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      Women’s team go invincible and don’t even concede a goal all season – but don’t win the league

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      A WOMEN’s team in Sweden have enjoyed an invincible season – but aren’t walking away with the league title.Angelholms FF went through the entire campaign in Division 4 Skane Northwest without conceding a single goal. Angelholms FF didn’t concede a single goal across 18 gamesCredit: Angelholms FFThe team racked up an impressive 15 wins from a possible 18. But despite keeping 18 clean sheets, they were pipped to the title by Ljungbyheds IF. The remarkable final standings see the eventual champions winning the league by a solitary point. Angelholms were undone by three 0-0 draws, including one to Ljungbyheds.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey were also the only team to prevent the eventual champions from finding the net all season.Free-scoring Ljungbyheds netted an eye-watering 121 goals in just 18 games on their way to first place.Proud Angelholms coach Ulf Johansson was happy to reveal the reasons behind their defensive success. Johansson said in June: “[It is achieved] through a high defensive game [and] the right attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A direct recapture and a good goalkeeper is the melody of being able to keep a clean sheet in so many games.”Reacting to the incredible run, one football fan wrote on X: “I wouldn’t think it possible but here we are. 78 goals scored, 0 conceded, and finishing 2nd with a GD 29 less than 1st.”My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s teamAnother said: “This is actually insane. Craziest stat I’ve ever seen.”While a third added: “This is truly amazing I doubt we’ll see anything like this.”The last men’s team to go invincible in England were Arsenal during the 2003/04 season.Before that, you had to go all the way back to 1888 and Preston North End to find another English club unbeaten for an entire campaign.In the Women’s Super League, Chelsea were the last team to achieve the feat in 2019/20.READ MORE SUN STORIESAcross Europe’s elite leagues, Bayer Leverkusen in Germany was the most recent team to go invincible.The Bundesliga side won the league without losing a single game last term. More

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      Georgia Stanway opens up on meeting Thomas Tuchel and how tattoo artwork helps her on and off the pitch

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      GEORGIA STANWAY claims Thomas Tuchel is “really invested” in the women’s game having crossed paths with him at Bayern Munich. The Lioness star has fond memories of past interactions with the German coach who starts work as the Three Lions’ new boss in January.  Georgia Stanway says Thomas Tuchel showed a strong interest Bayern Munich’s women’s team during his time as head coach of their men’s sideCredit: GettyStanway believes top foreign coaches like Sarina Wiegman and Tuchel having an influence on English football is great for the gameCredit: ReutersTuchel is set to commence his role as the Three Lions new boss in January and is the first coach from Germany to be appointedCredit: ReutersStanway, 25, who is in line to start for England against Germany in a friendly at Wembley on Friday, was sharing her thoughts on Tuchel’s appointment as head coach of the two-time Euros finalists. Last Wednesday the ex-Bayern coach, 51, was confirmed as Gareth Southgate’s successor and is set to take over from interim boss Lee Carsley. His appointment comes five months after he confirmed his departure who he guided to the 2022-23 Bundesliga title.During his time there Stanway, who signed for Bayern’s women’s team in May 2022, recalls Tuchel showing a keen interest in women’s football. Read More Football Stories She said: “I had a few experiences with Tuchel at Bayern and he was really invested and really interested in the women’s game. “He and (his assistant Anthony) Barry wanted to get to know the players. “I’ve spoken with them a few times and they were really invested and really nice people. “They came to a few games and I saw them at a few events. They always had time for us.”Most read in FootballThe hiring of Tuchel as Southgate’s permanent successor sparked huge debate amongst pundits and commentators about coaches from overseas managing England. However Stanway, who moved to Germany following the Lionesses triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros, has seen her career flourish under managers from different countries. Since winning the Euros with Sarina Wiegman’s England side two years ago, the midfielder has gone on to win two Women’s Bundesliga titles and was a Ballon d’Or nominee last year. When asked about foreign managers influencing English football, she added: “I think it’s great. England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awards”I’ve got a Norwegian manager at Bayern ( Alexander Straus). “It’s about whoever is best for the job and whoever the people feel is suitable for the players.” On the criticism of the decision to have a foreign coach appointed as Three Lions boss, Stanway added: “Everyone is entitled to their opinions, I guess we have just got to see what happens?”England’s clash with Germany at Wembley comes two years and three months after the two foes went toe-to-toe at the stadium in the last Women’s Euros final.Both sides have qualified for next year’s tournament, which takes place in Switzerland with the Lionesses eyeing an historic back-to-back triumph. Should they seal another contest win Stanway, who is an avid tattoo artist in her spare time, hopes to have her team-mates queuing to have tattoo work done to mark the occasion. Away from the pitch the midfielder has been learning the art of tattooing under the guidance of a friend who owns a tattoo studio in Germany.The 71-capped Lioness said: “I got (a tattoo of) the time the final whistle went at the last Euros final. “But if we win another Euros, I hope I get a queue outside my bedroom door from the girls waiting (to get tattoos done). “When I moved to Germany, I wanted to start something new. “It was a new way for me to fully immerse myself into a new environment and to make friends outside of football. “The tattoo studio has really done that for me. “While I’m tattooing, the feeling is next level. I find it therapeutic, I find it stressful. “It’s fine details and those fine details are always important and they’re also important in football. “While I’m tattooing, nothing else matters. “It’s exactly the same when I’m on the pitch. Nothing else matters apart from focusing on what I’ve got to do.”Stanway and her England team-mates are due to play Germany on Friday in a friendly warm-up game ahead of next year’s EurosCredit: GettyEngland’s game against Germany ahead of their build-up to next year’s Euros in Switzerland, will see Stanway go up against some of her Germany international pals from Bayern. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd she believes the Euros finalists, whose players include Bayern aces Guilia Gwin Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller, will pose a threat. Stanway said: “Everybody poses an unbelievable threat, so I know I’ll be sat in the analysis room and Sarina will be questioning me about each player.” More

