All the action from the third and fourth tiers of the Scottish women’s game (17/10/22).
Above: Rossvale (yellow and red) tangle with Morton yesterday. Photo: GBR Photographs.
Livingston have gone clear at the top of the Scottish Women’s Football Championship after a flurry of second-half goals saw off Renfrew Ladies at New Western Park.
Lucy Brown had put Livingston ahead in the first half with a speculative shot that could have been intended as a cross, but second-half goals from in-form strike duo Jennifer Dodds and Ashley Fish bookended a consolation from Renfrew’s Vhairi Munro, before Fish fed Brown for her second in the 90th minute to make the scoreline comfortable for the Lionesses.
Above: Championship top scorer Rachel Scott bundles the ball home for Ayr United at Dryburgh Athletic. Photo: Ger Harley / Sportpix.
Elsewhere, Inverness Caledonian Thistle recorded their first clean sheet of the season against Hutchison Vale at home, with goals from Natalie Bodiam, Tina Kelly, and Lorna MacRae sending the Highlanders into the top half of the table. Ayr United rescued a point in Dundee with a goal from the league’s top scorer Rachel Scott and a penalty by Claire Docherty cancelling out strikes from Dryburgh Athletic’s Alma Codegoni and Derrian Gollan to deny Dryburgh their first win of the season. Morton held Rossvale to a 1-1 draw.
In the Women’s League One, FC Edinburgh and Westdyke both came from a goal down to win comfortably against Falkirk and Stenhousemuir respectively, and extend their lead at the top of the table. Airdrie Ladies beat EdinburghCaledonia 5-3 to shake up the middle of the table, while St. Mirren put ten past Giffnock SC to climb to fourth on goal difference. BSC Glasgow against Dundee West was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Above: Possession contested as Morton host Rossvale. Photo: GBR Photographs.
by Johnathan Stack at the Academy Stadium (17/10/22)
Above: Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw (right) – City’s two-goal hero celebrates with her teammates. Photo: Manchester City.
Manchester City finally got off the mark in the 2022/23 Barclays Women’s Super League season with a 4-0 win over Leicester City.
A brace from Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw plus goals from Lauren Hemp and Yui Hasegawa on her Manchester City debut saw Gareth Taylor’s side pick up a vital home win.
The Sky Blues were playing at home for the first time in the league this season and they did not disappoint their fans after defeats to Aston Villa and Chelsea on the road to open the campaign.
Leicester had themselves experienced a tough start to the new season with losses to Everton and Spurs.
City got off to a great start and put the visitors under pressure from the start. Lionesses star, Chloe Kelly rattled the crossbar after being played through by Esme Morgan. The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute as City striker Shaw headed home after great play from Morgan and Hemp on the left, who then crossed it in for the Jamaican international to score.
Shortly after Kelly fired just over after picking up the rebound in the box from Morgan’s cross.
Above: Yui Hasegawa (left) and Hayley Raso celebrate. Photo: Manchester City.
City didn’t have it all their own way though as Leicester almost caught the hosts out from a quick-thinking corner routine, but Sophie Howard headed just wide. Visitors captain Aileen Whelan picked up the loose ball in the penalty after City failed to get the initial cross clear and had her shot blocked by Alex Greenwood. From that City started a quick counterattack towards the other end, as Deyna Castellanos smashed the ball onto the bar.
Into the second half, it was more of the same as City applied the pressure in search of a second. With Kelly, Laia Aleixandri, and Shaw going close.
Then the Sky Blues finally got their second goal of the game in the 72nd minute as Kelly played in a delightful cross in the box, which was dispatched brilliantly with a diving header from Hemp. That would be Kelly’s last kick of the game, as she was replaced by Australian star Hayley Raso straight after the goal.
Five minutes later, Leicester defender Howard brought Shaw down in the penalty area to give a penalty to City, Greenwood stepped up and had her spot kick saved by Kirstie Levell only for Shaw to fire the rebound in to make it 3-0.
City made it 4-0, two minutes from added time with a great strike from the edge of the box from player of the match Yui Hasegawa at the Academy Stadium.
Above: Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor speaking after the game. Photo: Johnathan Stack.
After the game, City head coach Gareth Taylor gave his views on his team’s first win of the season: “(I’m) delighted, I think it was a vital win. But I was really pleased with the performance, more often than not the performance takes care of the result but not always.
“I was really pleased with the performance, and I thought there were some really good aspects to the way we played, we dominated proceedings. We went 1-0 up, could have gone a couple of more by half-time, we hit the bar twice, we took a while to get going in the second period.
“We know this team even though we make changes, can really open up and score goals, particularly when you bring on the likes of quick players at the top end of the pitch against an opposition who are probably flagging, it makes a difference for any team.”
