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    Tobin Heath hails ‘special goal’ that helped Manchester United turn the tables on their title rivals

    TOBIN HEATH has praised Manchester United’s character with the team heading into January as WSL leaders for the first time in the club’s history. 
    And the USA ace highlighted her thunderstrike against Man City as an important goal to score during one of United’s “poorest halves” this term. 

    Tobin Heath and Man United are currently in pole position in the WSLCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

    The Red Devils, who take on Everton in their first game of the new year, have yet to lose a match in the league this term. 
    But they came close to being defeated on home turf when Gareth Taylor’s players went 2-0 up in the first half of their first derby encounter this season. 
    But a Kirsty Hanson goal and Heath’s top corner shot saved the day with Casey Stoney’s side sharing the spoils with Man City. 
    Heath told Man United’s website: “We got a lot of things wrong in the first half. It was one of our poorest halves in terms of performance. 

    “But the character of the team in being able to turn around a 2-0 deficit at half-time and being able to actually almost win the game is important.
    “To be able to give the team the boost that was needed in the appropriate time is my responsibility. 
    “It is a responsibility that I love and I think it is important for this group to never let up.
    “You have to create a moment for the team and create momentum because that’s important. 

    “Just being able to give the team that spark, that energy, that belief is critical
    “And it will be important throughout the season to be able to have moments like that because momentum in football changes, but our attitude and belief has to stay the same.”

    Tobin Heath, Millie Turner and their team-mates travel to Everton for their first game of 2021 Credit: Rex Features

    Tobin Heath has netted four goals in seven WSL appearances Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    United, who are four points ahead of Arsenal who are second, have a potentially tricky opening start to their new year. 
    A tantalising clash with Chelsea, who have gone unbeaten in the league in 2020, will follow their trip to Walton Hall Park. 
    And Emma Hayes’s side, who are six points behind the leaders, have two games in hand following the postponement before their final match before Christmas.

    WSL stars under fire for appearing to ‘break Covid rules’ as West Ham and Arsenal players jet off on luxury trips – the sun More

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    Goteborg dissolves women’s team weeks after Champions League loss to Manchester City

    Göteborg FC have stunned women’s football by announcing the closing down of its title-winning side. 
    The team, who were beaten by Manchester City in round 32 of this term’s Champions League, have withdrawn from Sweden’s Premier Women’s division for 2021. 

    Goteburg officials announced the closure of its women team ahead of the 2021 season of Sweden’s Women’s Premier DivisionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Sweden’s Pauline Hammerlund is among the international players currently without a clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    And it is reported their closure will mean that nine members of the country’s national team are currently without a club. 
    Players include Emma Kullberg, Pauline Hammerlund and Sweden Women’s stopper Jennifer Falk who were part of the side defeated by Man City.
    Göteborg, who were established in 1970, had won the gold medal in the country’s top-flight last term. 
    Past players of the side, who are two-time winners of Sweden’s Ladies Cup, include Manchester United’s Christen Press and her USA team-mate Hope Solo. 

    On its web site, the club stated that it would not be able to match what it described as  “large investments” poured into women’s sides such as Lyon, Bayern Munich, Man City and Manchester United. 
    In a statement on its site the club said: “Internationally, women’s football has developed enormously in Europe in recent years. 
    “Large men’s clubs, such as Lyon, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus, among others, have realised the value of women’s football, make large investments and have given women’s football resources that it is not possible for us to match.
    “We have created a great interest in women’s football in Gothenburg and shown that it is possible to establish oneself at the top and even win a Swedish Championship gold, as long as one has a clear goal that creates challenges and motivation. 

    “The elite clubs in Gothenburg must now spin on this.
     “If you do that, we are convinced that women’s football in Gothenburg will quickly take new steps forward.
    “Because the tradition-laden and reputable clubs, with their organizations and many supporters, create conditions for women’s football in Gothenburg, we believe that our project is complete and therefore Kopparbergs / Göteborg FC will close down its elite team for the Allsvenskan season 2021.”
    Club chairman Peter Brosnan said: “For almost 20 years, we have developed and driven women’s football in Gothenburg and Sweden forward. 

