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      Juventus 1 Chelsea 2: Harder and Cuthbert net as Blues seal win on road in Europe against Juve

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      PERNILLE HARDER helped Chelsea thwart high-flying Juventus in an entertaining Women’s Champions League tussle in Turin.The Denmark captain and Erin Cuthbert were on target as the Blues bounced back with a 2-1 victory to nab their first win in Europe this term.
      Pernille Harder and Erin Cuthbert were both on target in Chelsea’s 2-1 win away at JuventusCredit: Getty
      Chelsea have moved to second in Group A behind Wolfsburg ahead of their game against Swiss side ServetteCredit: AFP
      On Harder’s efforts, Blues boss Emma Hayes said: “Pernille had an outstanding performance. She’s taken us to an even higher level. 
      “Her standards day-in, day-out are what every young person should look up to. I’m so glad she’s part of our squad.”
      Hayes added: “It was a difficult first half, but Erin drove inside and kept going like we know she’s capable of.
      “She’s another player who’s had a good pre-season, and took her chance and at this level, you’re not going to get a lot of chances.”
      The match in the atmospheric home of Juve’s Allianz Stadium saw ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro pitting his wits against Hayes for the first time since February.
      Coming into this game the Italian side, who are second in Serie A’s Women’s division, had won their first six top-flight encounters including a 2-0 defeat of Napoli.

      And while the Turin club began brightly, it was the WSL champs who got on the score sheet first.
      They did so through Erin Cuthbert’s surging run into the box from the right with the Scotland ace latching on to a Pernille Harder pass to slot home in the 30th minute.
      However, Juve, who looked dangerous through Lina Hurtig’s pace and their lofted passes into the box, refused to be bowed.
      And they equalised with a Barbara Bonansea volley moments later prompting a huge roar from the 16,781 strong crowd.
      The opening minutes of the second half saw Juve’s Christina Girelli unsuccessfully appealing for a penalty after going down in the box following a challenge from Magda Eriksson.
      Barbara Bonansea pulled a goal back for Juventus in the first halfCredit: Getty
      And the visitors piled on the pressure with Melanie Leupolz blazing a 58th minute shot over the bar and Harder shooting narrowly wide moments later.
      However, the Ballon d’Or nominee got her second goal in the tournament.
      The midfielder latched on to a loose ball following a one-two between Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby to bury Chelsea’s second.
      The Champions League is the highest level and the reality is that the top teams find a wayJoe Montemurro
      Hayes’ players came close to snatching a third with 17 minutes of normal time remaining.
      This came with Sam Kerr’s long-range effort prompting a flying save from Pauline Peyraud-Magnin to keep the ball out of the top-left corner.
      Joe Montemurro said the match was a ‘massive learning curve’ for his playersCredit: Getty
      The Blues, who take on Servette next in Europe, saw out the win to move to second in Group A behind Wolfsburg with Juve dropping to third. 
      Following the result, Montemurro said: “The Champions League is the highest level and the reality is that the top teams find a way.
      “Chelsea found a way. We have to learn to make sure these moments don’t happen.”

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      Chelsea boss Hayes talks of admiration for legendary 80s AC Milan team ahead of duel with Montemurro’s Juventus

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      EMMA HAYES spoke of her joy at watching AC Milan during childhood ahead of Chelsea’s Women’s Champions League clash with Juventus.And the Blues chief – who is half-Italian – is looking forward to her team’s test against a side coached by ex-Gunners chief Joe Montemurro.
      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes sees Italy as the ‘home of brilliant defending’ in footballCredit: Reuters
      The Chelsea boss grew up admiring the San Siro side in the late 80s and players such as Franco Baresi and Paolo MaldiniCredit: Getty
      Reflecting on her admiration of the Italian game, Hayes, 44, said: “I think Italians teams are notorious for having an unbelievable understanding of what it takes to win matches.
      “I have an Italian father and I have huge respect for Italian football.
      “I grew up with AC Milan in my house and watching the late 80s and 1990s group with [Franco] Baresi, [Mauro] Tassotti, [Paolo] Maldini and [Marco] Van Basten. Italy is the home of brilliant defending.”
      The WSL champs will take on an in-form Juventus outfit who are currently second in Italy’s top-flight behind Sassuolo.
      They have won their first six games in the Serie A Women’s division.
      Chelsea, who registered a point after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Wolfsburg, are looking to pick up their first win in the contest’s new group stage at Juventus Stadium

