Women’s football

ANIEK NOUWEN has become Chelsea’s newest addition with Emma Hayes looking to boost her defensive options ahead of the 2021-22 season. The PSV Eindhoven star sealed a three-year pre-contract deal with the four-time WSL champions which will keep her at the club until the summer of 2024. 
Aniek Nouwen has agreed to a move from PSV Eindhoven to WSL champions ChelseaCredit: Getty
Nouwen signed a three-year pre-contract with the Blues which will run until 2024
Nouwen, 22, who has 14 Netherlands Women’s international caps, made her professional debut for PSV in 2016.  
And the highly-rated defender has made more than 100 appearances for the Women’s Eredivisie giants netting 15 goals. 
Blues boss Hayes reckons Nouwen’s physical strength on the ball will make her well-suited to battling Chelsea’s rivals in the WSL next term. 
Hayes, 44, said: “Not only does Aniek bring a wealth of league and international experience for her age, but she is also very composed on the ball and her physicality will certainly suit the English league.
‘I have no doubt she is one of the best young defenders in the world and has a very bright future ahead of her with us.
“We cannot wait to welcome her to Cobham this summer. She really is an exciting addition to our squad.”
Nouwen added: “To play in the English league has always been a dream for me as it is the best competition and it provides the best opportunity for me to develop even more. 
“There were other clubs who were interested, but I made my decision to join Chelsea pretty quickly.  
“I’m very honoured and proud to become a Blue and I can’t wait to be a part of this winning team. I want to win prizes and play in the big games.
 “I’m looking forward to joining up with the team, it’s all going to be very new but I’m really excited.”

Chelsea, who will push for a fifth WSL title next term, are going head-to-head with Barcelona in their first-ever Champions League final on May 16. 
Meanwhile, Nouwen and her PSV team-mates are battling for the top spot in the Eredivisie play-offs. 
And PSV are due to take on Den Haag for the Dutch Women’s FA Cup in June after beating Ajax 1-0 in the semi-finals. 
Nouwen, who made her senior Netherlands debut against Poland in 2019, has become a key member of Sarina Wiegman’s squad making 14 international appearances. 
The versatile defender was part of her country’s youth sides at the 2018 and 2017 Women’s Under-19 World Championships reaching the contest’s semi-final stages in 2017.
Emma Hayes looking to strengthen her defensive ranks with Chelsea targeting a fifth WSL title next seasonCredit: Getty
Nouwen, who plays for the senior team alongside WSL stars including Vivianne Miedema and Danielle van de Donk, netted her first international goal against Estonia. 
And that 7-0 win against the European minnows – ranked the 106th best team in the world – helped the Netherlands reach the Women’s 2022 Euros. 
The PSV star is also hoping to represent her country at the Tokyo Olympics in Japan this year.
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Nouwen says having the chance to play in England has always been ‘a dream’Credit: Getty
Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

ARSENAL are thought to be in pole position to sign Women’s World Cup-winning Japan star Mana Iwabuchi. The Telegraph claims Iwabuchi is being eyed as a replacement for Netherlands forward Jill Roord following her departure from the Gunners for Wolfsburg.
Mana Iwabuchi is reportedly a transfer target for ArsenalCredit: Getty
Japan star Iwabuchi has been linked with Arsenal following Jill Roord’s move to German giants WolfsburgCredit: Getty
It is thought Arsenal, who finished third to qualify for next term’s Women’s Champions League, are looking to bolster their attacking ranks. 
Roord, 24, netted seven goals for the club in 19 WSL games this term.
These include hat-tricks against Reading and West Ham. 
Iwabuchi, who has attracted interest from Arsenal in the past, has been making waves at Aston Villa. 
The Japan international helped the Midlands club retain their WSL spot following a topsy-turvy battle against relegation.
Results include a hard-fought point against the Gunners, restricting them to a goalless draw during Joe Montemurro’s final league game in charge of Arsenal.
Iwabuchi, 28, whose Women’s Super League switch was announced in December, netted two goals in 13 top-flight appearances for Villa.
The former Bayern Munich forward plied her trade at top-flight Japan side INAC Kobe Leonessa before making her move to England. 
Iwabuchi was reportedly a target for Arsenal in the 2019-20 seasonCredit: Zuma Press
It is reported Iwabuchi – who won the Women’s World Cup in 2011 with Japan – was a transfer target for Arsenal, who play Crystal Palace in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.  
In February Montemurro, 52, – who is set to leave the club – revealed the forward had been on his radar for more than a year. 
The Gunners boss told fans site Arseblog: “Mana was a player of interest to me for around 18 months or so.
“Firstly we had a few challenges with her national team who wanted their players in and around Japan for the World Cup and then the (2020) Olympics.

