FA Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Taylor says Pep Guardiola is ‘avid’ fan of Man City women and has shared pearls of wisdom ahead of FA Cup final

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY women’s boss Gareth Taylor revealed Pep Guardiola has been sharing his pearls of wisdom ahead of the FA Cup final.
      The Citizens are looking to defend their trophy as they take on Everton at Wembley in the mouthwatering showpiece on Sunday afternoon.

      Gareth Taylor will lead Manchester City women out against Everton at Wembley for the FA Cup final on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      ManCity became history makers under Pep Guardiola after achieving the first ever English domestic treble

      The women will face off for the 2019-20 final that was supposed to be played out in May, but had to be postponed amid the coronavirus crisis.
      Taylor has been racking the brains of Etihad boss Guardiola, who led the men’s side to victory in a historic 6-0 thrashing over Watford last year. 
      They completed the first domestic clean sweep by a male team a year earlier – but the women had ALREADY reached that milestone.
      Pep has been closely following the women’s progress this year in the lead up to their big day at the national stadium.

      Taylor said: “I like to speak to a lot of people. I managed to speak to the manager, Pep, a couple of weeks ago.
      “And the first thing he asked me was, ‘when is the final!?’, so you know it’s great that he’s keeping an avid interest in it as well.
      “He has been hugely supportive, considering the amount of games and the heavy schedule that they’ve got on their plate, playing Champions League and then back to the Premier League.

      Manchester City won the Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 win over West Ham in 2019

      Pep Guardiola’s side equalled the biggest ever men’s win in an FA Cup final with their 6-0 drubbing of Watford in 2019

      “That’s the beauty of being at City. It really does feel like a family, and everyone’s really behind us and supporting us and wanting us to do well.”

      In 2019 Pep brutally shutdown a reporter ahead of the men’s FA Cup final, who said: “You’ve got the prospect of winning the first ever domestic treble in this country.”
      To which the Spanish boss coolly replied: “The first time for the men. The women have won it.”
      Everton chief Carlo Ancelotti arranged a video call with women’s manager Willie Kirk this week to wish him and his side good luck. 
      The Italian boss, who lifted the FA Cup trophy in 2010 with Chelsea, told Kirk: “To play the final is always exciting. In Italy we used to say, ‘you don’t have to play the final, you have to win the final!’
      “It is a great achievement to play a final of the FA Cup. Good memories, fantastic atmosphere.
      “I will have to record the game because you play at the same time as us! We are all behind you.”
      You can watch live coverage of the Women’s FA Cup final on Sunday, November 1, on BBC One, iPlayer and BBC Sport, with kick off 2.30pm.

      Watch as WSL referee Lucy Oliver books a Brighton player TWICE without sending them off More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      World Cup winner Rose Lavelle set for Man City debut in FA Cup tie against Arsenal, hints Gareth Taylor

      by

      GARETH TAYLOR teased the prospect of World Cup winner Rose Lavelle making her debut for Manchester City in their Women’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
      Taylor’s players face the Gunners on Thursday in the semis of a contest delayed from last term because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

      2

      Rose Lavelle could be set to make her debut for Manchester City on Thursday evening Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      His team, which includes Lavelle, 25, and her US teammate Sam Mewis among their new signings, are vying for a place in the final of a competition they have won twice.
      And the City boss reckons the USA playmaker, who helped knock the Lionesses out of the World Cup last year, is “keen” to make her mark.
      Taylor, 47, said: “Rose has been training hard. What we’re trying to do with her is just make sure that when she is introduced –  which is hopefully over the next couple of games, that she’s ready –  because she is quite slight in stature and she had an issue when she first came to us with a slight injury.

      “She has been really keen to get back in and start joining in the matches.
      “It’s just been a case of keeping the reins on her slightly, just before we let her go and do her thing so, hopefully, we start to see that and, again, it gives us another option, which is great.
      Taylor’s players, who defeated a high-energy Leicester City in the quarter-finals, will host Joe Montemurro’s Arsenal at the Academy Stadium.
      The North London side, who lost to Chelsea in the finals in 2018, have won the cup on 14 occasions.

      And the Gunners boss, whose line-up is likely to include Lisa Evans, the hat-trick hero from their win against Tottenham, says his team will take a “do or die” approach.

