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      Bompastor hails Chelsea’s ‘perfect start’ but says team ‘still have a lot of improvement’ to make

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR wants Chelsea to stay focused on reality in their title hunt despite their flawless record so far this term. And the Blues boss thinks there is more room for improvement from her undefeated side who beat Manchester United 1-0.Guro Reiten netted the only goal of the game with a spot-kick for Chelsea in the 17th minuteCredit: ReutersBlues forward Sandi Baltimore was named player of the match after another a solid shift as a full-backCredit: GettyChelsea’s win increased their advantage at the top of the table with Man City trailing them by six pointsCredit: PAGuro Reiten’s sixth top-flight goal this season kept the title chase on target for the league leaders at their Kingsmeadow fortress. Melvine Malard came close to snatching a dramatic late away leveller for Man United with her thunderous shot bouncing off the crossbar. But Chelsea did enough to protect their lead and open a five-point gap on Man City, who are second. And the loss for the Red Devils in the WSL leaves the Blues as the only side unbeaten so far this term after eight top-flight games. Read More Football StoriesBompastor said: “In terms of results it’s a perfect start and a 100 per cent win record. But it’s important to stay in mind with reality. “This is really good in terms of confidence, but the reality is even if we beat Man City, Arsenal and Man United, we haven’t won anything yet. “We need to keep a good balance between having the confidence from getting these good results against the best teams in the league. “But we must also make sure we keep our mentality focused on working hard.Most read in Football”We need to progress and the good point is we are winning games and getting points. “But we still have a lot of improvement, especially when we have possession of the ball, being able to hold the ball more under pressure.”Coming into the game United’s attacking ranks had been dealt a fitness blow with Ella Toone and striker Elisabeth Terland both injured. Starting in their place were veteran forward Rachel Williams and Brazil winger Geyse who was the Red Devils’ most dangerous attacking threat. Man United began brightly with forward Geyse leading the way with some powerful runs and decent crosses into the box. But it was the hosts who would break the deadlock after United keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce brought Mayra Ramirez down in the box. The game’s only goal was scored with Reiten rifling home from the penalty spot in the 17th minute despite Tullis-Joyce guessing the right way. United came close to equalising in the second half with Geyse forcing Hannah Hampton to parry away her shot away from the top corner And Malard struck the woodwork in the 90th minute. Man United were limited to one shot on target with their strongest attacking threat coming from Geyse (pictured) and Melvine MalardCredit: PABut their hosts held out with loss likely to see Marc Skinner’s side now nine points behind the league leaders. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Red Devils boss said: “Chelsea are running away with it. “All we can do is get closer, try and finish as high as we possibly can, and try and finish in those Champions League places.” More

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      ‘My family are a big inspiration – we love to talk about the game’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor

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      THE support of her retired football referee father has been an inspiration for Sonia Bompastor during her rise to the top of the game. The Chelsea chief’s dad was watching from the Stamford Bridge stands, as she guided her side to wins against Manchester City and Celtic.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Chelsea to their 12th win in 12 games played in the WSL and Champions LeagueCredit: AlamyA Blues win against Man United at Kingsmeadow would extend the team’s lead to five points at the top of the WSL before the international breakCredit: GettyAhead of their clash with Man United Bompastor’s players booked their place in the Champions League quarter finals by beating Celtic 3-0Credit: GettyBoth matches, played last Sunday and on Wednesday, led the Blues to extend their winning streak to 11 games under their boss.Results that pushed them to the WSL’s summit before a 12 midday clash with Manchester United today, and secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage.Bompastor, 44, said: “I know even when he’s back at home he’s watching the games and I really appreciate talking with him about football.”My family is a big inspiration and they have always been supporting me. We love to talk about the gameRead More Football Stories”My Dad was so happy to come (over here) to watch the Manchester City game, the Celtic game and he sometimes talks about tactics.”He pretends he knows a lot! And I’m like, ‘yes I’m listening’.Bompastor’s father Joaquim, who was born in Portugal, officiated amateur level games in France for more than 30 years before hanging up his whistle.Playing football from the age of six with him and her brother put Bompastor on a path that would later lead her to multiple trophy wins as a player and women’s team head coach at her old club Lyon. Most read in FootballThe former defender, who began her Chelsea managerial role in July, says her father had a knack for honing in on the small details of a game.And a referees’ performance is one aspect he keeps a close eye on.Bompastor, who steered Lyon to seven major trophies including a 2022 Champions League title, added  “We are all passionate (about football).”It’s the common thing we have in our family. That’s what brings us together.”When he comes to a game the first thing he does is watch the referee’s performance.”Today Chelsea play their third home match in eight days when they host Marc Skinner’s Man United at Kingsmeadow.Both sides are the only two teams currently unbeaten in the WSL this term after seven games played with both winning in their last league outings.We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points Sonia Bompastor However three draws from their last four top-flight games has seen United drop six points off the leaders with Skinner coming under pressure from some Red Devils fans.While United will be without Ella Toone and possibly Elisabeth Terland, due to injury, Bompastor is mindful of the other attacking threats Players includes Rachel Williams and ex-Lyon forward Melvine Malard.The Blues chief said: “They have some other good players like Melvine.”I know Melvine and since she joined Manchester United (from Lyon) she’s been on fire (for them).”They also have Rachel Williams who might be starting. “She’s a player we know really well here at Chelsea so we are prepared for that.”She’s good with the ball technically, strong in the air and a really athletic player.”While their opponents are six points off them, Bompastor believes the Red Devils are still a threat in the race for the title.And she has no intention of underestimating her rivals.She adds: “We still have a lot of games to play. Everyone is still in the (title) race.”We’re at the top of the table which is the main goal, but if you think that’s enough at the moment, you will drop some points and won’t be focused.”We need to keep the right mentality, work hard and make sure that in every game we take things game by game.”We want to put all the ingredients together to get a good performance.”Having worked as an academy director for eight years at Lyon from 2013 after retiring as a player, Bompastor is keen to bring more promising young talents rise through the Blues ranks. Chelsea’s win against Celtic included the head coach handing a debut to Lola Brown who came on as a 86th-minute substitute. The 17-year-old, who plays in midfield, is among two teenagers who have featured for Chelsea in the Champions League this season. Wieke Kaptein, 19, who joined the Blues last summer before being loaned back to her old club FC Twente for one season, has made nine appearances in Europe and the WSL this term. Bompastor said: “I know my main job is to make sure we perform, get great results and we win titles. Bompastor is wary of Man United’s attacking threats who include ex-Lyon forward Melvine MalardCredit: PA”But I’m also really focused on developing the players, especially the young ones. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That’s something really important to have in Chelsea’s squad – young players being developed by the coaches and by me. “It’s enjoyable to work with young players when they have the talent.” More

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      Chloe Kelly sends fans wild in daring outfit as she shares behind-the-scenes snaps from GQ Men of the Year

