Time for female footballers to be given more of the respect they deserve

by Trinity Brown (8/11/23)

Above: Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann celebrating a goal at Arsenal in May. Her persistent treatment from elements of the media needs to change. Photo: Adam Johnstone for Impetus.

Disrespecting women and female footballers is part of society and prevalent in the women’s game. This misogyny does not just come from individual men, but also some parts of the media, which sexualizes some players, presents others as ‘masculine’ and vilifies them to no end, and creates an aura around some players because they are confident then they have to be arrogant. 

Aston Villa’s Swiss international Alisha Lehmann has 16 million followers on Instagram – one of the most followed female footballers. The type of coverage that some media outlets impose on her can be encapsulated by this comment from the Daily Mail: “World’s sexiest footballer Alisha Lehmann is targeted by trolls for wearing make-up during Switzerland’s 7-1 drubbing by Spain – and posting photos from the game on Instagram.” 

Why is it that they have started off with “World’s sexiest footballer’, and not just her name? There is no reason why the Daily Mail should be using “World’s sexiest footballer” as a clickbait headline. The Daily Mail is not alone in doing this. I feel it dehumanises Alisha Lehmann and it makes her out to be some sort of seductress. Indeed, with this dehumanisation, it makes the audience more likely to sexualise her.

There are many articles that use her name to gather more interaction and more engagement trying to hook in the male audience, there are many players who are constantly sexualised.

Above: Sam Kerr, another player who has suffered from persistent misogynistic comments. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

Something that I feel is interesting is the way the internet views Sam Kerr. Australia’s top goal scorer is viewed in a completely different way from Lehmann. Where the Swiss star is sexualised for being “too feminine” the opposite is done with Kerr.

The Matilda has a comparatively masculine presence in the way she dresses off the pitch. There are a number of instances of men or boys viewing in a masculine way. Kerr is currently in a relationship with American footballer Kristie Mewis, and it has, again been commented that it is Kerr who “wears the trousers.”

It is time that these women in football are not seen as objects or villains, for the media’s gratification to create some elaborate narrative of who is good and who is bad. These are simply woman who are doing their job.

Whilst there will always be individuals who want to be sexual or vilify woman, it’s another matter when media outlets are doing this and attacking women for simply being “unapologetically” themselves.

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Norfolk Weekend Wrap

by Darrell Allen (7/11/23)

Above: Katie Knights (yellow) scoring for Norwich City in their 4-2 win over Ashford Town (Middx). Photo: Norwich City Women.

FA Women’s National League Division One South East

Norwich City were 4-2 winners over Ashford Town (Middx). Alice Parker scored a brace for the Canaries with Natasha Snelling and Katie Knights getting their other two goals. Impetus sponsored Ashley Cheatley and Millie Constantine scored for the Middlesex-based visitors.

Eastern Region League Cup Second Round

Wroxham secured a 6-1 win at Southend United Community Sports Club. Two goals from Holly Connell and one each from Lauren Bullard, Lara Densley, Keela Olive, and Hannah Fuller helped Wroxham on their way. Chloe Woolaway scored for Southend.

Dussindale and Hellesdon Rovers also progressed with a 5-1 win at Histon. A goal from Rachel Bussey plus a couple each from Chelsea Brister and Victoria Leyer saw the visitord take a comfortable win. Amie Fullwood scored for Histon.

It wasn’t a good day for Thetford Town who were beaten 2-0 at home by Bowers and Pitsea thanks to a brace from Olivia Harris.

The tie between Mulbarton Wanderers and Billericay Development was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Eastern Region Premier Division

King’s Lynn Town were beaten 10-0 at Royston. Jordan Sillitoe scored a hat-trick with Emma Slater and Erin Davies getting two each. The three remaining goals were scored by Laura Mills, Stacey Roper, and Emily Smith.

Above: Action from the match between Royston Town (white) and King’s Lynn Town. Photo: Stuart Cobb.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

Aylsham’s game versus the league leaders Mulbarton Development was postponed which meant the chasing pack had the opportunity to take advantage in tier seven on Sunday and they certainly did that.

Caister went top with a 3-1 win over King’s Lynn Soccer Club, Rebecca Waters scored a brace with Megan Bartlett scoring the other. Jordan Turner scored for King’s Lynn Soccer Club.

Sprowston moved into second with a 7-0 win over Thorpe St. Andrew. Kelsi Adams, Mollie O’Callaghan, and Holly Whayman each scored two, with Lois Wright getting the other goal.

Bungay Town continued their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable 4-1 win over Long Stratton. Lauren Goulder scored a brace with Porsha Renwick and Selina Rowland scoring the others. Caitlin Skipper scored for Long Stratton.

In the day’s remaining tier seven game, Cassandra Piejko scored a hat-trick as the University of East Anglia beat North Walsham Town 3-0 to secure a valuable three points for Thomas Peck’s side.

