Women’s football

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
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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
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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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SAM KERR’s deadly double gave Chelsea the edge over spirited Spurs as the champions dispatched their rivals to return to the league’s summit.  And the Blues were forced to dig deep for the 2-0 win which leaves them one victory away from clinching back-to-back WSL titles.  
Sam Kerr was on target twice for Chelsea who picked up their second WSL win against Tottenham this seasonCredit: Getty
Kerr has scored 26 goals across all competitions for Chelsea this termCredit: Getty
Emma Hayes was full of praise for the tenacious Kerr who has reached a tally of 26 goals across all competitions this term.
Hayes said: “When it’s your season, things go for you in the same way just like they did for Beth (England) last year. 
“I think when the ball is falling to Sam she’s taking responsibility for the team. 
“She’s doing it again and again which is important. 
“I feel a bit bad not leaving her on to get her hat-trick but we’ve got other games to prepare for and I didn’t want to take any risks.” 
Hayes made five changes to the side that knocked Bayern Munich out of the Champions League with Guro Reiten, Erin Cuthbert and Beth England among the players to start. 
Spurs had an early chance to stun their visitors with Rianna Dean getting in behind Chelsea’s defence. 
But her tame effort flew straight into the arms of Ann-Katrin Berger in the third minute. 
Chelsea are due to play Reading in their final WSL game this seasonCredit: Getty

One of Chelsea’s earliest opportunities came moments later with Reiten whipping in a neat low cross for England who sent her poked effort wide of Spencer’s far post. 
And the ex-Blues stopper Spencer pulled off two fine saves to keep the game scoreless close to the seventh minute.  
Her stops included a top drawer diving parry to keep out Sophie Ingle’s drilled effort. 
The hosts had another chance to get on the scoresheet through Lucy Quinn on the counter before Berger blocked her shot near the half-hour mark.
The 0-0 scoreline lasted until just moments before the half-time whistle. 
And it was Kerr who put the champs ahead with her low thumping opener off the back of a superb diagonal Millie Bright and a Reiten pass.
The Australia ace was on target minutes into the second-half to register her 20th WSL goal this term. 
Rehanne Skinner said Becky Spencer was outstanding in goal against ChelseaCredit: Getty
This time smashing in a rebound after Spencer pulled off a superb block save to keep out the forward’s powerful header.
It was a case of keeping cruise control and a clean sheet for Hayes who made five second-half changes with Jess Carter and Pernille Harder among the subs to join the fray. 
And the Blues held their hosts at bay to pick up their 17th win of the season ahead of their final game of the term against Reading. 
Should the Blues defeat the Royals they will become the first side to retain the WSL crown since Liverpool in 2014.
The result leaves Tottenham destined to finish eighth ahead of an end of season trip to Birmingham. 
Tottenham will finish this season in eighth place in the WSLCredit: Rex
And Skinner was full of praise for keeper Spencer. 
Skinner said: “Becky’s a very experienced goalkeeper in this league, and I know I can rely on her in these situations.
“She was nothing short of outstanding against Chelsea. She did everything she could to hold up her end of the deal. 
“It just showed in terms of her confidence in and around what she was doing.”
Emma Hayes and Chelsea are two wins away from a Champions League and WSL doubleCredit: Rex
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ESME MORGAN dedicated her first-ever goal for Manchester City to her great aunt who passed away a day before.The defender opened up her account as a senior player for the WSL giants in City’s 4-0 rout of Birmingham.
Morgan scored her first-ever senior goal for Man City in their penultimate game of the seasonCredit: Getty
The England Under-21 player netted City’s fourth goal in their 4-0 trouncing of BirminghamCredit: Getty
The England Under-21 starlet, whose team face West Ham in their WSL final game this term, tucked the ball across the line in the 85th minute of the clash.
But her special moment was tinged with sadness as her great aunt Rita did not get to cheer on her effort.
Rita, a life-long City fan who previously attended Morgan’s matches, had tragically passed away just 24 hours before the game.
And Sheffield-born Morgan, who was visibly emotional after her side’s win, dedicated her strike to Rita who had a huge impact on her life.
Morgan told Man City’s web site: “My great aunt passed away and she used to sit in the front row.
“She used to come to every single home game and loved cheering us on from the stands.
“And I thought, it’s just so typical, we’ve waited so long for me to score my first goal.
“And just one day too late almost, but at the same time it’s almost the perfect tribute because she’ll be looking down somewhere celebrating I’m sure.
“She would have loved to be here but I’m so proud that I sort of paid tribute to her in the best way I could think which is to score for City, the club she loved so much.”
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Morgan dedicated her first goal as a senior pro player for Man City to her late great aunt RitaCredit: Getty

“In terms of the goal, it definitely was not as glamorous as I’d had dreamed!
“I actually said to some of the girls: ‘No-one has ever celebrated such a trickly goal!
“It bobbled in slow motion – I haven’t actually watched it many times – but I was so giddy!
“Although it wasn’t the screamer I’d hoped for, the feeling was exactly how I’d imagined – just sheer joy when I saw it go in!
“Hopefully, I can use it as a springboard to get some more!”

