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    Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal can turn fight for Women’s Champions League final spot around

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    RENEE SLEGERS vows Arsenal will use memories of their past trouncing of Lyon to keep their Champions League final hopes alive. Her Gunners fell to a narrow 2-1 loss on Saturday afternoon after Melchie Dumornay’s goal thwarted the chance of a draw.Kadidiatou Diani gave Lyon a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates after her strike was found to be onside following a VAR checkCredit: GettyArsenal won a second-half penalty after Lyon keeper Christiane Endler was adjudged to have fouled Leah Williamson whilst attempting to punch the ball awayCredit: AlamyMariona Caldentey levelled the match with her spot-kick after sending Endler the wrong way with 12 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: AlamyBut Dumornay, pictured with celebrating with Lyon skipper Wendi Renard, restored her side’s lead in the 82nd minuteCredit: GettyThe visitors’ first-leg semis triumph ensured ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro made his return to the Emirates a victorious one.The Gunners now face the challenge having to stun their rivals on the road with the French giants carrying a one-goal advantage. And they hope to win their second leg battle by at least two goals with a spot battling Barcelona or Chelsea in the final at stake.The last time the North London side appeared in the contest’s decider was in 2007 when they lifted the trophy after beating Umea in a two-legged tie. Read More Football StoriesArsenal gaffer Slegers, whose team visit Lyon next Sunday, said: “We’re not happy with the result, because we did really well getting the equaliser and that was the least we wanted. “And after that goal we felt like we could potentially score another. “As the game turned out, especially in the second half, the draw or  the win was what we were going for.”The last time Arsenal took on Lyon away in the Champions League was during the group stage of the contest almost three years ago. Most read in FootballBack in October 2022 they demolished the French giants 5-1 with Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord both netting twice with Frida Maanum also on the scoresheet. However the Lyon team they will battle in the second leg next Sunday will be quite different to the side they faced back then. Aside from Dumornay their attacking options currently includes Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga with the former among the scorers in today’s game. However, Slegers is bullish about her side’s chances of turning things around.The Gunners head coach adds: “Arsenal has done it before against Lyon away and has won by big numbers.”It’s going to be on a pitch, 11 versus 11, and we have all the opportunities to win that game next Sunday.”With Real Madrid getting dispatched in Europe by Arsenal’s women’s and men’s sides, the hosts came into this game full of confidence. However it was Lyon who struck first snatching a 17th-minute lead through Diani’s bottom-corner strike, following a fairly balanced opening quarter Her opener was initially disallowed before a VAR check showed she had been played onside with Arsenal’s defence caught out by her pace and one long ball forward. Later Dumornay hit the crossbar with a chipped effort after spotting keeper Manuela Zinsberger off her line. And there was a scary moment for the hosts when skipper Leah Williamson dropped to the turf in pain before getting up moments later after getting caught on the shin by the Lyon forward.And the hosts almost levelled proceedings with an effort from Alessia Russo striking the crossbarArsenal cranked up the intensity of their attack in the second-half. This eventually paid off when they won a pen after a VAR check found goalkeeper Christiane Endler had struck Williamson while trying to punch the ball away. Mariona Caldentey converted for hosts in the 78th minute. But hopes of a point were wrecked by Dumornay’s ruthless 82nd-minute striking flying past Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger after a rapid counter.Despite Arsenal’s loss Montemurro praised how far the team had come since time in charge. And the Lyon boss, whose players are so far still unbeaten in this term’s contest, admits his side suffered before sealing their first-leg victory. Montemurro said: “I’m not sure there are many people that come to this iconic stadium against a very good team and expect to not suffer a little bit. “And we suffered, but it balanced itself out in the end.Lyon boss Joe Montemurro reckons the pressure may be off Arsenal in the second leg despite his side’s one-goal advantageCredit: Getty”It’s not over yet. This thing is not over and maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal. Read More on The Sun”They’re 2-1 down, they’re coming to Lyon and whatever happens, happens. “But it’s a dangerous scenario and they’re a good team.” More

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      Renee Slegers backs Arsenal to ‘take opportunity’ to reach Women’s Champions League final ‘by the throat’