Taylor also spoke about the impact that Australian international Hayley Raso has coming off of the bench: “Hayley is great to have from the bench, she wants to start games and she has started games.I think when you put that type of player on in that type of game, and there is space in behind against a team that has gone 70 minutes and start to feel the effects I think is a great option to have.
“What Hayley has to do is really improve on her final action, but I will say the same about that with all of our wingers, today we saw some good moments from our wingers but some inconsistencies as well. I think it’s just trying to make sure that we work really to get to the final third and then it’s about that final bit of quality, if Hayley improves on that then there are no limits to her game.”
Above: Lauren Hemp speaking to the media after Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Leicester City. Photo: Johnathan Stack.
City winger Lauren Hemp also spoke to the media after the game, saying: “I think it was clear to see that we all enjoyed today. I think you are starting to see the City we want to show. It’s obviously important in our first home game that we kick it off with a win, we haven’t had the results that we wanted recently but it’s important we start somewhere, and we have started today, obviously, we got the three points, we can work our way up the table now hopefully we can kick on from here.”
This was a much-needed win for Manchester City and eased some of pressure on head coach Gareth Taylor. City had a lot of chances in the game, but they didn’t finally take them until the second half. Ellie Roebuck kept a clean sheet, which is a big plus as City has already conceded six goals this season. Hemp and Kelly looked powerful on the wing and Yui Hasegawa was instrumental in the middle picking up loose passes, linking the play, and scoring an incredible goal on her home debut too.
So, a big three points for City, who play Spurs away next Saturday in the Barclays Women’s Super League at Brisbane Road, before getting their Continental Cup campaign started at home against Blackburn Rovers at the Academy Stadium the following Wednesday.
Jean-Pierre Thiesset summarizes the fifth round of the 2022-2023 D1 Arkema season(17/10/22).
Above: Grace Geyoro (8) celebrates her goal for Paris St. Germain against Dijon with Lieke Martens (22). Photo: L Pestel / PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain won 3-1 at home against Dijon. Lydia Williams, Australian international, was not in the squad after not taking part in training the previous week on international duty. This meant that Sarah Bouhaddi retained the number one shirt with Constance Picaud on the bench. Paris SG scored quickly in this game and dominated largely with almost 70% possession. Even if Dijon equalized in the 18th minute, from a superb shot from Madeline Roth, they never really had a chance to win this game. To be noted: Gérard Prêcheur, Paris SG coach, received a red card for being too vehement against the referees. Goals for Paris SG from Lieke Martens (3), Grace Geyoro (43), Ramona Bachmann (90). Goal for Dijon from Madeline Roth (18).
Above: Mathide Bourdieu (center in pink), Paris FC, in action during the game against Reims. Photo: Paris FC.
Reims obtained a draw 2-2 away from home against Paris FC. In a game slightly dominated by Paris FC which were at home, Reims continued their good run of form and could even have won this game. It was a quality game between two teams that both wanted to win. Once again Rachel Corboz, Reims’ captain, and left midfielder, produced an outstanding performance. Hereafter, her statistics recorded during the game by Jean-Pierre Thiesset: in 80 minutes, 39 balls played, 26 passes with 85% successful, two decisive passes (40th-minute one-two with Kessya Busy, 52nd-minute corner for the head of Julie Pasquereau). To be noted too, Mathide Bourdieu, Paris FC center forward, who scored twice with two superb shots. Goals for Reims from Kessya Bussy (40), Julie Pasquereau (52). Goals for Paris FC from Mathilde Bourdieu (42, 76).
Le Havre won away from home 4-1 against Soyaux. Le Havre produced a good performance in winning their second match in this season. They continued to show that they want to stay in D1 Arkema and looked a good team. This was a bad outcome for Soyaux who lost their third game in five this season. To be noted: the good performance from Nadjma Ali Nadjim, Le Havre’s center forward, with one goal (48th minute), and a decisive pass for Christy Gavory’s fourth-minute opener. Goals for Le Havre from Christy Gavory (4), Nadjma Ali Nadjim (48), Nora Coton-Pélagie (55), Silke Demeyere (90+4). Goal for Soyaux from Morgane Belkhiter (49).
Above: Rachel Corboz, Reims’ captain, who had a superb game in her side’s 2-2 draw against Paris. Photo: Reims.
Montpellier won 4-1 away from home against Guingamp. With this win, Montpellier are now fourth in the standing. Guingamp still have not won any games and are bottom without a single pointless; it will probably be a long and difficult season for them. The match saw another good performance from Faustine Robert, who came back to Montpellier her first club after eight years with Guingamp, with one goal (after 69 minutes), and an assist for Celeste Bouteille’s 28th minute goal). Goals for Montpellier from Celeste Boureille (28), Faustine Robert (69 penalty), Nérilia Mondésir (83), Luna Gevitz (86). Goal for Guingamp from Laurie Teinturier (89).
Above: Alexandria Lamontagne, Rodez’s two-goal hero. Photo: Rodez web site.