“Initially we had planned around that but then the Olympic games were cancelled.
“We had to look at other alternatives but Mana is a player I have always admired and feel that she suits our style.”
Villa, who today confirmed the departures of head coach Gemma Davis and interim manager Marcus Bignot, two rising star academy forwards to their senior squad this year.
Strikers Freya Gregory, 18, and Isobel Goodwin, 19, both signed their first professional contracts this term.
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Marcus Bignot has left his role as interim manager at Aston Villa Women’s following their WSL survivalCredit: Getty
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FRAN KIRBY delivered a fine display of ‘frantasy’ football to help Chelsea rumble the Royals and win back-to-back WSL titles. The England ace’s brace and a deadly Sam Kerr double fired the Blues to the trophy after their 5-0 drubbing of Reading. 
Chelsea beat Reading to win the WSL title – making it a Double for the fourth time in six yearsCredit: Getty
Deadly duo Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby both netted braces in Chelsea’s 5-0 romp against ReadingCredit: Getty
A 12th clean sheet saw Ann-Katrin Berger capture the WSL’s Golden Gloves, with Kerr ending her phenomenal second season as top scorer on 21 goals. 
And Blues gaffer Emma Hayes was full of praise for Kerr, Kirby and Beth England. 
Hayes said: “They’ve been unbelievable. And I said to Beth this week it’s really difficult because you ask me all the time about Sam and Fran and she must be sick to death of hearing that.  
“But last year Beth was such a huge contributor to why we are here.
“Today I didn’t take Beth off the bench because I really wanted Sam to get the Golden Boot, which Beth is more than happy for her to do. 
“But the fact that we’re producing 20-plus goals in our strikers every season is the reason why we’re in the hunt for the title every year.”
The result saw Chelsea become the first WSL outfit since Liverpool in 2014 to win successive WSL titles.
It comes just a week before their historic Champions League final clash with Barcelona. 
Emma Hayes has set her sights on adding a Women’s Champions League trophy to Chelsea’s cabinetCredit: Getty