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      ENGLAND star Chloe Kelly sent fans wild as she stunned at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremony.The Lionesses ace hit the red carpet and showed off her incredible figure in a half white and half sparkly outfit.Chloe Kelly stunned in a bold outfit at GQ’s Men of the Year ceremonyCredit: GettyThe Lionesses star dazzled in behind-the-scenes snapsCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly wowed her 877,00 Instagram followersCredit: INSTAGRAMFans labelled her look ‘gorgeous’Credit: INSTAGRAMShe was one of several footballers at the eventCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly’s eye-catching look was accompanied with glittering earrings and stylish high-heeled shoes.The 26-year-old posted several snaps from the event and afterparty on her Instagram.The Manchester City star posed in a car before hopping out to dazzle in the hallways of the luxury event.Fans were left in awe of her, with one saying: “Extremely glamorous.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “Oh to look like that in a dress like that. Gorgeous.”A third wrote: “Wow so beautiful.” Women’s Super League star Maz Pacheco commented: “Girl crush.”Kelly was not the only footballer at the event, with England trio Cole Palmer, Kobbie Mainoo and Noni Madueke among those invited.Most read in FootballChelsea star Palmer arrived with stunning new girlfriend Connie Grace.Other celebs like Alex Scott, Leah Williamson, Usain Bolt, Skepta, Jude Law and Nicole Kidman were also present at the 27th annual get-together on Tuesday night.England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly leaves little to imagination in daring outfit and branded ‘unreal’ at Glamour awardsKelly is no stranger to the red carpetCredit: AlamyOff the pitch, she lives a life of luxuryCredit: INSTAGRAMKelly scored the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final for EnglandCredit: instagramThe Man City star has 47 Lionesses capsCredit: instagram @chloekellyShe has scored seven goals for her countryCredit: Reuters More

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      Arsenal boss says players’ progress to Women’s Champions League knockouts is the ‘perfect end’ to an intense run

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      RENEE SLEGERS described Arsenal reaching the Women’s Champions League’ last eight as the “ultimate end to an intense” block of games. It took her Gunners 89 minutes to break Juventus’s resistance with Lina Hurtig’s strike securing their sixth win in seven matches across all competitions. Arsenal have gone a seven-game unbeaten run since Renee Slegers became interim manager of the WSL sideCredit: GettyLina Hurtig’s first goal in the Women’s Champions League this season secured the Gunners’ place in the contest’s quarter-finalsCredit: AlamyWhile their performance last night at the Emirates was less goal-laden than their 4-0 demolition of the Serie A side last week, the result maintained their unbeaten run under Slegers. The stand-in boss has impressed since taking charge of the side in mid-October following Jonas Eidevall resigning from his role as head coach. Following a mixed start to the season, Arsenal have looked more fluid in attack in three of their last four games with 12 goals scored. During their 5-0 defeat of Brighton on November 8 one fan was spotted holding a placard with the words “In Renee we trust” daubed across it. Read More Football StoriesThe team’s fourth win on the bounce since then has strengthened the case for the Netherlands-born stand-in Arsenal boss to continue in her role. Although the result gave the Gunners what she describes as “breathing space”, she sees the situation as surreal. Of their seven-game unbeaten run, Slegers said: “It’s the ultimate end to a very busy and intense block we have had here. “It is the perfect ending for this block. It means a lot. Most read in Sport”All of the players totally deserve it because of the work they put in. It gives us some breathing space in the last two games as well.”We wouldn’t give ourselves a ten out of ten but we will give ourselves a big fat ‘enough’. “We will never play the perfect game so it won’t be a ten, but we are very happy with what we have done so far.  “I never felt we would get into this situation. “We have done really well but I was part of Jonas (Eidevall’s) staff and there was so much that was built during his time. I don’t want to separate that. “There is so much we are still building on. It’s surreal in so many ways but we are very happy. “Compared to last term with Chelsea the only WSL side in the contest’s knockout phase, all three English clubs competing this season have fared well in the group stage. Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City currently sit top of group D above Barcelona with four wins from four matches including their 2-0 win against the LaLiga Women’s leaders in October.  An efficient 2-1 defeat of Hammarby last night, with City also entering the tournament’s last eight, came courtesy of two goals netted by Khadija Shaw.Khadija Shaw struck twice to seal Manchester City’s away win against Hammarby in their fourth Champions League group stage game this termCredit: GettyThe Jamaica striker has been in fine form in Europe for City so far this term netting three times in four Champions League appearances. READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile Chelsea also maintained a hundred per cent win record in the group stages so far The team claimed a quarter-final place by beating Celtic 3-0 on Wednesday ahead of duels with FC Twente and Real Madrid next month.  More

