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      Arsenal boss Montemurro dismisses Miedema bid rumours and opens up on Gunners team spirit

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      JOE MONTEMURRO has brushed off speculation of a Lyon bid for Arsenal goal machine Vivianne Miedema. 
      And the Gunners boss admits lockdown restrictions have put a dampener on team socials.

      Joe Montemurro says Arsenal have received a bid for Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Rex Features

      Montemurro says Vivianne Miedema is ‘really happy’ at ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

      Miedema, 24, has been in fine form for the Gunners becoming the Women’s Super League all-time top scorer this term beating the record set by Nikita Parris.  
      And French outlet RMC Sport claims Lyon have been in talks over a bid for the Netherlands star who moved to Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017. 
      However, Montemurro, 51, says his club have not been approached about a swoop for the forward, whose current contract expires in 2022.
      Montemurro said: “From our perspective there has been absolutely nothing. 

      “And Viv is smiling, she’s really happy. She’s here to make sure that she does the best for the team. 
      “These are the discussions that I’m having with her every week and she’s training really well. 
      “I don’t think anyone has received anything from anyone. What happens in the future, I can’t predict.”
      Arsenal, who play Aston Villa next, reportedly have no plans to bring in more players in the January transfer window following the signing of Anna Patten. 

      The Gunners have dropped to fourth following the postponement of their West Ham clash and Manchester City leapfrogging them after beating Brighton. 
      And Montemurro says the club have had to come up with imaginative ways of managing team spirit with lockdown restrictions affecting player get-togethers. 
      The Arsenal manager added: “It’s so hard because you are fabricating a lot of things that are so natural like going for a coffee or going for dinners. 
      “On Saturday nights a lot of the girls would go out and have a meal together before the Sunday game
      “I’d be lying if I said it was all happy and jolly. It has been very, very tough. 
      “We try to make training as fun as possible although there is obviously the seriousness and importance of preparing for games. 

      Arsenal are due to play Aston Villa next in the league Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      “The big thing for us is to try to be available if they want to call, talk or chat. 
      “We have had some of our other staff members doing trivia games on Zoom. 
      “We are doing whatever we can do within the restrictions.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Brighton 1 Manchester City 7: Houghton and Weir help City demolish Albion and leapfrog Arsenal

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      GARETH TAYLOR hailed Caroline Weir’s classy double after Manchester City stuffed the Seagulls 7-1. 
      And the City gaffer praised Steph Houghton for becoming the first player in Women’s Super League history to make 150 appearances in the division. 

      Steph Houghton has made more WSL appearances than other player in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Caroline Weir netted a quick-fire first-half brace for Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Houghton said: “Remembering my first game in the WSL up to now it’s come such a long way. 
      “To be part of women’s football and how much it’s grown, and to represent two amazing clubs in Arsenal and Manchester City is a real honour. 
      “It’s a special moment and hopefully there are a lot more to come”
      Weir’s four-minute brace set the stage for a forgettable afternoon for the Seagulls. 

      And the thumping scoreline will serve as a warning to City’s title rivals with Taylor’s team now third and just three behind Arsenal’s goal difference tally of 30. 
      Taylor said: “I thought there were a number of good performances. I thought Caroline Weir – for 45 minutes – showed her class when it mattered and contributed well. 
      “I thought the second and fourth goals were excellent goals from back to front 
      “It’s taken a little bit of time for us to get our build-up play right, but I have always felt comfortable that we usually arrive in the final third in good control. 

      “It was just that when we got there in certain moments – as we did against Brighton earlier on in the season – the decision-making was slightly off or players weren’t in the right position. 
      “But I think some of our play in recent weeks and certainly in the build-up to Christmas has been great.”
      The last encounter between the Seagulls and their visitors ended in an impressive 0-0 draw with Hope Powell’s team coming close to snatching a win at the Academy Stadium.  
      But any signs of a repeat were blown away with Weir poking home from close range in the 17th minute before netting a second moments later. 