      Montemurro’s players are currently top of the group after their 3-0 defeat of Swiss club Servette with the Blues lying in third.
      Hayes added: “Juventus are a team that I have watched over the last few years.
      “I had a big interest when Eni [Aluko] was playing there and followed the team when Eni joined and watched their stature grow in Italian football.
      “I know with Joe’s experience they have a coach with a pedigree of working with top players.
      “This will be as tough a task as the one we faced against Wolfsburg.”
      Joe Montemurro’s Juventus are targeting their second win in the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: Rex
      Montemurro’s Juve aces have set a new Serie A Women’s record of 30 consecutive wins in the division.
      The Turin outfit come into this game off the back of a 2-0 win against Napoli in Italy’s top tier.
      But in Europe, Montemuro, who left Arsenal at the end of last season, sees Chelsea and Barcelona as the yardstick for clubs to measure themselves against.
      I’m so proud of the fact that our team has produced more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other sideEmma Hayes
      The 52-year-old told BBC Sport: “Chelsea are one of the best organisations in world football, both men’s and women’s, their expenditure is well beyond what we could dream of.
      “The players they have are of world-class status, and they are playing in a tough league.
      “We want to be on this stage and be competing against the best. The more we can have these moments and these experiences, the better we will be.”
      Chelsea’s trip to Juventus Stadium comes days after five of the club’s squad made the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or awards. 
      Fran Kirby, Jessie Fleming, Magda Eriksson, Pernille Harder and Sam Kerr are among seven WSL stars in contention for the award.
      Hayes is proud to see five of her players on the shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’OrCredit: Rex
      Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema and Manchester City’s Ellen White make up the other names from England’s top-flight clubs on the shortlist.
      Hayes said:  “I’m so proud of the fact that our team has produced more Ballon d’Or nominees than any other side.
      “They’re brilliant women who are exemplary at what they do and I’m glad to see them getting recognised for that and nominated.”
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Arsenal 3 Everton 0: Maanum and McCabe hit wonder strikes as Gunners move three points clear of Tottenham

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      KATIE MCCABE led Arsenal’s bounce back from a midweek drubbing in Europe with a glorious strike to help defeat Everton.The Republic of Ireland ace’s volley and Frida Maanum’s boomer were among the stunning efforts that sealed a 3-0 Gunners win.  
      Katie McCabe netted her third goal in three league gamesCredit: Getty
      Frida Maanum netted a wonder goal for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The strikes by the duo, watched by Arsenal legend Ian Wright who attended the game, looked worthy contenders for the club’s goal of the month competition.
      Boss Jonas Eidevall, whose team play Hoffenheim next, said: “We have quite a few of those players who have good, long-distance shooting (skills).
      “I think that really helps us because we are good at playing in behind. 
      “But when teams are dropping off against us, we know that we can create something from those shots. It was nice to see.”
      The Meadow Park clash began with both teams linking arms in the centre circle in response to abuse allegations made by players in women’s leagues around the world.
      Within seconds of kick-off, Arsenal, playing their first match after their 4-1 Women’s Champions League loss to Barcelona, went on the attack.
      Skipper Kim Little forced Everton keeper Sandy MacIver to turn her curling left-footed shot wide in the seventh minute.
      And Vivianne Miedema got the better of Hanna Bennison, playing in front of Eidevall for the first time since being managed by the coach at Rosengard.

      But the Netherlands striker saw her shot bravely blocked by Toffees centre-back Gabrielle George.
      And the WSL’s all-time top scorer saw another shot blocked seconds before Toni Duggan came close to capitalising on a loose back pass to Manuela Zinsberger.
      The 0-0 scoreline lasted until minutes after the half-hour mark before McCabe netted her goal of the season contender.
      The versatile Gunner sent a left-footed volley into the net over MacIver after controlling the ball with her knee.
      The hosts extended their lead with an unmarked Lotte Wubben-Moy heading the ball home from six yards out minutes before the half-time whistle.
      Lotte Wubben-Moy headed in Arsenal’s second goalCredit: Getty
      The second spell saw the visitors attempting to get a foothold in the contest.
      And stopper MacIver made a fine save in the 84th minutes following a left-footed shot from substitute Beth Mead.
      However, the hosts would go on to increase their lead courtesy of Frida Maanum’s thumper.
      The Norway midfielder smashed home Arsenal’s third goal from 25 yards out past an outstretched MacIver.
      The 3-0 result saw Arsenal go five games unbeaten in the WSL and three points clear at the top.
      And Everton, who play Man City in the league cup next, are currently eighth.
      Everton manager Willie Kirk wants his team to work on their passing to improve their options on the pitchCredit: PA
      Toffees boss Willie Kirk said: “We need to have a bit more belief in ourselves because there were passages of play where we played well.
      “We need to quickly learn that some of the passes we play give our team-mates no options.
      “We’ve got a lot of young players on the pitch. We need to develop that side of their game with experience.”

