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Tottenham Hotspur’s rebirth

By Rachel Cohen, with Hannah Chadwick (4/11/2023)

Above: There has been plenty to celebrate for Tottenham Hotspur this season. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur Women.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking like a team reborn this season. They have now won three on the trot and are on nine points from the first four WSL games. Compare this to Spurs’ final four games last season in which they collected just four points after draws against West Ham and Brighton Hove & Albion, a win against relegation-bound Reading and a capitulation to Manchester United.

Under new manager Robert Vilahamn the team has made significant changes across the board. Rachel Cohen discusses some of these: goalscoring, mentality, partnerships, passing, squad depth and the team’s captains.

Then, Rachel is joined by another Impetus contributor, and Spurs supporter, Hannah Chadwick (HC), to pick their key players and games so far.

Goalscoring

**Above:** Tottenham’s Martha Thomas – a key component in their outstanding start to the season. **Photo:** Livescore.

RC: Last season Spurs’ goal drought was only ended by the recruitment of Beth England who scored 12 in as many games. So England’s surgery and consequent absence from the team left many pundits wondering where the goals would come from this time out. But four games in and Spurs have scored more goals than any other WSL team (for good measure Spurs also out-scored all other teams in the first round of the Conti Cup).

On the one hand, Martha Thomas has been a goal monster, and the October WSL Player of the Month is an early leader in the race for the WSL Golden Boot. Incredibly with her six goals for Spurs, Thomas has already equalled her tally from two seasons at Manchester United, where she had limited minutes and was often played out of position. Nothing short of a revelation, Thomas seems to be in that moment where everything goes in – indeed against Villa she scored three from just four shots.

But even if we omit Thomas’s output, Spurs have scored five goals (with five different scorers), a tally that would put them ahead of Everton, Villa, Bristol City, West Ham, or Liverpool, and the same as Brighton for goals scored at this point in the season.

So, what is going on? There are several notable things. First, the team has massively overshot its xG (expected goals): Spurs 11 goals is double the team’s xG (5.5). In other words, players are making the most of their chances. This can be a sign of an excellent striker (the best strikers consistently overshoot their xG, since this is a measure of how likely the average player is to score from a particular opportunity). Beating your xG is also a sign that a team is on form, and Spurs are clearly riding a confidence high. That said, it is likely that there will be some regression to the mean (with goalscoring reverting closer to the xG).

Second, and more optimistically in terms of longer-term success, if we look at where Spurs goals are coming from we see that they include a number that Thomas has created out of very little, largely by pressuring opposition defenders and goalkeepers and pouncing on the half chances their mistakes produce. This is not by accident but is a core aspect of Thomas’s playing style. It is also something that is clearly part of Vilahamn’s set up.

Third, several players have scored wonder goals (Summanen’s free kick; Ahtinen’s strike from the edge of the box; Clinton’s curling ball from even further out). These are low-percentage shots, but they are also the kind of goal that better players will more often score. That two were scored by new members of the squad is notable. Indeed overall, new players have scored eight of the eleven goals scored so far. With Ria Percival, a player who missed almost all of last season with injury, scoring one other. Clearly, therefore the change in personnel from last year is a significant part of Spurs’ improvement in goalscoring.

It may of course be necessary to create a few more clearer-cut chances if Spurs are to maintain this purple patch. But the signs are good that the current situation is not simply the product of luck. With England yet to return, things look pretty rosy on the goalscoring front.

Mentality

This season has seen a sea change in the team’s mentality. On the one hand, the pattern of allowing other teams to score first is not great. Vilahamn has admitted that he wants to cut out mistakes, especially that Spurs need to work on their set pieces, which is how they have most often conceded this season. But on the other hand, Spurs have now twice come back to win after conceding first (against Brighton and Villa), and even against Chelsea were able to respond after going two down, to make the final minutes much tighter than they might otherwise have been.

Perhaps even more than winning after conceding (something they did not do for the whole of last season), what has been clear is that conceding or going behind is not knocking the team off course. Rather Spurs are continuing to play their own style of football. In interviews Vilahamn has repeatedly recognised that this may not always result in a win – that there will be losses – but that this consistency of approach is what he wants to see. From the evidence we have so far seen this team is in the head space to handle future defeats without a total collapse in form.

Partnerships

**Above:** Luana Bühler in action for Switzerland, has formed an excellent understanding with Molly Bartrip. **Photo:** BBC.

Spurs’ success so far this year has been underpinned by the development of a few key partnerships on and off the pitch.

Starting at the back we have seen Molly Bartrip and Luana Bühler rapidly develop an understanding at centre-back. Both are comfortable on the ball, happily passing between themselves – and Becky Spencer – within the box as they look for space to pass out. Both are also able to occasionally ping balls forward on the diagonal to create direct moments of play, and can equally themselves make progressive runs with the ball, covering for one another.

In front of them, the Finnish midfield pairing of Eveliina Summanen and Olga Ahtinen are the heart of how this Spurs team plays. Ahtinen’s introduction has provided Summanen with a partner who allows her to play her complete game. And now we see both constantly involved – from defending the box, creating space, to attacking the box (and they both regularly create chances, take key defensive actions, and have each both scored and assisted on a goal).

There are other partnerships that are blossoming: Ashleigh Neville and Jessica Naz seem to intuitively find one another while attacking down the wing – although ironically their combination for a goal came from a moment when they found themselves on opposite wings. While Drew Spence creates lovely passing partnerships with both Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton.

But perhaps the most important partnership is manager Robert Vilahamn and ‘the Tottenham Way’. In every interview and press conference, Vilahamn has emphasised that his priority is that the team develop a style of play that is both his and that also fits the identity of the club. This is aligned to, albeit not identical to what Ange Postecoglou is doing with the men’s team – each has distinctive characteristics – but both are developing high-tempo, possession-based attacking football. And the fan base across both Spurs teams has bought in.

Passing

**Above:** Robert Vilahamn, Spurs’ head coach, has overseen a significant increase in the team’s pass completion rates. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

Last season Spurs completed an average of 317 passes per game. This season they are averaging 473 per game. In other words, under Vilahamn’s leadership the number of completed passes has increased a whopping 50 percent. A big part of this is that the team’s pass completion has gone from just 74.5 to 81.9 percent, which is the second highest in the league, after Chelsea.

Spurs are also second in terms of progressive passing distance – meaning that the team’s passing is attacking. The team is not making a lot of crosses nor winning corner kicks regularly (and are well behind Arsenal’s ridiculous 141 crosses and 41 corners from four games). But Spurs are finding ways to pass through and into the middle of the pitch and, by holding on to the ball, provide fewer opportunities for opposition attacks, which has, in turn, relieved what last year was near-constant pressure on the defence.

There are a few reasons for this transformation. First Vilahamn has a clear plan for how he wants to play, where he wants players to be, and has used players in consistent ways. This means that some players have had relatively few minutes, but those getting minutes know what is expected of them and where their team-mates are likely to be on the pitch making it that much easier to create fluid passing patterns.

