn mentioned that he’s not afraid about the goals that the team concede, because it means that the team have dared to play and that’s what he wants to see from them
The teams aim for the second half of the season is to “dictate more of the games, score even more goals and get even better in the press and make sure we defend better.” Vilahamn added that “I don’t really care to look at a position right now”. “Of course we want to win but the main thing is how we can improve our way of playing against the top teams because next year we want to be a top team and actually go for the champions league spot.”
When talking about the new signings that have come in during this transfer window, Vilahamn said that “new players have come in with very good energy” but of course “they need to get to know each other” as the team are still in a new phase of having a “new group”. He believes that the team are “even more ready for Man City this time and hopefully can get a better result”.
“They are players we have scouted for a long time” Villahamn said. “If you look at the bench we had yesterday, it’s an amazing bench. If you look at the starting eleven yesterday, it’s a good starting eleven.”
“When you believe in something very much and you know it’s going to work, but no one else knows, it’s nice to see and show that it actually works…it makes me proud to see the players enjoy it so much.”
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Above: NewCo CEO Nikki Doucet smiling, due to take over as being in charge of the English women’s professional leagues. Photo: The FA
By Caitlin Kelly
Despite the FA being in charge for 14 years, NewCo is set to take over to run the women’s professional football leagues in England, consisting of the Women’s Super League and Championship. But who are they and what does this takeover mean?
Growing up in Canada and previously working in investment banking and being a former Nike director, Nikki Doucet is the CEO of NewCo, who is due to take over in taking charge of the professional women’s football leagues from the 2024/25 season.
“NewCo will be a new independent company that will run the women’s professional game in England- the WSL and Championship- and the clubs will be the shareholder of this new company”, the CEO stated, “a revenue-generating… standalone entity with a professional, dedicated management team” is what the company consists of.
Doucet believes “We are ready for this growth opportunity. The market is ready. The audience is there. Everyone is screaming for this.” With this happening, the chance for women’s football to continue growing is inevitable and will be highly beneficial to the game.
All the fans know, as does Nikki that “the experience of going to a women’s football game is fun, it’s kind, it’s welcoming but it’s hugely passionate” and that will only continue happening as the game resumes to expand. “This is competitive sport and that is why all we love it so much… these are the most incredible role models on the planet and it’s something everybody wants to be a part of.” she adds.
CEO Doucet credits the FA for their investment and work put into women’s football by acknowledging “they have belief in the women’s game and the FA has funded the proof of concept for women’s football in this country. And now we’re at the stage that [NewCo] is set up to be a standalone entity to capitalize on the growth opportunity in front of us”, after previously stating that, “the reason why we’re here, the reason why [she’s] here, and the reason why the concept of NewCo exists is because of [this investment].”
Above: NewCo CEO Nikki Doucet in her interview discussing the takeover of the WSL and Championship. Photo: The FA
The vision for NewCo is to transform women’s football and what Doucet hopes this means is questions in ten years’ time should be sounding like “How can I get off the waiting list for WSL tickets?” with stadiums at full capacity and “all the top players wanting to come over here.” But on top of this she answers questions about elite female athlete health and how it has transformed high street physiotherapy are asked too and to “look at a female team and the first thought that goes through your head is ‘wow they’re a high performing team’ without any hesitation from that perspective.”
To round off, Nikki is “as equally excited as the fans” because “the athletes are amazing” and she loves to watch them as footballers”. As a footballer herself, she wishes this was available for her growing up. The most exciting thing about the takeover for her is “the generations behind [her] are going to grow up in a different world than [she] grew up in.”
This decision to implement NewCo is essential for the development of the women’s football world, especially at a time when revenues, attendances and coverage is skyrocketing compared to previously. Their power includes the ability to initiate rule changes, make changes to the structure of the league, invest in new technology as well as agree new broadcast deals- all in hopes of continuing the incredible growth of the game.
The future of women’s football sure does seem bright in the hands of Nikki Doucet and NewCo.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset résume la 5ème journée de phase de groupe des matches des 3 équipes françaises en UEFA Ligue des Championnes Féminine pour Impetus : BK Häcken – Paris FC, Paris Saint-Germain – Ajax Amsterdam, St Pölten – Olympique Lyonnais.
Ci-dessus : Paris SG versus Ajax Amsterdam, 24 janvier 2024. Clare Hunt, Paris SG, 15 et TinyHoekstra, Ajax Amsterdam, se disputant le ballon. Photo : Gracieusement offerte par Pauline Figuet.
BK Häcken 0-0 Paris FC
Hisingen Arena, Göteborg, Suède – 24 janvier 2024
Un premier quart d’heure où les deux équipes essaient d’imposer leur jeu sans y arriver car il y a trop d’imprécision dans les dernières passes et le ballon ne fait qu’aller rapidement d’un camp à l’autre.
