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      “Emma is already on me about how I can improve. I’m not in my comfort zone”, says Chelsea ace Buchanan

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      KADEISHA BUCHANAN is relishing being pushed “to the max” by Emma Hayes following her June switch to Chelsea from Lyon.And the Blues centre-back says watching Premier League action was part and parcel of family life for herself and her 11 siblings.
      Kadeisha Buchanan says her Chelsea move came at the right stage of her careerCredit: Getty
      Buchanan, 26, was speaking to reporters before the WSL champions’ first duel of the season with Manchester City.
      The title rivals fell to unexpected losses to Liverpool and Aston Villa during enthralling season-openers away last Sunday.
      And Buchanan – who helped her former club to six top-flight title wins in France – reckons the competitive edge of England’s top tier was among the factors that influenced her move.
      The Chelsea star said: “You can’t take a team for granted.
      “You can’t just be relaxed and complacent, so you have to work hard every game, every day.
      “You have to earn it, every single game, it’s not going to be given to you and that’s why it’s so competitive. I love that about the WSL.
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      On how Blues chief Hayes influenced her decision to move to the club, Buchanan added: “It was the perfect moment.
      “It was definitely a mutual agreement. I felt it was the right time
      “The conversation was like ‘welcome, but I’m going to push you to the max.’
      “Emma is already on to me about how I can improve and the ways I can. 
      “I love that in a coach – when whatever is needed – they will say it and they are not afraid to do so.
      “I’m definitely not in my comfort zone here. I feel like every day I’m learning something new.
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      “It’s just the little details now that they’re bringing out.
      “They really watch the training every day here and there is a lot of staff to help with our games, so that’s a big part.
      Buchanan, who has made 123 senior international appearances for Canada, says football is part of family life for herself and her relatives.
      Her father, who like her mother was born in Jamaica, is an avid Prem follower.
      The defender, who helped Canada to a Tokyo Olympics gold medal win last August said: “Football isn’t as big a sport (in Canada).
      The Blues centre-back is enjoying the competitive edge of the WSLCredit: Getty
      “But having a Jamaican father who loves the English Premier League, we would all wake up at 7:00 am to watch the games there.
      “My dad supports Manchester United, but I’m an all-rounder fan. I just love to watch football.
      When asked whether her family enjoyed playing the game as well as watching, Buchanan added: “Out of 11 siblings I think about four or five of us played.
      “My older brother played, my father played, and my mum also played later on when she got into it,
      “Taking us to soccer every day she was like ‘ah, let me get in there too’, so she started playing.
      Buchanan is targeting a Champions League trophy win with the Blues having won the contest five times with LyonCredit: Getty
      “We’re a football family and a very athletic one, a couple of my sisters did track, and basketball. We’re an all-round sporting family.”
      Buchanan, who began her senior playing career in 2005, made her move to Europe in 2017 joining Lyon.
      The defender’s five-year spell at the club saw her help the French side lift five of the eight Champions League trophies they have won between 2010 and this year.
      Claiming the prize for top clubs in Europe is among the targets for Chelsea with the team having won six WSL titles since 2015.
      Buchanan believes Chelsea are “not far off” from achieving their goal of winning the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      And Buchanan believes the Blues, who fell to a narrow Champions League semis defeat to Lyon in 2019, have what it takes to triumph in the competition.
      The Canada centre-back added: “We are not far off.
      “When I see Chelsea play and when they’re at their best, they’re the best team. It’s just about getting that consistency.” More

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      Reading suffer an injury blow with Deanne Rose crocked by Achilles problem before Brighton duel