      Steph is a great ambassador for the club and I thought she capped off that landmark not just with her first goal but with a brilliant effort for her second
      Gareth Taylor

      From there the floodgates opened with Steph Houghton netting the first of her two goals close to half-time.  
      The second period was a similar story with no let-up from the visitors with Ellen White converting a 58th minute Chloe Kelly Cross. 
      And Steph Houghton picked up her second with a sublime free-kick four minutes later. 
      Taylor added: “Steph is a great ambassador for the club and I thought she capped off that landmark not just with her first goal but with a brilliant effort for her second. 
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      Manchester City are third in the table and five points behind leaders Man UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “You won’t see many better free-kicks than that.” 
      Rianna Jarrett snatched a consolation goal in the 69th minute Brighton battling to the stem wave of City attacks. 
      But hopes of keeping the scoreline down were thwarted with Chloe Kelly and Janine Beckie netting within four minutes of each other to wrap up the 7-1 win in normal time. 
      Seagulls boss Hope Powell said: “They were far better than us. They were very clinical and moved the ball very, very well. 

      Brighton are ninth in the table and have lost three of their last four gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We couldn’t match it really so I think credit to them. We weren’t on it today and had a bit of a makeshift team. I’m pleased with the way we had a go, but we were just not good enough.” 
      West Ham are up next for Gareth Taylor’s side before they visit Arsenal for a tantalising title clash. 
      And Brighton – who have lost three of their last four games – will face Bristol City.

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      Phil Neville has left a young, talented Lionesses squad… now England have to go and win a trophy

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      THERE has been a mixed reaction to Phil Neville’s England reign after he quit early for Inter Miami.
      But there ARE positives to take from his time in charge, having taken the Lionesses to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

      Phil Neville had clear ups and downs during his three years in charge of the England women’s teamCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Beckham has now recruited Phil Neville to boss Inter MiamiCredit: Instagram

      I have criticised the women’s performances since and England have dropped from second to sixth in the world rankings during his time in charge.
      But you only have to look at the outpouring of tributes from the players to know he had an incredibly close bond with them.
      Neville gave debuts to Georgia Stanway, 22, Leah Williamson, 23, and Keira Walsh, 23, who are now among the senior superstars.
      These youngsters have got to tap into their full potential now and go on to win a major tournament.

      When you look at the development of women’s football in this country, momentum has always come off the back of the Lionesses doing well.
      The next generation want  winners, so anything other than getting our hands on a Euros or a World Cup is now deemed a failure, which shows how far the team has come.
      We need the younger players to now make their mark.
      Sports scientist Dawn Scott will be our secret weapon, having helped the USA win two World Cups.

      Collectively, it would be great to see an improvement in our fitness  and physicality.

      Ex-England and Man Utd defender took the Lionesses to the 2019 World Cup semis but they dropped from second to sixth in the rankings under himCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Players will dominate if they look to the likes of Lucy Bronze, who sets the standard for work rate.
      If the Tokyo Olympics go ahead this year, women’s football has to take advantage.
      But with Neville gone, Team GB need a new leader — it’s a big hole to fill and they must move fast.
      It worries me that we don’t know who will be leading that team yet.
      I would love to see Manchester United manager Casey Stoney lead the side.
      She has built United from scratch and turned them into a title-chasing side in just four years. She  has also played at the Olympics.
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      I know  she’s very happy at the Red Devils but she could take over Team GB on a short-term contract.
      Even my name was put into the hat! I’d never say never, but at the moment I have things I want to focus on in my media career.
      We’ve got to come to a decision soon, for the sake of the players and the growth of women’s football.

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      Hope Powell happy to see women in England top jobs after Phil Neville’s Inter Miami move

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      HOPE POWELL says she is excited to see two female coaches take charge of the Lionesses following Phil Neville’s departure. 
      And Neville opting to quit as national manager for Inter Miami came as no surprise to the former England Women’s boss. 