And Hayes warned her champs have no intention of being bullied by their European rivals – who clinched the La Liga Women’s title with 26 straight wins and a whopping 126 goals.
Hayes added: “I know how good they are, but so are we. I’m not going there to suck butt, I’m going there to win the game. 
“They’ve got amazing ability if you allow them to hurt you in the areas they want, there’s no question.
“They are deserving of being in the final, but so are we.”
Chelsea’s pivotal end-of-season clash with Reading began with emotional tributes to two much-loved football legends who left their mark on the women’s game. 
Hayes presented Fara Williams – who played her last ever professional match – with a bouquet and a Blues shirt adorned with her name. 
Hayes paid tribute to England legend Fara Williams who took to the field for her final game as a professional playerCredit: Getty
And both teams held a minute’s applause in honour of Doncaster Rovers Belles icon Julie Chipchase, who passed away at the age of 60 following a short illness. 
Hayes’ aces – eager to cement their status as the league’s top dogs – came storming out of the blocks. 
And they were on the scoresheet inside the first five minutes courtesy of Melanie Leupolz. 
The Germany star evaded her marker to latch on to a Jess Carter pass from a corner. 
The midfield maestro swept in a low strike through a congested penalty box to stun the Royals in the second minute. 
Reading refused to let their heads drop and nd the visitors saw Rachel Rowe’s 21st-minute shot from outside the penalty area blocked by Kirby.
Reading’s Rachel Rowe saw her shot on goal blocked in the first halfCredit: PA
But Chelsea doubled the lead minutes before half-time with Kerr and Kirby combining to deadly effect.
The Australia star squared the ball to Kirby who doubled the hosts lead with a side-footed effort.  
The second-half saw little let up from the champions.
And Kirby was on target with a ferocious left-footed rocket after Kerr latched on to a long ball to tee up her team-mate in the 55th minute. 
The league’s Golden Boot winner registered her brace following a lofted pass over Reading’s defence from Kirby in the 71st minute.
The Matildas skipper became the second player in WSL history to pass the 21-goal mark in a league season.
And Erin Cuthbert wrapped up the Blues’ victory with a fifth goal following a rebound after Grace Moloney’s save from Kerr’s header.
Chelsea’s fourth WSL title win marked a triumphant start to a mammoth seven days for Hayes, with her players targeting a quadruple.
Next up is their Women’s Champions League duel with Barca. 
But before then Hayes is looking forward to enjoying some well-earned relaxation in the company of her two-year-old son. 
Ann-Katrin Berger captured this season’s WSL Golden Gloves after keeping 12 clean sheets in the leagueCredit: Getty
Hayes said: “I woke up this morning feeling so bad at how little I’d seen my little boy, because of what I had to do here.
“The last words he said to me when I walked out the door were: ‘Mummy, bring a medal home for me today’, so that’s what I’m doing. 
“I’m going to go home and spend much-valued time with my child because he’s not going to see much of Mummy this week.
“I’m going to be away three nights from Friday, so it’s good to get quality time when it matters.”
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Chelsea will play Everton in the Women’s FA Cup fifth round after their Champions League finalCredit: Prime Media
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EMMA HAYES hopes Blues fan Fara Williams will back Chelsea becoming WSL champs even if they trounce Reading. And Hayes thinks it is fitting that England’s most capped footballer will end her glittering career at the club where she began her rise 20 years ago. 
Royals skipper Fara Williams will retire after Reading’s final game of the season against ChelseaCredit: Getty
A win against the Royals for Emma Hayes’ team will see the Blues retain their WSL titleCredit: PA
Williams and Reading will go head-to-head with a Chelsea side hoping to become the first team to win back-to-back WSL crowns since Liverpool in 2014. 
But the Royals will be looking to spoil the Blues’ party as they push for a sixth-place finish and a triumphant farewell to one of the women’s game’s best players. 
Hayes, 44, said: “I admire Fara immensely for achieving what she’s done with the setbacks she’s had.
“She’s got a great football mind, a great understanding of football tactics,
“She has a love and appreciation for that and I think she will be outstanding if she goes into coaching.
“I don’t know what she will be doing (after she stops playing) but I certainly encourage that she does. 
“I think it’s fitting that she finishes a career at the club she started at and I know she’s a Chelsea fan. 
“I hope that, even if she’s on the losing team on Sunday, the other team she supports is winning the title.”
Williams, 37, made headlines this month after revealing plans to end her 20-year career at the end of this WSL season.
The midfielder’s 20-year career has seen her play for Chelsea, Charlton, Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal and Reading and receive 172 England caps.
Her silverware wins include back-to-back WSL titles with the Reds in 2013 and 2014 and two FA Cups with the Toffees and the Gunners.
Williams’ announcement came three months after she bravely opened up on her 12-month battle with a kidney condition known as nephrotic syndrome. 
Williams’ stellar career has seen her play for six different clubs over two decadesCredit: Getty

And Williams, who scored 30 goals for Chelsea in the 2000-01 season, has not been distracted by the fact her appearance against the Blues will be her last ever as a professional player.
Williams said: “I’ve not thought too much about this being my last game, but I have thought that it will be against a team that I support and played for during my youth career.
“It’s special to go and finish my career against the team where I started out.
“It would have been nice to have friends and family at the game.
“So many have messaged me wanting to celebrate with me after the match.”
Williams represented Team GB at the London 2012 OlympicsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea have won seven of their past nine encounters with the Royals in the top flight with Reading securing draws in their other two fixtures. 
A victory for Hayes’ aces would seal their fourth WSL crown win and see them move ahead of Arsenal to become the club with the most  WSL titles.       
And the Blues boss, who has her sights set on a Women’s Champions League trophy, feels privileged to be doing a job that feels like a hobby to her.
Hayes added: “Coaching is like a hobby. I’m just doing something I love every day
Chelsea are looking to register their second win of the season against ReadingCredit: PA
‘I’m just lucky to be doing it with the best players in the world. 
“This is probably the best team I’ve ever coached, I think that’s fair to say.
But I think I’d take something away from all the players I’ve ever coached in my career if I put a back-to-back title wins above achievements with other teams
“I wouldn’t do it, because I have so many happy memories of coaching across my career and that’s probably the best thing I could say.”
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Chelsea will play Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final seven days on from their clash with ReadingCredit: Getty
Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

