London City Lionesses v Birmingham City: battle for promotion

By Alyce Collett (03/05/2025)

Above: The women’s Championship trophy. Photo: Durham City FC.

This weekend sees the Barclays Women’s Championship season come to its conclusion, and its winner will be crowned on Sunday.

In a fitting twist of fate, the two sides who can still win the title will play each other this weekend, with the title race coming down to what happens on the field in Birmingham on Sunday afternoon.

Where the race is at the moment

Each team’s path to the title is pretty clear cut.

As things currently stand, London City are two points clear on top of the table, so only need a point to claim the title and promotion, while Birmingham City’s only hope of winning the title is if they win.

Current Barclay’s Women’s Championship Ladder

Recent form

Both teams come into this clash with very strong recent runs of form in their last five matches.

In that time frame, London City have picked up four wins and one draw. They have scored 12 goals and only conceded two.

Birmingham City are also undefeated in its last five matches, having picked up three wins and two draws. In that time frame their goal difference is +5, having scored nine goals and conceded four.

The last time they met

Last time these two sides met was back in November, and it was Birmingham City who emerged victorious that day, winning two goals to one thanks to goals from Neve Herron and Gemma Lawley.

Both of Birmingham City’s goals came in the first half and London City’s goal came from Georgia Brougham at the death, but unfortunately for the Lionesses they ran out of time to pick up any more goals.

How do you prepare for Isobel Goodwin?

Even with several big name senior internationals in their side, London City’s most dangerous player is arguably a 22 year old young Lioness.

Isobel Goodwin has made a huge impact in her first season at the Lionesses, and been at times impossible to stop when it comes to scoring goals.

Above: London City’s Isobel Goodwin celebrates. Photo: London City Lionesses Website

She has scored 15 goals in 17 games so far this season, at an average of one goal per 83 minutes she has played. By comparison, that is six more goals than Birmingham’s two top goal scorers Simone Magill and Lucy Quinn have scored combined.

The battle at the back

Another interesting battle to watch will be that of the goal keepers.

Remarkably, both Birmingham City’s Lucy Thomas and London City’s Emily Orman currently lead the Golden Glove race in the Championship with seven clean sheets a piece, so will play crucial roles in keeping the ball out of the respective nets.

The Louise Quinn Factor

Promotion to the Women’s Super League is big enough motivation for any side, but Birmingham City have an extra motivation factor with the match also being the final one in club captain Louise Quinn’s career. Such a staple of the Birmingham City side in recent seasons, the Blues will want nothing more than to send her off with a big win.

Above: Birmingham City’s Louise Quinn. Photo: Sky Sports.

Birmingham City vs London City Lionesses kicks off on Sunday May 4 at 2:15pm at
St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park, Birmingham, and will be the first women’s championship game to be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK.

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“We want to test ourselves against the best”: Hopkins eager for Adelaide challenge

By Alyce Collett 3/5/25

Above: Jeff Hopkins. Photo Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory coach Jeff Hopkins spoke to the media ahead of the team’s trip to face Adelaide United

It is a very big day for Melbourne Victory today, who kick off their 2024/25 A-League Women’s campaign with part one of a two leg semi final against Adelaide United. 

A very calm Victory Women’s coach Jeff Hopkins spoke to the media yesterday, and believes that the team’s processes will hold them in good step for this two legged series. 

“I think we’ve got a good formula at the moment,” Hopkins said. 

“We look after our team very, very well, and when we’re together, we’re together for a little bit longer. We can make sure that all the finer details are looked after when we travel together, when we’re in the hotel together, we get to do a little bit extra. So I think that’s why out of all the teams in the league, we have the best record in away games for the season.”

Playing multi legged series is not a common thing in Australian football, but Hopkins certainly has a plan for how to approach the series. 

“They are two separate games, but you’ve got to have a strategy and not get carried away with the result of one game,” Hopkins said. 

“We’ve done a fair bit of scenario training last week. We’ll have rather than a team meeting, a strategy meeting as well before we play, so everyone kind of understands that. Being a goal up or a goal down in this game, it’s a little bit different to a normal game.”

Ahead of the match, Hopkins had good news to share on the injury front, noting that Emily Gielnik and Ellie Wilson were both ready to go after missing the club’s final match of the home and away season against Brisbane. He also confirmed that he had a “full quota” of players to choose from for the semi, including Lia Privitelli for the first time this season. 

One of Adelaide’s strength is no doubt its attacking prowess, but Hopkins has strong belief in his defensive system – both players and structure – and is confident that they will neutralise those threats. 