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      DEANNE ROSE has been ruled out for an extended period after sustaining an Achilles injury during Reading’s loss to Manchester United.The Royals ace, 23, had to be subbed off 20 minutes into the game with the Red Devils sealing a 4-0 win against their rivals.
      Deanne Rose sustained her injury during the Royals’ season-opening game against Man UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Rose’s injury led to her coming off during the first half of Reading’s match against the Red DevilsCredit: Reuters
      The club says scans show the forward – who moved to Reading from US college side Florida Gators – had ruptured her Achilles.
      Of her injury Rose, whose team play Brighton on Sunday, said: “I really don’t have many words to describe the disappointment that I’m feeling.
      “However, I have the determination, faith and a mindset to come back stronger both mentally and physically. 
      “It has meant a lot to see all of your messages of support, loving prayers and positivity as I now begin my road to returning.”
      Rose, who made 21 WSL appearances last season, has emerged as one of the Royals’ brightest prospects since making her move to England last July.
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      The player netted five goals across all competitions including the winner against Chelsea during the Royals’ 1-0 defeat of the Blues last December.
      Meanwhile, Hope Powell’s Albion hope to bounce back from their 4-0 loss to Arsenal with a win at the Amex on Sunday.
      But the club, who are missing four players due to injury, will be without the services of defender Emma Kullberg.
      The Seagulls ace, 30, is serving a suspension after being sent off for clipping the heels of Stina Blackstenius during Albion’s clash with Gunners.
      Powell, 55, said: “We tried to appeal the red card for Emma Kullberg but it was upheld.
      “It’s a tough ask to play Arsenal when you’ve got 11 players, let alone ten.
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      “I was proud of the team’s efforts in the circumstances.”
      Brighton summer signing Elisabeth Terland hopes to get off the mark for her new club having come close to scoring against the Gunners.
      And the “deep-thinking” Norway international forward is eager to sharpen her finishing.
      Last term Terland scored 10 times in 14 games in Sweden’s top-flight for former club Sandviken IF.
      Powell added: “She’s got a really good strike, she connects well, she was really bitterly disappointed (that she didn’t score against Arsenal).
      Elisabeth Terland is eager to open her goals account for Brighton with the team hosting Reading nextCredit: Getty
      “Elisabeth reflects quite deeply for a young player. She’s quite a deep thinker who really wants to do well and wants to improve, you know.
      “She said to me straightaway (after the Arsenal game), ‘Right. I want to do some finishing (practice). I need some dedicated time to do some finishing.”
      “She wants to be a top striker for club and country. She’s prepared to put in the work.” More

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      Houghton reflects on ‘bittersweet’ feeling of not playing at the Euros with WSL ace ‘not ready’ to close England chapter

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      STEPH HOUGHTON found it tough to watch the Women’s Euros after being dropped from the Lionesses squad before the tournament.The former England captain admits she is not ready to close the door on her England career and vowed to enjoy every moment on the pitch.
      Steph Houghton made her return to top-flight action for Man City in their season-opening clash with Aston VillaCredit: Alamy
      The Manchester City skipper was sharing her thoughts with The Players Tribune just over three months after being left out of Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong squad.
      The WSL star had been included in a group of 28 players chosen by the head coach before Wiegman named her final group which went on to win the tournament.
      Houghton, whose City side play Chelsea next, wrote: “Of course, I watched the final – I couldn’t miss it. But to be totally honest throughout the Euros, I found it difficult to watch the games.
      “I was so desperate to be there that when I wasn’t selected, I wasn’t sure how good it was for me mentally to watch the tournament.
      “I was so frustrated because I felt like I had so little closure. The whole thing just felt strange.
      “I texted all of the girls before the tournament and before every game. I’d always do that!
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      “If I’m not there – whether I’m captain or not – I want them to win so much. I know how hard everyone worked for that moment.
      “But, when you’re not there…I can’t lie, it’s always going to be bittersweet.
      “Watching the final, I realised it hadn’t changed how I felt about any of the girls or how I feel about England.
      “It’s so amazing for them and for the women’s game.”
       Last September Houghton, who has 121 Lionesses caps, sustained an Achilles tear and battled to be fit to for Wiegman’s Euros squad
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      The centre-back, who has played in five major tournaments for England, made her return to top-flight action for Man City featuring in their 4-3 loss away at Aston Villa on Sunday.
      And the defender, who led England to the 2019 World Cup semi-finals, is not ready to call time on her international career just yet.
      This summer has seen Ellen White and Jill Scott – two of Houghton’s former club and country team-mates – hang up their boots after winning the Euros.
      Houghton added: “I really don’t want to end my England career with an injury.
      Houghton is not looking to retire from international football yetCredit: AFP
      “I know Jill and Ellen have gone out on a high and it was the right moment for them, but I’m just not ready to close that chapter yet.
      “That (being) said, I know I’ve got to be realistic, and there will be conversations with Sarina over the next few months.
      “We’ll see what happens next, but right now, I’m just determined to enjoy every moment.” More