Above: It was a happy day for Thomas Peck (pictured) as his University of East Anglia side beat North Walsham Town 3-0 at Colney Lane thanks to a hat-trick from Cassandra Piejko. Photo: Ben Cunningham

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

As with Division One, the leaders (Bure Valley) had their match postponed. With their trip to Martham falling victim to the weather, other sides could take advantage.

Mundford were 6-0 winners over South Walsham Lingwood thanks to a hat-trick from Ellen Kerby, a brace from Livvi Hodges, and a goal from Bethany Seymour. Stalham won 2-0 at Red Rose thanks to both goals coming from Emma Gillespie. Those results mean Bure Valley, Mundford, and Stalham are all level on 18 points at the top after seven games played.

Kate Roome and Kiera Squires both scored as Freethorpe secured a fine 2-0 win. Ellie Fewkes-Woodrow and Neneh Jeffrey both found the net as Shrublands beat Waveney 2-0.

Elsewhere, in the derby match between Horsford Hurricanes and Horsford Harriers, it was the Harriers who came out on top with a 1-0 win. The match between Beccles Town Development and FC Viking Valkyries was postponed.

Above: Action from the Match between Mundford (red) and South Walsham Lingwood at The Glebe on Sunday. Photo: SG Photography.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division One

Taverham were 2-0 winners over Horsford thanks to goals from Laura Nunn and Sophie Rose. In the day’s other game, Dussindale and Hellesdon were 7-0 winners at Waveney. The games between Rockland United and Left Field plus the fixture between Loddon United and Mulbarton Wanderers were both postponed.

Norfolk Women and Girls League Sevens Division Two

FC Viking Valkyries ran out comfortable 8-0 winners over Hockering. Sharnie Boast, Lisa Ferdani, and Kayleigh Ellwood each scored two, with Jane Diver and Olivia Shaw scoring the other goals. Aylsham were 3-2 winners at the University of East Anglia thanks to goals from Emma Wayte, Hannah Burton, and Nadia Jolly.

Above: Holly Connell scored twice and was Player of the Match and scored twice for Wroham in their 6-1 win over Southend Community Sports Club in the Eastern Region League Cup on Sunday. Photo: Wroxham Women FC

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The View From France

Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarises the sixth round of the 2023-2024 D1 Arkema season and also adds includes his weekly MATILDAS WATCH (7/11/23).

Above: Ellie Carpenter (white shirt) on a trademark break through for Olympique Lyonnais at Paris FC at the weekend. Photo courtesy of: Pauline Figuet.

Paris FC 1-6 Olympique Lyonnais

This game was the big new confrontation in D1 Arkema between the two unbeaten teams and it was a very good football game. A few changes were made by Sonia Bompastor, Lyon’s Coach, for this game. Ada Hegerberg, the first Ballon d’Or winner, was in the starting lineup after a long gap, and Melchie Dumornay was placed as lead midfielder for the first time with Lyon.

Lyon began immediately with an incredible goal from Eugénie Le Sommer. Selma Bacha shot and then regained possession the ball, making a decisive pass to Le Sommer in the first minute. Paris FC reacted strongly, and Christiane Endler, Lyon’s goalkeeper, had to make a great save to prevent them from levelling the score. However, Julie Dufour scored just before the half-hour for the hosts to pull level. Paris FC continued to push hard and one minute later, Endler made another stop. The hard work of Kadidiatou Diani on the right, allowed her to deliver a pass to Hegerberg who scored for Lyon on 38 minutes.

Two minutes later, Le Sommer made the breakthrough for Lyon by scoring their third. The visitors started the second half well – with Hegerberg scoring on a bad clearance by the Paris FC defence. Endler was then called on again – this time on 49 minutes – responding to a lob from Dufour from 35 metres out. This game was not as easy for Lyon as the score suggested; Paris provided a good test and never let it go, but Lyon was stronger, especially with its bench. They had five international players enter in the second half, which allowed them to keep the pace up to the end. Scorer for Paris FC: Dufour (29’). Scorers for Lyon: Le Sommer (1’, 40’), Hegerberg (38’, 48’), Dabritz (68’), Diani (90’).

MATILDAS WATCH – Sarah Hunter was in the Paris FC squad, but did not play in this match. After returning early from Australia’s three-game Olympic qualifiers in the international window, Ellie Carpenter was able to start for Lyon. Carpenter had a strong performance but picked up a deserved yellow card on 25 minutes. She also almost delivered a goalscoring pass to Sara Dabritz, and another one to Vicki Becho towards the end of the match.

Above: Ada Hegerberg (14) celebrates after scoring for Olympique Lyonnais at Paris FC. Photo courtesy of: Pauling Figuet.