“They’re a good side … they’re scoring a lot of goals, creating a lot of chances, and their front five, whoever plays there is quite formidable,” Hopkins acknowledged. 

“But like I said, we’ve got a very good back line, goalkeeper, and defensive structure really, so we want their best team to come and play against us. We want to test ourselves against the best.”

Although they got so close to winning the premiership this season, Hopkins said that the fact that they did not doesn’t add any motivation factor for the finals series, saying that who won the premiership “doesn’t really interest me or motivate me”, rather “what we’ve done this year is motivating me.”

He noted that “clean sheets, the, the record run of winning games, that’s what kind of excites me and I want to keep that going. If this team can prove itself to be the best team ever put on a Victory Women’s shirt, I think that kind of motivates me and it motivates players.”

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Honours even between Mariners and City at end of First Leg

Central Coast Mariners 2-2 Melbourne City

by Emma Burke (3/5/25)

Above: Melbourne City’s Alexia Apostolakis (sky blue), who set up her side’s second goal, takes on Taren King of Central Coast Mariners today. Photo: Melbourne City.

A two-all draw between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City at Industree Group Stadium has left both sides with everything to play for in the second leg of the A-League Women Semi-Finals.

It was the Mariners’ Brooke Nunn who kept the home team in the game, both opening and equalising the scoring.

The first of her two goals came through the work of Annalise Rasmussen, who nutmegged City Captain Rebekah Stott and was left with miles of space to run into.

Rasmussen then played the ball to Izzy Gomez on a run who’s cutback found Jade Pennock at the spot, but Pennock’s initial shot was blocked by keeper Malena Mieres. Mieres, who had not been able to hold onto the ball, parried it into the feet of Nunn who made no mistake from such close range. 

City answered back in the form of a spectacular Leticia McKenna free kick. The dead ball, taken from at least 25 yards out, was struck perfectly to beat Sarah Langman in goal. This is the second week in a row that McKenna has scored in such astonishing fashion.

The visiting Melbourne City then took the lead minutes later through Bryleeh Henry, who ran onto a well-timed line-breaking through ball from Alexia Apostolakis.

Henry’s run saw her cut across the pitch from right to left to meet the ball right under the noses of Central Coast’s defensive line. Utilising all of her pace, Henry then beat out a trailing defender, stepped around Langman, who had come off her line to meet her, and completed the finish into an open net to put City up 2-1.

Following the break, Nunn scored her second of the afternoon, running onto a pass from Jade Pennock and beating Mieres for a second time.

Locked in a draw, both sides seemed happy to wait out the rest of the time remaining, with neither making a serious case for a third goal. 

This means that both sides will play for their place in the Championship game next weekend in Melbourne in the second leg with all to play for.

Teams: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (4-4-2): Langman, Martin, King, Nash, Rowe, Gomez, Galic, Krazula, Nunn, Rasmussen, Pennock. Substitutes: Hughes, Evans, Trimis, Fuller.

Scorers: Nunn 20’, 54’.

MELBOURNE CITY (5-3-2): Mieres, Roestbakken, Stott, Otto, Apostolakis, Vlajnic, Davidson, McKenna, Hughes, Henry, McMahon. Substitutes: McNamara, Murray, Pollicina.

Scorers: McKenna 29’, Henry 35’.

Referee: Georgia Ghirardello.

Attendance: 1,934.

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The best of the best: A Melbourne City combined Invincible squad

By Emma Burke 3/5/25

Above: Kim Little & Jess Fishlock while at Melbourne City. Photo: Melbourne City

What would a combination of Melbourne City’s three undefeated A-League Women’s teams look like?

So Melbourne City have gone Invincible. They did not lose a single game throughout the regular season. While this is the first time they’ve done it in a full length home and away season, it’s not the first time they’ve done this, or the second even. 

Melbourne City’s first ever season in the A-League Women in 2015/16, then called the W-League, saw them not only go undefeated throughout the season, but they did not drop a single point to another team. All wins. That team also had a goal difference of +34. Which is the same goal difference they have this year, despite having only played 14 games back then.

They also did an Invincible Season in 2019/20, when they signed a slew of Matildas and National Team Fringe players, and some truly excellent International arrivals. It’s unsurprising they went without a loss in this campaign when you check out that season’s roster.

In honour of this incredible achievement, here’s what their best ever starting XI could look like, and why.

Goalkeeper

Melissa Barbieri 

Barbieri is an icon of the women’s game, and has now gone two seasons Invincible with City, having been on the team in the 19/20 season and this current one. While she may not appear on the pitch as frequently these days, she’s been a huge reason why City has been so successful due to her leadership.