Morgan, who has made 11 WSL appearances for City this term, says she felt euphoric after scoring and hopes her debut goal will be the first of many.
And the Citizens player, who spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Everton, could be in line for starting spot against the Irons.
Team boss Gareth Taylor will be hoping his side can register another win with their WSL title duel with Chelsea going right to the wire.
City currently sit at the summit of the WSL table a point above Chelsea who play Tottenham in their penultimate league game this term.
And Taylor’s aces without the attacking prowess of Chloe Kelly who is out of action for a lengthy period due to ACL injury to her knee.
Morgan and her team-mates play league strugglers West Ham in their final WSL game of the seasonCredit: Getty
Morgan revealed she and her team-mates were distraught to see Kelly go off injured but said the striker is feeling “positive.”
Morgan added: “We were so gutted for Chloe. No-one wishes that on anyone and she’d been playing so well.
“Just before she went off, she told Ellen [White] to score a goal for her, although Ellen was substituted shortly after.
“After the game, I went in to see her and she was buzzing I’d scored.
“She’s feeling quite positive, looking on the bright side of things so she’s doing as well as she could be.”
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Morgan revealed she was gutted Chloe Kelly was injuredCredit: Getty
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REHANNE SKINNER wants Tottenham to be lethal in attack against Chelsea as they aim to avenge a 4-0 derby drubbing. Spurs, who play the Blues later, came close to opening the scoring twice before their Kingsmeadow opponents sealed an emphatic win in January.
Rehanne Skinner wants Tottenham to be more clinical in front of goal against ChelseaCredit: Getty
Tottenham have scored five goals in their last eight WSL games since their 4-0 loss to ChelseaCredit: Getty
And this evening Skinner wants her team – who are eighth- to put more pressure on Emma Hayes’ players when the clubs go head-to-head in north London. 
Skinner, 41, said: “It is important we remember what the first 20-25 minutes of the last game against Chelsea looked like. 
“We were the better side and could have scored two goals if we had been more clinical. 
“We need to be ruthless and able to sustain the press for longer periods of time going into this game. 
“Job number one is that we have to be incredibly hard to break down. 
“If we can do that, that keeps us in the game and gives us a platform to work from.
“We acknowledge that when we conceded the first goal last time, the response wasn’t good enough and we conceded a second really quickly after that having been in a much stronger position before. 
“Obviously, we want to manage that and show we have improved and progressed from that perspective
“We want to prove we can handle ourselves in situations like that when we go a goal down.
“We have got to be able to manage momentum better during a game and not be affected by conceding a goal and actually stick to the things that we are doing well as opposed to changing our attitude and approach. 
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A win for Chelsea against Tottenham would see them move back to top spot in the WSLCredit: Rex

Tottenham, who are six places below their London rivals, are looking to pick up their first win in the top-flight since January 17. 
The club have won just once in the league so far this year notching up three draws and seven losses since their 1-0 defeat of West Ham. 
A defeat of Chelsea, who are targeting back-to-back league titles, would see Spurs pick up their fifth win in the WSL this term.
It would also see them register their first victory against the Blues since their promotion to the top tier in 2019. 
Chelsea have lost just one game in the league this termCredit: PA
Skinner added: “It is important that we deliver on what we have worked on and stick to our game plan. 
“If we do those things well, we stand a much better chance of getting something from the game.
“It will be a tough test, but we aspire to challenge the top teams in the league and we’re looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea, who are second in the table, are looking to regain top spot and a two-point lead over Manchester City. 
A win against Tottenham would see them return to the WSL’s summit before their final game of the season against Reading. 
And a defeat of the Royals as well as Spurs would result in Chelsea winning their fifth league title. 
Tottenham are looking to pick up their first win in the WSL against ChelseaCredit: Getty
But Blues winger Niamh Charles reckons her team will not be underestimating Tottenham despite their 4-0 result last time out.
Charles told Chelsea’s web site: “At this stage of the season, every team is wanting to finish the season strong so we won’t be underestimating them.
“They are going to be a tough test and that’s a credit to the WSL.
“Every game is hard but we’ll be going into it as we do every game and trying to win.”
Tottenham vs Chelsea in the WSL will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 from 5:30 pm.
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Niamh Charles says the Blues expect a tough test against TottenhamCredit: PA
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