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      RENEE SLEGERS urged Arsenal to go for the jugular in the first round of their battle with Lyon for a Women’s Champions League final spot. The Gunners will face one of their biggest tests this term when they face the contest’s record winners at the Emirates on Saturday. Renee Slegers believes Arsenal have enough quality to see off the threat posed by LyonCredit: GettyAlessia Russo is expected to return to action when Arsenal face the French giants following an injury she sustained on England dutyCredit: GettyForward Chloe Kelly will also be available for the Gunners having worked her way back to fitness following a foot injuryCredit: PAAnd they have been given a fitness boost with Alessia Russo’s and Chloe Kelly’s return from injury. However goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar is still sidelined, with the Netherlands stopper set to miss encoubter.    The lunchtime clash will see Slegers’ players push for a first-leg semis victory. A result that would put them one win or draw away from reaching the contest’s decider for the first time since 2007. Read More Football Stories It was during that year, under former boss Vic Akers, the Gunners made history becoming the first English side to lift the trophy. Arsenal boss Slegers, 36, said: “We want to go for it and take the opportunity by the throat.”There will be an enormous crowd so we’re going to go from the start because we enjoy playing at the Emirates. “We know this is our chance and I think 40,000 tickets have been soldMost read in Football“We’re at one of the final stages of the Champions League. It’s a huge moment.”A 5-1 drubbing of Leicester on Tuesday was Arsenal’s last result at the Emirates. The win led to them cutting Chelsea’s lead at the WSL’s summit to three points. However Lyon will be a far different proposition to the Foxes, with the latter currently having the worst away record in the WSL this term. The French giants, currently managed by ex-Gunners boss Joe Montemurro, have won the trophy eight times since 2011. The most recent of those triumphs came almost three years ago when they beat current holders Barcelona 3-1 under former boss Sonia BompastorUnder the head coach, who now manages Chelsea, they also reached last season’s final where they fell to a 2-0 loss to Spain’s reigning champions. This term Lyon have scored 24 times in the tournament whilst conceding just twice in the tournament. Despite the visitors’ formidable Champions League form, Slegers reckons Arsenal has the quality to see off the European heavyweights. She adds: “I have huge respect for their history and what they have been doing and producing in the Champions League “But us playing at the Emirates, and the hunger and the belief that we have at the moment, we’re going to go and play our game to the best we can.”Even though we have huge respect for their qualities and threats, we believe we can do something.”Among the Gunners aces certain to be starting later is versatile forward Mariona Caldentey. The Spain superstar, 29, knows all about helping a club make Champions League history having won it three-times with her old side Barcelona. And Caldentey reckons Arsenal have the hunger they need to end their 18-year wait to become queens of Europe once again. Joe Montemurro’s Lyon are currently top of the table in France’s top tier and have conceded just two goals in eight Champions League games this termCredit: AlamyShe said: “We want to win titles and the Champions League is a big one. “We are still a bit far away right now, it’s three games for that.Read More on The Sun”But everyone is hungry for it so it’s a mentality we need to keep. We are here because we deserve it.”Arsenal vs Lyon in the first leg of the Women’s Champions League semi-finals can be watched live from 12:30pm on April 19 on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ More

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      Manchester United ace Phallon Tullis-Joyce insists there is no ‘half-a**ing’ in her pursuit of success on the pitch