    Goteborg were knocked out of the Champions League by Manchester City over two legsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    “Stepping on the same old footsteps is not something we believe in. 
    “In order to assert itself internationally, I am convinced that women’s football should be integrated into and be an equal part, to take part in the same resources as men’s football, in an elite club. 
     “It is, of course, a sad decision for us to make in the short term, but seen over the long term, it is definitely the right decision to make now.”

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    Chelsea ‘underdog’ Ann-Katrin Berger celebrated despite missing out on Fifa keeper award and targets club success

    ANN-KATRIN BERGER admits to being unbothered by missing out on one of the women’s games top goalkeeping awards this year.
    And the Chelsea ace, who emerged as one of the WSL’s best stoppers after overcoming thyroid cancer, still sees herself as an underdog in the sport. 

    Ann-Katrin Berger says she sees herself as “an underdog” despite her success on the pitchCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription

    Berger, who made a switch to Kingsmeadow from Birmingham in January 2019, has seen her club career thrive under Emma Hayes. 
    The Germany international, 30, who will take on Reading in the Blues first league outing of 2021, has kept seven clean sheets in 12 games across all competitions for this term. 
    And her performances for the WSL champs, who have gone unbeaten in the league this year, earned the former PSG player a Best Fifa Women’s Goalkeeper nomination.
    Berger told Fifa’s website: “It wasn’t a disappointment when I didn’t win, because I still see myself as an underdog. 

    “When I was nominated, I was the only goalkeeper yet to make their debut for their country. 
    “I went on the assumption that I wouldn’t win and still celebrated my nomination as a victory.
    “Apart from the pandemic, it was a very successful year for me – both individually and also for my team. 
    “Based on that, I’d say that while the pandemic obviously happened, I didn’t want to focus too much on it and preferred to concentrate on the sporting side of things instead. 

    “It was my safe place, as it were – that was all there was as far as I was concerned. It gave me more time to work on myself.” 

    Ann Katrin-Berger was nominated for a Best Fifa Women’s Goalkeeper award which went to Lyon’s Sarah BouhaddiCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Berger left France’s top-flight in 2016 to become Birmingham City’s No1 between the sticks in the Women’s Super League. 
    And she caught the eye of Blues boss Emma Hayes when she made 11 saves including a penalty stop to help Birmingham knockout Chelsea in the 2017 Women’s FA Cup semi-finals. 
    In November that year the Germany star was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and would later undergo an operation and radiotherapy treatment. 
    But the WSL ace would go on to make her comeback four months later and seal a move to Chelsea in 2019. 
    Berger added: “I’ve always been the kind of person who isn’t fazed by challenges – they spur me on. 

    Ann-Katrin Berger and Chelsea are targetting WSL and Champions League trophy wins in 2021Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
    “I’ve now been nominated as one of the top six goalkeepers in the world and in England, I was named in the team of the year. 
    “I want to consolidate that and make sure it wasn’t a one-off. 
    “2020 finished off well in sporting terms and I want to carry that over into 2021.”
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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    Olli Harder becomes West Ham Women’s new boss following Matt Beard exit despite Jayne Ludlow speculation

    OLLI HARDER has taken up the reigns as West Ham’s new manager just over a month after the departure of former Irons boss Matt Beard. 
    The New Zealander’s appointment ends weeks of speculation surrounding the role with Wales manager Jayne Ludlow among those linked with the job. 

    Olli Harder has signed a two-year contract to manage West Ham Women

    Harder has recently been plying his trade as assistant coach of Sandnes Ulf, a second division men’s side in Norway. 
    The 34-year-old has international experience under his belt as Norway’s Under-23 assistant manager. 
    And the tri-lingual coach has worked in Norway’s women’s top division, leading Klepp IL to top four spots between 2017 and 2019. 
    West Ham says Harder has signed a two-year contract to manage the club’s Women’s Super League side.