      Hope Powell believes Hege Riise and Rhian Wilkinson will be ‘energisers’ for the LionessesCredit: Rex Features

      Hege Riise will lead the Lionesses training camp in February Credit: AP:Associated Press

      Powell, who led the Lionesses to the final of Euro 2009, was reacting to news of Hege Riise’s and Rhian Wilkinson’s appointments on a temporary basis. 
      Riise, 51, will take charge of the Lionesses training camp in February with Wilkinson, 38, serving as her No2. 
      And Seagulls gaffer Powell, whose Brighton aces will play Manchester City, on Sunday believes the duo will bring new energy to the national team. 
      Powell, 54, said: “Am I surprised [by Phil Neville leaving]? Absolutely not. 

      “I think the job in the American league has been mooted for a while. 
      “They [Riise and Wilkinson] are two new coaches, both very good players and experienced internationally. 
      “I know Rhian Wilkinson very well. I mentored her while she was on a programme with Fifa. 
      “I think I’m more pleased that it’s two females deserving of the opportunity who are being given the chance. 

      “That’s really pleasing to see and it bodes well hopefully for the future. 
      “To see the next generation of English female coaches coming through would be great. 
      “I recognise that it is in the interim, I have no idea how that looks going forward for international games, but credit to them both. They’re energisers. 
      “I briefly had an exchange of text messages with Rhian. She is absolutely delighted. And I’m just really pleased with both of them.”

      Hege Riise has been hired by the FA following Phil Neville’s appointment ast head coach of David Beckham’s Inter Miami

      Wilkinson was part of a Canada side that defeated Team GB in the football quarter-finals of the London 2012 Olympics. 
      The retired full-back – capped 181 times – helped the Canadians win back-to-back bronze medals at the 2012 and 2016 games before taking up coaching in 2017. 
      And Riise, who served as head coach of Norwegian giants LSK Kvinner from 2017, is a World Cup and European championship winner and an Olympic gold medallist. 

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      Casey Stoney dismisses Team GB job talk and looks to Man Utd future after signing Norway defender

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      CASEY STONEY says she has no plans to coach Team GB’s team at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics. 
      The Manchester United manager had been linked with the role Phil Neville was due to take on before he became Inter Miami’s new boss. 

      Casey Stoney says she has no plans to lead Team GB’s team at the delayed Tokyo Olympics Credit: PA:Press Association

      Stoney and Emma Hayes have been talked of as possible candidates for Team GB’s head coach roleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former England ace Claire Rafferty is among those who talked up the possibility of Stoney leading Team GB’s women’s football team.
      And Chelsea gaffer Emma Hayes is another big name who has been spoken of as a potential candidate with the games due to take place this summer.
      Stoney told BBC Sport: “Anyone who takes [the Team GB job], it would be a fantastic opportunity. 
      “I have been a captain at the Olympics and it is an incredible tournament and an amazing experience.

      “The summer is a big period for me as a manager to make sure I have done the recruitment I need and to make sure plans are in place for next season.” 
      United, who suffered their first defeat of the season with a loss at Chelsea, are due to take on Birmingham City.  
      And Stoney’s side – who are currently second and level on points with the champs – have been boosted by the signing of Maria Thorisdottir. 
      The Norway international joined the Red Devils from Chelsea on a two-and-a-half-year deal. 

      Man Utd have strengthened their squad with the signing of ex-Chelsea defender Maria Thorisdottir Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the versatile defender, who has been capped 46 times by her country, says she is looking to win silverware with her new club. 
      Thorisdottir told Man Utd’s website: “I have big ambitions. I like to win, so of course I’ve signed here to hopefully lift trophies in both league, cups and the Champions League, to qualify there.
      “I heard a lot of good things about Casey and I think that it’s a big positive she’s been a player herself. 
      “I had a really good conversation with her and I think that had a big part of my decision [to join]. 
      “They’ve only been in the league for two years and it’s impressive what she’s done and the rest of her staff members. 