Substitute: Brianna Davey

Defenders

Steph Catley

City’s Captain for a number of years before being snatched up to Arsenal Women, Steph Catley position as a left footed left back was performed second to none through her time with City. Her bombing runs forward and ability to track back made her incredible to watch. She also scored the Championship winning goal in the 2019/20 final.

Rebekah Stott

One of two, three time Invincible players and now Melbourne City’s current Captain, kiwi Rebekah Stott has all the experience and authority to run a smooth ship in defence. It’s unbelievable to think she has been doing this for so long.

Jennifer Beattie

Jennifer Beattie came to City on loan from parent club Manchester City for that first season and was an absolute brick wall in their defence. She also managed to score a couple goals too. 

Ellie Carpenter

Not much needs to be said about Ellie Carpenter, but her one Invincible season with City in 2019/20 was one for the ages. The football that side played under Rado Vidosic allowed Carpenter to play as Steph Catley’s opposite footed twin on the right side, something she does even better in today’s game.

Substitutes: Alexia Apostolakis, Lauren Barnes, Tyla-Jay Vlajnic, Taylor Otto

Midfielders

Kim Little

Another player who came to City for that inaugural season, only Kim Little came in on loan from Seattle Reign. Little was, as she still is, an absolute powerhouse of the midfield, and scored seven goals in her one and only season with City too. 

Emily van Egmond

Van Egmond played with City in 2019/20 under Rado Vidosic and had one of her best club seasons being able to play as an attacking midfielder. The free flowing football City played was so ridiculously up her alley she scored six goals while doing it (an equal Club best that season with Kyah Simon, I told you that team was stacked).

Aivi Luik

Having played for City in both the 2015/16 season and the 2019/20 season, Aivi Luik is an easy pick for this side. At her peak, Luik was a dominant force of City’s midfield, both stringing up attacks going forward and slowing down the ones that came back at her.

Jess Fishlock

One time, while playing for Melbourne City, Jess Fishlock became the team’s head coach after Joe Montemurro left for his stint at Arsenal, and dragged them into the finals, and to a Championship, and that wasn’t even an Invincible season. Fishlock is a player you always know is going to make something happen, even if she has to do it all herself.

Substitutes: Laura Hughes, Yukari Kinga, Leticia McKenna, Tameka Yallop

Forwards

Larissa Crummer

The 2015/16 season was Crummer’s career best, scoring 11 goals in 14 games and winning the golden boot. She was outrageously good that season and still stands as an undeniable “What if?” for the national team had injuries and strange position changes hadn’t come her way.

Holly McNamara 

This season’s golden boot winner with 15 goals to her name in only 17 games, Holly McNamara is the easiest pick of this list. McNamara brings something to the League that really hasn’t been seen perhaps since Sam Kerr last played here. Three ACL injuries have done nothing to stop McNamara as she remains only delayed, never denied.

Substitutes: Beattie Goad, Mariana Speckmaier 

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Skinner: “We want to qualify for the Champions League”

By Catherine MacKenzie (02/05/2025)

Above: United boss Marc Skinner. Photo: Martin Rickett / PA.

A derby day in Manchester is always special. This Sunday, Manchester United face cross-city foes Manchester City at Old Trafford, a pivotal game in the race to finish in the top three of the Women’s Super League.

United are currently four points ahead of City with a superior goal difference; a win would take a third place finish out of reach for City. If City were to win, however, that gap reduces to one point and it is all to play for in the last game of the season – when United face a tough trip to the Emirates to face Arsenal.

City end the season at Crystal Palace, who are to be relegated to the Championship at the end of this season.

City come into the game off the back of a tight 1-0 win against Leicester City. The main positives in that game were the reintroduction of Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, who had both been missing for months with injury. Their reintegration buoyed the team to the win, with Hemp providing the assist for Jess Park’s winner.

What to expect from City

United were narrowly beaten by Chelsea mid-week, and ahead of the derby manager Marc Skinner has spoken about the positives of having such a short turnaround between big games:

“When you play a big game like that in the middle of the week, it always prepares me as a manager and players as a team for another big challenge. You kind of get in the flow of big challenges. It doesn’t hit you cold…You actually are disappointed because you should have won the game, so that bodes well going into this”.

Skinner was also asked about what he expects from City:

“You have to go full throttle against Manchester City for the whole game and take their threats.”

On the reintroduction of Hemp and Greenwood and what this teams for a team facing City, Skinner asserted that “it is about adapting again, more importantly, to the qualities of the players coming in, they have to make them adapt”.