Paris Saint-Germain v Guingamp

This game, which saw Clare Hunt named in the PSG squad, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Lille 0-0 Montpellier

Lille edged the first minutes of this match and the first shot on target was for them, however Montpellier started to react at the end of the first quarter and Sonia Ouchene hit the crossbar with a shot from 20 metres. The remainder of the first half was very even, but it was not the best advert for D1 Arkema so far this season. Montpellier had a little bit more of the ball in the second half than Lille but lacked accuracy to convert their domination into goals. 

Bordeaux 0-2 Reims

Reims won this game away from home to go back into the top five thanks to goals from Gomes (61’), and Mouchon (90’+1). 

Le Havre 3-3 Dijon

Still no win at home for Le Havre this season after strugglers Dijon grabbed an equaliser in stoppage time at the end of the 90 minutes. Scorers for Le Havre: Cance (27’), Elisor (37’), Cardia (82’). Scorers for Dijon: Abdu (59’), Declercq (74’ penalty), Picard (90’+2). 

Fleury 2-1 Saint-Etienne

With this result, Fleury stay in the top five and Saint-Etienne remain bottom. Scorers for Fleury: Louis (2’), Fernandes (71’). Scorers for Saint-Etienne: Champagnac (87’). 

Above: The Olympique Lyonnais team that started their away game at Paris FC. Photo courtesy of: Pauline Figuet.

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Who could be the next generation Matildas strikers?

By Kieran Yap 7/11/23

Above: Kahli Johnson (Right) after scoring for Western United in the A-League Women’s. Photo: Western United.

Kerr, Foord and Raso will thankfully be with us for a while, but there are numerous attackers being prepared by the youth setup to step in when the time arises.

There are few faults to be found with The Matildas most recent performances, and no obvious weaknesses in the team, but as it was before the World Cup, the search for more strikers continue.

Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord will almost certainly be part of the next Australian World Cup squad, and Amy Sayer is on the path to be the next big thing, but the preparations for the home tournament were spent searching for more options at centre forward, and the opening match against Iran showed that a more 18 yard box specialists are still needed.

It is yet not time to look for the “next Sam Kerr.” But only three of the 13 goals were scored with her on the bench and none without either Kerr or Foord on the pitch. Matildas spots are hard to earn, but if there is any space to break in, it is as an alternate number nine.

This is not a list of “Olympic Bolters.” It will be an 18 player squad and good players will already miss out. Amy Sayer and Mary Fowler can play in the position, but are far more dangerous in freer roles.

Succession planning has so far been excellent for Australia, as Clare Hunt, Clare Wheeler and Kyra Cooney-Cross have been able to replace the previously irreplaceable, and in attack players are being prepared for the Matildas when the time comes.

Kahli Johnson– Young Matildas, Australian Under 23’s

The Western United striker has developed dramatically over the past two years. She started the first two group games for Australia at the Under 20 World Cup in Costa Rica, and was one of the first signings announced for Western’s debut season.

Her performances in the A-League Women steadily improved through the season, and her tactical versatility was utilized as Western surged to a second place finish. Johnson’s performances escaped wide public acknowledgement in the shadow of World Cup winner Jess McDonald and Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane, but she clearly learned a lot in addition to scoring some sensational goals.

Johnson’s crowning moment as a forward to watch was the first semi final against Sydney FC. She took responsibility in attack and stood out with a match winning assist for Keane along with a sparkling and combative display up front.

Johnson’s progress has carried over into Young Matildas games. She is a near fixture in attack for The Under 20 and Under 23 sides and scores with regularity. Like Foord, Kerr and Mary Fowler, Johnson can be deployed anywhere in a front three to equal effect and is increasingly showcasing her ability to turn matches.

She has a powerful shot, good dribbling ability, impressive pace and a willingness to win the ball back. Kahli Johnson is on the road to a senior international call up.

Bryleeh Henry– Young Matildas, Australian Under 23’s, Senior Matildas

The Melbourne City forward made her senior Matildas debut at 18, and did not look overawed against Brazil in a 2021 friendly. She scored in front of 30,000 opposition fans at the Under 20 World Cup and backed that up with more strong performances in Costa Rica, and was included in the last Under 23 camp against Scotland where she is said to have impressed coaches in her favoured strikers role.

Her move to Melbourne City brought immediate goals, three in the first two games. But a shift out wide has meant that the prodigious goal scorer has learned new tools for her trade.

At her best, Henry is a brilliant penalty box predator. Her goals generally come from close range after well timed runs from deep or reacting quickest to half chances. Her pace has seen Dario Vidosic prefer her as winger, but she has the talent to play in any attacking position.

Like Johnson, Henry is a player willing to fight for possession and is adept at a hard pressing game plan. In the absence of Sam Kerr in the recent window, what Australia missed was an instinctive, mobile player who exploits space in the final third.