      Thorisdottir says she is looking forward to winning trophies with UnitedCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      “Manchester United, back in Norway, is massive. There are so many fans and I think also having a female player sign for United is huge. 
      “For young girls back in Norway it is big. They can see that it is a chance for them as well.”
      “I’m really impressed with how far they’ve come already and it’s a young group of players, so I think the future is bright and to be a part of that, I can’t wait.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Everton seal Jill Scott loan deal with Man City ace joining the Toffees until season end

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      JILL SCOTT is swapping Manchester for Merseyside with Everton confirming a sensational loan swoop for the England legend.
      Scott, 36, will return to the club for the second time in her career following a seven-year trophy-winning stint. 

      England legend Jill Scott will return to Everton on a loan deal Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      And it comes days after City announced the signing of USA centre-back Abby Dahlkemper.
      Scott, who played for the Toffees from 2006 to 2013, was part of an Everton side who won the Women’s Premier Cup in 2008. 
      The Sunderland-born defender beat Arsenal heroines Alex Scott and Karen Carner to an FA Player’s Player of the Year Award the year before.
      Toffees boss Willie Kirk, whose team play Tottenham on Sunday, described the move for Scott as a statement of intent. 

      Kirk said: “She was a pivotal figure at Everton when the Women’s Super League was first formed and went on to become a significant part of Manchester City establishing themselves as one of the top clubs in this country.
      “Her achievements in the game are incredible, and that was recognised with her MBE in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list.  
      “She is very excited to join us and I expect her to challenge and raise our standards, adding to the good work we are doing.
      “It may only be a loan deal until the end of the season but I feel she can have a long-term impact on the journey that we are currently on.

      “I’m really looking forward to working with her and it is another sign of our intent.”
      Scott, who played 114 times for Everton netting 21 goals, made a move to Man City in the summer of 2013. 
      The Lioness, who reached the World Cup semis with England in 2019, has won seven trophies with the top-flight giants including last term’s FA Cup. 
      And the centre-back – who has been capped 149 times – is second only to Fara Williams in the rankings for the total number of England appearances. 

      Jill Scott’s move to Everton comes days after Man City announced the signing of Abby Dahlkemper Credit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Scott’s move to Everton is the second high profile transfer deal involving the Merseyside club this month.
      This week, Ligue 1 Women’s champs Lyon announced the signing of former Toffees ace Damarris Egurrola. 
      The Champions League winners swooped for the Spain midfielder after triggering her £100,000 release clause. 

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      Leicester boss warns aces not to get ‘too cocky’ and hails form of women’s squad and Premier League side

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      JONATHAN MORGAN wants his high-flying Foxes to ‘stay humble’ as they target their eleventh win in the women’s second tier.
      And the Leicester Women’s boss was full of praise for his players and Brendan Rodgers’ aces following their impressive runs this month. 

      Jonathan Morgan wants his Leicester players to stay focused as they look to extend their lead in the Women’s Championship Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Natasha Flint and her Leicester team-mates are due to play Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Leicester –  who face Crystal Palace on Sunday – have been on fire in the Women’s Championship winning seven of their last seven games on the bounce. 
      Results include a victory against Liverpool which saw Morgan’s promotion chasers open up an 11-point gap on the former WSL giants. 
      Morgan said: “We had a team meeting this week and we reiterated the message ‘be confident, and believe in yourself, but don’t let yourself become arrogant or cocky’. 
      “At the end of the day nobody has won the league in January have they? 

      “We’ve just got to keep ticking off the victories one at a time.
      “That’s the message that we’re constantly repeating to the girls along with making sure they keep working as hard in training to be the best possible versions of themselves.
      “Just as James Maddison said in his interview after the men’s side won against Chelsea on Tuesday, we are a club that likes to go under the radar. 

      Jonathan Morgan is pleased to see Brendan Rodgers’ players challenging for the Premier League titleCredit: Reuters

      “I feel that’s the DNA that’s within both the men’s and the women’s sides. 

      “Both of us know that we’ve got to keep working hard, and there is still a long slog to go to try and win titles.”
      Leicester, who are targeting a place in the league cup finals for the first time in their history, are due to take on Bristol City in the semis in February. 