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      Man City starlet Stanway apologises for red card tackle and calls out trolls sending her abuse online

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      GEORGIA STANWAY has said sorry for a thigh-high challenge on Leah Galton which saw her sent off in the WSL’s Manchester derby.And the Man City ace has hit out at trolls who sent her ‘abusive messages’ on social media following the tackle.
      Georgia Stanway received abusive messages on social media after being sent off during Man City’s clash with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      The City ace was given a red card for a mistimed tackle on Leah GaltonCredit: Getty
      Ref Rebecca Welch gave Stanway her marching orders for a studs-up challenge which saw Galton hit the turf in the 35th minute of the clash.
      In a post published on her Twitter account this morning, the City starlet wrote: “I want to apologise for the sending off in yesterday’s Manchester Derby.
      “Everyone who knows me knows that I’m passionate and competitive. There was absolutely no malice intended and I’m glad Leah was OK and able to carry on with the game.
      “A huge thank you to my Man City teammates for the support and effort to secure a point. And to both sets of fans for creating an unbelievable atmosphere.
      “I made a mistake and hope everyone can accept my apology, but I shouldn’t have to log into social media and find myself subject to all sorts of abusive messages – remember we are all humans and mistakes can happen.”
      Khadija Shaw got on the score sheet for Man City after the team went down to ten playersCredit: Getty

      The incident saw Stanway plant her boot onto the Red Devils forward’s thigh after a miscued challenge.
      It happened as Galton was attempting to bring the ball down in a bid to dribble past the England starlet at United’s Leigh Park Village home.
      And the tackle saw Gareth Taylor’s side reduced to 10 players shortly before going a goal ahead in the match courtesy of Khadija Shaw’s header.
      Ellen White netted to help City get a draw against UnitedCredit: Getty
      But the Red Devils would take a 2-1 lead towards the game’s later stages with Lucy Staniforth and Alessia Russo scoring a goal each in five minutes.
      Despite being a player down City managed to snatch a point from the four-goal encounter with Ellen White netting to ensure a 2-2 finish.
      The result saw City pick up their first point in four Women’s Super League games after losses to Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham.
      Last term’s title runners-up, who are currently ninth will take on Everton next in the group stage of the Conti Cup.

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      Watch horror tackle in Manchester derby with City’s Stanway sent-off for thigh-high, studs-up lunge on United’s Galton

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      GEORGIA STANWAY was sent off for a SHOCKING knee-high tackle on Leah Galton during a 2-2 draw in the Manchester derby on Saturday afternoon.The England international went in studs-up on the thigh of Galton as she was dismissed in the 35th minute of the highly anticipated Women’s Super League clash.

      Georgia Stanway’s tackle was a clear red card for this high tackle on Leah GaltonCredit: Getty
      United’s Galton felt the full force of Stanway’s challenge as City went down to 10Credit: Getty
      And City manager Gareth Taylor admitted after the match that he agreed with the decision to dismiss Stanway.
      He said: “The referee obviously had a better view than anyone and I heard the fourth official saying it was reckless.
      “I couldn’t really see it but having seen it afterwards it’s a disappointing one and it’s probably an easy decision for the referee to make.”
      City instantly responded after losing Stanway by taking the lead when Khadija Shaw turned home to give the visitors the lead.
      But United levelled things up with 18 minutes to go as substitute Lucy Staniforth equalised for the home side.
      And Marc Skinner’s Red Devils went in front moments later, with Alessia Russo firing in to seemingly win the game.

      The referee had no choice but to dismiss StanwayCredit: Getty
      But England striker Ellen White stole a point for City just three minutes later in a crazy period which saw the spoils shared.
      After the game, Skinner said: “It’s a missed opportunity in terms of three points but it’s a step forward in terms of mentality, in terms of our experience together.
      “If you’re in a winning part of any game, you want to win the game.“The way that our team is growing together, I’m seeing steps and strides every game.