Second, Vilahamn has prioritised passing and ‘keeping the ball’ in training, team selection (for instance choosing to use James at right back because of her ball control), and recruitment (especially notable here are new signings, Ahtinen and Bühler, ball-playing midfielder and defender, respectively). Third, the team is set up to ensure that there are multiple outlets available to the keeper and centre-backs when they are looking to break an opposition press, allowing Spurs to move the ball quickly up the field.

A consequence of this is that new players are passing well, but we have also seen dramatic improvements in the passing statistics of existing players. The most extreme example here is keeper, Becky Spencer, whose pass completion has transformed from 75 to 92 percent. Making similarly transformative leaps are Molly Bartrip who has gone from 82 to 90, Ash Neville from 70 to 79, and Eveliina Summanen from 70 to 83 percent completion. This has meant that Spencer, Bartrip, and Buhler all feature in the top ten WSL players for pass completion.

Squad Depth

**Above:** Jessica Naz, an impact player this season. **Photo:** Tottenham Hotspur Women.

This is the first time in a long time that Spurs have been able to start the same players week on week, with just one change to the starting lineup across four games. That those players are also (almost all) playing in their preferred positions and are on song is the icing on the cake. Underpinning this consistency are changes behind the scenes which seem to have resulted in better conditioning, better fitness, and fewer injury-related absences.

The team also now has a much stronger bench, with players who can come on to bring energy, attacking dynamism, and chance creation (most obviously Jessica Naz and Kit Graham so far, but potentially also Linyan Zhang) as well as players who have the experience as well as skills to see out games while also introducing new attacking threats (Ria Percival and Drew Spence spring to mind). We also have more than competent backups in defence (with Shelina Zadorsky, Amy Turner, Grace Pearse, and Asmita Ale all available). There are also players returning from injury who will present new options (most obviously Beth England, but more imminently, Ellie Brazil).

And, critically, because Vilahamn has a clear plan he is also able to use substitutes while maintaining the rhythms of play. All of which has meant that Spurs have been able to maintain their high-tempo game throughout the full 45 each half – in the knowledge that there are good options off the bench should they be needed. Indeed we have now seen Spurs twice score in the dying minutes of the first half in moments when they have appeared to have more energy than their opponents.

Captains

After he arrived Robert Vilahamn made Beth England captain. Although she is recovering from hip surgery and has not played a minute this season, England has been ever-present: at every game, joining in chants from the stands (alongside other injured players, including Ellie Brazil), part of every post-match huddle, greeting fans and high-fiving players. Clearly, the steeliness England brought to the club last season continues to drive the team forward even while she remains off the field of play.

Meanwhile, Vilahamn’s two new co-captains, Molly Bartrip and Olga Ahtinen have been among the team’s most consistent performers. Bartrip is the player who has been initially chosen to take the armband in England’s absence. For the past two seasons, Bartrip played more WSL minutes than any other Spurs player and it looks like this may again be the case this season. Ahtinen played fewer minutes in her first couple of games but has now played full 90s against Brighton and Aston Villa.

Both Bartrip and Ahtinen are in their peak footballing years (aged 27 and 26) and, in a context in which short contracts are the norm, both have multiple years left at Spurs. Bartrip, who has worn the armband for the first four games, is an eloquent and calm presence. She has overcome personal issues relating to mental health and spoken out about these. She has also been at the club long enough to provide a sense of continuity alongside Ahtinen (and to some extent) Beth England’s newness.

There are no clear divides in the team, but it is notable that the three leaders cover the three parts of the pitch: attack (England), midfield (Ahtinen), and defence (Bartrip). This should ensure that voices from across the team are heard.

Standouts

Rachel Cohen (RC) and Hannah Chadwick (HC) pick out their star players and games from the start of the season.

Key Signing

HC: When you look past the obvious choice being Martha Thomas, for me its Grace Clinton although she is only on loan from Manchester United she has grown as a player and then managed to be on Sarina Weigman’s (England Women Senior manager) radar for get her first senior call up. She has brought pace and structure to Spurs’ movement forwards.

RC: It is hard to look beyond Martha Thomas’s goals (and movement), but I have to say Olga Ahtinen for the balance she (alongside Eveliina Summanen) has brought to the Tottenham midfield, and the way that this has relieved pressure on the backline. Without this the attacking play would not be possible.

Best Player so far

HC: It has to be a player who has flourished this season and has really stepped up to lead the team and the backline. Molly Batrip has been brilliant so far this season, and has really stepped up to become a vital member of the team.

RC: Got to give this to Martha Thomas. Though lots of other players might be in with a shout – and special mention should go to Becky Spencer who has retained her impressive World Cup form.

Best game so far

HC: The first game of the season Chelsea away. Spurs came back from 2-0 down to a strong and hungry Chelsea team and then deservedly got one back. It shows how the team’s mentality has changed under Vilahamn that they don’t crumble under pressure and maintain a positive mentality.

RC: Maybe Brighton because that was the hardest fought. But winning so easily at Villa (last season’s ‘best of the rest’) felt pretty sweet.

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Perth break Canberra curse to remain top

Canberra United 2-3 Perth Glory

by Ben Gilby (4/11/23)

Above: Cote Rojas (left) and Michelle Heyman look to find a way through for Canberra United today. Photo: Canberra United.

Perth Glory gained an impressive victory in front of a record McKellar Park crowd to defeat their bogey team Canberra United and extend their winning start to the season.

Perth were aggressive from the start with Millie Farrow and former Canberra favourite Grace Jale connecting well. The league leaders won multiple corners in the opening 10 minutes as a direct consequence.

From one such corner with 10 minutes played, locally produced teenager Georgia Cassidy curled the ball in towards the back post for Hana Lowry to bring down and fire a shot that Chloe Lincoln pushed over from point-blank range.

The subsequent flag kick was viciously curled in high by Cassidy towards the back post again where an unmarked Tash Rigby headed home at the back post. Canberra were, at this stage, absolutely swamped by the Western Australian’s attacking prowess.

Yet, within moments, the green machine were level as Mary Stanic Floody’s corner from the left was met on the run by a powerful header from Cannon Clough – the first goal Perth Glory had conceded all season. It served as a reminder that whilst Canberra have conceded too many goals for their liking in the opening three rounds of this campaign, they have more than enough offensive threats to score a hatful as well.

Farrow remained a real handful for the home defence, constantly lurking and using her pace to close down back passes. The English attacker’s impact this season has been significant in the Glory’s early season successes.

After Canberra’s leveller, the frantic attacking nature of the game slowed to a more transitional encounter. Sasha Grove was become more influential for the hosts along the left flank for the hosts, combining excellently with Vesna Milivojevic. They were also working hard to reduce the time on the ball for key Perth creators Lowry and Cassidy as well as cutting off the concession of corners.

Just as the home side were looking to put together their most threatening spell of the game, Perth went ahead with five minutes of the half remaining as the Farrow-Jale combination showed its worth once more.

Farrow gained possession out towards the left. She danced her way into a more central possession, drawing a defender with her before threading through a centimetre perfect pass into the feet of Jale’s run into the box. The New Zealander side-footed comfortably home past Lincoln.

Yet, within moments Canberra had a chance to level as Cote Rojas was played in by Grove and advanced towards the byline before being brought down by Claudia Mihocic, and referee Isabella Libre had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Up stepped Milivojevic to roll the ball home to the right of centre as the clock ticked onto 45 minutes.