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      Benfica hilariously paint over star’s No9 shirt to create new number during Champions League tie with Rangers

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      NYCOLE RAYSLA hilariously had to have a new squad number hand-painted on the back of her shirt during a recent Champions League tie.The forward found herself wearing the DIY kit during Benfica’s Round Two first leg Champions League 3-2 win over Glasgow Rangers.
      Benfica officials painted ’28’ on the back of Nycole Raysla’s number nine jersey to resolve a shirt number issue
      Benfica clinched a gritty 3-2 away win against Malky Thomson’s Rangers acesCredit: Rex
      The Brazil-born striker normally wears the No9 shirt for the Lisbon-based club when she plays in the top tier of women’s football in Portugal.
      But in the Champions League the forward, who has netted 35 goals in 55 top-flight appearances, is registered with No28.
      At the start of the second half of her side’s clash with Rangers, Raysla was subbed on to replace team-mate Daniela Silva.
      And seemingly unable to find a No28 jersey, Benfica officials resorted to daubing ‘28’ in white paint over the No9.
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      Rangers are currently top of the table in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.
      The club have notched up 15 points after winning five of their first five games in Scotland’s top tier.
      And they recently made history by reaching Round Two of the Champions League qualifying stages for the first time ever.
      In the clash with Benfica, Kayla McCoy put Rangers 1-0 up in the 25th minute despite their opponents’ dominance by heading home a curled cross into the box from Brogan Hay.
      Their Portuguese opponents levelled 13 minutes later with Ana Vitoria firing the ball past Rangers shot-stopper Victoria Esson at the near post.
      The second spell saw the visitors take the lead with Vitoria bagging her second with a left-footed strike following Andreia Norton’s pass.
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      The hosts responded with McCoy firing the ball in the bottom corner in the 58th minute.
      But in the late stages, they went behind after Esson’s catch from a corner went awry with the ball crossing the line in the 78th minute.
      The result leaves Malky Thomson’s side needing a win at Benfica Campus next Wednesday to book their place in the Champions League group stages. More

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      Arsenal 2 Ajax 2: Leuchter’s strike sees the Gunners held to a draw in Champions League qualifier clash

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      ROMEE LEUCHTER dealt a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of a Champions League qualifier second-round opening win as Ajax pinched a 2-2 draw.Just as it looked as if Kim Little had fired the hosts to a home victory, the forward struck with a late goal.
      Kim Little gave Arsenal a second-half lead with a spot-kick during their clash with AjaxCredit: Getty
      Romee Leuchter netted late on to give the Dutch giants a draw on the road before their return leg duel with the GunnersCredit: Getty
      The result means Arsenal will need a win in the second leg with the club facing their opponents away next Wednesday.
      The Gunners began brightly but found themselves under pressure as their rivals started to find their rhythm.
      Victoria Pelova tested Manuela Zinsberger with a well-struck fourth-minute shot
      Ajax took the lead after a swift counter-attack with the hosts conceding possession and Leuchter drilling home from Chasity Grant’s cross.
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      Stina Blackstenius made it honours even in the 23rd-minute drilling in Arsenal’s leveller after Rafaelle’s header smashed the crossbar.
      And Zinsberger pulled off a quality save on the stroke of half-time following another effort from Leuchter.
      The second half saw the hosts step things up a notch with Rafaelle rattling the crossbar in the 53rd minute.
      And Blackstenius forced a save from Ajax goalkeeper Lize Kop shortly after.
      The Gunners later won a penalty with Soraya Verhoeve going into the book for a hefty push on Beth Mead.
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      Skipper Little stepped up to send Kop the wrong way putting Arsenal 2-1 to the good in the 57th minute.
      But the hosts endured heartbreak late on with Leuchter levelling for the visitors with eight minutes of normal time remaining.
      And substitute Katie McCabe saw a late effort ruled offside before the Gunners’ tough tackling opponents saw out the draw. 
      Stina Blackstenius was on target with an Arsenal equaliser after Ajax took the leadCredit: Getty More