Rodez won 2-1 at home against Fleury. This was a great outcome for Rodez, who not only scored their first goals of the season, but also claimed their maiden victory. It was not a great game, and we did not see Fleury’s usual spirit and team play during this game. Furthermore, Manon Heil made an error in failing to catch a shot from 25 meters which was not dangerous, and dropped the ball in front of Alexandria Lamontagne who scored easily both her’s and Rodez’s second goal. With this loss, Fleury are now down to seventh place, already six points behind Paris FC who are third and in the final Champions League qualifying spot. Goals for Rodez from Alexandria Lamontagne (11, 66). Goal for Fleury from Rosemonde Kouassi (16).
Above Selma Bacha, Lyon. Photo: Lyubomir Domozetski, OL web site.
Olympique Lyonnais won 3-1 away from home against Bordeaux. Lyon produced a seriously impressive performance and dominated Bordeaux from the beginning to the end of this game with almost 70% possession. The young player Vicki Becho, 19 years old, started for the first time in D1 Arkema and produced a very good performance. Becho played in place of Delphine Cascarino who came back from international break with France team with an injury to the abductors; she should be out for several weeks.
The game was secured at half time and Sonia Bompastor, Lyon coach, took a few players off in the second half in anticipation of first UEFA Champions League game of this season on October 19th against Arsenal.
Selma Bacha, Lyon's left defender, produced another outstanding performance, and was named player of the match. Hereafter, Selma Bacha statistics recorded by Jean-Pierre Thiesset during the game: 63 balls played, 41 passes with 90% successful, one assist (a free kick met by the head of Wendie Renard at the 14th minute). Goals for Lyon from Lindsey Horan (5), Wendie Renard (14), Melvine Malard (44). Goal for Bordeaux from Melvine Malard (10, Own Goal).
It was a rumbustious clashat the Bescot Stadium yesterday as Aston Villa hosted West Ham United. Craig Anthony was pitchside for us to capture the on-pitch action (16/10/22).
Above: Aston Villa’s Alisha Lehmann fires in a shot watched by West Ham United’s Kirsty Smith. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Aston Villa’s Rachel Daly gets up above West Ham’s Honoka Hayashi and Mackenzie Arnold. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Rachel Daly in possession. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Rachel Daly takes on West Ham’s Grace Fisk. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Rachel Daly gets a shot away for Aston Villa yesterday. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Kenza Dali prepares to shoot for Aston Villa. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Alisha Lehmann dances down the wing. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Alisha Lehmann looks up before crossing into the box. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Alisha Lehmann hits her penalty which failed to hit the net. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: West Ham United goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who had an impressive afternoon. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Referee Cheryl Foster shows Mackenzie Arnold a yellow card. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Pointing the way ahead. Mackenzie Arnold. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Sarah Mayling crosses in for Aston Villa. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Poised to deliver. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: A penalty box challenge yesterday. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: Kirsty Hanson on the ball. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Above: This way for three points. Photo: Craig Anthony for Impetus.
Ahead of today’s trip to Manchester United, Impetus’ Ellie Ramsauer was in Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Hope Powell‘s media conference (16/10/22).
Above: Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Hope Powell speaking to the media. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women(16/10/22).
We know what we’re up against but we’ve got fighting spirit.”
Hope Powell, Brighton and Hove Albion head coach.
Brighton and Hove Albion travel to Manchester United today for their first league game of the month. Being played at Leigh Sports Village, this game will be a tough test for the Albion.
Head coach Hope Powell reflected on the impact the international break has had on her squad. “It’s been really challenging 10 days, they have been away in terms of wanting to qualify for a major tournament”. The challenges of this have included having to support the pressures and emotions of her players that come with it. Some players have come back elated and while others are struggling as their team did not qualify for the World Cup.
Above: Brighton training this week. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
The Brighton head coach Powell also highlighted the “very tight turnaround (between the end of the international window and this weekend’s games) so we’ve got some tired bodies that need to recover.”
The consequences of this will be seen in terms of managing players closely depending on the minutes they get and various other factors. However, the one positive that Powell was able to point out was that “ultimately for us this time everyone has come back fit and healthy.” This is good news for a Brighton team who have struggled with injuries and suspensions so far this season.
Powell is wary of today’s opponents Manchester United who have started the season strongly with two wins and zero goals conceded that the team ‘expects it to be tough’ on Sunday. The former Lionesses head coach declared that Manchester United are a “very good side,” adding: “they were a very good side last season [and] they’ve got more depth this season’.
Above: Maya Le Tissier – a former star at Brighton who will come up against her former club today. Photo: Brighton and Hove Albion Women.
The Seagulls chief also reflected on encountering a familiar face on Sunday as they come up against former Albion player, Maya Le Tissier, who joined Manchester United in the summer, after four years in Sussex. Manchester United have also brought in a number of other signings over the summer, including Nikita Parris, who joined from Arsenal. However, Powell says her team have ‘fighting spirit’ and that ‘it’s up to us [Brighton] to try and upset them and get something out of the game’.