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      PHALLON TULLIS-JOYCE does not “half-a**” anything – whether it is football or adding to her extensive knowledge of marine biology. This approach has served the clever, quick-witted Manchester United goalkeeper well on and off the pitch. Phallon Tullis-Joyce and her Manchester United team-mates take on Man City for a place in this year’s Women’s FA Cup finalCredit: GettyThe Red Devils stopper currently has the highest number of clean sheets in the WSL this term and says her team-mates have played a big part in thisCredit: ReutersOn the international stage Tullis-Joyce kept a cleansheet for Emma Hayes’ USA team when they beat Brazil 1-0 in a friendly this monthCredit: GettyThe Man United stopper hopes to start in more games for the United States following senior international debut this monthCredit: GettyGrowing up on Long Island, New York, in the United States, there was nothing half-arsed about the graft Tullis-Joyce, 28, put in to become one of her country’s most talented shot stoppers. The Red Devils ace has fond memories of hurdling waste bins as part of training. An activity practiced under the watchful eye of goalkeeping expert Kurt Kelley, head coach of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Programme.Training with Kelley from the age of 12, with encouragement from her mother Patricia, instilled a work ethic that helped an athlete, who also trained in basketball, with her rise to the top.Read More Football StoriesThere is no half-arsing in the Tullis-Joyce dictionary. That’s very much a premise of my mother as well.Phallon Tullis-Joyce Tullis-Joyce, whose club side face Manchester City at 3:00pm today in the Women’s FA Cup semis, said: “I wasn’t too bad at basketball “But with goalkeeping, there’s a special feeling when it comes to flying through the air. That’s why that propelled me to stay in soccer. “I started training with Kurt right from the start when I was 12-years-old. “At that time, I wasn’t making it into progressive teams, like the regional team or I wasn’t really progressing too much.Most read in Football”And Kurt was like, ‘You know what, that’s fair. You have a lot of things you need to work on’. “I was so hurt but he just was able to give me that honest feedback.”He was the one that was having me jump over trash cans and just on the brink of puking in sessions. “He really instilled the work ethic of like, ‘if you want this, you got to go for it. There is no half-arsing this’. “That’s very much a premise of my mother as well. There is no half-arsing in the Tullis-Joyce dictionary.”Kurt has a facility called KK Athletics Indoor Sports. He would lay out different flags and different trash cans.”The other goalkeepers there would lie in an army crawl position and I would have to hop over them for the save. “It definitely taught me to be fearless. “I’ve had plenty of people in my youth who would say, ‘keep your standards, always keep your standards’. I’m very appreciative of those people.”My mum has been such a massive proponent of my (football) career and just who I am especially when I’m speaking of academics. “She put that on a pedestal and rightfully so. You get your education first and then everything else is a bonus.” Tullis-Joyce describes her football journey from then to now as a “lucky one”. A journey that involved playing for Miami Hurricanes in the USA’s college football system while studying for bachelor and masters degrees in marine biology subjects at the University of Miami. It was at the university that Tullis-Joyce continued to hone the skills that have led her second USA international call-up. After graduation came an April 2019 move to then second tier French side Reims, helping them win promotion to France’s top-flight for the 2019-20 season. Back then the team was managed by Amandine Miquel, who now coaches Leicester City and sees Tullis-Joyce as one of the best goalkeepers in the WSL.    In April 2021 the American joined US side Seattle Reign, where she was shortlisted for an NWSL shot stopper of the year prize, before joining Man United in September 2023.  Following Mary Earps’s departure for Paris Saint-Germain last July, Tullis-Joyce  established herself as the Red Devils’ first choice keeper.  This term she currently tops the WSL’s clean sheet chart  with 12 shutouts in 18 top-flight games. She adds:  “I’ve learned so much this season. “I’m happy to be in this position and grateful for my defenders and the entire team defending in front of me”They all are a part of that race for the (WSL’s) Golden Gloves.”I’ve learned so much this season and there’s just so much to gain out of this, especially with my goalkeeper coach and goalkeeper union around me.”Red Devils boss Marc Skinner said: “Phallon is an incredibly intelligent woman. “That’s really important because she’s very aware of what’s needed to be Man United’s number one. “But she will be the first to say the defending team ahead of her has helped that as well.”Away from the pitch, studying the ocean is something that has always fascinated Tullis-Joyce.It was always part of my plan to be a marine biologist. I love scuba diving and I don’t just love the ocean. I love the environment in general.Phallon Tullis-JoyceThe USA shot stopper has even given a talk to Year 7 school pupils on the topic of marine biology as part of Man United’s Eco Reds programme.       She adds: “They invited me to come talk to the children about the ocean. “Students take part in different lessons revolving around the environment and sustainability.”I just try to really make it fun for them because at that age, I really just want them to think that it’s cool.”It was always part of my plan to be a marine biologist. I love scuba diving.”It’s just such a serene experience where all you’re doing is breathing and looking at cool animals that have adapted to a really hard environment. Tullis-Joyce, who has degrees in marine biology subjects, is an advocate for protecting the environment and marine life”I don’t just love the ocean. I love the environment in general.”Even seeing little frog eyes pop up and see the reflection of their eyes on the surface of the water and learning now for the first time at 28, the difference between frog spawn and toad spawn. “It’s just so cool. Toad spawn might as well be like udon noodles, whereas frog spawn is like boba. “I’ve just been obsessed with telling my teammates.”This month has seen Tullis-Joyce make her first senior appearance for the USA’s women’s team keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 friendly win against Brazil. Today will see her face the challenge of attempting to help holders United reach a second successive FA Cup final for the first time in their history. Her side, who also hope to seal a top three finish for Champions League qualification, will face West Ham, Chelsea and Man City in their final WSL games this term. As part of her goalkeeping development Tullis-Joyce regularly uses a smart reaction training tool known as BlazePod. It helps shot stoppers, including keepers playing at an elite level, to integrate cognitive fitness into their practice routines. And BlazePod does this by using pads with lighting to test goalkeepers’ reaction speeds. The programme is also used by sports people outside of football including Formula One drivers. Tullis-Joyce adds: “It’s crazy how simple they are (to use), but how much you can do with them.”For me, it’s more just that preparation, even for game days to get used to bright lights in a stadium. “It’s just something that’s constant that I can use so I can always sharpen up my reaction time really quickly.Tullis-Joyce uses a smart reaction practice tool known as BlazePods to help with her reflex training”With Manchester United I would say the biggest impact BlazePods has had for me is my preparation for training.Read More on The Sun”I use them every single day and for game days as well to help with practice for any type of handling and my footwork and peripheral vision. “It really opens up my senses a bit to be ready for the day.” More