    The team, who picked up three points from their last WSL encounter before Christmas, have struggled at times in the league this season.  
    And they have won just twice so far this term leaving them third from bottom. 
    Irons managing director Jack Sullivan says he is confident Harder is the right fit for West Ham.  
    Sullivan said: “He has lots of new ideas that we are looking forward to implementing and I can’t wait to work with Olli, who I believe will help us to continue the positive progress we have made in the WSL so far.

    “We had a huge number of incredibly strong candidates for this role, but Olli stood out predominantly due to his progressive coaching style and exceptional attention to detail, which is backed by strong experience and achievements in the women’s game.
    “I’m confident Olli will ensure a work ethic and an organisation from the team to accompany his track record of giving young players a chance which aligns with the club’s values.” 
    Harder’s first game in charge will be a tricky encounter against title-chasers Manchester City. 

    West Ham are due to take on Manchester City in their first game in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

    Jack Sullivan is confident Harder will help to nurture West Ham’s youth playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And the New Zealander, who is fluent in German and Norwegian, is ready to get stuck in.
    Harder said: “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of not only working with such a historic club but, more importantly, a club that has committed itself to the development and progression of the women’s game.
    “I’m relishing the challenge of moving forward the West Ham United women’s team into what will no doubt be a bright future.”

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    No Covid test frequency change for elite women’s sides despite ramp up in Premier League

    WOMEN’S TOP-FLIGHT sides are to continue being tested just once a week for coronavirus, despite plans to step up tests for Premier League clubs in Tier 4. 
    Despite a Covid surge leading to the axing of games in the women’s top two divisions the FA says the frequency of tests for elite sides will remain unchanged.

    WSL and Women’s Championship sides will continue to be tested once a week for Covid-19Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Six London Prem clubs are due to be tested twice a week for the virus in a bid to prevent severe disruption to the men’s top-flight season.   
    The new system will see Prem players and staff at Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Spurs and West Ham return to the 72-hour sampling regulations introduced as part of Project Restart in the summer. 
    However, the rollout of more virus checks does not currently apply to women’s teams at these clubs, some of whom have seen the cancellation of their final games of the year. 
    Just three WSL clashes went ahead in the weekend leading up to Christmas with the virus being the primary cause of disruption for two fixtures. 

    A spate of positive results put the kibosh on Chelsea’s derby with Tottenham and led West Ham to call off their clash with Aston Villa. 
    Elsewhere Crystal Palace were forced to cancel their trip to Women’s Championship rivals Charlton with a number of Addicks players having to self-isolate.  

    Chelsea are one of four WSL sides who saw their games before Christmas postponed due to CovidCredit: Rex Features
    The FA says it will continue to assess its existing protocols with the current arrangement being for WSL and Championship talent to be tested once a week.  
    In a statement, the FA told SunSport: “To ensure transparency, The FA will continue to release Covid-19 testing results each week across both the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship.

    “Protocols are currently in place for testing once a week and players will be tested before they return to training. 
    “These protocols will continue to be regularly reviewed and we will provide any further updates in due course.”  
    Latest figures from the FA reveal a huge spike in the number of individuals testing positive across the women’s game’s top two divisions

    Today it was confirmed that 32 Covid test results have come back positive from 864 carried out in the third week of December. 
    This is the largest number of positive results returned so far this season.
    From early January additional testing of Premier teams is expected to be extended through the entire men’s top-flight in anticipation of the new coronavirus strain spreading through the country. More

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    World Cup-winning Japan star Iwabuchi set for Aston Villa and women’s top-flight switch

    ASTON VILLA have made one of the biggest signings of their season with a stunning swoop for Japan skipper Mana Iwabuchi. 
    The former Bayern Munich forward is set to join the side in January in a bid to boost their firepower as they battle to avoid the drop.