MAGDA ERIKSSON wants Chelsea to bring their ‘A’ game to beat Reading in a duel to determine if they retain their WSL crown.And the Blues captain is relishing the chance to lead Chelsea to battle against Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final.
Magda Eriksson reckons Chelsea will face a tough encounter against ReadingCredit: Rex
Eriksson hopes to lead Chelsea to back-to-back WSL title winsCredit: Rex
Eriksson, 27, was speaking to reporters ahead of one of the biggest weeks in the history of Chelsea Women.
Emma Hayes’ aces are bidding to become the first English team since Arsenal to win the most prestigious contest for elite women’s football clubs in Europe. 
And today the Blues will attempt to become the first side to win back-to-back titles since Matt Beard’s 2014 Liverpool outfit.
An end-of-season victory against Reading would see the Kingsmeadow club retain their WSL crown.
Eriksson, 27, said: “I’m really proud of the team and what we’ve achieved this season so far.
“But we’re 100% aware that the job isn’t done. We still have a big assignment and a big task today.  
“We know Reading are a tough team, and they’re going to bring their ‘A’ game and try to ruin things for us, so there’s a lot left to do.
“But I’ve been really, really proud of how we dealt with the season. 
“It’s been a difficult season. We’ve not been able to see our loved ones because of Covid, we’ve not been able to go home. 
“I think the way we’ve taken care of each other this season has been amazing and a big part of the success for sure.”
Eriksson is due to captain Chelsea against Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Rex

Eriksson has made 77 WSL appearances for Chelsea since her 2017 move from three-time Swedish champions Linköpings.
Her return to action from injury made a positive difference to the Blues’ performance against Bayern Munich helping them triumph in the Champions League second leg semis. 
The Kingsmeadow skipper pulled off a spectacular goalline clearance to deny German giants a chance to move ahead of the champs on away goals. 
And the centre-back will become the first top female player from Sweden to skipper an English side in the Women’s Champions League final. 
The game against Barcelona will be a fairytale moment for Eriksson and her Blues and Sweden team-mates Zecira Musovic and Jonna Andersson.
The clash will place in the home ground of their country’s national women’s team in Gothenburg. 
Chelsea dispatched Bayern Munich to reach their first Women’s Champions League finalCredit: Prime Media
Eriksson added: “It just feels like the perfect moment that it’s actually in Sweden and in my home country, and it’s my first Champions League final. 
“Obviously, all those things make an amazing moment even more amazing. 
“I’m really proud that we reached the final and the fact that it is in Sweden, it means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to Jonna (Andersson) and Zecira (Musovic) as well. 
“It’s a big occasion and I hope we can get out there and go all the way.”
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Chelsea are aiming to become the first women’s club from England to triumph in Europe since Arsenal in 2007Credit: PA
Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