      2

      Lavelle (right) and her USA team-mate Alex Morgan are among several NWSL stars who joined Women’s Super League clubs this term Credit: Reuters

      Montemurro, 51, said: “There needs to be a level of patience also tomorrow, because they are a very good ball playing side, and we just need to be smart in terms of picking our times and our ability to win the ball back.
      “But it’s a do or die and there are moments in the game that we need to make sure we’re prepared for and don’t let ourselves down.”
      “The team that get into their rhythm as quick as possible and is able to control and dictate is going to be very very important because we are similar footballing sides.”

      Man City complete £64m Ruben Dias transfer More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Leicester Women’s ace Holly Morgan aims for FA Cup upset against Man City

      by

      HOLLY MORGAN is part of a unique family set-up at Leicester City Women’s football club.
      The Foxes ace is the only captain of a Women’s Championship side managed by a head coach who is also her brother.

      5

      Holly Morgan says Leicester are aiming to ‘put on a show’ against Man City in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      On Sunday Morgan, 27, will skipper a group of Leicester players attempting to pull off a quarter-final shock in the Women’s FA Cup.
      And the centre-back, who shares her surname with her famous counterpart in Brendan Rodgers’ team, is aiming to defeat one of the Women’s Super League big guns.
      The Foxes captain and her team-mates, who include former Reading ace Remi Allen, will take on Manchester City for a place in the FA Cup’s semis.

      And the centre-back, who has been with Leicester since age 11, was in a bullish mood before the clash with a side which includes two World Cup winners.
      Morgan said: “Man City are solid team and that was before the signings they’ve made.
      “With the new signings, they’ve only got stronger and better. But at the end of the day, we’re excited about the fixture.
      “We’re there to compete and we’re there to show that we’re not just making up the numbers.

      “We’re there to progress further into FA Cup and we’re ready to put on a show.”

      5

      Morgan (right) and her Foxes team-mates are currently second in the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      5

      Leicester have strengthened their squad with former Reading midfielder Remi Allen (left) joining their ranks this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2020 has been a year of big changes for Leicester, who are currently second in the Women’s Championship and aiming for WSL promotion.
      Foxes icon Emile Heskey, 42, was appointed the team’s football ambassador.
      And the squad became a professional outfit this term after being acquired by the King Power owners of Leicester’s Prem side.

      We have a very good working dynamic and there is a lot of trust in Holly as captain
      Jonathan Morgan – Leicester City Women’s Manager

      The Morgan family have been at the heart of these transformations with Holly’s father Rohan as the club chair, her sister Jade working as general manager, and her brother Jonathan as team boss.

      5

      Jonathan Morgan’s Leicester players beat Reading to claim their place in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the former Hinckley United player has no qualms about managing a side captained by his sister.
      But the Foxes manager reckons it can sometimes be “an easy Achilles heel”.
      Jonathan said: “I’ve been doing it (coaching Holly) for six years now with lots of positives and a couple of negatives. 

      5

      Emile Heskey became Leicester City’s women’s football ambassador this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “There’s obviously not being too soft on her so people think, ‘oh, why are you being soft on her?’
      “It’s an easy get out of jail card for people sometimes and it is an easy Achilles heel because she’s my sister.
      “But we have a very good working dynamic and there is a lot of trust in Holly as captain.”

      Jamie Vardy signs new Leicester deal until 2023 keeping him at Foxes until he is 36 More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Emile Heskey revels in new role ahead of Leicester’s clash with Man City

      by

      EMILE HESKEY says he is loving the “family” vibe of being back at Leicester.
      And the Foxes icon paid tribute to the club this week after sharing his delight at becoming their first women’s football ambassador.

      3

      Emile Heskey, who is Leicester City’s women’s football ambassador, says he has always ‘gravitated’ back to the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Liverpool star said: “I represented a lot of clubs but I always gravitated back to Leicester.
      “I was born and raised here, I played here and when I left to play for other clubs, they never really had the same feeling in terms of a family environment.
      “We did everything together and you saw that with the men’s team — and you are seeing that with the women, too.

      “About 15 years ago, my friend was a coach and asked me to talk to the women’s team. I gave a speech and fast forward to now and I’m back.”
      Heskey, 42, enjoyed a stellar 18-year career in the Premier League making 516 appearances including 124 at Leicester.

      “Women’s football has always been there, but it hasn’t really been pushed
      Emile Heskey

      The former Anfield frontman, who played in this year’s Soccer Aid alongside ex-Arsenal ace Kelly Smith, says he has been a long-term admirer of the women’s game.
      And while the Leicester-born forward praised Ian Wright for encouraging more fans to follow the sport, he believes Smith and figures like Brighton boss Hope Powell, should get more recognition.