Another key talking point from the week that Powell also discussed was the news of the report on the systemic abuse of female footballers in the US. As a leading player herself in the past, the Brighton head coach said that she was “really upset for those people [that were affected by the abuse] and upset for the game. We all have a duty of care and a responsibility to call anything we see that’s inappropriate out or any actions that we see to challenge.”
Reflecting further, Powell spoke of her admiration for those who have spoken out. When asked whether she thought that the WSL had the right systems in place to prevent this from happening or give a platform to those who want to speak out, she said she was “hopeful” that clubs did and that at Brighton she believed the correct mechanisms were in place.
Impetus’ Kris Goman was in Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall‘s media conference ahead of today’s game with Reading. She came across a man fully focused on the challenge of Reading amidst a defensive injury crisis (16/10/22).
Above: Arsenal’s Jonas Eidevall speaking to the media. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
Jonas Eidevall addressed his team’s injury concerns ahead of today’s clash with Reading, with the situation in defence becoming sufficiently challenging as potentially leading to players having to be called back from loan deals elsewhere.
Two centre-backs, Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza are unavailable though injury. It’s been confirmed that Rafaelle’s injury is a metatarsal fracture but there was no such clarity on Leah Williamson other than Eidevall saying he expected it to be several weeks and that they would have to wait for further assessment by the consultants before we could put a more exact timeframe on it.
Eidevall did say he didn’t think surgery would be required but was quite adamant that Williamson would not be available to play for England during the November international window. The Lionesses’ captain was photographed at the National Television Awards during the week with a protective boot on her right foot and a dress shoe on her left.
Asked if the present situation could be potentially similar to a spell of injuries in defence last season, Eidevall reflected that ultimately, his focus is on fielding the best team available to him and getting them to perform to the best of their abilities.
“We want to be 100% and we want to be fearless in our approach and we want to put the team first. None of that changes if we have one, two, three, four injuries or we have other unavailable players. Then it’s about always finding ways to play our best together as a team and that might change with the personnel that we have available.
Above: Arsenal in training at the end of this week – defensive injuries mean some re-jigging of the squad is needed. Photo: Arasenal WFC.
“That doesn’t mean we can play exactly the same way with every one of our players that are on the team as they have different strengths and different weaknesses. If I learned something from that period last year, it was to see that when we are playing with different players, we might need to tweak some of our different priorities in order to be smart and play into each player’s strengths instead of to their weaknesses.”
Eidevall was asked if there was a recall option for existing players on loan to cover the holes at the back, with Anna Patten at Aston Villa a possibility. It seems it’s not as simple as that.
“No, it’s not the whole season no matter what happens but I don’t think there is a recall option before the transfer window opens. You can’t move professional players back and forth between different clubs when the transfer window is closed. That would be the same for all our players. It would be when the next transfer window opens.”
Brazilian Gio Quieroz’s loan to Everton and Eidevall’s long-term vision for her was also discussed. He was specifically asked about how much the loan was about her international ambitions and whether Arsenal might have preferred to keep her.
The Gunners’ head coach outlined how she was still a young player but has played a lot of “first-team football”, particularly in Spain and how, “I didn’t want her to take a step back in this stage of her career right now in not playing minutes and we wanted her to do that at the highest level possible and to get accustomed to living in England and playing in the league so I think Everton was a very good fit.” He said that the minutes he’s seen her play have been very pleasing and he’d evaluate, week by week and make a decision in the winter if she was to come back or play the full season at Everton.
Above: Caitlin Foord – who had a spectacular international window for Australia, and Vivianne Miedema who was away with the Netherlands. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
The Arsenal squad is made up of many national team players who were busy over the international break. Steph Catley and Caitlin Foord saw two good wins with Australia over South Africa and Denmark. Beth Mead was a key player in the England win over the USWNT and the draw with the Czech Republic. Noelle Maritz and Lia Walti qualified with Switzerland for the World Cup Finals with a last-minute win over Wales and Katie McCabe led Ireland to victory over Kim Little and Jen Beattie’s Scotland, sealing their first appearance in the World Cup Finals.
Coming back from an international period into club football, especially with so few WSL matches being played this season is an issue, as these players have, in recent months almost spent more time with their national sides than clubs. I asked Eidevall about the potential for lost momentum.
“It can be challenging of course because we have now to reconnect again with the group, we have to find our foundation and identity again. Not only that, we have not been together for long. Also, players have been in different cultures and different environments, and of course, now they need to refocus back to our group again so it’s really important we have two days here, Friday and Saturday in order to build for the Sunday game.”