Her role at City has not really allowed the A-League Women public to see it as often, but her performances for Australia’s youth sides have shown that the national team setup see her as a long term option for the national team.

At just 20 years of age, Henry is very much in contention to be a Matildas option in the near future.

Charlize Rule– Junior Matildas, Young Matildas, Australian Under 23’s, Senior Matildas Train-On

Hear me out. Rule is best known as a defender at Sydney FC and and Brighton and Hove Albion, but began her career as a forward and has trained with the senior national team as a striker.  She is one of the most promising up and coming Australians, and can frankly, do almost any job on a football pitch.

Rule was called up to Matildas camps in 2021 against The USA where she was listed as a forward, and started Australia’s final group game in the Under 20 World Cup as the spearhead.

She might have been used deeper in her club career, but Rule is still seen as a potential striker, and was once again called up as a train-on player for the Olympic Qualifiers.

She is fast, has an excellent first touch, and can be deadly in the air.  Rule is one of Australia’s most versatile young footballers and has excelled in numerous roles through her career.

Ellie Carpenter and Charli Grant look to be fixtures at right back for the next decade, but Rule remains very much part of the national team setup and in contention for more senior call ups in future.

Do not rule out Charlie for a return to the striker’s role.

Holly McNamara: Senior Matildas

If not for an ACL injury in 2022, Holly McNamara could have easily been in the 2023 World Cup Squad. She scored on her A-League Women debut for Melbourne City in 2021 with a ridiculous curling effort from the edge of the box, and was the creative force behind Hannah Wilkinson’s goal scoring exploits.

McNamara was called up to the 2022 Asian Cup squad and made her senior Matildas debut in the 18-0 win over Indonesia, she looked sharp and came close to scoring, but her effort hit the post after a trademark run through the middle.

Soon after returning to Australia, tragedy struck and she succumbed to a third ACL injury in four years. She returned from that to hit instant form with City at the tail end of the 2022/23 A-League Women season, where a final round display against Canberra United underlined her talent for the few left unaware.

She is unique. A fast, unpredictable dribbler with footwork and passing that recalls Lisa De Vanna and who’s ability to run from deep with the ball is equal to any in the Australian game.

McNamara is a dynamic, inventive striker who is consistently capable of the unexpected. A composed finisher, brave dribbler and inventive passer. She has the full package for an attacking player and needs only luck and fitness to break through into the senior Matildas again.

Alana Jancevski (Junior Matildas, Future Matildas program) , Emilia Murray (Young Matildas, Australian Under 23’s), Ella O’Grady (Young Matildas)

All three of these attackers are on the radar of the national team selectors, but up until the end of 2022/23 they were not regular starters at club level. Jancevski has missed out on recent Youth Team selections, but is part of Adelaide United’s first choice 11.

Her impressive displays for previous club Perth Glory and dominant season in the NPLW Victoria with Bulleen Lions has earned her a place in the Future Matildas program. She is a dynamic, composed and inventive striker who always wants the ball when the game is on the line.

Her shooting power, pinpoint passing and confidence from a dead ball make her a likely star of the A-League Women, and if she can become  a consistent goal scorer Jancevski could find herself with a senior cap by 2027.

Emilia Murray has captained the Under 20 side, and although is mostly used as a winger, has shown an eye for goal. She currently dominates for the Young Matildas with her direct running and calm  decision making in the final third. Murray usually starts on the bench for Adelaide United, but the talent is obvious and if she continues to progress as she has, could one day replace any number of current Matildas stars.

Ella O’Grady has only just begun her career, but as a pure finisher, she is one of the most promising prospects on this list. The 17 year old is yet to fully establish herself as a senior A-League player, but has scored one goal for Melbourne Victory in her two appearances so far.

O’Grady is realistically a few years away from being in the mix for a Matildas spot, but is progressing through the youth ranks at Football Australia, and does not look out of place when she takes the field against senior A-League players.

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Squad rotation, three wins and big crowds: The Matildas made a success of Perth matches

By Emma Burke 7/11/2023

Above: Mary Fowler was dominant and influential across all three games. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus

So, the Matildas have successfully made their way through the second stage of Olympic Qualifiers, defeating Iran 2-0, Philippines 8-0, and Chinese Taipei 3-0 in a series of games played in Perth.

This means they will now head on to the final stage to play Uzbekistan over two legs early next year, with the winner of those two games securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

Each of the three games offered something different to both the Matildas and the viewers alike.

The opener, against Iran, saw a very different starting eleven take the pitch to what new fans from the Women’s World Cup would have been used to, including a start in goal for Tegan Micah, making her return to the national stage after a long recovery from a concussion.