**Above:** Vesna Milivojevic prepares to strike home her penalty. **Photo:** Canberra United.

The second period opened on a cautious note with both sides looking to maintain possession. Perth’s patience won maximum rewards seven minutes in as Cassidy showed great skill to advance out and found her former Hyundai NTC teammate Grace Johnston on the left.

The teenager ran up the flank and played in Farrow who delivered a low ball across for Sakalis who was bought down in the box by Alex McKenzie with a penalty awarded. The 21-year-old picked herself up and rifled a powerful spot kick which, although Lincoln got a hand to, proved to be unstoppable.

With the game entering its final 25 minutes, Canberra looked to up the ante with Rojas working hard to get involved. The Chilean sucked in two or three defenders at a time to keep her at bay. Michelle Heyman and Nikki Flannery were largely quiet and managed credibly by the visiting defence.

Perth head coach Alex Epakis brought on Tia Stonehill and Isabella Dalton – with locally produced striker Stonehill making her A-League Women debut. An attacker with a deadly goal record in the NPLW WA over the years, it completed a fairy-tale return to the game for a player who suffered serious injury in 2022 which left her needing extensive support to recover.

The changes brought about another flurry of possession for the visitors who were able to largely hold Canberra at arm’s length, with the exception of a stunning effort from Deven Jackson from the edge of the box that hit the bar.

The victory, only the Western Australians’ fourth in A-League Women history over the capital city club saw Perth Glory continue their 100% winning start to the campaign and stay top of the ladder. Conversely, Canberra United are still looking for their first win and have leaked nine goals in their opening three matches.

Teams: CANBERRA UNITED (3-1-4-2): Lincoln, McKenzie, Clough, Bertolissio, Stanic-Floody, Flannery, Milivojevic, Ilijoski, Grove, Heyman, Rojas. Substitutes: Christopherson, Jackson, Majstorovic, Murray, Nathan.

Scorers: Clough 17′, Milivojevic (pen) 45′.

PERTH GLORY (4-3-3): Aquino, Cowart, Mihocic, Lowry, Cassidy, Phonsongkham, Sakalis, Farrow, Jale. Substitutes: Anton, Cain, Dalton, James, Stonehill.

Scorers: Rigby 12′, Jale 40′, Sakalis 52′.

Referee: Isabella Libre.

Attendance: 2,229 (record attendance for a regular season game at McKellar Park).

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Lowe leads Melbourne to Victory

Melbourne Victory 2-0 Adelaide United

By Kieran Yap (4/11/23)

Above: Rachel Lowe (R) and Dylan Holmes (L) fight for possession at AAMI Park. Photo: Melbourne Victory Twitter.

Melbourne Victory have their first win of the season after first half goals to Mackenzie Weinert and Kayla Morrison secured a 2-0 win over Adelaide United.

Both teams welcomed back key players for what was a crucial match no matter which club you supported. Victory had suffered two losses in the opening rounds while The Reds had a high scoring draw and a defeat to their name.

In response, Maruschka Waldus and Isabel Hodgson were recalled for the visitors, and Melbourne Victory named Emily Gielnik on the bench, with Elise Kellond-Knight in the staring 11.

Victory started the sharper of the two sides. Rachel Lowe and Alana Murphy were quick to put their stamp on the game. Both midfielders urged the home side forward with quick forward passing and aggressive running from deep.

Murphy created an early opening with a defence splitting through ball, but Kurea Okino and Beattie Goad go in each-others way and Adelaide were able to clear.

The most dangerous attacker on the pitch was Weinert. The American import played wide on the right, but with a license to cut inside and attack the goal. She plays with intent and immediacy, and put defenders on the back foot as soon as she gets the ball.

Her confident start was rewarded with the opening goal. Lowe’s high cross into the box looked hopeful, but Weinert read it best and her outstretched boot directed it beyond Annalee Grove in the Adelaide goal.

Victory’s second goal arrived from another American. Captain Kayla Morrison headed home Murphy’s in swinging free kick to make it 2-0 before half time, with Adelaide still working towards their first shot on target.

The Reds grew into the game in the second half. Emily Hodgson’s long range effort drew the best out of Lydia Williams and Alana Jancevski drew a free kick on the edge of the box which had AAMI Park holding their breath in anticipation. The usually deadly Jancevski was foiled by the wall on this occasion, but it was an escape for Melbourne and the clean sheet remained.

As the game went on, the contest became more even, although without the likes of Emily Condon and Nanako Sasaki, Adelaide’s midfield still looks understrength. The visitors were able to consistently apply pressure to the home side, but Muprhy and Lowe were able to knit their way out of trouble.

With the game seemingly under control, Victory introduced Emily Gielnik for Okino. The Matildas forward returned to the club she last played for in 2019 and looked lively without troubling Grove directly.

On the other side, Isabel Hodgson and Waldus returned to the field and Adelaide United had their first choice back four on the pitch for the first time this season. It was not enough to impact the days result, but should provide them with a solid foundation in the coming weeks.

With time ticking down, Adrian Stenta brought on Emilia Murray in place of Jancevski. The Round One hero was unable to replicate that incredible display, and supply from midfield was scarce as Adelaide tried to play passes over the top to the fleet-footed winger.

The game ended 2-0 . It was a much improved second half from Adelaide United, but Melbourne Victory’s midfield was the difference. Murphy and Lowe were both able to impact the game and Weinert was a constant menace.

Lydia Williams looked back to her best with an assured performance between the sticks. Following a concerning looking injury at the end of Round Two it was a relief to see her back and making crucial saves.

Victory will look to build some momentum in Round Four when they host the Newcastle Jets and welcome back Grand Final winners Melina Ayres and Melindaj Barbieri.

Adelaide United have the tough task of trying to disrupt Perth Glory’s perfect run of results with a trip out to Western Australia.

Teams: MELBOURNE VICTORY (4-3-3): Williams, Nash, Morrison, Checker, Rankin, Kellond-Knight, Murphy, Lowe, Goad, Okino, Weinert. Substitutes: Templeman, D’Appolonia, Gielnik, Briedis, Hansen.

Scorers: Weinert 31’ Morrison 37’.

ADELAIDE UNITED (4-4-2): Grove, Haffenden, Tonkin, Tolland, E Hodgson, Blake, Morgan, Holmes, Taylor, Lee, Jancevski. Substitutes: I Hodgson, Holtz, Waldus, Murray, Jenkins

Referee: Isabella Blaess.

Attendance: TBC

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The Phoenix are Flying

Wellington Phoenix 2-1 Brisbane Roar

By Denise Duffy 4/11/2023

Above: Briana Edwards. Photo: Alex Brook Conway

Wellington Phoenix grabbed three points and ended the round’s opening game top of the ladder for the first time in their history.

Marianna Speckmaier scored in the sixth minute, maintaining her impressive offensive A-League form and Annalie Longo marked her long-awaited return also with an 85’ goal. However, the standout performance of the day undoubtedly belongs to Bri Edwards as she again stepped back into her role as the number one keeper, delivered a series of massive saves to help the Phoenix ride this one out. Despite a 94’ minute blistering goal by Mia Corbin, the Phoenix hung on to see out the match.