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      ‘It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve’, says Brighton’s Guro Bergsvand.

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      BRIGHTON being as entertaining as Barcelona would appeal to Albion centre-back Guro Bergsvand.Certain aspects of the Seagulls’ play have prompted comparisons between their approach and the Catalan giants’ playing style.Guro Bergsvand and her team-mates hope seal Brighton’s first win in the WSL against Manchester United since April 2021Credit: AlamyThe Seagulls have registered three wins from their first four WSL games this termCredit: AlamyManchester City boss Gareth Taylor, whose team beat Barcelona in a Champions League clash ten days ago, talked of both sides being similar in “trying to overload the midfield”. While Bergsvand, 30, takes that as a compliment, she thinks there is room for improvement for Dario Vidosic’s side who host Man United at the Amex today. She said: “It’s nice people are talking about us but we need to improve a bit more. “We want to play entertaining football. Read More Football Stories “That’s something that Dario has been saying and we want people to come and watch and enjoy watching us play. “Barcelona play entertaining football and that’s what we want to do”While Brighton lost the services of star striker Elisabeth Terland, who sealed a Red Devils free transfer in July, goals have not been too hard to come by. The permanent additions of trophy-winning forwards Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby and striker Keiko Seike, who won September’s WSL Player of the Month award, have helped boost the team’s attack. Most read in FootballLoan swoops for Arsenal and Barcelona starlets Michelle Agyemang and Bruna Vilamala have also contributed to 12 goals scored in five games in all contests with the team currently fourth. Underpinning recent results is the defensive graft of Bergsvand, her centre-back pal Maria Thorisdottir and full-backs Poppy Pattinson and Jorelyn Carabali. Two clean sheets in four league games and three wins have contributed to their best-ever start to a WSL season at this stage.A stark contrast to the struggles of the past two seasons with Albion at times dragged into scraps for top-flight survival before finishing eleventh and ninth.Bergsvand, who joined last January, from Norwegian side SK Brann, added: “It’s nicer to win than to lose. Hopefully, we’ll keep this going. “I’ve enjoyed the season so far but I know that things can change, that’s why it’s so important to be on top of your game and we want to improve. “This league is so competitive so you need to be on top, if not your rivals are going to beat you.”Bergsvand and Thorisdottir will need to be at the top of their game when they come face-to-face with their Norway pal and former Albion team-mate Terland. The ex-Seagulls striker, who has been likened to Erling Haaland by United boss Marc Skinner, visits her old side for the first time in the league since her Manchester move. And the Red Devils chief has backed Terland to display what he describes as a Terminator-style instinct in front of goal.Skinner said: “If you look at the way the Terminator would see in the movie, and it is like you’re narrowing down the angle. “That’s how I see Lizzie’s brain working because she’s so ruthless in those moments.”Bergsvand adds: “She is a good player, a good finisher and as a friend I want her to do well. “Hopefully she is not scoring his time, let’s just put it like that.Last term Terland finished as the WSL’s joint second-highest scorer with 13 goals in 22 games And last Sunday, she scored her first league goals in a Red Devils shirt netting twice against Tottenham. However, Vidosic, 37, believes his Norwegian defensive duo will be fully prepared for the test.The Brighton boss, who took charge of the Seagulls in July, said: “I think they’ll be very ready for Terland having played together, and knowing each other from being in the (same) national team.  “We have to be aware that she needs just one chance to score.”Brighton are winless in their last six games against Man United with their last victory occurring in April 2021. However, Bergsvand is hopeful she, Thorisdottir and their backline can shut out their visitors today. Elisabeth Terland will face Brighton for the first time in the league since her July move from the Seagulls to Man UnitedCredit: AlamyShe adds: “We’re happy with the three points and the clean sheet (at Crystal Palace last Sunday).READ MORE SUN STORIES“But we want to show at the Amex that we’re better than how we performed last weekend. “It’s going to be a big game, we’re playing a big team and it’s a different opponent. They will give us other challenges.” More