As Iran set themselves in a low defensive block and had no qualms with stopping play for any altercation that could even potentially be a possible injury, Australia found themselves faced with the challenge of remaining focused, patient, and calm for the 90 minutes (and the 11 minutes of extra time). 

Now that we’re outside of the World Cup, games are no longer really do-or-die. Lower ranked and under-funded teams tend to focus on minimising damage and will often do whatever they need to make that happen. It’s understandable, even if it makes the games a harder watch for fans.

The breakthrough goal came as Ellie Carpenter’s fourth international goal, and the deal was sealed late in the second half through Sam Kerr on her homecoming trip to Perth. 

Much of the excitement was driven by Caitlin Foord and many bright sparks were shown by Amy Sayer, who seems to be well on track to start making a name for herself within the national team.

Almost 60 thousand people made their way to Optus Stadium for the second game of the qualifiers, a match against the Philippines, one that was touted to be the more dangerous of the three opponents. 

The Philippines had come in off the back of their debut appearance at a World Cup, Women’s or Men’s and collected their first win against Co-Hosts New Zealand. 

Even though the Philippines were playing under a new head coach in Mark Torcaso after Alen Stajcic departed following their World Cup campaign, Tony Gustavsson was taking no chances. 

Gustavsson made eight changes to the starting eleven, sending out what was our full powered World Cup line up.

It felt almost like overkill after the first half as the Matildas went up 5-0, with the opener scored by Mary Fowler, and braces collected by Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord. By the end of it, Kerr had scored a hattrick (as well as the Matildas 900thgoal in all competitions), Foord had scored a hattrick (her first ever international one), and Clare Wheeler had opened her scoring account with the Matildas, scoring the last of the eight goals, a beautiful long ranged effort that curled into the back of the net. 

The final game took the Matildas back to HBF Park, where they faced Chinese Taipei. Again, despite maintaining majority of the possession of the ball, the Matildas had to take their time in breaking down and open their opponents. This breaking down was not helped by the incredible performance put on by Chinese Taipei’s goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-yu, who made multiple incredible saves to keep them in the game. 

Chinese Taipei kept Australia scoreless in the opening 45 minutes, something neither team before them had managed, but eventually, spending so much mental energy on constant defending wore them down, and a moment of brilliance from Mary Fowler opened the scoring. Another two goals were to follow, from Kerr and Tameka Yallop, leaving Chinese Taipei defeated 3-0, despite having put on quite a performance.

The Matildas now look to next year when they take part in the third and final stage of the Olympic Qualifying process. 

A two-leg series approaches against Uzbekistan, which will be played on the 24th and 28th of February, one game in Tashkent and the other here (if they can find somewhere to play it between Taylor Swift and P!nk concert dates).

The last and only other time the Matildas have face Uzbekistan was in 2007, as part of the qualifying process for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. While the 2007 Tillies won that game 10-0, they failed to qualify due to a defeat at the hands of DPR Korea.

Luckily, this time around, DPR Korea is Japan’s problem to deal with as those two countries will face off to determine the other place in the Olympic tournament for the Asian Football Confederation.

The Matildas toured Perth with the intent of moving ahead in the qualifying process and along the way they managed a decent amount of squad rotation as well as three clean sheets all in front of massive crowds. 

For now though, they can mostly take a break from international flights and focus on their club football, wherever across the globe that may be.

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Photography Showcase

Impetus’ photography team were out and about this weekend at seven games from the top tier down to tier six They have each selected their favourite four images from the match they were pitch side at (6/11/23).

Above: Melbourne Victory put in a tackle at home to Adelaide United yesterday. Photo: Kieran Hui for Impetus.

Brighton and Hove Albion 2-2 Manchester United

from Lucy Copsey at Broadfield Stadium

Barclays Women’s Super League (Tier One):

Liverpool 2-1 Leicester City

from Harvey Todd at Prenton Park

Barclays Women’s Super League (Tier One):

Melbourne Victory 2-0 Adelaide United

from Kieran Hui at AAMI Park

Liberty A-League Women (Tier One):

Durham 0-1 Sunderland

from Matthew Appleby at Maiden Castle

Barclays Championship (Tier Two):

Lewes 0-1 Charlton Athletic

from Liberty Simons at The Dripping Pan

Barclays Championship (Tier Two):

Middlesbrough 6-0 FC United of Manchester

from Matthew Appleby at Stockton-on-Tees

FA Women’s National League Division One North (Tier Four):

Kidlington Youth 8-2 Caversham United

from Rob Mellor at Exeter Park

Southern Region Division One North (Tier Six)

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Blackstenius’ presence clinches vital win for Arsenal

Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City

by Aimee Logan at Meadow Park for Impetus (6/11/23).

Above: Steph Catley (centre) celebrates her sensational opening goal for Arsenal yesterday. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Goals from Steph Catley and Stina Blackstenius a hugely important win over perennial title rivals Manchester City. A victory that moves the North Londoners up to fifth overall.