Focusing specifically on today’s game with Reading, it was clear Eidevall was not taking the match lightly and he was fully focused on the task ahead. Reading are yet to record a win and are sitting at the bottom of the table although they’re only two matches in. He was asked if he’d seen any kind of promise in their performances so far.
“Yeah, I think it’s a hard-working team. We saw last season that they had a tough start and they were one of the better performing teams towards the end, once they got going. They won a lot of games in a row. It’s an opposition that we have massive respect for and we prepare like it’s our most important game, which is our next.
Above: Beth Mead with her PFA WSL Fan’s Player of the Month Award – Mead’s fine form will be hugely important over the next week for Arsenal as WSL action combines with the start of the UEFA Champions League. Photo: Arsenal WFC.
“I think that’s the constant challenge to prepare for every game and be 100% and be able to do all the work and preparation. You learn that as a team as you’re getting more mature, it’s about getting those processes right and Reading is no different from that. We know that every game in this league, especially the away games can be tough if we don’t go about it the right way so we need to focus on what we’re going to do.
It’s the first game back from the international break and if we think the game’s going to be easy by any means then we’re making trouble for ourselves and we should always give our very best, 100% and that’s my intention that we give that for Sunday as well.”
The games are coming thick and fast now for Arsenal with an away Champions League tie against holders Olympique Lyonnais on Wednesday. Yet, Eidevall was clear that the focus is all on today. None of his players’ minutes will be managed with an eye on the trip to France.
Impetus’ Johnathan Stack was in Manchester City head coach Gareth Taylor‘s media conference for us and heard real belief that City are going to get lift-off over the coming weeks, starting with Sunday’s game with Leicester City(15/10/22).
Above: Gareth Taylor speaks to the media. Photo: Manchester City.
With the international break over, the WSL is back this weekend and for Manchester City, it is a chance to get their season back on track against Leicester City at the Academy Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams have had a torrid start to the season sitting 10th and 11th respectively with zero points, defeats to Aston Villa and Chelsea away from home, seeing Gareth Taylor’s side looking to pick up points as they play in Manchester for the first time this season.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against The Foxes, Taylor outlined how he sees chances to get his team’s campaign up and running at last: “We got a good opportunity ahead of us now, got a nice period of games up until the next international break. At the moment, the players (have) played more for their international teams than us, it is just the way it’s fallen but (now) is a good period for us.
“It’s nice to be home. We’ve obviously had two tough away games so far, so it’s nice to get back in front of our own supporters at home. We need to get some wins on the board, and I’m very confident we will do that with the team that we have.”
Above: Esme Morgan on her international debut- Gareth Taylor sees her as a potential Lionesses captain. Photo: Lionesses
Taylor spoke of his pride in Esme Morgan’s international debut this week: “It’s probably been a little bit overdue for Esme, unfortunately with her injury that kept her out for all of last season apart from the first few games. She’s a really talented player, after working with her for a few weeks, I had really high hopes that she’s going to be the future of Manchester City and a future England captain, and she has the potential to do that.
“She understands how hard she has to work in order to get there, but it’s a really nice reward for Esme after suffering a difficult period last season. “She’s a really talented player, able to play in a number of positions. Hopefully, that will be the first of many caps for her.”
Taylor also provided injury updates also providing an update on Matilda Alanna Kennedy saying: “Ruby Mace is recovering, getting a little bit closer but won’t be available at the weekend, same as Alanna Kennedy. You’re never too certain (how people will return from international duty), particularly some players played lots of minutes, some not so much. I think everyone’s come back in good shape. Going into this period of games now if we can keep players healthy and on the pitch, it gives us a good opportunity.”
Looking ahead specifically to this weekend’s opponents Leicester City, who have also had a tough start to the season, Taylor said: “Well, you saw in the previous game they had against Everton; Everton didn’t score until the 92nd/93rd minute. They almost got themselves a result so they made it difficult, they have had two tough fixtures against Everton and Spurs as well. I think they are really difficult to play against, you can see they made it very difficult for Everton by coming out and engaging and not blocking up so much as what we anticipate, so we need to be ready for a tough game no doubt.”
Manchester City plays Leicester City this weekend on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Impetus’ Kieran Yap was in Chelsea‘s media conference for us today and heard from General Manager Paul Green who is one of the club’s staff covering Emma Hayes’ day-to-day roles in her absence as the defending champions’ travel to Everton (14/10/22).
Above: Chelsea General Manager Paul Green, who is taking over the team’s media conferences in Emma Hayes’ absence. Photo: Flora McLean.
Chelsea will face Everton this weekend without their iconic head coach Emma Hayes, but few clubs are better positioned to proceed without their leader in the dugout.
Hayes announced through Chelsea’s social media and her own accounts that she underwent an emergency hysterectomy following an ongoing battle with endometriosis (see statement here.) She said that she needed time and patience to return to full health, which Chelsea was happy to provide.