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      Renee Slegers insists focus is on West Ham as Arsenal target return to winning ways in WSL

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      RENEE SLEGERS describes herself as a coach who prefers to live in the moment. It is an approach she is taking when it comes to being in charge of Arsenal in the interim. Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the WSL following a loss to ChelseaCredit: GettyTheir trip to West Ham with interim Gunners boss Renee Slegers follows a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe stand-in Gunners boss insists the permanent job is not on her mind despite guiding the team out of a winless run in the top tier and Europe.Tomorrow Sunday Slegers will be at Arsenal’s helm again overseeing the team for the first time in a Women’s Super League duel.Their trip to West Ham follows the Netherlands-born coach manaing the Gunners in their 4-1 defeat of Valerenga in the Champions League following a loss to Bayern Munich. The match will be their first top-flight game since their former boss Jonas Eidevall resigned on October 15. Read More Football StoriesA draw and a loss from their last two WSL outings saw them drop to sixth and five points off leaders Man City. This weekend they hope to return to winning ways in the top tier ahead of their November 3rd trip to Manchester United after the international break. Slegers said: ”I like to be in the moment in life in general and that’s what’s needed at the moment.“It’s something we talked about with the players as well, can we be as much as possible in the here and now because that’s what we can impact.”Most read in FootballOn whether she knows if she intends to put herself forward for the permanent Arsenal head coach vacancy, Slegers added: “No, that’s not on my mind at all. “It’s a beautiful club and it’s a brilliant squad. We have all the facilities, all the resources, so it’s obviously a very good job to have. “I haven’t had time to reflect on myself that much during these past couple of days.“But I want to believe. I want the best for every individual, to have every individual show their biggest strength and to have the team play really good football. “I don’t think at the moment that’s what I want to deep-dive. At the moment it’s West Ham and to get the three points on Sunday. “I’m happy to be a part of it at this moment in time doing everything I can do to help the team more.”Sunday’s derby will see the Irons and the Gunners battling for maximum points. While West Ham are still chasing their first win in the top tier this term, Arsenal have fared slightly better away from home, narrowly beating Leicester 1-0 in September. The Gunners will be aiming to boost their goal tally having netted just once in their last two WSL games. The last WSL duel between West Ham and Arsenal ended as a 2-1 for Rehanne Skinner’s Irons in FebruaryCredit: GettyAnd Slegers hopes Alessia Russo scoring her first group stage Champions League goal this term will pave the way for more goals for the striker in the WSL this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe interim Arsenal chief added: “Alessia is really good at understanding it’s important to get yourself into good positions and then the goals will come and she scored on Wednesday.“That’s the main focus – to keep on getting our forwards in good positions to be able to get the ball into the back of the net.” More

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      Two footie stadiums set to lift booze ban after 39 YEARS with police powerless to intervene despite opposition