He continued: “I expect a tough game. I expect, you know the quality of the players that are returning for them.”

If United win, they will have done the league double against City for the first time. This is not the focus for the United boss, however:

“For me, my ego doesn’t scream loud enough for that to be the case. For me, it’s about trying to win the game because we want to qualify for the Champions League…the reality hasn’t really changed for us – if we can beat City and we can beat Arsenal, we finish second in the table. So for us, that’s more of a carrot than just beating Manchester City again”.

On the game being at Old Trafford

When United face City on Sunday, the match will be played at United’s ‘Theatre of Dreams’; Old Trafford. The women’s team started their season there, beating West Ham 3-0 in front of a disappointing crowd of just over 12,000. Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for this game.

A derby provides more excitement, particularly given the scoreline when the two sides met at the Etihad stadium earlier this year. United ran out 4-2 winners courtesy of a hattrick from Ella Toone. Skinner was asked about the impact Old Trafford may have on the game:

“I remember the last time we played them here, they were highly motivated, and we have to make sure we go and beat that motivation level.” He added that “we have to take the stadium away and just try to win the game”.

Above: Manchester United Women at Old Trafford earlier this season. Photo: Manchester United.

On the importance of Champions League football

If United do manage to cross the finish line in second or third place, they will enter the Champions League next season (third place to the qualifying round, second place to the group stage). Skinner spoke about the importance of Champions League football for recruitment:

“I feel that people want to come to Manchester but maybe we do not get picked because we’re not in the Champions League, and that’s where players want to play – so I think it is huge for recruitment”.

Recruitment was the theme when Skinner spoke about European competition; the United boss also highlighted the need for a deep squad to manage the number of games when you are in multiple competitions:

“But if you were to go into a European competition, our squad depth would not have been good enough this year. I have no doubt about that. And I think it’s recruiting the right team”.

On United’s season

Last year, United finished fifth and out of contention for Champions League football. Ahead of this season, there were a number of high-profile departures: club captain Katie Zelem, World’s Best goalkeeper Mary Earps, and World Cup winner Lucia Garcia all left the club.

Recruitment focused on a mixture of youth and experience: Grace Clinton returned from her loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, and United also recruited her best friend and Spurs teammate Celin Bizet.

Alongside Bizet and Clinton, Dominique Janssen was brought in from VfL Wolfsburg. Janssen won the league title with Arsenal, and was an important part of the Netherlands squad that won the 2017 European Championship.

Used primarily as a centre-back for her national team and at previous clubs, at United she has played as a central defensive midfielder.

Asked about the impact of Janssen on United’s season and against Chelsea in particular, Skinner was positive:

“She makes you defend less in the back line because she covers more in the midfield line. What I was really impressed with was her composure with the ball. I feel that she’s growing in there and I challenged her because she came from playing centre half…my challenge to her is to continue these last three games to try and do the same impactful job that she’s done.”

Above: Dominique Janssen for Manchester United. Photo: Sky Sports.

Speaking about United’s season more generally, the head coach was similarly positive:

“We’ve been excellent this season, considering we’ve had, you know, a start where we had to find out who we were…and then taking Chelsea toe to toe, which I don’t think we’ve done before in all honesty.”

Manchester United vs Manchester City kicks off at 12:00 on Sunday, the 4th May. UK viewers can watch the match on Sky Sports.

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Charli Grant: Embracing challenges & growing as a result

by Ben Gilby (2/5/25)

Above: Charli Grant in action for the Matildas against Korea Republic in the April international window. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

It’s been a challenging season for both Charli Grant and Tottenham Hotspur. At the time of writing, the North London side has only won five WSL games and are battling to hold off Leicester City and Aston Villa to ensure they finish in mid-table rather than just above the relegation zone.

After last season’s run to the FA Cup Final, a memorable first win over Arsenal, and a sixth-place finish, hopes were high that the club would push on towards challenging for Champions League places this time round.

Grant had settled in and was establishing herself as a regular member of the Spurs squad, either starting or coming off the bench to good effect. Opportunities for the South Australian this season have not been as plentiful, as the team more widely failed to build on last year’s promising advances.

Above: Charli Grant in action for Tottenham Hotspur last season. Photo: Harvey Todd for Impetus.

Reflecting on the campaign, Grant said: “We are definitely disappointed by the outcome of our season so far. It is not up to the standards we set for ourselves and as a club. We have a couple more games to go, which we really want to use to prove to ourselves that we are capable.

“I think we all have the right intentions and great ideas on the pitch, but we have struggled to all be on the same page. If we can improve that connection and be consistently ruthless in our defensive actions, I think we can get some really good results in our last few games. 