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      Leah Williamson to use memorable Arsenal defeat of Bayern Munich as fuel for Real Madrid duel

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON hopes Arsenal’s Champions League knockout of Bayern Munich can fuel their battle for a semi-final spot. Her side are 2-0 down after losing their first-leg quarters game away at Real Madrid last Tuesday.Leah Williamson and her Arsenal team-mates aim to overcome Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finalsCredit: PAThe Gunners need to overcome a two-goal deficit in order to reach the contest’s semi-finals this yearCredit: PAThe last time Williamson’s side reached the contest’s last four was back in March 2023. Back then they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Bayern 2-1 on aggregate. And the Arsenal centre-back, 27,  hopes they can repeat this feat against Real Madrid in one of their biggest games this season. Williamson said: “The experience of overturning the quarter-final against Bayern Munich – that comes in handy for anybody that played in that game. That was a great memory. Read More Football Stories “Anybody that was involved in that game will take confidence from that knowing that we know how to do it.”Good things happen in football, bad things happen in football. “And when the good things happen you keep them in your pocket and just as much as the bad but you call them when you need them.”Arsenal’s game this evening will take place on pristine turf at the Emirates – a stark contrast to the muddy pitch they played on in Spain last week. Most read in FootballHeavy rain in Madrid left the turf at Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in a shabby state with players on sides getting covered in mud. However Williamson refused to blame the conditions for the Gunners’ first-leg defeat. She adds: “We were frustrated but more so at ourselves than anything else.Rainy weather ruined the condition of the pitch Arsenal and Real played on in Spain in the first leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty”Whether pitch, weather, whatever it is, the standards of Arsenal are higher than they were last week.”The last time Arsenal won the Champions League was back in 2007 when they became the first English club to do so. Lifelong Gunners supporter Williamson, who dreams of helping them win again, said: “I’m an Arsenal fan and grew up at this club so that’s the dream.” More

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      Nick Cushing turns focus on WSL clash after Miedema’s Man City brace ends Chelsea’s unbeaten run

