Report by Mia Kipling in the press box and EXCLUSIVE photography from Morganna King at Brisbane Road (11/12/23).
Above: Hannah Blundell (centre) celebrates her goal with Leah Galton (11). Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
After going into the game with the positive news that Bethany England was ready to return, Tottenham succumbed to another heavy defeat, as Manchester United left London with a 4-0 win.
With England missing since September due to surgery, Spurs were looking for a better fortune than the 7-0 thrashing they received against Manchester City.
Above: Beth England (left) takes on Hannah Blundell on her Spurs return last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
On the flip side, Marc Skinner’s United went into the international break with a 2-0 success at Bristol City, and it took them just under half an hour to hit the front in Leyton.
It was Hannah Blundell who put them ahead with an assist from Melvine Malard. The away team doubled their advantage five minutes into the second half with Ella Toone gaining her second goal of the season with Malard assisting once more.
Above: Manchester United’s Jayne Riviere last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
Malard’s fine form was rewarded just before the hour mark when she got on the scoresheet herself. Hayley Ladd’s strike seven minutes from time, thanks to Lucia Garcia’s assist completed the scoring.
Speaking after the game, Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner praised his side’s travelling support saying: “Our fans make it a home ground wherever we go.”
Above: Leah Galton (red shirt) and Ash Neville in a tangle at Brisbane Road last night. Photo: Morganna King for Impetus.
Skinner’s side’snext game is against Leicester City on Thursday in the Continental League Cup and the United boss wants his side to take the “same attitude into the game.” He recognised that “We have no God given right to win any game of football but what you do have is an attitude you can control.”
Above:Birmingham City (blue) look to break through at Milton Keynes yesterday. Photo: Chris Foxwell via X.
A dramatic game in the third round of the FA Cup ended with Championship side Birmingham City finally get past Milton Keynes from the league below with two goals in stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes.
The Buckinghamshire side earned their place in this stage of the competition after a convincing win against Worcester City to set up this first-ever meeting between the two sides.
In the opening minutes, it was clear this game could go either way. The first opportunity fell Birmingham’s way when Lucy Quinn took advantage to feed Lucy Pennock who forced Chloe Samson into a save in the MK goal and then cleared by Sofia Stovold.
Whilst Birmingham had lots of possession, the home side were not without opportunities. A beautiful link-up between Stovold and Rush led to a cross gets played in, but it landed at the feet of Gemma Lawley who cleared to Finn, and away went City to earn a corner. Lucy Quin takes the corner which Louise Quinn heads goalwards but Sansom tips over.
Lucy Quinn continued her impressive play when she picked up the ball down the right-hand side. The move ended with yet another corner which was headed over by Finn.
Birmingham City started the second half strongly with Milton Keynes stuck in their own half. A shot on goal from Remi Allen forces Sansom to make a save the ball. From the resulting clearance, the hosts break and Wood accelerates towards Thomas in the Birmingham goal but she runs into trouble.
The energy slowly fizzled out in the final quarter of an hour. With two minutes remaining, City break through with Mason and Delvin and the former plays the ball in which alludes everyone.
The fourth official indicated there will be six minutes of additional time as Birmingham City are on the attack with Yu-Ri who slots the ball in at the back post to give the visitors a dramatic lead.
As a final roll of the dice, Milton Keynes bring on Leyla O’Brien is brought on and she is straight into the action, winning a corner down the right side. Sansom leaves her own goal to come into the penalty box, but the flag kick falls to Ivana Fuso for Birmingham City who has an empty net in front of her and she doesn’t miss.
It was a painful way for MK to bow out. Birmingham City dodged a bullet.
Report by Ava-Marianne Elliott in the press box, EXCLUSIVE photography by Lucy Copsey at The Emirates for Impetus (11/12/23).
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates – the Lionesses star hit two of Arsenal’s four goals yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
Arsenal walked away with three crucial points at The Emirates after a triumphant win against rivals and league leaders Chelsea to go level at the top of the table in an action-packed London derby.
From kick-off, it was obvious that the battle was going to be relentless. Under the downpour in North London, the two sides fought for possession through the first moments of the game under the watchful eyes of a record crowd.
Arsenal broke the deadlock eight minutes into the fixture, with Caitlin Foord charging down the wing to send the ball across to skipper Kim Little. After close attention from the Chelsea defence, Victoria Pelova expertly turned against Niamh Charles with the ball glued to her feet, providing Beth Mead for a top-notch finish, sending the crowd into raptures.
Above: Beth Mead acclaim her goal that put Arsenal ahead against Chelsea yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
The hosts’ lead lasted just five short minutes. A superbly executed build-up on the counterattack saw Jessie Fleming bag an assist from a well-picked pass, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd’s shot sneaking past Manuela Zinsberger’s glove and bringing the scoreboard level.
With the score level, there were a few moments of uncertainty from Arsenal before their composure nullified the threat of Chelsea’s attack yet again. Charles was forced to head the ball out of play, the action conceding a corner and providing the Gunners a golden opportunity to push back in front, and they capitalised.
Amanda Ilestedt’s precisely placed header into Berger’s goal from Mead’s corner kick in the 36th minute set Arsenal ahead yet again, but the team continued to confidently claim another in quick succession. A perfectly picked pass from midfield maestro Lia Wälti saw Alessia Russo charge past two defenders with ease to net herself an impressive strike just two minutes later. The home team sat comfortably in front of the league at the half-time whistle after an impressive 45 minutes of play.