“It’s been a very difficult season. Personally, it has been difficult sitting on the sides waiting for an opportunity, and as a team, we have struggled to get consistent results, which has taken a toll on our confidence. I am so proud of the girls for sticking it out and feeling very grateful for our fans, who no matter what will always show up for us.”

Whilst Grant has found it hard not to get as many minutes as she would have wished, she reveals she’s tried to use the time in positive ways, striving to enhance her game further in a bid to persuade head coach Robert Vilahamn she is worthy of a place in his match-day squad.

Above: Charli Grant (22) fully focused in the Matildas’ second game with Korea Republic during the April international window. Photo: Kris Goman for Impetus.

“When you’re not getting much game time, you really assess your game and how to take it to the next level. I look at what I can improve and look at the other players around me and see how I can learn off them and add it to my own game. It has given me the time to work on these skills after training, so when I do get the opportunity, I feel prepared to step up.” 

Whilst this season has been a frustrating one, Grant feels that the move to England has greatly enhanced her game, which has certainly had an impact on what she can offer the Australian national team.

Highlighting what the WSL has brought to her qualities, the 23-year-old said, “It has definitely been a step up. I love how fast-paced the game is and how competitive the league is.

“You have no room to make any errors; if you do, the world-class players will capitalise on it. This has helped me improve my decision-making and forced me to be more composed on the ball. The league is a lot more physical, so I think this has helped bring out this side of my game even more. I love being aggressive and showing my physical traits.”

Above: Charli Grant (left) battling away for the Matildas against China, back on home soil in Adelaide last year. Photo: Football Australia.

Both those aspects of Grant’s qualities were on show, along with searing pace and excellent reading of the play, in her performances for the Matildas in the last international window. The South Australian played an important role in both games against Korea Republic, and was greatly enthusiastic about the vibe in those matches, both on and off the pitch.

“It was a positive camp for the team in preparation for the Asian Cup. Those two wins really helped us build some confidence. I’ve loved playing under Tommy Sermanni. He’s been a breath of fresh air, giving us the freedom to play to our strengths.”

The encouragement gained from being around Matildas teammates has been an important part of keeping a positive frame of mind at Spurs this season, and the defender takes great strength from having Hayley Raso and Clare Hunt alongside her every day.

“I’ve loved having both Ras and Clare around, having that Aussie connection makes you feel more at home. They both offer so much experience and knowledge to the team, and it’s been so nice to work and learn off them on a daily basis.”

Above: Charli Grant (second right) in Matildas training ahead of their She Believes Cup campaign earlier this year. Photo: Genevieve Henry for Impetus.

As the defender’s career has developed, so have the options that she offers both club and country, with an ability to perform strongly at both right and left back. This skill has been hugely beneficial for the Australian national team in the past, and has the option to be so in club football as well.

In terms of whether she has any preference for a position to play in, Grant flashed that trademark big smile.

“It honestly depends on the day! I love both sides; I think each side allows me to show my strengths in different ways. At the end of the day, I would do anything to play and represent my club or country. It’s an absolute honour every time I step out onto the pitch.”

Whilst you can take the woman out of South Australia, you certainly can’t take the South Australian out of the woman. Grant’s early days at Adelaide United in the A-League Women were what put her on the map.

Above: Charli Grant pictured during her Adelaide United days in 2021. Photo: Adelaide United.

Famously a tight-knit club, the defender is fiercely proud to have represented the Reds and is absolutely delighted at their third-place finish this season, which has seen them make the Semi-Finals for the first time in their history.

“I am so happy for the team. Ever since I left the club, I’ve always supported them from afar. I watch where I can, but it is difficult due to the time difference and clashing with my training schedule. But I will always keep track of the results!

“I’ve got some really close friends that play for the club, and it’s amazing to see them doing so well and making Adelaide proud. I’m definitely supporting them in the finals, they’re looking in really good form.”

Above: Charli Grant (5) in action for Adelaide United in 2021 – the defender is so proud of her former club’s achievements this season. Photo: Adelaide United.

There’s also lots ahead on the immediate schedule for the 23-year-old, both in North London and for the Australian national team.

“My focus is on the last few games with Spurs and trying to get the best results we can. There is also an upcoming camp in Australia with the national team, so I will just be working hard to be in the best form possible to give myself the best possible chance to be selected.”

Grant will be going flat out to play a role in Tottenham’s remaining campaign. Once given a chance, you just know in true Charli Grant style, she will grab it and run tenaciously.

(c) Impetus 2025.