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      NICK CUSHING is ready to turn his attention to Manchester City’s WSL test against Chelsea after his side beat them in Europe last night. Vivianne Miedema’s brace sealed City’s 2-0 Champions League quarters first-leg victory, ending the Blues’ 31-game unbeaten run. Nick Cushing guided Manchester City to a hardfought win at Joie Stadium on their return to Champions League actionCredit: AFPTwo second-half goals for Vivianne Miedema sealed City’s quarter-final first leg victoryCredit: AlamyBrazil forward Kerolin impressed for City on her first European outing since joining the club in JanuaryCredit: AlamyThe Netherlands star’s second-half double enabled the Cityzens to avenge their League Cup final loss to Chelsea before their second-leg clash next Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Before then the rivals meet at the Etihad this Sunday at 2:30pm in the top tier. And Cushing is targeting his first match win in the top tier since his Man City return last week. His side are currently fourth in the WSL and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after losing four of their 16 games this term. Read More Football StoriesThe interim Cityzens boss, who oversaw his first game at Joie Stadium since 2019, said: We wanted to win, we’ve won with a two-goal lead. “We can put that one away now and focus on the league game, because our league position isn’t where we want it and Sunday’s game becomes crucial. “After that we prepare for the Stamford Bridge (reverse Champions League) game. “We know any game against Chelsea is going to be incredibly difficult. Most read in Football”The confidence and belief comes from knowing that we can play whatever game is in front of us.”While striker Khadija Shaw and forward Aoba Fujino joining Lauren Hemp on the Cityzens’ crocked list, Cushing opted to start Miedema on the bench on Wednesday night. His side had three first-half shots on target including 19-year-old Lily Murphy’s low strike close to half-time which prompted a comfortable save from keeper Hannah Hampton. With visitors Chelsea content to soak up pressure, Cushing shuffled his deck bringing Miedema on in the second half.The WSL record scorer rewarded him with a 60th-minute shot into the roof of the net before a late strike with two minutes of normal time left. After the match Miedema said:  “I’m honestly happy that I could come on and help the team. Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has backed her Blues to bounce back in their WSL duel with City at the Etihad on March 23Credit: Alamy”This is the standard that we need to set ourselves. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next two games (against Chelsea).”It’s a really special (win). We’ve had a couple of special Champions League nights here this season. “We had the win over Barcelona as well, but this one feels really really good.” More

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      Arsenal hero Ian Wright blasts muddy pitch where Gunners’ fell to a first-leg Champions League loss to Real Madrid

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      IAN WRIGHT branded Real Madrid’s pitch a “f***ing disgrace” as Arsenal’s Champions League bid got stuck in the mud.The Gunners icon said the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium’s surface was worse than the Pride Park pitch, where Chelsea beat Manchester City in Saturday’s League Cup final. Ian Wright was appalled by the condition at Real Madrid’s home ground where the Spanish club hosted their Champions League duel with ArsenalCredit: SportsfileThe wet conditions on the pitch left players covered in mud during the quarter-final first-leg clashCredit: GettyArsenal hope to overturn a 2-0 deficit when the team’s meet next Wednesday in the second leg at the EmiratesCredit: GettyGoals from Real strikers Linda Caicedo and Athenea del Castillo saw Arsenal fall to a quarter-final first-leg defeat. The drenched pitch at the rain-soaked Alfredo di Stefano Stadium, left the Gunners’ women stars and their opponents splattered in mud with some players slipping due to its conditions. In the second half Madrid midfielder and ex-Chelsea ace Melanie Leupolz went off after hurting her knee she attempted to clear the ball up field. In an Instagram video, Women’s Super League ambassador Wright said: “It’s a f***ing disgrace, the pitches these girls have to play on.” Read More Football Stories Light wind and rain had been forecast in Spain’s capital ahead of yesterday’s game. However conditions were very wet ahead of the 5:45pm kick-off. Arsenal boss Renee Slegers said: “We knew the condition of the pitch. “We had a plan for it but then it’s always hard because over a season and over time you work on things and you have an identity the way you want to do things. Most read in FootballRenee Slegers has backed Arsenal to turn things around in their decisive second-leg quarters clashCredit: Getty“So then reality comes and these conditions come and all of a sudden you need to do things differently so that’s hard.”Arsenal will battle to try and overturn the deficit in next Wednesday’s second leg at the Emirates.Slegers added: “We’re all confident we can do something against them at the Emirates because it’s only half time.” More

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      ‘Vinicius Jr is a player who makes me think, if you work hard, you’re going to get things’, says Man City’s Kerolin