    Mana Iwabuchi is set to join her Aston Villa team-mates in January Credit: Alamy Live News

    Villa, who have been prolific up top in league cup clashes, have struggled to find the net in some of their games in their debut WSL season.  
    The club, who are second from bottom, are set to face title-chasers Arsenal in their first WSL game in January.
    Their current highest scorer in the top-flight is Ramona Petzelberger who has netted three times across eight league encounters. 
    It is hoped Iwabuchi, a former Arsenal target who has scored 29 times in 72 appearances for her country, will give the Villans a sharper edge. 

    Villa boss Gemma Davies said: “We are exceptionally excited that a player of Mana’s calibre will be joining us in January. 
    “Not only will she bring a wealth of experience to the squad, but she will also add a different dimension to our attacking play. 
    “She is a very technical player that thrives in tight spaces and we cannot wait to see her continue to develop at Aston Villa.”
    Iwabuchi, 27, cemented her reputation as one to watch when she burst onto the international stage at the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand in 2008. 

    Mana Iwabuchi was part of Japan’s 2011 World Cup-winning side Credit: Getty – Contributor

    The then 15-year-old starlet won the tournament’s Golden Ball after wowing fans with her attacking displays for Japan, who eventually lost to England in the quarter-finals.
    Iwabuchi would later go on to represent her country’s senior side at the 2011 Women’s World Cup.
    There Japan made history by becoming the first Asian team to win the tournament by defeating the United States.
    And this year Iwabuchi sent fans wild when she netted an outstanding volley against Spain after slipping on the pitch at the SheBelieves Cup.

    Ramona Petzelberger (right) is Aston Villa’s top scorer in the WSL after eight gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Iwabuchi, who plied her trade with Japanese club INAC Kobe Leonessa, will wear the number 20 vest when she makes her Villa debut.   
    Villa Women’s sporting director Eniola Aluko said: “Mana is an exciting and creative goal-scorer who will bring World Cup-winning experience to the Club. 
    “I am delighted Mana has chosen to join Aston Villa Women to drive us forward in our Barclays FA Women’s Super League journey.”

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    Brighton 1 Reading 3: Fishlock on fire as Reading as sink Seagulls to claim their third win this season

    JESS FISHLOCK hailed Reading for snuffing out Brighton’s momentum to seal a feisty victory on the Seagulls’ home turf.
    A brace from the Wales star was among the goals that helped the rampant Royals grab a gritty 3-1 win. 

    Jess Fishlock was outstanding in Reading’s midfield alongside team-mate Natasha HardingCredit: phcimages.com

    Jess Fishlock’s brace helped the Royals secure their third away win this seasonCredit: phcimages.com

    And the result saw the visitors – who consigned Albion to their third league defeat on the bounce – move a point behind fifth-placed Everton.  
    Fishlock told BT Sport: “Our performances have perhaps not got the result they deserved, so today was all about the result – and we got that – so we can go into Christmas now feeling a little bit happier.
    “We were really disappointed that we conceded the goal. It kind of came from us and our own mistakes and that is frustrating. 
    “I thought we deserved to go (into halftime) up and I’m glad we got the second goal at that time because it kills a little bit of their momentum.”

    Kelly Chambers’ players, who have picked up 9 points from 15 on the road, showed their intent to overwhelm their opponents from the get-go.
    And at the heart of their swashbuckling attack was OL Reign loanee Fishlock, who was on fire for the visitors in midfield. 
    It was the Wales ace who put the Royals ahead with a bottom corner strike in the 17th minute. 
    But the hosts gave as good as they got winning a penalty four minutes later following Deanna Cooper’s foul on Ellie Brazil. 

    And it was Dutch ace Inessa Kaagman who levelled from the spot for Albion. 
    However, the 1-1 scoreline did not last too long with Fishlock latching on to a deflected cross to smash in her second close to half-time. 
    The early stages of the second spell were a different affair with Hope Powell’s players pressing high in an attempt to pull the game level.
    But Reading wrapped up the win with Rachel Rowe’s stoppage-time effort adjudged to have crossed the goal line before bouncing off the post. 
    Albion boss Hope Powell said: “The result is pretty demoralising because at times we played well.  
    “We came back 1-1, but then we gifted them their second goal from overplaying at the back. 