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      “There is a slight tinge of disappointment but a lot of positives.”
      United now sit two points off WSL table toppers Arsenal having played a game more.
      Meanwhile, City continue to struggle to find victories having won just one of their opening five WSL games. More

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      Man United boss Skinner dreams of luring Red Devils Prem fans to WSL and urges aces to play each game like a derby

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      MARC SKINNER dreams of seeing Manchester United’s Premier League fans heading to the Women’s Super League.The Red Devils face rivals City in today’s derby and have a perfect chance to steal some limelight — with the men’s team on an international break.
      Man United are set to play their first derby WSL game under Marc SkinnerCredit: Getty
      Skinner wants his Red Devils side to approach every game they play like a derbyCredit: Getty
      Skinner, 38, takes his spot in the Leigh Sports Village dugout for a first home clash with the Citizens since his July appointment as United head coach after Casey Stoney’s May exit.
      Last Sunday saw two WSL teams — Tottenham and West Ham — forced to play matches at exactly the same time as their Premier League counterparts.
      Skinner said: “What I hope happens is that fans come to the women’s game and watch the men’s match on their tablets while they’re watching ours.
      “We’ve got to get to a point where it feels like a really difficult choice on which United game you might need to be at if that’s what happens.
      “Having looked at these schedules and knowing how many times schedules change around TV games, it’s not easy to put a jam-packed schedule together so that we can have every supporter involved at the same time.
      “So, with these limited clashes, I want it to be a hard choice for our fans as to which game they go to.”

      Fourth-placed United’s duel with City also comes days after a Sky Sports survey revealed nearly 24 per cent of men now follow more women’s sport than they did 18 months ago.
      Skinner added: “We had Darren Fletcher watching our training session on Thursday morning.
      “It’s brilliant, they love it. They’ve been watching our games from afar.”
      United’s last WSL derby clash with neighbours City, ended in a humbling 3-0 loss for the Red Devils back in February, with Caroline Weir netting a wondergoal.
      But Skinner’s aces now host a City side ravaged by injuries and fourth from bottom after losing three of their opening four games.
      Gareth Taylor says his Man City will keep up the fight for more wins in the leagueCredit: Reuters
      Citizens manager Gareth Taylor said: “We’re suffering with injuries and really looking forward to getting players back.
      “For the meantime, we go with what we have, and we keep fighting. I think this is a great game for us.”
      Victory for United today would be a first-ever WSL success against City — although boss Skinner is keen for his side to adopt a derby mentality in all their fixtures.
      He added: “Where I’m trying to get this group to is a point where you raise your game for every occasion.
      “I don’t want to downplay the derby, that’s not my job. I just want us to play like it’s a derby every week, to make sure we bring that spirit.”
      As a man in women’s sport you get to a point where you want the guidance.Marc Skinner – Man United Women’s head coach
      Skinner, who spent two seasons as head coach Orlando Pride, praised National Women’s Soccer League stars in the US for this week protesting against alleged abuse in their division.
      Players paused in the sixth minute of matches to link arms in a show of solidarity after two ex-players came forward with allegations of sexual coercion against their former coach Paul Riley.
      The ex-North Carolina Courage boss has denied the accusations.
      Skinner praised NWSL stars following their protest against alleged abuse in the leagueCredit: Reuters
      United gaffer Skinner said: “As a man in women’s sport you get to a point where you want the guidance.
      “We must absolutely continue to practise safeguarding.
      “Fifa needs to be part of that, then it spreads throughout the whole of women’s football.”

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      Kirby and White make Ballon d’Or shortlist as Barca’s Graham Hansen dismisses women’s award snub

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      FRAN KIRBY and Ellen White are among the WSL stars who made the nominees shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or award. The England aces are joined by Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, Magda Eriksson, Jessie Fleming and Pernille Harder. 
      Fran Kirby is one of five Chelsea stars on this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or shortlistCredit: Rex
      Man City forward Ellen is among the WSL aces nominated for the awardCredit: Getty
      But the surprise omission of Barcelona’s wing wiz Caroline Graham Hansen has stunned some fans and pundits. 
      And a few have taken to social media to question why the Barca ace, 26, was missing from the women’s award’s 20-player shortlist. 
      But the Norway international, who helped the Catalan giants brush Chelsea aside in this year’s Women’s Champions League final seems unfazed by the nomination snub.
      And the winger who netted eight times in 23 top-flight games helping Barca to title wins in Europe and Spain, took to Twitter to let her supporters know. 
      Reacting to the announcement, Graham Hansen tweeted: “To everyone who is wondering. It’s all good. 
      “We won the triple, and we are working our a***s off to achieve this again. All that matters and the only thing that matters. 