Significant action happened early on. In the 5th minute, Grace Wisnewski suffered a knee injury, leading to regular starter Chloe Knott stepping into the midfield position.

One minute later, the opening goal of the game came from a brilliantly executed free-kick set piece by Michaela Foster and Marianna Speckmaier. Finding the head of Mariana Speckmaier, a talented Venezuelan international born in the United States. Speckmaier’s acrobatic flick on header from the center of the box to the far post was perfectly placed, leaving goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz diving to her left but unable to reach. Speckmaier, is one of several visa players who are already making a massive difference to this Phoenix team.

From the start, the Phoenix continued their short pass possession style, and Bribane seemed content to sit back. Brisbane did have their chances. Unfortunately for them a ready and focused Bri Edwards was at the end of most of their shots.

At the 16th minute Brisbane’s Kijah Stephenson got on the end of a longball and maneuvered past Foster. The Phoenix were lucky not to have a quality shot taken. Edwards also saved the day in the 37th minute when Van der Meer jumped over a back pass by Foster with Corbin lurking. Edwards was quick to react and kick it away to the sidelines. Stopping a very capable Corbin would be the biggest task of the day.

In the 19th minute Speckmaier almost capitalized off of an errant backpass With nothing but space between her and the keeper, her shot from distance hit and deflected off of the top of the goal.

The biggest danger in the first half for Brisbane was created by Tameka Yallop. Yallop took a shot from distance at the 40th minute with Mackenzie Barry deflecting it off. Again in the 44th minute Yallop drove into the box with Barry bodying her and sticking an arm in on defense. Leaving the Roar still scoreless.

Momentum shifted middle in the second half. Brisbane upped their intensity around the 55th minute and it lead to a plethora of touches in the box for them. Bri Edwards made an array of quality saves particularly from crosses just off the goal line.

Throughout the match, Brisbane was generally was happy to play a more transitional game capitalizing on Phoenix errors stepping up their pressing defense.

However, in 85th minute it was Annalie Longo who gathered the ball off of a deflection, dribbled left into the box, faked the defender, turned back, and put a shot in the top left corner past Iowa State graduate and Kansas City draftee Jordan Silkowitz.

Wellington Phoenix coach Paul Temple was full of praise for the strike. “That one was taken just fantastically, you know, just the ability to beat players in the box and then kind of give the keeper the eyes a little bit and put it in the top corner. Yeah, moment of magic that.

“I know she’s been waiting a long, long time to have. So I’m really pleased for her and great way to start her Phoenix career.”

Brisbane mounted a comeback as an errant Phoenix pass in the 94th minute resulted in Holgerson gaining possession. After a sequence of quick give-and-go plays, Corbin delivered a powerful strike from the right side, only to see it ricochet off the crossbar and down into the net.

Brisbane Coach Garrath McPherson reflected after the match. “We knew it was going to be a tough trip. Scouting-wise we believe Wellington are one of the stronger teams that will come up against. They are very brave on the ball, they’re organized in defense so we knew it was to be a challenge. It is definitely one of the tougher trips in the comp.

“I don’t think that there were any kind of any excuses there, maybe we needed just to be a little bit more clinical and the final third. we thought we created lots of good chances.”

WELLINGTON PHOENIX (4-3-3): Edwards (GK), Taylor, Barry, Van Der Meer, Fraser (Lake 83’), Wisnewski (Knott 5’), M. Foster C (Longo 62’ C), Speckmaier, Davidson, Main (Breslin 62’), Elliot. Unused Substitutes: Danieli (GK)

Scorers: Speckmaier (6’), Longo (85’)

BRISBANE ROAR (5-4-1): Silkowitz, Stephenson (Holgerson 67’), McCormick, McQueen, Corbin, Freier, Yallop (Norrie ‘58), Blissett, Scarpelli, Thompson (Levin 67’), Palmer, Cuthbert. Unused Substitutes: Richards

Scorers: Corbin (94’)

Referee: Georgia Ghiradello

Attendance: TBC

WSL Media Conferences

Impetus had writers in six WSL media conferences this week ahead of another vital weekend of action. Their club-by-club reports of who said what is below (3/11/23).

Arsenal

By Aimee Logan

**Above:** Arenal head coach Jonas Eidevall, who spoke to the media today. **Photo:** KNews Media.

Jonas Eidevell explained to the media that the squad is fully fit ahead of a testing fixture against Manchester City at Meadow Park on Sunday.

Ahead of the fixture against Manchester City on Sunday, Arsenal manager, Eidevell, outlined how his team is shaping up ready for an important match in the title race. Despite an intense international window, with some of the squad playing multiple games in the space of a few days, the whole of the team is fit and prepared to play the testing fixture.

With over half of the players out on international break in the last week, the Gunners’ head coach suggested that tomorrow, a day before matchday, will be the first time that the full squad is out on the training pitch. Some players were only back in North London earlier today and haven’t yet been seen on the field. However, Eidevell noted how the squad were in a “similar position” as a large proportion of their players also represented their country in Nations League fixtures.

Upon the comeback of two of the five players who had an ACL injury last season, there are plenty of options for the Arsenal manager, significantly in the attacking positions. Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema played their first minutes this season in games prior to the international window and are still not fully ready to be on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. New summer signing, Alessia Russo has been on top form for the club since her signing but also players like Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe both performed incredibly for their country, both scoring hattricks over the period.

The Irish captain, McCabe has noticeably “stepped up” in the past seasons and Eidevell was quick to identify that she is a “quality player” who is in the “peak eight years” of her career. McCabe is also well known for her versatility on the left flank, and she is always playing in a ‘number of different positions’ at both club and international levels, Eidevell explains. Her “tremendously good left foot” is something that he wants to ensure stays a part of the Arsenal build-up, significantly, as she’s consistently impressing every time she’s on the pitch.

In recent weeks, there has been more attention to mental health awareness in the sporting world. Head coach Eidevell was sure that mental health is a “huge part of the game and everyday life” so increasing the number of “role models from the very top”, creates more representation of how mental health impacts those in the public eye.

The Arsenal Women’s squad has recently been subject to backlash off the back of their squad photo for the 23/24 season, where not one member of the team is a part of a black or ethnic community. Arsenal is “proud of our community” in North London and Eidevell noted how the “men’s and women’s team have a proud history of players from diverse backgrounds”. Women’s football has a diversity problem where there is a need for more support in diverse communities so they can professionally develop to play the sport.

Different from previous seasons, Arsenal are playing many of their home fixtures in the Emirates Stadium where an increasing number of fans can have access to attending. The Arsenal boss hopes that “more and more league games” will be added each year until eventually all their fixtures can be played in the Emirates. The tickets for the fixture against Manchester City on Sunday sold out within hours of being listed hinting that the team have ultimately outgrown the Meadow Park ground.