There was plenty of yellow card action in the first half. Indeed, within the first 10 minutes, both Lia Walti and Cloe Lacasse were booked for the Gunners. Manchester City came in on the attack with the first chance of the game coming from Khadija Shaw on the edge of the area as she fired one wide.

However, despite their early attacking opportunities, the visitors couldn’t prevent the home side’s first wave of pressure and the Australian duo, Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord charged forwards. Foord played the ball back to Catley who was left to finish the move off for the Gunners as she struck the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box for a sensational strike.

The home crowds were enthralled by the Australian duo on top form. Catley and Foord’s stellar performances on international break showed their quality and it seems they’ve bought this back to North London. 

After Arsenal went ahead, City appeared rushed on the ball and were limited to their own half by the Arsenal defence. A rushed attempt at winning the ball off the fast-paced Lacasse, left visiting keeper Khiara Keating committing a foul on the striker, giving away a penalty to the opposition.

The young Lioness shot-stopper quickly became a hero, though, as she denied Arsenal’s captain, Kim Little, a goal from the spot. The yellow cards were consistent throughout the first half, and at the end of the first 45 minutes, each side had three each.

Coming into the opening of the second half, City dominated, and two minutes in, Kelly’s effort was just narrowly wide of Manuela Zinsberger’s goal. Cracks in the Gunners’ defensive lines started to show and another chance from Shaw was also just wide. The Jamaican World Cup star once again tested the home defence, and her header attempt struck the woodwork.

Above: Chloe Kelly (arms outstretched) leaves the Arsenal defence on the floor after her strike levelled the scores. Photo: Manchester City.

A player that Arsenal fans were eager to invite back to Meadow Park, Beth Mead, came onto the field in the 60th minute to replace Lacasse.

Another plus for Arsenal was their ability to keep Mary Fowler relatively quiet. The Matildas starwasn’t allowed to have time she may have wanted on the ball because of the consistent pressure of the opponents’ defenders. She seemed to be a player that the Gunners targeted.

More Matildas on the pitch included the duel between the home team’s forward, Caitlin Foord, and one of her closest international teammates, Alanna Kennedy. Both Kennedy and Foord were both successful at taking the ball away from the other’s feet and as an onlooker, it was evident that the players knew each other very well on the pitch.  

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Above: Mary Fowler in possession for Manchester City yesterday. Photo: Manchester City.

Manchester City were consistent in working their attack around star striker Khadija Shaw. All crosses from outside the box were directed to her so she could attempt to push one past Zinsberger in the net.  

Finally, after several failed attempts, City levelled as a cross to Kelly from Shaw flew in. With 20 minutes of normal time to go.

In the 85th minute, Swedish striker Stina Blackstenius replaced Alessia Russo, in a hope she could score a winning goal for the home team. This didn’t take long, a messy mistake from Keating meant she was far off her line and the ball tumbled over her head, on the edge of the area, falling straight to Blackstenius who tapped the ball into the net. 

After a long pause in play, Arsenal managed the last ten minutes of added time confidently, right until the final whistle, and secured a significant 2-1 victory in front of the home fans. 

Katie McCabe leaps on Stina Blackstenius in celebration, along with Beth Mead

Above: Stina Blackstenius (far left) is mobbed by Katie McCabe and Beth Mead after scoring the winner for Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal Women.

Lotte Wubben-Moy performed impressively and earned herself the Barclays WSL Player of the Match award. When speaking to the media post-match, she explained how ‘’every single forward in the Man City side are a threat’’ and she wouldn’t say that just Shaw pressured her today. However, she joked how ‘’Bunny Shaw today didn’t have a good day, but that’s because I had a good day’’.  

Wubben-Moy wanted to make it clear that taking three points from any game is getting tougher and tougher as the level of the players in the league increases more and more each season: saying ‘’I think that the WSL is one of the most competitive leagues in the world now’’. She also noted a change in her team’s play today, ‘’the Arsenal DNA in the past has been looked at as just ball playing, and today I think we showed that we had a bit of bite about us’’.  

Gareth Taylor didn’t have as good an afternoon as he would have liked even though he stated that he ‘’thought we [Manchester City] dominated’’, but then he also explained how there was only ‘’moments’’ where they were challenging in front of goal: ‘’We’ve spoken about it, we know we need to be more clinical the top end of the pitch. We had three chances in the first five minutes, and we need to be finishing those,’’ said Taylor upon reflection of the first half.  

The Arsenal manager, Jonas Eidevell, was not surprisingly the happier of the pair today. One of the telling comments from his discussion was his expression of confusion that his side were marked as the underdogs of the fixture; ‘’I was a little bit surprised before the game, to be honest, that we were portrayed as the underdog here. In my experience of being here, we’ve won three times out of three against Manchester City, this was the fourth time, I think that’s a very strong record’’.  