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      FOOTBALL’S booze ban will be lifted in a trial in the Women’s Championship.Drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch is prohibited in the top five tiers of the men’s game, although allowed lower down the pyramid.Football fans may be able to drink in their seat again in the near futureCredit: GettyTwo FA Women’s Championship teams are set to be part of a trial allowing fans to drink in sight of the pitchCredit: AlamyBut with the law not covering women’s football, a trial allowing drinking inside the stadium “bowl” will take place at two clubs in the second tier during this season.Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, told Leaders Week London at the Allianz Stadium that the clubs where the trial will take place had yet to be decided.She said: “ We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season and we’ll see what we learn from it.“Our fan base and the behaviour is different to the men’s game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”The idea of fans being allowed to drink at grounds in League Two and the National League was proposed by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in her 2021 “Fan led Review”.While it was backed by fans’ groups and lower division club bosses, the push-back from Police was massive and saw the idea kiboshed.Sun Sport has been told that the Police position has not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences. The current laws around drinking in stadiums doesn’t include women’s footballCredit: AlamyTop 10 highest-paid Premier League stars More

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      Sarina Wiegman insists Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly has ‘built enough credit’ to keep her Lionesses spot

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s position in the Lionesses squad was not in doubt with the winger facing a battle to start for Manchester City. Today the forward, 26, was named in Wiegman’s 25-strong group before the team’s friendly duels with Germany and South Africa. Chloe Kelly has been included in Sarina Wiegman’s 25-strong squad for England’s two friendly games in OctoberCredit: ReutersSarina Wiegman says Kelly is in a “hard place” amid fierce competition for minutes in Man City’s attackCredit: GettyBut her club and country goalkeeper team-mate Khiara Keating has been left out following her inclusion in the squad that qualified for next year’s Euros.In July the reigning Euros champions secured automatic qualification for the tournament in Switzerland. They did so via a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland and a 0-0 draw with Sweden. Kelly, who scored the winning goal for England in their Euros final defeat of Germany at Wembley two years ago, has faced a fight to start for City this season. Read More Football StoriesThe forward, who reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain this year, has made one start in her two top-flight appearances this term. City’s summer swoops for Japan ace Aoba Fushino along with the impressive form of Mary Fowler and Jess Park, has cranked up the battle for starting spots in Gareth Taylor’s side. They are top of the WSL and a point ahead of title rivals Chelsea and beat Barcelona 2-0 in the Champions League group stage on October 9.However, Wiegman insists Kelly, who has seven senior caps, has earned enough credit for national selection. Most read in FootballThe England boss, 54, said: “Chloe is in a hard position. There is huge competition going on there at the very highest level. “She’s competing for that too, not getting the minutes that of course she hopes for and we do. “But she built credit for us that she wasn’t in doubt for us to bring her in.”The Lionesses are due to face Germany at Wembley on October 25 for the first time since beating them there in the Women’s Euros finals in 2022. The match will be preceded by a special tribute to former England and Man City skipper Steph Houghton who retired at the end of last season. Wiegman’s side will also take on South Africa at the CBS Arena in Coventry four days later. Both matches will serve as warm-up preparations ahead of their attempt to win a second successive Euros trophy.The England chief added: “We’re really happy that we’ve qualified for the Euros because now we can play four friendlies this Autumn and have very good games. “Facing Germany, the USA, South Africa and Switzerland over two camps – that’s challenging, it’s really good and it will show us where we are. “With bringing in 25 players, we can see a few more players and how they relate to each other in our environment and training sessions. “But we can also try out some more things in the game and see different connections.”Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been recalled into England’s squad for the first time this year. However, City starlet Keating, 20, misses out. The shot-stopper, who won last year’s WSL Golden Glove,  is yet to start in the league this term. Wiegman wants Khiara Keating to get sharper and fitterCredit: GettyHer club pal Ayako Yamashita is currently preferred between the sticks having played four league games for City so far this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESWiegman adds: “We all know Khiara is a very talented goalkeeper. We want her to get fitter and sharper. “That’s the message she got and it’s better to do that in her own environment.” More

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      Arsenal Women’s head coach Jonas Eidevall RESIGNS with immediate effect after loss to Chelsea and Bayern thrashing