Above: Alessia Russo celebrates her first goal that put Arsenal 3-1 up yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
The second period started with three changes to Emma Hayes’ side to try and bring defensive reinforcement to the so-far shaky backline, and the team broke out strongly. Lauren James gained possession in space, but she sent the shot out wide.
Concern grew shortly afterwards for the home fans when skipper Little, was dealt a blow and forced off the field through injury- making way for Frida Maanum. Guro Reiten made her return to the field for Chelsea shortly after in the 64th minute, in the hopes her presence would help push the team’s play forward.
Pelova’s dominance in the midfield and role in Arsenal’s team dynamic continuously proved to be a problem for Chelsea. Her technicality and ability to keep the threat of the visitor’s attack at bay left the Blues struggling to find any further opportunities to catch up with the host’s lead. Her partnership with Wälti- who won the most duels for her side in the match – was something that Chelsea just couldn’t crack.
Even as the visitors doubled down on their efforts, Arsenal remained level-headed when defending Zinsberger’s goal, with Lotte Wubben-Moy making crucial clearances and the rest of the backline maintaining their control to keep the ball out of the net. Steph Catley made a crucial decision to slide in to force the ball off Rytting Kaneryd for a Chelsea throw, despite picking up a few knocks throughout the game so far.
There were shouts for a penalty kick at the 72-minute mark after Berger boldly came off her line, sending Russo to ground in the box. Arsenal’s star striker stepped up to take the penalty herself and was unfazed by the pressure, adding a fourth goal to the scoresheet for her team and securing a brace for herself in what was arguably her best performance in red and white to date.
Above: Sam Kerr was a peripheral figure for much of the game yesterday. Photo: Lucy Copsey for Impetus.
A free kick awarded to the Blues late in the half right outside the edge of the box was a worry for the Arsenal defence, but the shot was dealt with as it landed with ease into the awaiting secure hands of Zinsberger.
Defender Wubben-Moy down to the very last minute worked to eliminate the usual threat of Sam Kerr’s presence in front of goal. Her ability to remain cool and see out the game by anticipating the movement of one of the most prolific goal scorers in football who is usually a danger in the final third was nowhere near as impactful due to Wubben-Moy’s performance for the home side.
The following play saw Arsenal exercises their attacking ability moving forward yet again as a sublime pass from Wälti to Maanum gave Blackstenius the chance in front of goal to add a fifth to Arsenal’s impressive total, but her efforts were unsuccessful as the Chelsea defence pulled together. Eight minutes of extra time were added to the half due to the physicality and competition seen between the two teams, and the talented youngster Kyra Cooney-Cross was brought on to see out the final moments of game time.
The atmosphere at The Emirates was unmatched after a thrilling encounter between the two sides. When the whistle was blown, Arsenal’s impressive victory was officially sealed over Chelsea.
More of Lucy Copsey’s sensational EXCLUSIVE images from The Emirates for Impetus
Members of the Impetus team of contributors covering the competition unveil their choices of player, coach, and event of the week. We’ll keep a tally of all the votes and just before Finals, reveal which player and coach have received the most votes across the season to be named the Impetus A-League Women Player and Coach of the Season (11/12/23).
Player of the Week:
Above: Perth Glory’s Millie Farrow had so much to celebrate on Saturday. Photo: Perth Glory.
BEN GILBY: Mille Farrow. It may have taken her a few weeks to get on the scoresheet for Perth Glory, but the English striker had been a hardworking team player forming a promising partnership with Grace Jale. Now the goals are coming – and how. Farrow is full of confidence, full of pace, and giving defenders nightmares left, right, and centre. A brilliant hat-trick showcased her qualities perfectly in Saturday’s first against second clash with Melbourne City.
KIERAN YAP: Morgan Aquino. She’s currently the best goalkeeper in the league and played another blunder against a dangerous and persistent Melbourne City. Aquino is a little bit underrated, but has been in great form and at 22 years old, the best years are still ahead.
BEN CAREY: Millie Farrow. She was in sensational form, culminating in her scoring a hat-trick against the then league leaders Melbourne City.
Coach of the week:
Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis completed a clean sweep of votes this week. Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.
BEN GILBY: They’ve been in strong form all season – but Saturday’s win at Melbourne City laid down a real marker for Perth Glory. Alex Epakis has his side brim full of confidence. Whilst they had considerably less possession and shots on target than City, Epakis set his side up to make the most of their dangerous attackers who showed no mercy and took their chances when they came to pull off a superb 3-1 win on the road.
KIERAN YAP: Alex Epakis. A big win on the road against a very good team. It’s time to declare Perth Glory as the real deal this season.
BEN CAREY: Alex Epakis. Leading his side to a convincing victory over Melbourne City away from home is a big accomplishment.
Event of the week:
Above: Vine time for Sydney FC against Newcastle Jetsthis weekend. Photo: Sydney FC.
BEN GILBY: Canberra United’s big win over Brisbane Roar. They’ve found it relatively easy to score goals this campaign, and the weekend was no difference, but this week they found a way to strengthen up their backline and the result spoke volumes.
KIERAN YAP: Kurea Okino’s goal. The Victory striker needed one touch to round Rylee Foster, and from an acute angle finished through a sea of Phoenix defenders.
BEN CAREY: Cortnee Vine’s return to the A-League Women after injury. She came on and used her speed and creativity to change the match in Sydney’s favour.
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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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