BIRMINGHAM have been drawn back into the WSL’s relegation fight after being penalised for fielding a suspended player. The club have had a point deducted for including Ruesha Littlejohn in a league game against Reading, despite the midfielder receiving a one-match ban. 
Birmingham have been penalised with a one-point deduction for fielding a suspended player in a WSL gameCredit: Zuma Press
Birmingham have been fined £400 for playing Ruesha Littlejohn against Reading on April 12Credit: Getty
The FA says Birmingham admitted to a breach of competition rules “for fielding an ineligible player” against the Royals in a WSL match on April 12. 
Carla Ward’s side have also been hit with a £400 fine before their end of season home duel with Tottenham. 
And Littlejohn has been given an immediate one-match ban for failing “to comply with an automatic suspension”. 
The ruling was decided by an Independent Tribunal ahead of the final day of the 2021-22 WSL season. 
It means the Damson Park club have seen their points total drop from 15 to 14 with West Ham moving above them to ninth in the table. 
And the new tally for Birmingham brings them level on points with rivals Aston Villa – who face a daunting trip to Arsenal. 
The one-point deduction means Blues will be determined to get a win or at least a draw against Tottenham to guarantee their place in the top flight. 
Prior to the FA’s announcement Ward said: “I think both of us will go out to win the game. 
Birmingham will play Tottenham at home in their final WSL game of the seasonCredit: Zuma Press
“I think Tottenham will be tough to play against despite losing 2-0 to Chelsea. They are an exceptional side. 
“They’ve had a run of games fine without a win, but they’ve got some unbelievable players and some real experience in there.
“Rehanne has got them well-drilled. Ultimately it’s going to be a tough game but both teams will go out there and look to get on the front foot.

“I think both will go out there and try and win the game.”
Birmingham will be hoping results elsewhere go in their favour with bottom-placed Bristol needing a win away at Brighton to beat the drop. 
Should Blues lose, Villa draw and Bristol win, Birmingham could end up dropping out of the WSL for the first time in the league’s ten-year history.
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Tottenham are looking to finish the season with an away win after a home loss to ChelseaCredit: Getty
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JILL ROORD is being heavily linked with a summer move to Wolfsburg from Arsenal.The German outfit are thought to be keen on adding the Netherlands midfielder to their ranks and have refused to rule out a move for her, according to Sports Buzzer.
Media outlets in Germany claim Jill Roord has been linked with a move to WolfsburgCredit: Zuma Press
When asked about Roord the club’s sporting director Ralf Kellermann remained tight-lipped.
He said: “We will not comment on transfer rumors in the week before the important game against Bayern.”
Wolfsburg are looking to strengthen their squad after being knocked out of the Women’s Champions League by Chelsea in the contest’s quarter-finals.
The two clubs have done business previously with the Gunners selling Dominique Janssen to Wolfsburg in 2019.
Roord, 24, who moved to Arsenal in 2019 from four-time Women’s Bundesliga champs Bayern Munich, has made 32 WSL appearances for the Gunners.
The Netherlands star’s contract with the club, who play Aston Villa in their final game of the season, expires in 2022.
And no news on a new deal has been revealed by either party ahead of the Villa which will be Joe Montemurro’s final league game in charge of the club.
Montemurro, who is due to leave Arsenal after the 2020-21 season, believes Roord will stay at the club and said contract discussions are ‘under control’ at the moment.
In an interview with ArseBlog in April, Montemurro said: “Those discussions have been taking place and are continuing.
“So they will start to come to the fore over the next month or so, they are all under control at this stage.”
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Wolfsburg are reportedly looking to strengthen their squad this summerCredit: Getty

And despite his imminent exit, Montemurro revealed that he is still playing an active role in tying down Roord and several others’ futures with the club.
He added: “In terms of the football stuff, I am still involved and I’m still pushing things forward from that perspective.”
Roord has been in fine form for the Gunners this season, scoring ten goals across all competitions, including two hat-tricks in consecutive league games against Reading and West Ham.
Her seven WSL goals in 18 games have helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League next season after missing out on this term’s contest
And it is hoped the Gunners competing in Europe will be a strong incentive for her to resist Wolfsburg’s advances.
Jill Roord’s current contract with Arsenal is due to end in 2022Credit: Getty
Roord’s Arsenal team-mate Katie McCabe has signed a new long-term contract with the clubCredit: Getty
The North London side have been boosted by Roord’s team-mate Katie McCabe signing a new long-term deal ahead of next term.
The Republic of Ireland captain, who has made 18 league starts for the Gunners this season, stated her desire to win more trophies as her main reason for staying put.
McCabe said: “I’m absolutely delighted. I love this club and I feel like we’re in a really good place and that we’re ready to push on.
“I’m delighted it got done and now I’m ready to kick on and help this club win more trophies.”
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Joe Montemurro is confident Roord will stay on at ArsenalCredit: Rex
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