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      BRAZIL star Kerolin Nicoli makes no bones about what fuels her big ambition with Manchester City.Becoming the best player in the world and winning a Ballon d’Or is among her targets. Kerolin believes Manchester City have enough talent within their ranks to overcome Chelsea in this year’s Women’s League Cup finalCredit: AlamyAside from helping her club add to their silverware collection the Brazil forward is eager one day win the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyCity will take on unbeaten Chelsea four times this month in the hope of becoming the first team to defeat them this seasonCredit: ReutersAnd helping her new club to win their fifth Women’s League Cup is on her immediate to-do list.On March 15 the Paris Olympics silver medallist, 25, could play in her first cup contest final since her January transfer from US side North Carolina Courage. A first trophy win for City in three years is up for grabs when they battle Chelsea at Pride Park , with the gifted forward eager to make her mark.It is one of their strongest hopes of domestic silverware this term with title chances slim due to their foes’ 12-point lead at the WSL’s summit.  Read More Football StoriesThe 45-capped Brazil forward said: “Before I came here, when I was talking with Man City, this was one thing I was really excited [about]. “It’s a challenge but to play against Chelsea at this moment, it’s really good for us. “They are playing well but we know how we can beat them. “We can take advantage of that and try to win the game. Most read in Football”We have enough players to do that. I know we’re going to do something really special on Saturday.”Whilst chatting to reporters in Man City’s football academy Kerolin jokes about swapping North Carolina’s warmer climes for chilly England.Despite the cold weather the move was no-brainer for a driven player determined to reach the top. We can do our best to win and have the final in our handsKerolin NicoliKerolin adds: “When I was looking for the list of the Ballon d’Or (nominees), I was looking at where the players were playing.”Most of them were here or in Spain. So I was like, why not (move to City)?”I want to be at the top of the list. It’s not going to be easy, but dreams are for that, right?”Fulfilling dreams by being special on the pitch is not unusual for Kerolin, who grew up playing football barefoot against men on the streets of Sao Paulo, in southeast Brazil. Six years after a bone infection led to doctors warning her to avoid contact sports, the forward burst onto the scene at 17 with Brazilian side Ponte Preta. Last August she thrilled Brazil fans at the Paris Olympics  nutmegging goalkeeper Cata Coll before scoring in a 4-2 defeat of Spain in the Games’ football semi-finals. The year before she became the first South American to be named the Most Valuable Player in the United States’ women’s top-flightsTomorrow Kerolin could become the first Brazilian to play for Man City in a Women’s League Cup decider. And she has no fear about this prospectThe forward adds: “I don’t feel pressure to be the first one because at some point I think it’s good. “Also sometimes I don’t remember I’m the first Brazilian here.“We can do our best to win and have the final in our hands. My mind is like, ‘I want to make history’. “We want to take Chelsea (off the top). They are at the top, so why not go for them?” The duel between the WSL giants will be the first of four high-stakes battles between the sides this month. It also comes five days after the club sacked Gareth Taylor, 52, with former boss Nick Cushing, 40, replacing him in the interim. Sandwiched between a City-Chelsea Champions League quarters knockout tie is a WSL clash, with all four fixtures to be played in ten days. For a forward who counts compatriot Vinicius Junior, 24, among the players she likes to watch, these games are a chance to show the strength of Brazilian football. Kerolin said: “Football from Brazil, it’s a little different and Brazilian players have a different style of play. “They have something different. I was thinking, ‘Maybe I could bring this to Manchester and be me.”Playing on the streets is what brought some different things, because we were playing with men. Kerolin says her compatriot and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior is one of the players she likes to watchCredit: Getty”You need more power, to be faster, stronger, and that really means a lot to me. READ MORE SUN STORIES”One player now I’m really excited to keep on watching is Vinicius Jr. “He’s one player who makes me think, ‘if you work hard, you’re going to get things back to you’, because that is what he did.” More

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      Daphne van Domselaar says Arsenal ‘are on a roll’ under Renee Slegers as they aim to extend unbeaten run 