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A new era in Germany as Bayern win historic double

FC Bayern Munchen 4-2 SV Werder Bremen

By Catherine MacKenzie (01/05/2025)

Above: Bayern Women starting lineup. Photo: FCBfrauen on X.

Lea Schuller was the star of the show in Cologne, scoring a cup-final hattrick to give Bayern Munich Frauen their first ever domestic double.

Regardless of the scoreline, Thursday’s DFB-Pokal final made history. For the first time in eleven years, a new cup champion would be crowned; the women in green, VfL Wolfsburg, were eliminated in the quarter finals by Hoffenheim, ending their chance of retaining the cup for a twelfth consecutive year. The final was instead fought in a battle between North and South, as FC Bayern Munchen faced SV Werder Bremen in Cologne.

The context

The match was extra special for both Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen. Both head coaches – Alexander Straus and Thomas Horsch – are leaving their clubs at the end of this season.

Straus has led a period of success for Bayern: winning the league for the third consecutive year and now adding the DFB-Pokal to the mix, many have suggested that a new era has dawned in German women’s football.

Whether Wolfsburg have fallen or their competition grown stronger, Straus’ tenure in Munich has taken Bayern to new heights, meeting Wolfsburg’s domination with smart recruitment and an absolute determination that winning starts with team cohesion.

The team has also been besieged by injuries this year. England’s Georgia Stanway had been a pillar in the Bayern midfield, and in her absence, other players have had to play slightly out of position.

It is a testament to the team’s togetherness that this has been handled easily; Caro Simon played in Stanway’s role against Bremen, putting in a sublime performance.

The action

The team from Munich were ahead within the opening ten minutes. In a typically team-crafted goal that started its journey with a ball out from captain Glodis Viggosdottir in the back, her long ball met Giulia Gwinn who hit the crossbar. From there, Lea Schuller headed the rebound into the back of the net.

Werder had their moments in the opening period – however the Bayern press was too strong, and Simon got the second within half an hour. Seconds before half-time, Bremen got a goal back through a textbook counterattack, as Rieke Dieckmann volleyed in from a Tuana Mahmoud cross.

Bayern had the most success utilising their wide players. Gwinn, Simon, and then Tuva Hansen put plenty of crosses into the Bremen box, as they created chance after chance.

They finally made it 3-1 just after the hour mark, as Schuller met Hansen’s cross and headed in for her second of the game. It was the wing that was utilised again ten minutes later, as Schuller got her hattrick.

Above: Bayern Munich Frauen celebrate. Photo: @FCBfrauen on X.

The final quarter progressed in much the same way, with Bayern dominant and Werder creating the odd chance on the counter. As the game ebbed away, a series of set pieces finally resulted in something concrete for Bremen, as Germany U23 international Larissa Mulhaus scored from a free kick outside of the box.

Moving forward

A consolation goal perhaps, but the thousands of Bremen fans bathed in green did not care as they applauded.

Scoring against the reigning champions in the dying stages – with the goal scored by an exciting young prospect – showed the team’s progress, a positive sign as they hope to improve on their league position yet again next year.

For Alexander Straus, it is yet another trophy; he has led the German giants to three consecutive league titles and now a historic double. Upon leaving for California, behind him are a team with a togetherness that both sets them apart and plays a huge role in their continued success.

As Tuva Hansen commented after the game, “We made history today. It’s unbelievable!”.

Above: Bayern coach Alexander Straus ahead of the match. Photo: @FCBfrauen on X.

Teams: BAYERN MUNICH (4-2-3-1): Mahmutovic, Gwinn, Viggosdottir, Eriksson, Simon, Zadrazil, Lohmann, Harder, Damnjanovic, Buhl, Schuller. Substitutes: Grohs, Sembrant, Hansen, Ulbrich, Dallman, Sehitler, Olme, Caruso, Kett.

Scorers: Schuller 6′, 65′, 79, Simon 30′.

WERDER BREMEN (3-4-3): Peng, Nemeth, Ronan, Penner, Wichmann, Walkling, Hausicke, Dieckmann, Keles, Weidauer, Muhlhaus. Substitutes: Schmidt, Nesterova, Dahms, Beck, Wirtz, Arfaoui, Sternad, Emoke, Wieder.

Scorers: Dieckmann 45+2′, Muhlhaus 90+4′.

Referee: Annika Kost

Attendance: 44,400

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What went wrong for Arsenal at Villa Park?

Aston Villa 5 – 2 Arsenal

By Ella McShane (1/5/25)

Above: Arsenal huddle after losing 5-2. Photo: Arsenal Women.