During the unexpected stoppages after the Blackstenius’ winning goal, Eidevell had time to speak with his team about how to ‘’manage the game really well in the last ten minutes’’ so that they could still dominate and keep their winning position. He explained he decided to ‘’change formation, we clarified the roles. But then City changed formation, and we saw that before it started, so we could speak about that and clarify the roles again’’.  

On a lighter note, the Gunners head coach was asked about his opinions on fellow WSL manager, Emma Hayes’, decision to leave the league at the end of this season. He described how he has ‘’no doubt that she will leave a legacy’’. He joked how ‘’I think me, and all the other managers are going to make life hell in the WSL as difficult and as unpleasant as possible before she leaves.”  

Despite being the managers of the two London giant clubs, Eidevell wants to keep in contact with Hayes as she moves on to another stage in her career, ‘’She’ll be one of the first ones, after the season, that I might pick up the phone and give a call to because I do think she has some really interesting ideas about football…and when you’re not direct rivals, I’d love to spend a little bit of time with her.” He finished saying, ‘’That phone call has to wait, and we have to remain competitors. Hopefully, she ends in a really bad way, but that wouldn’t ruin her legacy anyway.’’ 

Teams: ARSENAL (4-2-3-1): Zinsberger, Wubben-Moy, Catley, Little (C), Walti, McCabe, Foord, Pelova, Russo, Lacasse, Ilestedt. Substitutes used: Beattie, Mead, L. Maanum, Maritz, Blackstenius. 

Scorers: Catley 14’, Blackstenius 87’. 

MANCHESTER CITY (4-2-3-1): Keating, Aleixandri (C), Fowler, Kelly, Hemp, Morgan, Ouahabi, Roord, Shaw, Hasegawa, Kennedy. Substitutes used: Castellanos, Park, Caparij, Blakstad. 

Scorer: Kelly 72’.  

Referee: Rebecca Welch.

Attendance: 3,453.

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Bayern take crucial win against Wolfsburg

Bayern Munich 2-1 VfL Wolfsburg

by Elsie Nash (6/11/23)

Above: Bayern Munich celebrate a goal in yesterday’s important win over Wolfsburg. Photo: Bayern Munich.

Wolfsburg came out with a lot of high hopes for their trip to Bayern Munich in this eagerly awaited battle of the top sides in the Frauen Bundesliga but ultimately left empty-handed.

Bayern started strongly with Wolfsburg keeper Lisa Schmitz having to deny former Chelsea captain Magdelana Eriksson. The home side continued to push and another ex-WSL player, Georgia Stanway came close, calling on Schmitz to make a finger-tip save.

Eventually, the hosts took the lead after Stanway fed Linda Dallmann who crashed a shot into the net just before the half-hour mark.

Bayern’s pressure reaped further reward as Klara Buhl played a 1-2 with Eriksson before receiving possession back to slot home eight minutes before the break.

The key to Bayern Munich’s success was their continued excellent levels of communication across the pitch which aided their organisation and continued offensive progress.

However, Wolfsburg are a side full of experience at the highest level and with dangerous players throughout their squad. They got a lifeline just after the hour mark as Lena Oberdorf revelled in Bayern’s inability to close her down as she raced through to bring the visitors back into the encounter.

Whilst Wolfsburg looked to step it up and find spaces with their possession, Bayern were well-organised at the back to deny their opponents.

Bayern held on to record a vital three points to hit the top of the table, a point clear of Wolfsburg, who are two points ahead of Hoffenheim who are third.

Teams: BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1) Grohs, Gwinn, Viggósdóttir, Eriksson, Naschenweng, Zadrazil, Stanway, Dahlmann, Damnjanović, Bühl, Schuller.

Scorers: Dahlmann 29′, Buhl 37′.

VfL WOLFSBURG (4-2-3-1): Schmitz, Rauch, Hegering, Hendrich, Wilms, Lattwein, Oberdorf, Brand, Popp, Huth, Pajor.

Scorer: Oberdorf 63′.

Referee: Riem Hussein.

Attendance: 4,300.

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A-League Women Weekly Awards

Player of the week:
Above: Rachel Lowe (right) – an influential performance for Melbourne Victory this weekend. Photo: Melbourne Victory.

BEN GILBY: Millie Farrow. In a Perth Glory side yet to lose this season, the English striker has been a stand-out performer, and put in a sensational display in Saturday’s win over Canberra United. Whilst Farrow is yet to find the net, there is so much more to her game. Her constant running off the ball and surging runs are troubling defences left right and centre. She has also built up a telepathic understanding with Grace Jale after just three games, and that was perfectly encapsulated in the New Zealander’s goal at McKellar Park.