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      Brighton ace Stott is ‘shattered’ by ankle op but aims to return ‘stronger’ as Albion comeback is delayed

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      REBEKAH STOTT vowed to bounce back even stronger after undergoing reconstructive surgery on her ankle. The Brighton defender underwent the operation ahead of Brighton’s Friday night WSL season-opening clash with Arsenal.
      Rebekah Stott has undergone an ankle operation following her return to Brighton in JulyCredit: Getty

      The New Zealand star returned to Hope Powell’s team this July which is a year and six months after receiving treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma.
      The Ferns ace was diagnosed with stage three of the cancer – which affects the body’s lymphatic system – last February.
      And she went into remission last July following four months of treatment which she received after returning home.
      Reflecting on her ankle operation in a tweeted message, Stott wrote: “Absolutely shattered that I had to undergo an ankle reconstruction on the eve of returning to football in England.
      “I’m incredibly grateful to be surrounded by the best people possible to bounce back even stronger.
      In the post which included an image of a smiling Stott with her ankle bandaged, the defender added: “I know it won’t be as soon as I desperately wanted.
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      “But I’m well into my rehab and I can’t wait to get back to doing what I love.
      “I appreciate all the love and support from my family, friends, team-mates and my club over the past month. I’ll be back.”
      Stott’s ankle op comes nine months on from the defender’s return to match action when she played for Australian club Melbourne City last year.
      And the WSL ace returned to the international stage after being named in Zealand Women’s squad in February this year.
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      Brighton, who host Reading next, hope to pick up their first win of the season after falling to a 4-0 loss to the Gunners last time out.
      The Seagulls were reduced to ten players in the seventh minute of the game after Emma Kullberg was shown a red card.
      The Sweden player was sent off for clipping the heels of Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius with the striker through on goal. More

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      Hanson warns Aston Villa will not be walkovers for their WSL rivals after surprise defeat of Manchester City