With a win at Villa Park, Arsenal would have put pressure on Chelsea at the top of the Women’s Super League. Mere days after their blockbuster performance that knocked Olympique Lyonnais out of the champions league, the trip to Birmingham would present a different challenge; one that proved too strong, as Arsenal fell 5-2. Impetus Football’s Ella McShane analyses where the Gunners went wrong, and what the Villains did to change the game.

Aston Villa had confidence in their style

The concluding weeks of club football can shine a unique light on both the vulnerability and strength within a league’s respective sides. And last night’s match up between Aston Villa and Arsenal was a demonstrative example. We saw Champions League finalists unravel at the hands of an exceptional Aston Villa side, who were facing relegation from the WSL only weeks ago.  

Aston Villa were refreshingly bold and courageous in their style of play. Their exploitation of space and astute transitions on multiple occasions, rewarded with an exceptional score line and outstanding goals.

The selected example being Jordan Nobbs’ opening goal. The ball began at a crowded Arsenal box and was carefully fed to an accelerated Ebony Salmon. Salmon’s speed on the wing allowed the ball to be delivered to Nobbs onside and open to net.

Above: Jordan Nobbs for Aston Villa. Photo: Aston Villa Women.

The dangers of rotation

The elevation of the score line was simultaneous to a growing confidence in Villa’s tactical identity. This was eventually profitable as risks were taken, and players of every position were intentional in their respective roles: they knew what to do, where to be, and what was going to happen.

Arsenal’s starting eleven was an unfamiliar group to the bold font of the team sheet. Subsequently, there was a lack of cohesiveness that came with these newfound partnerships – highlighting a potential lack of depth of the North London side.

On multiple occasions, Arsenal’s midfield was unable to take control of tempo or possession. The backline was caught off guard by Villa’s courageous attacking style of play. And when it ultimately came down to a Villa attacker and Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, the keeper’s decisions were misjudged, and Villa shots at goal found net with ease.

The ultimate 5-2 score line deservingly went in favour of Aston Villa. However, the physical and emotional toll of Sunday’s triumphant Champions League win in Lyon must be factored in when discussing Arsenal’s performance.

Arsenal’s Leah Williamson stated that the game was tough “physically, emotionally maybe it drained us a little too much”. The quick turnaround contributes to the ever-growing discourse surrounding the overloaded women’s football schedule.

Arsenal next face a trip to Brighton, before ending the season at home to Manchester United. Villa next face a resurgent West Ham side, in a duel that should be close.

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A-League Women Awards: April 2025

Above: Impetus’ Player of the Month for April, Izzy Holly McNamara (centre). Photo: Melbourne City.

Each month, Impetus‘ team of writers and photographers who cover the competition will vote to decide their best player, head coach, and young player in the A-League Women. Here are the winners from April.

Player of the month:
Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)

The Golden Boot winner, the star of the league and the Melbourne City Invincible, Holly Mac is Impetus’s player of the month for April. The Matildas striker scored three goals in April as she helped City finish top of the table and complete a season long unbeaten run.

Her finishing has been excellent, her movement sometimes thrilling and her ability to decide games seems to be increasing with each week. April was another outstanding month for the brilliant young striker and with two more trophies to win, it can still get better for Holly Mcnamara.

Young player of the month:
Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City)
Above: It’s been an excellent month for Alexia Apostolakis. Photo: Melbourne City.

It’s an all City month, but when you win the league without losing a game it is hard to ignore the individual quality that makes that happen.

Apostolakis has not been as spectacular as some young players in April, but rarely plays a wrong pass of mistimes a tackle in the Melbourne City defence.

She earned a call up to the Matildas squad as a train-on player at the start of the month and despite being only 18, that felt overdue.

Apostolakis was once again crucial for April’s two league games, where City had to get results to win the league. She is an assured and confident presence in a side brimming with talent.

Head Coach of the month
Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City)
Above: A third head coach of the month award for Melbourne City’s Michael Matricciani. Photo: Melbourne City.

Another unbeaten month, leading to the stunning achievement of ending the A-League Women home and away season having not lost a single match.

City were the previous side to go through an entire season without defeat back in 2019/20, but that was over a 12-game season. To do it over 23 matches in the way that Matricciani led his team to this time round is a totally different matter.

On domestic duties this month, Matricciani coached his side to two wins out of two – scoring a total of nine goals in those successes over Newcastle Jets and Perth Glory, conceding just twice.

There’s plenty still for City to achieve in May as they aim to clinch a first A-League Women Grand Final win since 2019/20, and also go into the Semi-Finals of the Asian Champions League.