Häcken obtient un pénalty à la 21ème minute pour une main de Teninsoun Sissoko ; il est tiré parRosa Kafaji mais est repoussé en corner par Chiamaka Nnadozie, gardienne du Paris FC.
Plus on avance dans la mi-temps, plus Häckenprend confiance et domine légèrement du point de vue de la possession de balle même si c’est le Paris FC qui se créé l’occasion la plus dangereuse à la 33ème minute sur un tir de Daphné Corboz. Häcken répond une minute après sur un contre qui voit Monica Jusu Bah mettre le ballon sur le poteau gauche alors que Chiamaka Nnadozie était battue.
Ci-dessus : Margaux Le Mouel, Paris FC, 15 maillot blanc et bleu et Anna Anvegard, Häcken, 28. Photo : Paris FC site web.
La deuxième mi-temps reprend sur le même rythme que la première avec le ballon qui va rapidement d’un camp à l’autre mais toujours avec des imprécisions dans les dernières passes.
Häcken a eu une belle occasion à la 55ème minute sur un tir de Monica Jusu Bah qui obligea Chiamaka Nnadozie à exécuter un plongeon sur sa droite pour détourner le ballon en corner.
Paris FC pousse très fort en fin de match sans toutefois réussir à marquer et c’est même Häcken qui a la plus belle occasion à la 90ème+3 et le Paris FC ne doit le fait de n’avoir pas encaisser de but à deux sauvetages de ChiamakaNNadozie.
Le match se termine donc par un nul 0 à 0 qui n’arrange aucune des deux équipes et surtout pasle Paris FC qui va devoir maintenant gagner à domicile contre Chelsea pour espérer se qualifier.
Paris FC : 4-3-3 : Nnadozie – Soyer, Hocine,Sissoko, Bogaert –Thiney, Le Mouel(N’Dongala 87’), Corboz D. (Korosec 59’) – Dufour (Fleury 59’), Ribadeira (Bourdieu 59’), Matéo (Bussy 70’).
Entraîneure: Soubeyrand.
Cartons jaunes : Häcken : Luik (37’), Rybrink(58’), Larisey (74’). Paris FC : Matéo (19’).
Arbitre : Iuliana Demetrescu, Roumanie.
Affluence : 3 064.
Paris Saint-Germain 3–1Ajax Amsterdam
Parc des Princes, Paris, France– 24 janvier2024
C’est le Paris SG qui ouvre rapidement le score à la 6ème minute de jeu avec une magnifique reprise acrobatique du pied droit de Marie-Antoinette Katoto sur un centre de Sandy Baltimore du côté droit.
A la 25ème minute de jeu, Paris SG fait le break par Marie-Antoinette Katoto d’un tir du gauche sur un contre rondement mené.
Romée Leuchter, Ajax, relance le match en dépossédant Clare Hunt du ballon à 40 mètres des buts et ensuite en la prenant de vitesse pour aller marquer à la 31ème minute.
Tabitha Chawinga déborde sur le côté gauche et centre ; le ballon est renvoyé par la gardienne de l’Ajax sur Grace Geyoro qui le pousse dans le but à la 39ème minute pour marquer le 3ème but.
Tabitha Chawinga s’est retrouvée plusieurs fois devant la gardienne de l’Ajax sans jamais pouvoir conclure ce qui aurait assuré une victoire plus large au Paris SG.
Avec cette victoire le Paris SG prend la tête de son groupe C mais devra faire au moins un nul à Munich contre le Bayern pour être certain de se qualifier.
Paris SG : 3-5-2 : Kiedrzynek – De Almeida, Samoura, Hunt (Albert 68’) – Karchaoui, Geyoro, Groenen (Martens 76’), Baltimore(Fazer 86’), Le Guilly (Traoré 86’) – Chawinga, Katoto (Bachmann 75’).
Ajax : 4-3-3 : Van Eijk – Weerden, De Sanders, Spitse, Kardinaal – Yohannes, Van Gool (Van De Velt 72’), Noordam – Tiny Hoekstra, Leuchter(Tolhoek 46’), Grant (Keukelaar 80’).
Entraîneure: Bakker. Buteuse : Leuchter (31’).
Cartons jaunes : Paris SG : Groenen (9’), Karchaoui (61’). Ajax : Noordman (12’), Van De Velt (81’), Yohannes (82’).
Arbitre : Rebecca Welch, Angleterre.
Affluence : 6 888.