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      KIRSTY HANSON says Aston Villa will not be pushovers for their opponents after their season-opening win against Manchester City.The midfield ace – on loan from Man United – praised the efforts of her team-mates who take on Leicester this Sunday.  
      Villa loan ace Kirsty Hanson is targeting a defeat of Leicester at the King PowerCredit: Alamy
      And getting a second win under their belts before the international break is the top priority for Carla Ward’s side who scored just once in their final four games last term.
      Hanson, 24, said: “The (4-3) result against Man City shows we are not a team to be walked over.
      “We’re not a team that’s just there in the league, we’re there to fight.
      “We’re there to get points off the top three and if we keep going and take each game as it comes, I think we can do really well. 
      “We’ve got to just keep working as a team, removing our errors and keep doing what we do best – scoring goals and working together as a team.”
      On Villa’s performance and her contribution to the winning goal, Hanson added: “We stuck to the way Carla asked us to play and I think it really paid off. 
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      “We didn’t give up even though we let some goals in we shouldn’t have, but we dug deep and we knew we could come back.
      “Our link-up play was really good. I really enjoy playing with Kenza and Rach (Rachel Daly) and I saw Kenza and I thought she was going to shoot, but I said, ‘Kenza wait!’. 
      “I didn’t really have a shot in the game so I thought I may as well try
      “And although I fumbled luckily Rach was there and she was phenomenal. I’m so glad she was there to get her second goal.”
      Villa were one of the busiest clubs in the summer transfer window following a number of departures and player injuries and the retirement of WSL heroine Anita Asante.
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      The club started their season without the services of Remi Allen and summer signing Simone Magill with the duo currently out of action due to ligament injuries.
      And Wales forward Tash Harding, who joined Villa from Reading in July, was unavailable due to illness.
      Some shrewd business in the transfer market saw Carla Ward strengthen with the signings of Daly, ex-Everton aces Danielle Turner and Kenza Dali in addition to swoops for Harding and Magill
      The clubs also sealed loan deals for the services of Arsenal defender Anna Patten and Hanson who has made 65 Red Devils appearances since her 2018 move from Doncaster Rovers Belles.
      There are teams in this league competing for Champions League spots. They’re going to be difficult to play against and we beat oneRachel Daly
      The moves are paying off with the team impressing against the Citizens.
      And the high-scoring result against City was in stark contrast to the club’s 6-1 pre-season loss to Spanish side Sevilla.
      Villa forward Rachel Daly said: “We didn’t get the results we wanted in pre-season but Villa are a great club, a great organisation, and they put money into the players that they wanted to get. 
      Hanson impressed on her league debut in midfield for Carla Ward’s sideCredit: Getty
      “There are teams in this league competing for Champions League spots.
      “They’re going to be difficult to play against and we beat one.
      “That’s a big win for us and a big win going into the Leicester game as well. It puts us in a positive mindset.”  More

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      Aston Villa ace Rachel Daly urges England fans to flock to WSL games after shock early results in title chase

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      RACHEL DALY is urging fans who flocked to the Lionesses’ Euros games to fill the stands at WSL clashes.The Aston Villa ace, 30, was speaking after her side stunned Manchester City on Sunday in front of a raucous Villa Park crowd.
      Like her England team-mates Rachel Daly hopes match goers who watched the Lionesses will head to WSL gamesCredit: Getty
      Fan showed up in record numbers to watch the Lionesses and other team competing at this year’s EurosCredit: Gary Stone
      Daly was among the stars who dazzled as Carla Ward’s side clinched a memorable 4-3 win having lost the previous four league encounters against City.
      The forward, who bagged a brace in front of a crowd of more than 6,000 said: “After the Euros I said I don’t want these fans to just come and show up for England.
      “I’d like them to keep supporting the WSL and they (Villa fans) absolutely did that. 
      “They were brilliant, the noise was wild and when the goals when in it was just a joke to hear them.
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      “It was a real pleasure to play in front of them and meet a lot of them.”
      Fan turnouts at top-flight games have been an ongoing talking point since the WSL’s creation in 2011.
      On Sunday Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat of title-holders Chelsea attracted a record Prenton Park crowd of more than 3,000.
      And more than 5,000 punters watched Manchester United trounce Reading 4-0 at Leigh Sports Village at this term’s curtain opener.
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      On Saturday Arsenal are expecting more than 45,000 spectators for their Emirates derby battle with Tottenham.
      This figure would see them shatter the record for the highest attended WSL match.
      The record currently stands at 38,262 – the number who turned out to see the North London opponents at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in November 2019.
      This Sunday Villa, currently third behind the Gunners and United, take on Leicester City at King Power Stadium.
      Last term Villa sealed home and away wins against the Foxes registering 2-1 results in both matches.
      Ward’s side will be pushing for three points following their efforts last time out.  
      And the Villa boss is keeping her feet firmly on the ground in terms of the club’s league ambitions this term.
      Ward, 38, said: “We don’t want to get carried away as this was the first game of the season.
      “We turned up, we performed and got a result, but we have to focus on making sure that we continue to look for a top eight spot.
      “If we finish above that, we’ll be delighted.
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      “Everyone knows I’m ambitious and so are the players that we’ve brought in.
      “We brought in experience that can allow our youngsters to step up and we want to keep improving.”
      Aston Villa hope to finish in one of the WSL’s top eight spots this seasonCredit: Getty More