Recently, Brighton and Hove Albion announced that a stadium is being built for the women’s team. Eidevell questioned the idea as the women’s game is in a “difficult but exciting time”. The popularity of the sport has increased in the past few years, and he stated how it is “super important to grow the game” but committing to building a whole new ground “depends on the club”. “Ability to sell out stadiums is a big component in football’ and Eidevell explained how in five years from now, Arsenal could be even bigger and need a stadium, the size of the Emirates, for their own.

The rotation of the squad was also questioned as the number one goalkeeper position is still under debate. Along with this, I asked Eidevall about his plans for younger squad members, including summer signing Kyra Cooney-Cross. His reply was the “different run in” of the new signings, and emphasised the significance of training on a daily basis that greatly impacts his decision making.

Eidevell finished stating how he was “looking forward to seeing the players play ” on the weekend as he looks to win the full three points that will massively impact their position in the WSL table. This season he knows that the team “don’t want to be depending on margins” and winning important fixtures will mean they can avoid this.

Aston Villa

By Emily Brown

Aston Villa manager Carla Ward “looks forward” to playing against Emma Hayes’ Chelsea despite Villa’s disappointing start to the season and them never having gained a point against the Blues.

Although feisty winger Kirsty Hanson will make her return this Saturday, Villa will miss Lucy Parker in their back line of defence. After picking up an ankle injury in England camp over the international break, Villa have confirmed that the 24-year-old “definitely won’t be available for this weekend.”

There remains a cloud of doubt over the return of Kenza Dali following the ongoing injury that has kept her out of the team so far this season. It was settled before the break that the pivotal forward was back on the grass, but Ward is “still unsure if she’ll be available this weekend”.

Regardless, it is known for certain that the 32-year-old is “closing down on a return”. When Dali does eventually come back into the squad it will be vital as Ward looks ahead to what she believes are “some really big games coming up” this month in which Dali will be most impactful. “Whether this weekend will be too soon we’re not sure, but we’ll make that decision within the next couple of days” Ward explains.

However, the impact of Hanson’s comeback this Saturday is suspected to be “massive” for the squad: “The impact she had with us last season was huge, as it was with Kenza, so there’s been big misses with us of course but having her back this weekend will be big, it will certainly lift the group, it will lift the fans, it will lift everything we are trying to do and hopefully give us a little bit of joy.”

Of course, this kind of impact is much needed after Villa have failed to secure a single win so far this season and is yet to gain a point against Chelsea across the 10 total matches, they have played against the West London side.

The last match-up between the two sides was the FA Cup semi-final which left Villa disappointed with the score ending 1-0 to Chelsea. However, the Midland side can take a lot of confidence from their previous performance against the Blues as Ward deems it as “by far” one of Villa’s greatest performances.

“We’ll look forward to it, we always look forward to playing the big tides and there’s no one bigger, let’s be honest, than Chelsea. Arguably they’ve got the best forward line in world football…. yes, they’ve conceded opportunities, yes, they’ve conceded goals…it’s something we’ve had a look at.”

Something we are yet to know is whether the Australian star and avid goal-scorer, Sam Kerr, will be available for this weekend. Questions are being raised over whether she will be fit to play following the long-haul flight she will have had to endure traveling back to the UK from Western Australia.

As many already know, Ward has a special relationship with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes as the Blues’ boss mentored Ward throughout her journey to becoming a WSL manager. Ward commends Hayes and states that “she’s been unbelievable” in mentoring her. She is “arguably one of the best (managers) in the world” according to Ward and this shows in Chelsea’s performance of only losing five games in five years.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend and I always look forward to facing her on the side-line that’s for sure” Ward expresses. The Villans’ manager describes the Chelsea side as “mentality monsters” who have an “abundance of world-class talent”. She mentions the outcomes of their previous fixtures against them but remains undeterred, aiming to change fate and gain their first point against Chelsea this time around.

If this were to happen it would build Villa’s confidence and kick their season off right. It’s crucial that morale remains as high as Ward describes it and that the team remains in as good of spirits.

“We have a lot of opportunities to get some points on the board and that’s what we’ve got to focus on… I believe we’re in a good place regardless of four defeats, we’re in a good place as a group and that’s important. We know what we’ve got to do, we’ve got to go out there and try and get points and I believe we’ll do that in November.”

After previously saying that the international break was coming at the wrong time for Villa, Ward has since changed her mind: “On reflection, it’s been a good and positive break … and we’ll be ready to go again that’s for sure. The reality is that this is a massive month so probably the right time for a break just to take a step back.”

After all, Villa still have an opportunity to make back their form from last year. They remain “on track” for what they want and to match last year’s 12 points going into Christmas, if not do “better.” Ward explains they similarly had “a pretty poor October” last year and with Villa still in a good position they just need look to “continue the work” that they have done over the last couple of years.

Finally, Ward is confident that the Villans will be ready to tackle this weekend. With the team coming back from the “valuable 10 days” and the “opportunity to reassess and regroup” over the international break she believes that all her side must do going forward is continue their work and “focus” on what they can control.

It will be “really important” Ward expresses, that Villa “go out there with the mentality that we want to go and try and win the game.” With the hurt caused by Villa’s opening four games, Ward has “absolutely no doubt” in her mind that “we’ll see a reaction from this group this weekend.”

“We know what we’ll be up against but, like I said, there’s a good atmosphere within the group at the minute. I think everyone wants to get back out there and show that what we are capable of” Ward remarks, faith remaining strong.

Brighton and Hove Albion

By Ava-Marianne Elliot

**Above:** Mel Phillips – believes her team can find winning form this weekend. **Photo:** Sky Sports.

Brighton and Hove Albion are ready to face new challenges and see improvement when they take on Marc Skinner’s Manchester United this weekend.

Ahead of Sunday’s game, Head coach Melissa Phillips, alongside summer signing Maria Thorisdóttir discussed her side’s intentions. Phillips began by discussing her side’s availability. She reported that “everyone is in good shape” after the international window and are “ready” leading into what will be a challenging fixture for her team. When asked about selection, she further commented that elements such as jet lag from the players who were further across the globe may affect her selection.

Regarding the team’s recent performances, Phillips also noted that she was “disappointed” with the results they had seen losing three in four matches. She expressed that the team was “growing slowly” and will further focus on working on “managing the game better under pressure” as they prepare to face United, with the bigger picture of playing Manchester City and Arsenal in their next two fixtures.

During Brighton’s opening game of the season against Everton, the Seagulls’ forward Elisabeth Terland scored two goals in quick succession. The side often “started their games quickly” and therefore Phillips explained how they needed to look at not “conceding in critical points of the game”.

With such a difficult fixture ahead, the Brighton head coach explained that going into their game against United, she has “a good team at hand”. Their opponents’ start to the season means that the likes of experienced players, such as the likes of captain Vicky Losada, will be key.

Phillips further commented that there were a lot of aspects that would contribute to her side holding their own on Sunday. There needs to be “week in week out growth to continue to build leadership across the group”, and that there were many factors that could give her side a shot at defeating the Red Devils. With the spotlight on the team after the recent news of the proposals for them to receive the first stadium purpose-built for women’s sports in England, the side has big ambitions.

Thorisdóttir also commented on her team’s readiness to face their opponents on Sunday, alongside how the team has a “very positive future”. After signing for Brighton from Manchester United in the summer, the defender noted that they “can give United a shot” and the team need to “keep building and grow together as a team”.