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      DAPHNE VAN DOMSELAAR relishes putting her goalkeeping talents to the test. The upbeat Arsenal star, 24, and her club pals have come through some testing moments in the WSL and Champions League this season. So far this season Daphne van Domselaar currently has the second highest number of clean sheets (six) in the WSLCredit: GettyManuela Zinsberger, Van Domselaar and their team-mates hope Arsenal’s form will lead to trophy wins under Renee SlegersCredit: GettyVan Domselaar and her Gunners pals have conceded just five goals in their past 11 games across competitionsCredit: GettySome mixed results — which included three winless matches at the Emirates — were followed by ex-Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall departing last October. Those early-season hurdles have since been overcome by the resurgent Gunners, who are third and seven points off leaders Chelsea. Following their clash with Crystal Palace this afternoon an away duel with the Blues awaits them next Sunday. In the past three months under their now permanent head coach Renee Slegers, the WSL giants have been on an unbeaten run of ten wins and one draw in the top flight and Europe. Read More Football StoriesMatches in which Van Domselaar, who this term has made 12 WSL and Women’s Champions League appearances, has started in goal. The Dutch international, who began her senior career at FC Twente in 2017, said: “Earlier this season we didn’t feel we were playing as well as we can. “After the change in October, we have a common goal. We’re on a roll. “We kept on winning and have grown in every single game as a team and as individuals. Most read in Football”That’s been great and everyone is on the same page. “Especially from our home win against Valerenga (in the Champions League). “In that moment we got that extra percentage and fire that brought through this streak of winning.” That togetherness and clearness Renee provides gives us more confidence individually as players but also as a team.Daphne van Domselaar A breath of fresh air is how Arsenal’s England forward Beth Mead described Slegers, who has been in charge since that win against Valerenga and earned the respect of fans.It’s a view shared by Van Domselaar who also sees similarities between the Arsenal boss and her Dutch compatriot the Lionesses chief Sarina Wiegman.Van Domselaar adds: “Renee is a really calm coach to have on the sidelines. “That togetherness and that clearness she provides gives us more confidence individually as players but also as a team. “When I speak to the girls here at Arsenal who play for England, they’re really happy with Sarina and her approach in being direct, straightforward and providing clarity. “That’s also what Renee does. She’s really clear and gives us good guidance around things to work on. “That’s something they have in common.”Renee has good staff around her who support her and they are really doing it together.”With four trophies including the WSL title up for grabs, Arsenal hope to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions when they host Palace at 2pm today. And then at Stamford Bridge next Sunday against title holders Chelsea. A match that could see Van Domselaar face her friend and national team-mate Wieke Kaptein.The midfielder, 19, has impressed for the Blues this term in her seven WSL appearances following a one-season loan spell at her former club Twente. The Gunners stopper, who is an avid photographer in her spare time, added: “It’s hard to see Wieke as a Chelsea player. “She’s new to the club and there’s a rivalry but we’ve been friends for longer — I played with her for about four years at Twente. “I just see Wieke as Wieke and it’s great to see her get minutes — but I also want to win against her.Victory against Palace at Meadow Park today would push Arsenal up to second above Manchester City before the Cityzens’ clash with Man United at the Etihad tonight. The matches are two of three derby duels taking place today with West Ham hosting Chelsea. Of course you want to win every cup and competition. Let’s see what the next few months will bringDaphne van DomselaarOf the Gunners derby clash today, Van Domselaar said: “Crystal Palace will be a hard team to play against. “We need to win that and every game.”We’ll give our best against them and from there we’ll go and see what will be at Chelsea. “We’ll do everything to be our best in that moment.”With Arsenal unbeaten under Slegers, Gunners fans will be dreaming of a first title win since 2019.Van Domselaar adds: “Hopefully we can win prizes. That’s what we want to do and what we work for every day”We want to win the Women’s Super League but we’ll go game-by-game and from there we’ll see. “We’d love to win the Champions League one day. “Of course you want to win every cup and competition. Let’s see what the next few months will bring.”Van Domselaar’s first coach at Twente, Tommy Stroot, described the 2023 Ballon d’Or nominee as a pure, natural talent. Her journey to becoming one of the most talented goalkeepers in Europe began at 11 with Dutch club LSVV before joining Telstar’s Academy ahead of a Twente move.And standout performances at the 2022 Euros paved the way for a June 2023 move to Aston Villa before Arsenal triggered a release clause to sign her last July. Reflecting on her Euros performance and move to England, Van Domselaar said: “You have these tournaments where you’re on a roll, you’re in the moment and everything goes well. “I was in that place where I felt like the best version of myself. “After that moment I chose to stay in the Netherlands for an extra year at Twente to see if I could continue having that form. “I’m really happy that I did that and had a year to think about what I wanted to do after”I still had to grow a lot especially coming from the Eredivisie to the WSL. “But I’ve grown a lot in the past season and the past two years. You can only test yourself if you’re put in a harder environment. “The league here is the most competitive in Europe so that was a big step. I said to myself, ‘Let’s see how good I actually am’.Along with club team-mate Victoria Pelova Van Domselaar, is one of 13 Dutch aces currently playing in the Women’s Super League.Her national team are one of England’s group stage rivals at this year’s Women’s Euros taking place in Switzerland in July.Both sides were steered to glory in the contest by Wiegman who led the Netherlands to the title in 2017 before lifting the trophy with the Lionesses five years later. Van Domselaar is looking forward the Netherlands’ battle with England in this year’s EurosCredit: GettyThe Gunners star added: “It’s always good to play against England because you know it will be a hard game but also an exciting one especially after the last Euros. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It will be a good check of where we are as a team. “It’s good we’ve had players coming back from injury like Jill Roord. Hopefully Victoria (Pelova) will be back as well and we’ll be full force.” More