    The Royals are now a point behind Everton who lost 4-0 to ArsenalCredit: Jane Stokes/News Images
    “At this level, you have got to be smart enough to know when to play under pressure and when not to.
    “They’re (Reading) a good side but we created a lot of our own errors. 
    “I think in spells we played quite well, but it’s just that final pass and that final execution which we’ll have to keep working on until we get it right.”

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    Arsenal hit FOUR past Everton with Jen Beattie scoring first goal since opening up about shattering cancer diagnosis

    MIKEL ARTETA could learn a thing or two from Arsenal’s high-flying women on how to do the business over Everton.
    Goals from Jordan Nobbs, Caitlin Foord, Jen Beattie and Beth Mead sent the Gunners to second in the table and snapping at the heels of leaders Manchester United.

    Jen Beattie (far right) hit her first goal since opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    Australian superstar Caitlin Foord found the net as Arsenal demolished Everton Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    It was just one day after the hapless men dropped ever closer to the relegation zone after a trip to Goodison Park.
    There has been a rot at the club among both sides, with Arteta’s team suffering their worst start to a campaign since 1974-75.
    While the women had limped to just one win in their last five games prior to hosting the Merseysiders – having been used to dominating the division’s elite for over three decades.
    But a crucial victory today handed boss Joe Montemurro’s title ambitions a major boost.

    He joked: “Ah we’ve always got to save the club us girls don’t we?
    “We love representing the club and it’s more important that we represent it with style, class and the integrity it deserves.
    “Win, lose or draw we will always go out there and be the best we can be and we hope the fans appreciate that.
    “Would I have liked a couple of extra points by Christmas which were there? Yes, I would love them.

    “But it’s a great league to be part of and Everton are a very good team.”
    For most of the afternoon Montemurro benched all-time WSL scorer Vivianne Miedema – who came on with half-hour to go.
    The Australian manager added: “It wasn’t about a statement of intent, it’s about having the squad that understands the way we want to play.
    “You have the options to make certain tactical adjustments you need to make per game.”

    Jodan Nobbs scored on her first start since October having been dogged with injuries Credit: PA:Press Association

    Gunners boss Joe Montemurro was thrilled to give Arsenal fans something to cheer about before Christmas Credit: Getty Images – Getty

    The Gunners got the breakthrough just FOUR minutes in after Mead broke free on the right flank and fired an inch-perfect cross to Nobbs who slotted home.
    It was the England superstar’s first start since October, having been dogged with injuries for much of the season.  
    Kim Little then came steaming down the right again, with Caitlin Foord meeting her cross to send a rocket past Toffees stopper Sandy MacIver on 10 minutes.
    Everton were gifted a golden opportunity to pull one back after Hayley Raso pounced on a kamikaze clearance from Leah Williamson – but she flashed her shot agonizingly wide.
    Willie Kirk’s side have looked like a wounded animal since their bitter FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at the start of November, having failed to pick up a top-flight win since.
    Jill Roord stung the hands of MacIver after the break and the young England keeper was made to pay.
    A sublime Katie McCabe corner fell to an unmarked Jen Beattie, who nodded beyond MacIver on 61 minutes.
    The Scot’s teammates poignantly huddled around her, as it was her first goal since opening up about her shattering breast cancer diagnosis a week ago.
    The defender found a lump in her breast in October which left her fearing she would die – but that header was the best possible riposte to the debilitating disease.
    Three minutes later Beth Mead tucked into the goal fest up as she sent a strike dipping and curling sweetly into the top corner.
    Everton almost grabbed a late consolation as substitute Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah rattled the woodwork with a fierce drive.  
    Toffees boss Willie Kirk refused to speak to the media after the final whistle.
    ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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