With a lot of developments being made, the Seagulls are looking to obtain the three points this weekend to move further up the WSL table.

Chelsea

By Hannah Chadwick

After four wins and a draw, Emma Hayes’ team sets her eyes upon a hungry Aston Villa who are looking to pick up their first points in Saturday’s game.

Hayes appears confident after her 4-2 win over Brighton Hove & Albion before the international break. However, due to the number of countries around the world that her squad have been on international duty in, the Blues have only had one session to prepare but the side are ready but with remain “vigilant” and “mindful.” Hayes also spoke about how they need to “maintain standards…winning every game and execute the game plan.”

When asked about Villa, Hayes spoke highly of Carla Ward’s side. “They have got key players back and it will be an aggressive performance and Aston Villa will be aggressive going forward.” The Chelsea head coach also mentioned that she “much prefers to be playing Aston Villa when they have points on the board.” So Chelsea fans can be prepared for a physically challenging game.

When asked about the schedule and the season she said that her team “haven’t had much rhythm and it was too early to make an assessment as to how the season will plan out and that she can’t control the schedule and that she would rather play multiple games a week as that is what her players are used to “I just deal with the schedule.”

Hayes also revealed that the Blues could be without German midfielder Melanie Leupolz who is waiting for an assessment to see if she is fit to play before tomorrow’s game. There could also be a return for Guro Reiten who has not featured since their 1-1 draw with Manchester City, she is also awaiting a fitness test.

Chelsea is once again without Katerina Svitkova who came to the club fit after her signing from West Ham United in 2022 but had some issues and then developed a knee injury which she then had a setback with. She is currently working alongside the club’s doctors but could need surgery. Hayes has given a return guideline for this side of January if she does not need surgery.

One of the Blues’ less heralded players, Wales star Sophie Ingle was also recognised by Hayes during her media conference today, saying: “She is superb talent…a leader that has played in some of the biggest games, an influence on the players in the squad, she makes up the DNA of the club and that she deserves the recognition that she has.”

Manchester United

By Aimee Reynolds

Manchester United will be travelling down south to go up against Mel Phillips’ Brighton and Hove Albion this weekend. Skinner’s side currently sit fourth in the table after a comfortable 5-0 win at Everton before the international window.

Before the break, Manchester United’s squad got hit with a sickness bug that left multiple players out of the away game against Everton at Walton Hall Park. Speaking to the media today Skinner has announced that everyone who caught the bug is now healthy and ready to go again. However, Spanish midfielder Irene Guerrero has taken a slight knock on her MCL which was addressed as only a slight tweak but she will be out for the next few weeks.

There have been multiple queries over midfielder Ella Toone as he is approaching a year without her scoring or assisting a goal for the club. Skinner stated that he’s not worried and sees far more in the Lioness’ game than those two facets.

Skinner mentioned that in the next couple of weeks, there may be some keeper rotation potentially giving Mary Earps a break. The England goalkeeper has recently placed fifth in the Ballon d’Or Feminin which was the highest for a goalkeeper – “To finish that high in a voting system shows her consistency and I think that’s the key to Mary. Her consistency on and off the field has been wonderful.”

The United boss went on to emphasise the potential banana skin that this fixture could pose for his team. “We played there last year, and as you know scored late to secure the game. We then played Brighton at home when Mel (Phillips) came in and that was a tight fixture.”

Finally United currently have three ACL’s throughout the squad. One of them being Gabby George: From her socials, we saw that the 26-year-old seems much more upbeat and positive after recently having her operation and is working hard to get back on the pitch.

“Look, I think it’s one of those where the first couple of weeks when she found out and was waiting for the operation to reset, I think you kind of don’t know your timeline, and once she has done that we’ve spoken about treating it like a resilient moment that you can learn from and there’s nothing you can do now except recover. So I’m going to treat her as an individual and give her some time off to go away with family as well to ensure she’s also refreshed mentally.”

Tottenham Hotspur

By Ajman Abdi

**Above:** Robert Vilahamn – his team are in fine form and all out to extend it this weekend against Everton. **Photo:** Rex Media.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Robert Vilahamn highlighted that this weekend’s game with Everton, as being “not an easy game but a game we can win”.

Going into the encounter, Tottenham sit third on the table with Everton at tenth place. Therefore, its no surprise that Spurs are feeling confident and ready by “keeping up the momentum after the win.”

The media conference began with the news that Beth England is back in training – albeit not available for match day just yet. Another player that Vilahamn mentioned was Ellie Brazil who he stated is being positive post-injury, and is also back on the training pitch.

The Spurs manager was positive that his team can build on their strong start to the season. He stated that people rightfully expect them to play good football on Sunday and win the game against Everton especially at home.

With England potentially available for selection again soon, Vilahamn was asked how he would choose between Marta Thomas and the Lionesses attacker as a starting nine on the squad. Thomas has had an incredible start this season, already having scored six goals. Could she and England play alongside each other when back with full fitness?

“Both of them are nines so they will compete for that position. But I will have a plan for them to play together. Good players can play together and I’m looking for a way to do that.” Vilahamn revealed.

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Waldus on Adelaide’s Victory challenge & Phoenix pair look ahead to Roar battle

Impetus’ Genevieve Henry and Ryan Miller-Woods report from A-League Women media conferences (3/11/23).

Adelaide United

by Genevieve Henry

Adelaide United’s Maruschka Waldus is potentially available for the first time this season for the South Australian club as they prepare to face Melbourne Victory tomorrow.

The Dutch defender has not yet featured for Adelaide this season due to injury. Waldus had to get surgery on her foot as well as struggling with her leg in the off-season. The Reds certainly could have used the experienced defender in their winless first two games of the season.

Asked about her struggle with injury, Waldus said, “I was hoping I would be ready by the time the season started…I’ve always said day by day and focused on my recovery.” Although she said, “It’s hard to watch from the sidelines…” Waldus made sure to put energy into supporting her teammates and being there for them in a tough time.”

On the international break that scheduled a gap in between games, Waldus shared that it was good to get a rest and regroup before going forward. With the team struggling to get results in these early stages, the break could prove to be vital. “We had an internal game so we could work on tactics to define our game plan better,” Waldus said. She admitted to feeling a bit rusty in her first minutes back playing but felt it was a good place to start. “I felt a little bit like a grandma,” she said with a laugh.

On their first away trip of the season, Adelaide will be hoping to secure their first three points of the 2023-24 campaign. Their opponents, Melbourne Victory, were prophesied to have a shining season, but have failed to get any points so far. Both the ninth-placed Reds and the eleventh-placed Victory will be fighting to prove their worth.

While Waldus is unsure if she will feature in Saturday’s match, she has been training with the squad every day this week. “I just want the best squad to travel, so we’ll see if I’m ready or not.”

Wellington Phoenix

by Ryan Miller-Woods

Mariana Speckmaier and Macey Fraser spoke to the media ahead of the team’s game against Brisbane Roar tomorrow.

Wellington so far this season has looked very strong in all aspects with competitive displays against Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively to open their campaign.