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      ARSENAL WOMEN have announced the departure of head coach Jonas Eidevall.The 41-year-old leaves following a poor start to the season, with Arsenal sixth in the Women’s Super League table.Jonas Eidevall has left ArsenalCredit: ReutersThe Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the weekendCredit: GettyFans were left furious last week after the Gunners suffered a 5-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.And matters were made worse on Saturday when they lost 2-1 to London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.Eidevall was booed at the full-time whistle, with thousands of fans expressing their discontent.One person even created a giant P45 to wave in the stands, while another wrote ‘Jonas Out’ in bold letters on Hornsey Road.Read More on ArsenalAssistant coach Renée Slegers will take charge of the Gunners as interim boss while a full-time replacement is appointed.Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.”We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women.  We all wish him the very best for the future.”Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new Head Coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renée, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans expressed their discontent with the manager at the weekendCredit: X / @laythy29One supporter even took a giant P45 to the Emirates StadiumCredit: X / @mybadwosotakesClare Wheatley, the club’s director of women’s football, went on to add: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jonas for his hard work and dedication to Arsenal Football Club over the past three years.”Jonas has brought us back-to-back trophies in the last two seasons, together with many memorable moments on the pitch.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with Arsenal”We wish Jonas and his family the best of health, happiness and success for the future.”We have full confidence in Renée to take responsibility for the team in the interim period.”Eidevall, who took charge of the team in 2021, guided Arsenal to two Women’s League Cup triumphs and a Champions League semi-final in 2023.Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they face Norwegian side Vålerenga.The team will be looking to pick up their first win in the tournament’s group stage after being trounced by Bayern last time out. The Gunners then face West Ham on Saturday.Who could replace Eidevall?By Sandra BrobbeyCasey Stoney:The ex-San Diego Wave boss, who is currently without a managerial role, has been heavily linked with the now-vacant women’s head coach job at Arsenal. Stoney, who was at the Emirates last Saturday to watch the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Chelsea, has ties with the club having played for them for two spells from 1999 to 2002 and from 2014 to 2016. Having begun her coaching career as a player-manager at Chelsea in 2009, Stoney has since become a highly-rated coach within the sport having guided American side San Diego to National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup win in March, and an NWSL Shield triumph last year. The former Man United Women’s boss, managed the Red Devils for three years from 2021 guiding them to WSL promotion. She also helped to nurture the careers of several United aces, past and present, including Ella Toone, Lauren James and Alessia Russo. Jack Wilshere:The Arsenal Under-18s men’s coach would be a wildcard for this role having started his current job two years ago and having never worked in the elite women’s game. The former Gunners playmaker led the team to the finals of the 2022-23 FA Youth Cup, during his first season in charge. where they were beaten by West Ham. A top-level WSL side hiring a men’s academy coach wouldn’t be an entirely new thing.Manchester City Women’s boss Gareth was employed as the club’s Under-16 head coach before taking on his current role.  More

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      Watch non-league star score stunning goal in huge derby win… just hours after running HALF-MARATHON

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      A NON-LEAGUE star scored a fantastic goal just hours after completing a HALF-MARATHON at the weekend.Maidstone United’s Georgia Culpitt scored her second goal of the season against Tonbridge Angels on Sunday.Non-League star Georgia Culpitt scored a great goal after running a half marathonCredit: x @MUFCWomenHer shot flew over the goalkeeper and into the far cornerCredit: x @MUFCWomenCulpitt ran the Royal Parks Half just hours before the matchCredit: x @MUFCWomenAnd she did so just a matter of hours after running around the Royal Parks of London.After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Culpitt fired her shot over the goalkeeper and into the far right corner.Maidstone went on to win 5-1 against Tonbridge at the Gallagher Stadium.They now sit fourth in the South East Counties Women’s Football League table.Read More in FootballFans took to social media to react to the incredible achievement, with one person writing: “Georgia that is insane!”Another said: “This is shows the levels of women’s football. You can actually run a half marathon and still play a match.”A third commented: “Great achievement on the half marathon, not a bad finish either!”While commentator Charlotte Richardson said: “Incredible! What a strike after clocking up all those miles already.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCulpitt ran the Royal Parks Half before the match on Sunday.The half-marathon runs through four of London’s Royal Parks and past some of the city’s iconic landmarks.’I hope our players have Sudocrem because they’ve had their a—s slapped,’ fumes non-league manager in viral interview More