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      Chelsea starlet opens up on her World Cup history moment and hope to ‘win everything’ with WSL leaders 

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      WIEKE KAPTEIN fondly recalls the “crazy” moment she became the youngest player to feature in a Women’s World Cup for the Netherlands.Now the 19-year-old Chelsea midfielder has her sights on a new history-making target.Wieke Kaptein wants to help Chelsea achieve their goal of a first Women’s Champions League contest win for the clubCredit: GettyThe midfielder hopes to make football history with the Blues just as she did with the Netherlands at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: GettyKaptein is “learning a lot” from Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert (right) and skipper Millie BrightCredit: GettyThat is helping the WSL leaders to a first-ever Champions League triumph next year.It was on August 1st last year in New Zealand a month before sealing her four-year Chelsea switch  that Kaptein stepped out on to the pitch in the World Cup.Like Brazil icon Pele, the Dutch starlet was just 17 when she made her first outing in the game’s top international tournament.Reflecting on her substitute appearance in the Netherlands’ 7-0 group stage thrashing of Vietnam, Kaptein  who now has 14 senior international caps said: “It was crazy. Read More Football Stories”When coach Andries Jonkers told me I needed to come on in the 45th minute against Vietnam, it was a dream come true.”I was standing there smiling to myself and not even thinking that this is a World Cup game.”All I could do was laugh and enjoy everything that I did there. I was really honoured to be a history-maker.”I’d never experienced a Euros or World Cup at youth team levels because I couldn’t go and needed to stay at [old club] Twente.Most read in Football”The girls in the team helped me a lot because I was only 17.”Kaptein, who was born in Hengelo in the east of the Netherlands’ Twente region, is accustomed to breaking new ground as a teenager.She was just 15 when she signed her first professional football contract for Twente.Since embarking on her first full season at Chelsea this term, she has become a trusted option as a starter as well as from the bench, making four substitute appearances in her seven WSL games.Kaptein hopes that learning from Blues skipper Millie Bright and fellow midfielder Erin Cuthbert (right) can help her development.She added: “I’m learning a lot from Millie, from Erin and particularly all the players who have been here for a long time.”I’m honoured to be with them on the pitch every time.””I’ve developed myself a lot here since the beginning of my career at Chelsea. I’m looking forward to doing that again and again.”Along with attempting to claim an eighth WSL title, Chelsea are chasing Champions League glory under boss Sonia Bompastor.While a domestic trophy clean sweep is among their goals, Kaptein hopes 2025 will be the year they topple all their rivals in Europe.So far in the competition they have won every game, with Kaptein a starter in last Tuesday’s 2-1 victory away at Real Madrid.Kaptein has has scored three goals and provided three assists in 13 WSL and Champions League games this seasonCredit: GettyIn February, the Blues will discover who out of Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Wolfsburg will be their quarter-final opponents.READ MORE SUN STORIESKaptein said: “We want to win the Champions League this season and everyone wants to win the WSL again.”The other cup competitions are also prizes. We want to win everything.” More