Despite having had a disrupted pre-season, Speckmaier, who joined from NWSL side Washington Spirit, has looked great in attack in her first two league matches with the Phoenix. Her spatial awareness and her role in the making of chances have been crucial. In their most recent match, she managed to score her first goal for the club against the Wanderers.

Being at Wellington has given Speckmaier a chance to show what she has got in an environment and league where giving players opportunities is highly encouraged.

With the opportunities the Phoenix provides Speckmaier in comparison to her previous clubs, she said: “The opportunities (at the Phoenix) are probably a lot better for me here, I’m definitely getting more playing time than I was before and I think that’s going to give me the opportunity to show what I’m capable of and show my strengths on the field.”

In terms of how she sees her team’s potential this season, Speckmaier said: “I think everybody has their own goals and what they want to accomplish with this team. I’m sure we definitely want to reach as far as we can. We all have the idea that we 100% have the potential to go as far as any other team in this league.”

**Above:** Macey Fraser – who looked ahead to tomorrow’s game with Brisbane Roar. **Image:** Wellington Phoenix.

In the match against Western Sydney Wanderers, Fraser was arguably The Nix’s best player with her runs on the ball and overall contributions were really great to watch which included a goal on her A-League Women’s debut.

It would have been a pleasing performance for head coach Paul Temple, given the pair’s time together at the club’s Academy.

When asked about how much it has helped to have a very familiar face in Temple with making that step-up to the A-League Women, Fraser said: “A lot! He’s been great for myself and my confidence. The football he’s implementing here is really good. We keep the ball and we can move forward with it. It’s the best way to play, in my opinion.”

Throughout Wellington’s A-League history, the quality has been there from the beginning with certain players, it is just some inconsistencies that have proved their undoing. But given how Wellington has started this season, things could be different.

In terms of priorities for the season, Fraser identified: “I think at the end of the day, what matters is that we’re winning games but of course, we want to play good football.”

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Endler of an era

By Genevieve Henry 3/11/2023

Above: Christiane Endler in action Photo: Christiane Endler Instagram.

After qualifying for the Final of the Pan American Games, legendary Chilean goalkeeper Christiane Endler announced her retirement from international football. Genevieve Henry looks at her career and impact on the game.

The Chilean Women’s National team, known affectionately as “La Roja” had a successful night, beating the United States U-20 team (they elected to send the youth team instead of the senior due to NWSL playoffs), but it was ultimately a disappointing occasion. La Roja will be facing Mexico for glory without their stalwart shot-stopper to save them. Endler is not playing in the final due to being recalled by her club, Olympique Lyonnais.

Since she was 18, Endler has been a mainstay with La Roja. For a goalkeeper, that is an incredible achievement. After impressing in the youth national team from 2008-2009, Endler began her career as a footballer with the reputation to pull off impossible saves.

The 32 year-old made 104 appearances for her country, and many of those were spectacularly remarkable. Endler is a phenomenon, able to almost single-handedly keep her side in games and propel them to higher levels. Although they were rarely able to secure points at a high level, their goal difference was always fairly good.

Throughout a tumultuous time for Chilean women’s football, Endler not only played in horrendous conditions, but fought for her teammates and women’s football as a whole. With corrupt coaches, teenage boys as training partners, and little to no information about their careers, Endler and the Chilean team fought on. She played a big part in creating the union that ultimately allowed them to return to competition.

Things got better throughout her time, with Endler captaining her country to a second place finish at the 2018 Copa América Feminina and subsequently securing qualification for their first ever Women’s World Cup. Then, she began her rise to the top.

Drawn in a tough group, with the USA, Sweden, and Thailand, Endler was destined to have quite a bit of work to do. Although she only managed one clean sheet, Endler put in the performances of a lifetime against Sweden and the USA. But, even with narrowly missing out on the round of sixteen, Endler gained massive recognition. After another tough qualification path, she managed to once again bring her country to a major tournament. Endler captained her side at the 2021 Olympics, proving that she was a major reason for her country’s success.

Throughout her career, Endler became highly appreciated at club level in France with both Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique Lyonnais. She is a three-time Division One champion as well as a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Lyon. But, her club career isn’t over just yet and she will surely continue to rise and grow.

Endler’s career is littered with recognition for her skills for both club and country. The nine-time Chilean Footballer of the Year was named The Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2021, as well as coming second three times. She is a Zamora Trophy winner, for letting in the fewest goals during her time in Spain with Valencia, as well as winning countless goalkeeper of the season awards in France with both PSG and Lyon. She was even named in the UWCL Squad of the Season for three years straight, from 2019-2020, 2020-21, and 2021-22. While her recognition for her work with Chile was admittedly less, her impact could not be described with simple trophies and awards.

Though her time with Chile has come to an end, she will be remembered for much more than her supreme shot-stopping skills. Endler’s legacy is one of leadership and advocacy. Chilean football would not have come this far without Christiane Endler, and it certainly won’t be the same without her.

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Alex Epakis: Resilience and character is driving our growth

For this week’s Midweek Dub interview, Alex Epakis, head coach of league leaders Perth Glory speaks exclusively to Impetus’ Ben Gilby about his team’s start to the season, recruitment, and and how the club has evolved during his four-year tenure (2/11/23).

Above: Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis. Photo: Getty Images, supplied to Impetus by: Perth Glory FC.

Perth Glory head coach Alex Epakis has praised his side’s “good start” to the season but believes passionately that the Western Australians are nowhere near their potential yet.

The Glory have won both their opening A-League Women matches without conceding a goal, and sit proudly top of the table. This great start has come as the result of a lot of hard work during the close season.

“We’ve had a good start,” Epakis recognised, “and we want to acknowledge that. There is a lot more happening on the training pitch that we want to bring to the games. We have a lot more in the tank.”

At the end of last season, where, for the second campaign in a row Perth narrowly missed out on Finals football, Epakis and his staff conducted an extensive review of everything they did in a bid to identify the extras they could do to ensure the club make it this time. Recruitment was a part of that.

**Above:** Susan Phonsongkham (right) jumps for joy after scoring Perth Glory’s winner against Newcastle Jets this season. **Photo:** Perth Glory FC.

“I wanted our group to have a different X-Factor. I don’t just mean from a playing style perspective, but also from a character profile. Sometimes you need to look for players that can bring personality that can bring teammates along, and add some steel along the spine. It doesn’t have to be in terms of caps, number of games, or even age. Just a different profile and characters among the pressures of competing – you need a balance of players that can lift a group.

“I had to see a level of resilience and something in their character – if we’re on the pitch under pressure, are you someone who is going to help win and do you have the character to drive others around you and make them accountable?”

That recruitment has included an influx of players from the NPLW WA – both young talent with huge potential to more experienced local stars. I asked Epakis whether this was down to the fact that the NPLW WA has increased in quality, or whether it is down to the fact that last season had a particularly talented crop of players.

“It’s a mixture of both. Every few years there is an emergence of a crop of young players. You look at the Hana Lowry, Bella Wallhead, Abbey Green, cohort three or four years ago. Now we have another crop who have come through not just at the NTC but other local NPLW clubs.