      3

      Emile Heskey will be mentoring members of Leicester City’s women’s team as part of his new role at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Heskey added: “Women’s football has always been there, but it hasn’t really been pushed.
      ‘’I remember Doncaster Belles and I played in Soccer Aid with Kelly Smith and you realise how good they actually are.
      “It’s great to have Ian Wright and myself helping, but there are a lot of people who have done far more than we have.

      3

      Heskey believes players like ex-England playmaker Kelly Smith deserve greater recognition for their contribution to women’s footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Hope Powell is one of the reasons I started watching the national team.”
      In his new role, the 62-cap Three Lions striker, 43, will offer coaching advice to the Foxes’ women’s squad as well as mentoring their players.
      Leicester, second in the Championship, face WSL juggernauts Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

      Jamie Vardy signs new Leicester deal until 2023 keeping him at Foxes until he is 36 More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Women’s FA Cup seals record sponsorship deal with Vitality with prize fund set for review and Alex Scott as ambassador

      by

      THE Women’s FA Cup has sealed a record three-year sponsorship deal with Vitality ahead of the postponed quarter-finals of the 2019-20 competition.
      Kelly Simmons, the FA’s director of the Women’s Game, revealed there has been a “significant investment” from the health and life insurance company.

      2

      Man City won the last Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 win over West HamCredit: Peter Tarry – The Sunday Times

      And while she wasn’t able to disclose the exact figure, she confirmed the prize-fund will also be reviewed.
      The winners of the women’s competition currently receive £25,000, whereas the winning men’s team will rake in an eye-watering £1.8MILLION next term.
      The men’s prize money was slashed in half from the £3.6m Arsenal received for beating Chelsea in August, due to the financial implications of Covid-19.
      Simmons said: “This is obviously day one of a brand-new partnership so we need to look at where we can take this investment,

      “And deliver the best value in terms of our aspirations around building and developing the women’s FA Cup. The prize fund will be part of that review.
      “Bringing a major brand in like Vitality at this moment demonstrates the power of women’s football and where the game is, and that brands and other partners want to get involved.
      “It’s been well documented we’ve had a lot of commercial interest in the WSL as well.
      “So, I think it says strongly really where women’s football is at. It’s on a big growth trajectory.”

      2

      Alex Scott (left) lifted the trophy with Kelly Smith (right) at Wembley with Arsenal in 2016Credit: PA:Press Association

      Arsenal and England legend Alex Scott, was announced as Vitality’s new ambassador this week.
      The former right-back has won seven FA Cups with the Gunners and recalls lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating Chelsea in 2016.
      She said: “I think the last time I won it with Arsenal I remember crying like a baby.
      “It was that emotional for me and I knew I was coming towards the end of my career.
      “So, to finally be able to play in the FA Cup, about seven times, and to finally get the showpiece game at Wembley now for the women,
      “For me to walk those stairs and lift the trophy was really the highlight of my career.
      “It’s just that moment is what you dream of as a young kid to be able to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final.
      “Even from my early days at Arsenal, we always knew that was a goal,
      “You want to get to the FA Cup final because it always has been and always will be the showpiece event in women’s football.”
      A peak audience of 2.2m watched Manchester City power to victory over West Ham in the 2019 final of the competition – with over 43,000 watching at Wembley.

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Eric Dier reveals all over Tottenham bust-up with fan in stands after ‘f*** you’ row with his brother

      by

      ERIC DIER told his Tottenham team-mates of his frustration and anger after he climbed into the stands to confront a fan.
      The defender was given a four-match ban and fined £40,000 by the FA for the incident.

      2

      The details of Eric Dier’s bust-up with a fan in the stands is revealed in Tottenham’s All Or Nothing documentaryCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      It happened at the end of Spurs’ FA Cup defeat on penalties at home to Norwich in March.
      Amazon Prime’s new documentary about the club, All Or Nothing, shows Dier returning to the dressing room afterwards.
      He tells the other players: “I was looking for my brother in the stand and there was a guy a couple of rows in front of my brother and he was going like this, ‘F*** you, f*** you, s***’.
      “He was a Tottenham fan, yeah, two rows below my brother.