      Kirby, 28, and White, 32, enjoyed impressive seasons for their top-flight sides last term. 
      City striker White broke the all-time record for goals scored in the WSL when she netted for the 55th time in the top-flight in February. 
      Meanwhile Kirby notched up 16 goals and 11 assists in the league helping the Blues claim their fourth domestic title.
      And the playmaker who netted twice during the Blues Conti Cup triumph finished as last term’s PFA Women’s Player of the Year.
      Barcelona have five stars on this year’s shortlist with Jenni Hermoso, Alexis Puttellas, Lieke Martins  and keeper Sandra Panos among the nominees.
      Samantha Mewis is the only USA’s women’s national team player in the running for the award which was put on hiatus last year due to the Covid pandemic. 
      Caroline Graham Hansen’s omission from this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist has surprised some fansCredit: Rex
      And Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair among the Canada stars shortlisted alongside her compatriots Fleming and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ashley Lawrence. 
      The trio were part of the Canadian that won gold in the Tokyo Olympics women’s football tournament under the management of Bev Priestman.
      The winner of the prestigious prize is due to be announced on November 29 in France’s capital Paris. 

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      Rise in interest from Emma Raducanu and Women’s Super League is good for the future of female sport

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      THE Covid pandemic disproportionately affected women more than men.Women had higher job losses, lower wages and increased responsibilities juggling careers with their children’s education but we have scored one small victory: Sport was given a boost for women that might otherwise have taken many years.
      Rising British tennis star Emma RaducanuCredit: Rex
      Manchester United Women’s Super League teamCredit: Rex
      While millions of sport fans were frustrated at being unable to watch their teams in grounds, TV filled the gap with live, round-the-week screenings.
      Before then, women’s football was occasionally taken out of its hidey-hole but attracted minimum male interest.
      Now, both sexes were seduced by female competitors of perhaps surprising virtuosity.
      Though the overall standard is considered by some to be less compelling than the men’s game, we have the inherent skills and means to deliver entertainment.
      More, we don’t usually spit, rarely deliberately clog opponents and keep our elbows to ourselves (except in sales queues).
      So, interest in women’s sport exploded and suddenly we had hits in the TV charts.

      And with the relaxation in Covid restrictions, this has been translated spectacularly in the number of spectators, greater involvement of the leading clubs, bigger business, more sponsorships, greater media coverage and business possibilities.
      The increase in pay and the standard of football has attracted a number of high-class foreign players and in many ways the Women’s Super League has shadowed the Premier League to become a world favourite.
      Our game was in a strategic place to take advantage of the TV gush that became a mild antidote to the horrors of the pandemic.
      Since the FA changed their 50-year misogynistic stance and took the women’s game to their bosom, progress has been fast.
      This possibility had long been there. On Boxing Day 1920, 53,000 watched a women’s match at Goodison Park — with another 10,000 locked out.
      And then, theorising that the game was “quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged”, the FA banned women from playing on Football League grounds the next year.
      Relief came in 1969 when the Women’s FA was formed on the strength of the whole population’s involvement in England’s 1966 World Cup triumph.
      History maker Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam on Saturday night
      Then the seed of the soccer sorcery flowered with the introduction of the WSL in 2011.
      All-professional in 2018, the 11-team WSL was cashing in strong links with leading clubs and our leagues prospered from greater exposure just as cricket did through The Hundred, in which a double-header of the women’s competition preceding the men’s was hugely popular.
      Another Wonder Woman emerged with Emma Raducanu’s extraordinary capture of the US Open title at the age of 18 and without dropping a set, a breath-taking positive for Britain.
      Follow that with Lucy Bronze, Ellen White and the other England stars who yearn to win the World Cup as the dominance of North America is increasingly challenged.
      The rewards are good and growing. BBC and Sky have signed huge, live TV contracts.
      Uefa’s prize money for the European Super League is now £24million and the group-stage winners will get £341,000 — five times the previous figure.
      Today, football is truly a career for women athletes.
      Tomorrow? I can see it challenging the men’s game.
      Not everyone will be Jolie
      JUBILANT scenes around St James’ Park on Thursday night after the announcement that Mike Ashley had left the club after 14 years as owner.
      I am sure he was just as jubilant as the supporters to be out of there.
      Newcastle fans celebrate their Saudi takeoverCredit: Splash
      Because what he hoped would be a love affair between them on the scale of Romeo and Juliet ended up as irreconcilable a split as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s, with both parties happy to see the back of each other.
      Supporters interviewed about their view on the new owner being Saudi, with their — how shall we put it kindly? — dubious moral dilemmas, said this was an issue for another day.
      I suspect seeing off Ashley and welcoming an owner with a £320billion fortune may mean that day never comes for them.
      But what the rest of the Premier League, the football authorities and the Crouch review will make of it . . . well, that day will come, I’m sure of it.
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