“I’m really impressed with the impact that they have had already. Those who haven’t had a chance yet – they are still performing very well and I’m really excited about what they are capable of and giving them an opportunity to play for their hometown club. It’s improving, there is no doubt about that. A lot of the local clubs and local coaches should feel good about that – there are good games, good competition and good quality.”

Epakis went into detail about some of the local players that he brought in ahead of this season, starting with the teenage duo of Grace Johnston and Georgia Cassidy from Hyundai NTC.

**Above:** Grace Johnston (right) in action on her professional debut for Perth Glory in round one of the A-League Women at home to Western United. **Photo:** Paul Kane/Getty Images, **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Perth Glory FC.

Johnston is a hard-working player, who often gets through so much of the tough, unseen jobs that can make the difference between winning and losing. Cassidy is a cultured youngster who can play centimetre-perfect through balls, hit a stunning long-range shot or set-piece, and put in some crunching tackles. The pair have played both Perth’s opening games, and have looked like they have been professional footballers for years rather than weeks.

“It’s quite incredible,” Epakis said of the duo. “Both of them have spent a bit of time with us in the past. They really absorbed and took to the challenge of what this was about from day one of pre-season. There was a focus and competitiveness and were buying into what it means to be in the group.

“They have shown moments where they look like 30 or 40 gamers, but they are only two gamers. It’s credit to them and to the older players who have created an environment to support them. They are doing great things, but there are a lot of people who have contributed to that – the senior players in particular.”

**Above:** Georgia Cassidy – local teenager made good. **Photo:** Manny Tamayo, **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Perth Glory FC.

A more experienced local player who was offered a contract in the close season was Tia Stonehill. A prolific goalscorer around the NPLW WA for a number of years, Stonehill came back from a serious injury that left her needing extensive care and having to learn to walk again. The striker came back to action this year with Balcatta Etna and produced a succession of spectacular all-action displays and score another bucket full of goals.

“Tia is someone who had a standout season in the local competition,” Epakis said. “Her goalscoring has always been something that caught my eye, but more this year than anything was her movement and effort off the ball. Tracking back and pressing. She developed more elements to her game.

“She showed me that she should be in this mix and given an opportunity. She’s coming in at a good time in her career when she’s had to overcome a lot of things. Just because she doesn’t have A-League experience doesn’t mean she’s not going to be a fantastic player for us. I believe she will add to our attacking quality.”

**Above:** Tia Stonehill – an all action striker. **Photo:** Manny Tamayo, **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Perth Glory FC.

“She came into pre-season a few weeks late because she had some commitments with work (Stonehill is a prison officer) – now we are trying to fast-track her and catch her up. She’s understanding the tactical approach, she’s understanding the physical approach and she has a really exciting story behind her – returning from setbacks, but she is going to have a positive impact on the season.”

A major arrival from overseas has been striker Millie Farrow. The English attacker has been a standout player in the opening weeks of the season with an incredible work rate, popping up all over the front third, and going the extra yard to link up with her teammates as well as getting efforts in on goal herself. Farrow is the epitome of the “X-Factor character” that the Glory identified at the start of our conversation.

“Millie is like a character I’ve never worked with before. She is a real fantastic human. She has a great aura and vibe about her. Then you look at what she does on the pitch. She’s such a competitor, she’s fierce, she’s on the edge. She finds solutions to moments that, as a coach, you can’t coach. It’s just instinct. She is helping the team a lot.”

**Above:** Millie Farrow in action for Perth Glory in their A-League Women round two win over Newcastle Jets. **Photo:** Paul Kane/Getty Images, **supplied to *Impetus* by:** Perth Glory FC.

“I had come across the name Millie Farrow four or five months ago. It just so happened that Izzy Dalton, who we had signed in the off-season indicated that Millie was looking to leave her USA club and was looking for a new opportunity. From her first chat, I knew she was a person I wanted to bring in and help lead the attack.”

Apart from the opening wins and clean sheets, one of the aspects about Perth’s play that has impacted most on me so far this season is the real focus on game management. This allowed the Western Australians to close out a 2-0 win over last season’s beaten Grand Finalists Western United on the opening day, and then in round two, produce a real professional effort in closing down a threatening Newcastle Jets who were pressing for an equaliser in the last 15 minutes.

“It’s absolutely something we’ve been working on,” the Glory head coach explained. “It goes back to how you manage the game when you don’t have momentum. When you are defending a 1-0 lead against a forward-playing team and direct team (such as Newcastle Jets), you need characters who will step up and win key duels. We got hurt in those last year and the year before.

“It was a good challenge for the group to face early on in the season. We took a lot away from that last 15 minutes against the Jets. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a powerful moment for this group and where we want to be as we’ll be in that situation again as the season goes on.”

**Above:** Perth Glory during the 2021/21 season – Alex Epakis first campaign in charge. **Photo:** Perth Glory FC.

Epakis is now into his fourth season as head coach of Perth Glory. During that time he’s had to deal with putting together an incredibly young team just weeks before the start of his first-ever season as an A-League coach, and a very young one himself at that, and then be forced to play home games 3,300 km away for a year due to COVID. Despite this, the team have grown and only missed out on Finals football narrowly. To conclude our conversation, I asked the Glory boss what he had learned about himself over those four years.

“I have really valued each season at the club and the opportunity to build towards creating a competitive and successful A-League Women team. The club has had to deal with and work through some very difficult times in particular during COVID. But we are now past this and the club is entering a really exciting phase. It is a club with rich history and I’m focused everyday to contribute to that history and help the team create winning moments.

“I have certainly had to evolve and develop all my leadership and coaching facets across the four years and learn to be very agile in my decisions and planning during some of the unforeseen events we have navigated. There have been challenges no doubt, but all the experiences have culminated to give me the mindset and skill set to really lead with clarity and focus.”

That clarity and focus, along with a strong depth to this season’s squad are coming together to create something very special in the West.

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Australia v Chinese Taipei Photo Gallery Three

Impetus had Rob Lizzi pitch side to capture our third of three photo galleries from Australia’s Olympic qualifier with Chinese Taipei at HBF Park in Perth (2/11/23).

Above: Sam Kerr calls for the ball in the match against Chinese Taipei yesterday. Photo: Rob Lizzi for Impetus.

To view Kris Goman‘s photo gallery within Kelechi Osunwa‘s report from the game click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/11/01/matildas-see-off-chinese-taipei-to-top-group/

To view Cat Bryant‘s photo gallery from the game, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/11/02/australia-v-chinese-taipei-photo-gallery-two/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!

Australia v Chinese Taipei Photo Gallery Two

Impetus had Cat Bryant pitch side to capture our second of three photo galleries from Australia’s Olympic qualifier with Chinese Taipei at HBF Park in Perth (2/11/23).

Above: Caitlin Foord lets fly for the Matildas yesterday. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

To view Kris Goman‘s photo gallery within Kelechi Osunwa‘s report from the game click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/11/01/matildas-see-off-chinese-taipei-to-top-group/

To view Rob Lizzi‘s photo gallery from the game, click on this link: https://impetusfootball.org/2023/11/02/australia-v-chinese-taipei-photo-gallery-three/

Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Threads, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. DON’T MISS our brand new TikTok platform @ImpetusFootball too!