      “That’s where my mother sits, that’s where my sister sits and everyone’s families sit.”
      The England star added: “Our parents have to stand there and have someone two rows in front call you a c*** and f***ing son of a b****, and a p**** and s*** and this — and they think it’s OK.”
      The documentary also revealed Daniel Levy’s command to Jose Mourinho to win trophies.
      Spurs have not lifted any silverware since the 2008 League Cup — and for their last top-flight title you have to go all the way back to 1961.

      2

      The Tottenham star climbed over the seats to confront a fan who was swearing in front of his brother

      Chairman Levy, who was appointed in 2001, said: “Tottenham when I took over was a much smaller club than it is today.
      “I saw this club as a sleeping giant. We are now in a period where we need to win.
      “I am a Spurs fan and I want to see this club continue to grow — and I want to see trophies.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League referee and linesman BOTH spotted kissing their medal by eagle-eyed viewers after Bayern’s win over PSG

      by

      THE Champions League officials could barely keep their excitement in as they BOTH kissed their medal.
      Bayern Munich became European kings for the sixth time after Kingsley Coman’s second-half header was enough to win the game.

      2

      The Champions League officials could barely keep their excitement in as they BOTH kissed their medal

      Superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe were heartbroken after finishing runners-up.
      But referee Daniele Orsato and his assistant Lorenzo Manganelli were just as happy as the Bayern players as he beamed while collecting his medal.
      The Italian pair even gave it a kiss for good measure having helped officiate the biggest game of the campaign.
      Eagle-eyed viewers hailed the linesman for his passion post-match.

      One said: “These refs work their entire careers and majority of their life to ref this match! He’s proud!”
      Another said: “It’s means as much to them to officiate a final as it does a player to win it. It’s the pinnacle of their profession.”

      He touched the trophy on the way out at the start of the match. This, the Euros final and the World Cup final are the biggest honour an official can receive. Fair play to him.
      — Richard Clarke (@rgclarke92) August 23, 2020

      It’s means as much to them to officiate a final as it does a player to win it. It’s the pinnacle of their profession
      — Marty Mc Clorey (@MartyMcClorey) August 23, 2020

      The squad in the VAR room had a different night, though, having been questioned for not intervening following a collision with Joshua Kimmich and Mbappe.
      Referee Daniele Orsato indicated his belief that German Kimmich got the ball as the play unfolded.

      But replays suggested that was not the case, with Mbappe touching the ball away before hitting the deck.
      Whether that represented a clear and obvious error from the referee was left up for debate.
      BT Sport’s commentators insisted they had not received any signal that VAR had even checked the incident.

      Former Premier League referee Peter Walton stated that the decision could easily have been overturned.
      He said: “The more we look at it in slow motion, the more we can clearly see there was contact on Kylian Mbappe’s heel.
      “And it could have been given as a penalty kick.”

      2

      Bayern Munich became European kings for the sixth time

      Manuel Neuer lifts second Champions League trophy with Bayern Munich as German champions become first team ever to win ever game in a Champions League season More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup replays AXED for 2020/21 season in desperate bid to get competition finished in jam-packed campaign

      by

      REPLAYS have been ditched from every round of the FA Cup next season to make sure the competition gets played.
      Ties will all be decided in one day from the extra preliminary round on September 1 right through to the final on May 15.

      1

      The 2020/21 FA Cup will have no replays to help cram the competition into a jam-packed seasonCredit: EPA
      FA bosses have been forced to make the unprecedented change in order to cram their competition into what is fast becoming a crazily-packed fixture programme.
      The qualifying rounds will be resolved by the end of October, before the first round proper sees teams from Leagues One and Two enter the tournament on November 7.
      Third-round ties will be played on or around January 9. That is the stage where Premier League and Championship sides join the competition.
      Last season, replays were scrapped from the fifth round onwards, with Spurs’ 3-2 win over Southampton on February 5 the last one of the 2019/20 FA Cup.

      Arsenal lifted the trophy for a record-extending 14th time, beating Chelsea in the final on August 1.
      Teams throughout the leagues are facing major problems getting their games played.
      The first four rounds of the Carabao Cup now confirmed to be crammed into September.
      Round one, involving EFL sides, will be played on September 5.

      That is just one week before the league campaigns are due to kick-off.
      Then rounds two, three and four will be staged each midweek from September 15/16.
      Premier League sides enter the tournament in the second round, except for those involved in European competitions who come in a round later.

      Watch Aubameyang drop FA Cup as two-goal Arsenal hero celebrates at Wembley More