St Pölten 0-7 Olympique Lyonnais
NÖ Arena, St Pölten, Autriche – 25 janvier 2024
Les Lyonnaises monopolisent le ballon dès le début du match et se crééent plusieurs occasions.Les deux arrières, Selma Bacha à gauche, et Ellie Carpenter à droite, montent beaucoup pour centrer.
Enfin, à la 21ème minute, Lyon concrétise logiquement sa domination ; sur un corner tiré de la droite par Selma Bacha, Damaris Egurroladévie la balle de la tête pour Ada Hegerberg qui marque au deuxième poteau.
Une minute plus tard sur un cafouillage à la limite de la surface de réparation, Sara Däbritzrécupère la balle et marque un deuxième but pour Lyon d’une superbe frappe.
Sur un coup franc de la gauche de Selma Bacha, Vanessa Gilles tire sur la barre transversale à la 27ème minute.
A la demi-heure de jeu, les joueuses de St Pöltensont complétement asphyxiées par les Lyonnaises qui continuent à monopoliser le ballon et à se créer de nombreuses occasions.
Ada Hegerberg met son deuxième but sur un déboulé sur la droite et un centre de Vicki Bechodévié par Sara Däbritz à la 35ème minute.
Ci-dessus : Ada Hegerberg, Lyon, au centre chaussures rouges, célébrant l’un de ses buts. Photo : Lyubomir Domozetski, OL.
Avec près de 80% de possession et plus de 20 tirs contre 0 pour St Pölten, Lyon n’a laissé que des miettes à St Pölten en 1ère mi-temps.
La 2ème mi-temps reprend comme a fini la 1ère et comme en 1ère mi-temps Lyon se créé beaucoup d’occasions et on n’entend que les fans de Lyon, les OL ANG’ELLES, qui ont fait le long déplacement en Autriche à une dizaine de personnes et qui n’arrêtent pas de chanter et d’encourager les joueuses de Lyon depuis le début du match.
A la 55ème minute, comme on en a l’habitude, Selma Bacha fait parler son précieux pied gauche et délivre un corner parfait pour la tête de Vanessa Gilles qui marque le 4ème but Lyonnais.
Dzenifer Marozsan y va de son but à la 79èmeminute d’une superbe reprise de l’extérieure de la surface de réparation.
Et à la 83ème minute, c’est au tour de Kadidiatou Diani de marquer en reprenant de la tête au deuxième poteau un superbe centre d’Amel Majri ; A noter que le ballon avait été remonté du camp de Lyon par Daniëlle Van De Donk au début de l’action.
Encore une magnifique action qui se termine par un tir en pleine lucarne gauche de la Lyonnaise Sara Däbritz à la 87ème minute.
Dans ce match qui ressemblait à une attaque – défense, avec plus de 45 frappes, dont 20 cadrées, des Lyonnaises contre 0 pour St Pölten, on a vu de superbes actions de jeu et des tirs qui auraient pu, et même du, aggraver le score si les Lyonnaises avaient été un peu plus efficaces dans la surface de réparation et sans la bonne prestation de Carina Schlüter, la gardienne de St Pölten.
Avec cette victoire Lyon assure sa place de leader de son groupe.
Above: Emma Checker (right) clears from Indiana Dos Santos. Photo: Melbourne Victory.
The only difference to be found at the Big Blue derby was the shades of the colour worn by Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC as the two sides each left AAMI park with a point apiece after a 1-1 draw.
Sydney FC broke the deadlock early through 16-year-old star Maddie Caspers. She ghosted through Victory’s defensive line to take a left-footed shot that was fired into the bottom left corner.
Victory’s response came in the form of a penalty call with American International Mackenzie winning the call when she was collected in the box by Sydney FC keeper Jada Whyman.
Rachel Lowe took to the spot and converted with ease, her shot sent low and in the opposite direction to the one Whyman dove in.
Sydney enjoyed a strong attacking spell in the second half, but were denied by some incredible saves from Victory keeper Courtney Newbon.
Newbon made a one-handed save to prevent Sydney from taking the lead after Mackenzie Hawkesbury took a long shot on goal from outside the box.
The corner that resulted in it then had Newbon making a close range save on a header from Abbey Lemon.
The final chance of the game fell to Sydney when in the final minute of extra time, Zara Kruger sent in a header that rebounded off the goalpost.
Sydney FC and Melbourne both remain in their previous positions on the table, 2nd and 6th respectively, and will look to find a win in Round 15 when Sydney FC host Perth Glory and Melbourne Victory travel to face Brisbane Roar.
Sydney FC (4-3-3): Whyman, Fenton, Thompson, McLean, Tumeth, Hawkesby, Hollman, Caspers, I. Dos Santos, Ibini, Vine Substitutes: Franco, J. Dos Santos, Ray, Kruger, Lemon
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