“Throughout my absences, Denise Reddy will be making the on-field decision along with (General Manager) Paul Green who will be carrying out all press obligations on my behalf.”
Reddy has extensive experience as an assistant and head coach in the NWSL and Denmark. Green expects few problems with her taking the reins, particularly with himself and former Bristol City boss Tanya Oxtoby by her side.
“I’ve spoken to her (Emma) quite a few times as you can imagine in the past week,” Green told the media.
“She’s making good progress back at home now, and we hope that progress will continue on a daily basis. Of course, we wish her a speedy recovery along with everybody else at the club. “Apart from that, we’ve been looking to get organized behind the scenes.
“We’ve been in this situation back in 2018 when Emma was pregnant so it’s not a new situation. We’ve got full confidence in the staff and the players that we’ll deal with the situation and get the results needed, to make sure that when Emma comes back into work that we’re on a good position on all fronts.”
Chelsea will face an in in-form Everton on Sunday. Brian Sorenson’s team have won their last two games to bounce back from a week one loss to West Ham United.
They were particularly damaging in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, where Jess Park and Hanna Bennison shone against the local rivals.
“I think Brian’s done a really good job in moulding the squad and making some changes from last season,” said Green of the Everton boss.
“I think you can see that in the way they’ve started. They’ve been very impressive, and we know that we’ve got a target on our back.”
While Emma Hayes’s statement came as a surprise to fans, the clubs and players were informed before the international break. They have had time to prepare, and Green expects that Hayes may still play some part on matchday if she is feeling well enough.
Above: Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes – still in close contact with her team whilst at home recovering from an operation. Photo: Chelsea FC Women.
“Emma will definitely still be involved. You know what sort of character she is. She’ll be at home watching all the training online. She’ll be linked into the bench on the matchdays as long as she’s well enough to do that.
“I’m sure it’ll be difficult for her to watch the games at home, hopefully we can play well in those games and get the results needed.”
Reddy has previously been a head coach at Sky Blue FC in the USA, and Vittsjö GIK in Sweden. Since moving to Chelsea as an assistant in 2020, she has worked closely with Hayes. Green felt confident that there would be no drastic differences after kick-off.
“She’s worked with Emma on two occasions. One here and obviously with Chicago Red Stars. She’s going to have the team ready for the game. She’s very detailed in her coaching. “She’ll be there on the touchline with Emma on the mic in her ear.
“She’ll be giving the instructions to the team. She’s very, very experienced so it’s not the first time Denise will have been in that situation. There’s not that much that will change she’s always on the bench anyway and working very closely with Emma and that will continue even in this situation.
Above: Denise Reddy -in charge on match-day for Chelsea in Emma Hayes’ absence. Photo: Washington Spirit.
“It’s business as usual for us, it means our leader won’t be there which is a blow, but the staff and the players are experienced enough to get through this.
“We’ve got Magda (Eriksson) and Millie (Bright), the two captains along with many other senior players who I’m sure will be making sure the players maintain their standards to get the results through this period for Emma.”
Along with the club captain and the Lionesses star, Chelsea have experienced leaders across the pitch. Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder wear the armbands for Australia and Denmark respectively. Green also pointed out the off-field structures and facilities that Chelsea have at their disposal, such as the medical staff.
“We’ve got everything to make the players successful,” he said.
“It just means we’ve got one cog missing from that wheel. Everybody else is well equipped to step up and cover Emma in this period when we need to focus on her getting well.”
All of this is crucial, not just to maintain Chelsea’s title challenge, but to ensure Hayes can rest without rushing back to the club.
“She’s improving every day, but we don’t want to put a timeline on it,” said Green.
“We know what type of character she is an I’m sure she’ll be wanting to get back as quickly as possible but at the same time it’s got to be the right time and her health takes priority.
“It’s a major operation so she needs to be patient herself and wait for the right time.”
The meeting with Everton is shaping up to be an interesting fixture. Both sides have won twice and lost once this season. Chelsea suffered a shock loss to Liverpool but defeated West Ham, an exact reversal of Everton’s results against those sides.
Chelsea’s players have returned from the international break without injury. Green and Reddy have a full squad to pick from. It is only the fourth game of the season, but it could prove important when Champions League places or the league title are settled in May.
Everton will be confident of getting a result, but Chelsea will want a win and a strong performance to relax their talismanic coach while she recovers at home.
Chelsea face Everton at 1pm local time (11pm AEST) on Sunday
Impetus’ Holly Wrightwas in Carla Ward‘s media conference todayand heard from the Aston Villa head coachahead of tomorrow’s game against West Ham United (14/10/22).
Above: Carla Ward spoke to the media today about her pride in how successful her new staffing appointments in the summer have influenced the team’s start to the campaign. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
Despite facing Manchester City on the opening day of the season, Aston Villa head coach Carla Ward describes tomorrow’s encounter against West Ham United as “the biggest game of the season so far.”