KIERAN YAP: Rachel Lowe. She was essentially the difference between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory. Adelaide was competitive but missing Emily Condon. Victory had Lowe in her best game of the season so far. The newly signed playmaker was creative, energetic, and dominant. 

BEN CAREY: Holly McNamara. She was back to her best against Western United with her quick, dynamic movement, ability to win the ball in dangerous areas and then attack the goal. She scored a wonderful long-range goal and handed Hannah Wilkinson one on a silver platter. Her contributions single-handedly kept Melbourne City in the game and gave them a point.

Coach of the week:
Above: Paul Temple – two votes for coach of the week. Photo: Wellington Phoenix.

BEN GILBY: Paul Temple. Another impressive performance and victory for Wellington Phoenix. The promise and potential has long been there – finally there are signs that under his stewardship and new style of play, it is coming to the fore.

KIERAN YAP: Alex Epakis. Three games, three wins, and against Canberra United they had to really earn it. Perth Glory are looking like the form team in the early days of the season. 

BEN CAREY: Paul Temple. He has completely rebuilt Wellington Phoenix and the way they play. They are playing possession-based football and the result against Brisbane Roar is a testament to Temple’s hard work. After finishing the previous two seasons in around the bottom, it’s impressive to see the Phoenix sitting in third place right now.

Event of the week:
Above: Ischia Brooking (yellow shirt with ball) in action for Hyundai NTC in the 2022 NPLW WA. This weekend she broke the record for the youngest ever A-League Women player. Photo: Denyse McCulloch.

BEN GILBY: Ischia Brooking’s A-League debut at the age of just 14 years and 347 days. Brooking is a player I’ve watched regularly in the Western Australian state leagues since the tail end of the 2022 campaign and it’s been clear in all that time she has major potential. Now she is getting the chance to show it on the biggest stage in Australian club football with Western Sydney Wanderers.

KIERAN YAP: Cass Davis’s goal in stoppage time for Newcastle Jets against Western Sydney Wanderers. I’m not actually sure how she did that. It was an incredible goal. A late volley at full stretch hit with perfect technique and with stunning athleticism.

BEN CAREY: Kahli Johnson’s wonderful long-range goal against Melbourne City in the 86th minute. Her beautiful goal salvaged a valuable point for her team.

Johnson strike salvages point for Western United

Western United 2-2 Melbourne City

by Emma Burke (5/11/23).

Above: Melbourne City’s Taylor Otto shows her joy as Holly McNamara equalised for her side today. Photo: Melbourne City.

A late equaliser from Kahli Johnson has secured Western United their first-ever draw in round three of the A-League Women against Melbourne City.

Western United came out firing, opening the scoring through last year’s Golden Boot winner Hannah Keane in only the sixth minute of the game. It was a moment to be forgotten for City as their defensive line was found guilty of not only ball-watching, but of leaving Keane unmarked in front of goal.

Melbourne City maintained strong ball possession for the rest of the first half and were able to make multiple attacking runs, but were unable to convert as Western United were content to play patiently, often seen stepping off when City held the ball along their backline.

Holly McNamara, ever a threat, came through for City within minutes of the second half, neatly tying up the scores with an incredible long-range goal that she made look effortless.

Both teams pressed for a potential winner, and it was eventually found by City when McNamara pounced on a poor pass between Western United midfielders and was then released by Rihanna Pollicina.

Above: Laura Hughes (14) in possession for Melbourne City today. Photo: Melbourne City/

McNamara was given ample time to run with the ball and make the correct decision in going for goal. Her shot was sent to the far post and collected just on the line by New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson who seemed to poke the ball over the line.

While it looked like City were going to secure their first win over Western United, young gun and star Young Matildas striker Kahli Johnson had other ideas.

After receiving the ball from midfielder Emma Robers, Johnson was able to pivot the ball onto her right foot at the top of the box and send in a driving shot that curved out of reach of City’s keeper Lysianne Proulx.

Despite a last-gasp effort from City that had them taking a corner in the seventh minute of the five minutes of stoppage awarded, they were unable to find the winning goal.

The Victorian teams left with a point apiece, and Western United recorded their first draw as a club in the Liberty A-League.

Teams: WESTERN UNITED (4-4-1-1): Dall’Oste, Sardo, Cerne, Maher, Papadopoulos, Keane, M. Taranto (37’ Prakash), Robers, Hidea (60’ Richards), A. Taranto, Logarzo (60’ Johnson).

Scorers: Keane 6’, Johnson 86’.

MELBOURNE CITY (4-4-2): Proulx, Grosso (87’ T. McKenna), Otto, Stott, Torpey, Galic (64’ Karic), Hughes (64’ Davidson), L. McKenna, Pollicina, McNamara, Wilkinson

Scorers: McNamara 49’, Wilkinson 75’.

Referee: Bec Mackie.

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