      We have got two players who are both close to signing and we’re hoping to get both over the line in the next couple of days
      Jonathan Morgan

      And the club are still wary of their promotion rivals who include a Durham side yet to lose a Championship game this term. 
      Morgan added:”Durham are grinding out victories just like us. They’re finding that little bit of brilliance in tough games just like ourselves. 
      “We play them on February 14. Fingers-crossed, we can open up the gap to six points then if we beat them. 
      “But it’s going to be very difficult and I think this will go down to the end of the season, right down to the wire.”
      Leicester, who have been relatively fortunate with injuries this, are looking to strengthen their squad this month. 
      Morgan says the club will sign two new players before transfer deadline day this month with both due to be announced on Friday. 

      Unbeaten Durham are three points behind Leicester in the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      Morgan told SunSport: “We have got two players who are close to signing and we’re hoping to get both over the line in the next couple of days. 
      “We’re still going to stick to our DNA of trying to build a sustainable future with the players we look to bring in.
      “And hopefully people will see them as good, young talents who can come and help us to secure the title.”

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      Man City 2 Chelsea 4: Emma Hayes sings Sophie Ingle’s praises after Blues win Conti Cup thriller

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      SOPHIE INGLE gave Emma Hayes the tingles after her Chelsea juggernauts ended Manchester City’s cup dreams in a 4-2 thriller. 
      And the Wales skipper is being urged to go on more rampaging runs after her thunder strike helped Chelsea beat City on their home turf for the first time in nine years. 

      Wales ace Sophie Ingle netted Chelsea’s fourth goal against Man City in the Blues’ cup victoryCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea ended their nine-year hoodoo at City’s home ground with a thrilling Conti Cup quarter-final winCredit: PA:Press Association

      Additional goals from Melanie Leupolz, Guro Reiten and a superb Niamh Charles shot were enough to see City knocked out after the rain-sodden clash. 
      Hayes said: “In Sophie, this football club has had a more defensive midfielder and I am challenging her – for the next level she has to do more. 
      “And that includes more marauding runs forward in the right moments. 
      “If you wanted to show your manager what they have asked of you, that’s a great way to respond and she showed her class and her quality. 

      “I was disappointed to give away two terrible goals. 
      “But then with players like Niamh Charles and the work she does in training to get herself into that position, she is priming herself for that moment.
      “This is a real victory for new additions to the squad.
      “And the depth of the squad is the reason why we are going through to the next round. 

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      Niamh Charles superb strike helped Chelsea through to extra timeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “The whole dressing room will be over the moon for Niamh – just like they will be for Sophie Ingle – because sometimes the quiet ones don’t get the credit. 
      Before the encounter the Academy Stadium had been a fortress, with City’s last defeat being a loss to Atletico Madrid in September 2018.
      But it was the champs who took the lead with Germany star Leupolz rifling in the Blues’ first goal close to half time. 
      City refused to bow and levelled through Chloe Kelly with the England ace dispossessing Magdalena Erikkson seven minutes into the second-half.
      And it looked as if the hosts were destined for the Conti Cup semis after Lauren Hemp volleyed them ahead in the 84th minute.
      But super sub Charles came to the Blues rescue with an exquisitely controlled looping shot, levelling for the visitors with a minute to go of normal time. 

      And extra time efforts from Guro Reiten – who would later tee up Ingle for her goal wrapped things up for the Blues. 
      Wednesday night’s victory means Chelsea have picked up seven wins in a row across all competitions. 
      A semi-final clash with West Ham or Durham awaits the league cup holders.
      City, who will be hoping for better fortunes in the league, will take on Brighton on Sunday. 
      And Alan Mahon who was deputising for City gaffer Gareth Taylor says the loss was a tough one to swallow. 

      Man City will be looking to bounce back when they take on Brighton in the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mahon said: “It’s difficult to take. Chelsea came and played very well and it’s always very close when we play them. 
      “It’s a bit frustrating at the last minute that we couldn’t get the win over the line. 
      “We have a game on Sunday. We can only control the controllable. So the girls will rest, regroup and get ready for another big match.” 

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