Reflecting on Hammers head coach Paul Konchesky’s business over the summer and the start they have made to the season, Ward said: “We know it’s going to be tough. Make no bones about it. He’s lost a couple of games to Man United and Chelsea, but I thought for large spells they were very good in those games. Then beating Everton. Yes, Everton didn’t have a good season last year but let’s be honest, Everton are a really good side so realistically it’s going to be tough.”
The former Sheffield United player had a lot of praise for the man in the opposition dugout and how the style of football he has got West Ham playing. “If you look at Paul Konchesky as a player throughout his career and everything he stands for, I think it’s a team that replicates what he is about; wholehearted, front footed and aggressive. I think they are a really good side. They’ve got a lot of quality and really experienced players in that group, and I think he’s actually done a really good job.”
Regardless of only playing two games so far this season, one being that outstanding victory over Manchester City, it is clear the progression Ward has made with her squad since the summer not just in the style of football they are playing but the staff she has bought in to push the club in the right direction going forward.
“I think we slightly adapted the way we wanted to play over the summer. We specifically bought in some coaches that fitted with what we wanted to do and how we wanted to implement that. I think that’s made a massive difference. The qualities that some of the new staff have come in with and the new ideas they bring are exceptional.
“We ran through a really clear process in the summer. We knew what we wanted, and I knew what we were wanting to go after. I knew exactly what I needed to do to get there, and we bought in those people that can deliver that. So that’s played a massive part.”
Above: So much to smile about for Aston Villa so far this season. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
The Barclays WSL manager of the month has dedicated her trophy to the work that has gone on behind the scenes at the club and the effort the players have put in over the closed season but insists the hard work doesn’t stop there.
“I’m not going to lie, I didn’t want it (the award) because of the curse after it and because everyone talks about so I was unsure whether I wanted it or not. It’s a testament to the staff and the players. The staff say it’s cliche to say it’s all about them, but it really is because the reality is we brought in some exceptional staff in the summer, and they’ve improved so many different things. They’ve brought a lot to the table, and it’s helped massively. The amount of work that has gone in from all the staff and the players is exceptional so this one is for them.”
Along with the manager of the month award, Aston Villa also claimed the player of the month award in Rachel Daly as the debate continues around whether she is a full-back or a striker, but Ward continues to stick her neck on the line insisting that she is 100% a striker. “She’s not a defender. She’s a centre-forward. 100% She should be absolutely knocking on the door of the international squad to start up front. She’s currently the highest-scoring English player in the WSL. 100% I think you should watch this space. Surely there will be an opportunity for her.”
With three goals in two games and one assist, Daly is already proving to be one of the best summer signings but it’s her character and professionalism that has specifically caught her head coach’s as she was full of admiration for the former Houston Dash player.
Above: Rachel Daly with her Player of the Month Award. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
“Yeah, she’s been brilliant. She’s honestly brilliant on and off the pitch. I could not speak any higher of her in terms of what she does for the youngsters. I’ve never seen a player come in and get all the youngsters around her. They are all in order naturally because of what she’s achieved but actually what she does for them is exceptional. She taken them all under her wing.
“She will arrive with them. She will get after them. She will make sure that they don’t have a single minute or a second off. She sets a standard that is unbelievably high, but she’s brilliant. She really is. She’s hungry, but she’s a winner. It’s not all rosy, trust me. She’s ready to get after people. It’s great. We are delighted that she’s coming in the building with us”
Although the limelight is currently on Daly, head coach Ward was quick to pick out another stand-out player who has been influential in the Villans’ unbeaten start to their WSL campaign but perhaps hasn’t got the recognition of some of the forward players in the squad.
“Everyone keeps talking about the front players naturally because we have been able to find the back of the net this season. Everyone’s talking about Kirsty (Hanson), about Kenza (Dali) about Rach not many people are talking about Dan(ielle Turner), and I think she’s been absolutely sensational.
“She’s a solid eight out of ten every single week. For me, she hasn’t put a foot wrong. She’s been unbelievable but again not just on the pitch but her professionalism off the pitch. You can see why she’s been a captain and a leader for so many years. We are delighted to have her, but I’m delighted that she has actually been acknowledged because she’s been absolutely sensational and deserves to be spoken about.”
Above: Danielle Turner – her head coach Carla Ward was full of praise for her efforts this season so far. Photo: Aston Villa Women.
After a picture that Ward herself posted on Instagram earlier this week, there has been a lot of questions around the fitness of some players due to illness whilst others remain sidelined through injury. “I think my picture on Instagram gave it away. We have had a bit of a bug that’s rifled through the squad this week, which has not been ideal. It’s affected four or five players. Some will be assessed this morning and then other we will have to make a judgment call on whether they’re going to be fit enough to make the game tomorrow. It’s not ideal but it is what it is,” Ward explained
The Aston Villa head coach feels like there is a curse on her team and the international break as, yet another player was added to her injury list with this one looking to be on a longer time frame. “The good old international break has haunted us again. Emily Gielnik whilst playing for Australia has done her calf. She is set to be out until probably around Christmas time, which again isn’t ideal. Then obviously we still got Remi Allen, Simone Magil, Meaghan Sargeant, all out. So yeah, fun times.”