Those achievements make Matricciani the first person to win an Impetus A-League Women monthly award more than once in a season and ensure his side complete a clean sweep of our awards for April.

Impetus‘ A-League Award Winners 2024/25:

November 2024:

Player: Tameka Yallop (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Sarah O’Donoghue (Perth Glory).

Head Coach: Alex Smith (Brisbane Roar).

December 2024:

Player: Laini Freier (Brisbane Roar).

Young Player: Tiana Fuller (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

January 2025:

Player: Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City).

Young Player: Alyssa Whinham (Wellington Phoenix).

Head Coach: Jeff Hopkins (Melbourne Victory).

February 2025:

Player: Chelsie Dawber (Adelaide United).

Young Player: Jessika Nash (Central Coast Mariners).

Head Coach: Adrian Stenta (Adelaide United).

March 2025:

Player: Izzy Gomez (Central Coast Mariners).

Young Player: Alana Murphy (Melbourne Victory).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

April 2025:

Player: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City).

Young Player: Alexia Apostolakis (Melbourne City).

Head Coach: Michael Matricciani (Melbourne City).

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Chelsea edge past Manchester United to win sixth consecutive title

Manchester United 0 – 1 Chelsea

By Boh Blythin (30/4/25)

Above: Chelsea celebrate their sixth successive league win. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.

Ahead of the game, Arsenal lost to Aston Villa, meaning that Chelsea would be crowned champions with two games to spare if they avoided a loss to Manchester United. In a tight duel that could have gone either way, Lucy bronze secured Chelsea’s sixth consecutive Women’s Super League title by scoring from a corner.

During the first 20 minutes, Manchester United were bold, with the hosts playing aggressively and without fear. Dutch midfielder Dominique Janssen made a daring opening challenge on Bronze which the crowd enjoyed. Both teams had early chances, but neither side managed to reach the back of the net. 

Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez went down after a race with United captain Maya Le Tissier, who had covered the backline exceptionally. Determined to continue, she returned to the pitch. However she didn’t last long.

Rytting Kaneryd was subbed on and took her place, whilst Beever-Jones moved further inside to the position of a number nine. Chelsea’s players easily adapted and the substitute had an immediate impact.

Many more opportunities came as the game continued with a fast pace. Nothing could make it past Phallon Tullis-Joyce or Hannah Hampton, proving how crucial each goalkeeper has been to their team this season.

Manchester United once again started the second half on the front foot. They had the better of the chances, however couldn’t find the goal.

The Red Devils carried on the way they finished the first half with Melvine Malard immediately taking a chance, attempting to set the tone for the rest of the game. Manchester United really pushed Chelsea all the way with their intense gameplay, trying to find a point to break through. 

By the 70th minute changes were made to United’s side, with Toone, Terland and Sandberg coming on to replace Malard, Clinton and George. This suggested head coach Marc Skinner’s gameplan: get to the hour mark without conceding, then bring on the impact substitutions.

With only 15 minutes to go, Lucy Bronze jumped highest, meeting the ball from a corner and headed into the net to give Chelsea the lead. Seven minutes were added to the game but despite chances Manchester United were unable to turn it around . 

Above: Lucy Bronze celebrates her goal with teammates. Photo: @ChelseaFCW on X.

Manchester United came across as the better side tonight at Leigh Sports Village, showing a strong and passionate performance but it was just not enough. The final whistle blew and Chelsea were crowned champions, for the sixth time straight! This is an incredible achievement for Sonia Bompastor, who has only been managing the side for a year since Emma Hayes’ departure. 

When the teams next meet at Wembley, will Chelsea be able to take the win against the reds and crown themselves FA Cup champions and treble winners, or will Manchester United retain the trophy? The FA Cup final is on Sunday 18th May.

Teams: MANCHESTER UNITED (4-3-2-1): Tullis-Joyce, Rivière, Le Tissier (c), Turner, George, Miyazawa, Janssen, Bizet, Clinton, Galton, Malard. Substitutes: Middleton-Patel, Rendell, Mannion, Sandberg, Awujo, Griffiths, Naalsund, Toone, Terland.

CHELSEA (4-4-2): Hampton, Bronze, Bright (c), Girma, Charles, Walsh; Kaptein, Cuthbert, Baltimore, Beever-Jones, Ramirez. Substitutes: Spencer, Nusken, Macario, Reiten, Lawrence, Rytting Kaneryd, Hamano, Mpome, Jean-Francois.

Scorer: Bronze 74′

Referee: Abigail Byrne

Attendance: 4,029.

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