With seven months left on Ward’s contract, speculations will no doubt be going around on what her future holds, but plans have already been put in place to ensure her project at the Midlands club continues. “Everyone knows I want to be here for a long, long time. I’ve come for the long term. I’ve come here for a project, so I’m sure it will be something that will be discussed soon but for me, I’m happy here. I want to be here for a long time. I want to continue this project all being well.”
Aston Villa hope they can avenge last season’s 2-1 defeat to the East London club as they look to continue their impressive start to the 2022/23 WSL campaign at the Bescot Stadium. Saturday’s afternoon’s match will be broadcast live on the FA Player with kick-off at 12.30pm.
Impetus’ Ben Gilby hearsfrom the Sky Blues’ new signings Anna Green, Madison Hayley, and Shay Evans plus head coach Ante Juric(14/10/22).
Above: Sydney FC’s three new signings (left to right): Shay Evans, Anna Green, and Madison Hayley. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Sydney FC.
Sydney FC have snapped up three new recruits from home and abroad to super-charge their quest for a third consecutive Premiership and fourth women’s title.
The Sky Blues have signed 80-capped Kiwi International full-back Anna Green from Capital Football in New Zealand, Chicago Red Stars forward Madison Haley, and former Sydney FC and Young Matildas striker Shay Evans, the original scholar for Impetus charity partners Moriarty Foundation.
32-year old Green, who can play in either full back or centre back position, made five appearances for the Sky Blues in 2013, including against Chelsea and Colo-Colo at the International Women’s Club Championship in Japan.
She has also played in the German, English, and Swedish leagues during her 14-year career and has her eyes on a fantastic season with the Sky Blues to cement her place in the New Zealand World Cup 2023.
“I’m really happy to be back in Sydney and looking forward to helping the squad win more silverware,” she said.
“We have a really good group of young players and I want to bring my experience to help us continue to build on the strong foundations from previous years. This is a big year for everyone in women’s football, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, with places at the World Cup up for grabs. I want to make sure I put myself in the frame for a spot in the final squad.”
Above: Anna Green – another key signing for Sydney FC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Sydney FC.
23-year-old Madison Haley was selected seventh overall in last year’s NWSL draft by the Chicago Red Stars. Haley joins Sydney FC from Stanford University where she had a phenomenal goal-scoring and assists record.
Haley was a regular within the US Women’s National Team system – featuring for the U-15s, U-17s, U-18s, U-20s, & U-23s. She will bring strength, speed, and excitement to the forward line.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to play professionally overseas and explore this beautiful country. It’s a great year to be in Australia with the World Cup on the horizon. I look forward to adding to that excitement by scoring a lot of goals.”
Above: Shay Evans (3) pictured after scoring her only goal for Sydney FC. Photo supplied to Impetus by: Sydney FC.
Shay Evans returns for a third season with Sydney FC having been part of the Sky Blues 2018-19 Championship winning season and the 2019-20 squad for the narrow Grand Final loss to Melbourne City.
The 21-year-old is eager to add to her one goal for the club.
“Scoring my first goal in Sky Blue was an unbelievable feeling and I can’t wait to add to it this season,” she said.
“I feel I’ve grown as a player since I last pulled on a Sky Blue jersey and I’m ready to challenge for those forward line places this year. We’ve so many great young players that it’s going to be really tough to get into the starting eleven but I’m ready for that challenge.”
The signings almost complete Head Coach Ante Juric’s squad for this season and he is excited to see them get started.
“These three players really strengthen us in different areas,” he said.
“I think we’ve got real competition for places and a very high standard among the playing group so I’ve no doubt training will be intense and will improve everyone, when we get going tonight.
“This club has a fantastic history and reputation to uphold in the Women’s competition so it’s important we take pre-season seriously and ensure we are firing come round one. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
The Sky Blues kick off their season on Saturday 20th November away to Adelaide United.
Sydney FC’s Liberty A-League 2022-23 SquadTo Date:
Natalie Tobin (Captain), Deborah-Anne De La Harpe, Indiana Dos Santos, Jynaya Dos Santos, Shay Evans, Kirsty Fenton, Anna Green, Madison Haley, Mackenzie Hawkesby, Shay Hollman, Sarah Hunter, Princess Ibini, Abbey Lemon, Rachel Lowe, Charlotte McLean, Katie Offer, Taylor Ray, Charlie Rule, Anika Stajcic, Mary Stanic-Floody, Cortnee Vine, Jada Whyman.
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