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      Moment baffled Man City star is BOOKED after being hit by projectile thrown from crowd when she scored

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      MANCHESTER CITY striker Khadija Shaw was bizarrely shown a yellow card after being hit by an object thrown from the crowd during Thursday’s Champions League clash with Hammarby.Shaw broke the deadlock for City with a deflected shot in the 31st minute. Khadija Shaw was hit by a projectile while celebrating her first goalCredit: EPAThe striker was left completely baffled after the incidentCredit: EPAShe was then left stunned after receiving a bizarre yellow cardCredit: GettyBut as she ran over to the corner flag to celebrate, she was struck by a projectile which appeared to be thrown from the home supporters.The striker looked over to the crowd to see where the object came from, but as she began walking back to the halfway line referee Silvia Gasperotti brandished a yellow card.Shaw looked completely perplexed as her team-mate Alex Greenwood attempted to question the decision.However, Gasperotti just walked away before restarting the match.Read More in FootballFans on social media were equally confused as to why Shaw received a booking.One person wrote: “Absolutely crazy decision from the ref.”Another commented: “Just when you think you have seen the worst decision in women’s football the refs just have to take it to a new level.”While a third said: “Poor officiating, there has to be severe punishment for this incompetence.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther fans appeared to suggest that Shaw was booked for “excessively celebrating” in front of the Hammarby fans.One commented: “She celebrated in front of Hammarby stand, that’s why she got a yellow card.”Chelsea women’s coach Emma Hayes SHOVES Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall in heated scenes after losing League Cup finalShaw had the last laugh, however, as she went on to score the winner in superb style.Just four minutes after Ellen Wangerheim equalised for Hammarby, the striker fired a shot straight into the top-right corner from the edge of the box.The goal saw her become Man City Women’s all-time top goalscorer in the Champions League.City went on to win 2-1 to book a spot in the quarter-finals. More

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      Hanna Bennison ready for ‘tough’ Arsenal test and a ‘must-win’ Women Champions League game for Juventus

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      HANNA BENNISON has grown accustomed to performing under pressure during her journey to the top of women’s football.Tonight the Juventus ace and her club pals face the tough task of attempting to keep their Champions Leagues hopes alive by avoiding a loss to Arsenal.   Hanna Bennison and her team-mates are currently third in their Women’s Champions League group behind Bayern Munich and ArsenalCredit: GettyJuventus will need to avoid a defeat away at Arsenal should Bayern Munich beat or draw with Valerenga in their group stage gameCredit: GettyArsenal have been fine form under interim boss Renee Slegers winning five and drawing one of their last six games in the WSL and EuropeCredit: GettyIt was four years ago in January that the former Everton ace, then 17, was included on a Uefa list of ten young up and coming players to look out for. Being named by as one of Europe’s promising young players is a fond memory for BennisonIt also made her reflect on the pressure that comes with performing at elite level. The playmaker said: “It was really fun to get their nomination, but then also I think it brought a lot of pressure on me. Read More Football Stories”I felt like I had to show that I’m one of those (top players). “But of course I was really happy to be recognised in that way. “I’ve always been putting pressure on myself ever since I was young because I want to be the best I can be. “I’ve always played with pressure. Most read in Football”At times it got a bit hard but then I took the help I needed, for example, by talking to my family and friends, and that has helped a lot. “You’re always going to feel pressure somehow when you play football. “You need to perform, you want to perform and you want to be the best you can. “I accept that there is going to be pressure. For me it’s about learning how to deal with it.”Since making her senior club football debut at 15 at the start of a three-year stint with Rosengard, Bennison’s journey has included her lifting a top-flight title with them in Sweden.  An August 2021 transfer to Everton, with the forward signing for a club record-breaking six-figure sum, followed her time with the Swedish side.And after three years and 63 Women’s Super League appearances for the Toffees, Bennison sealed a three-year move to Juventus in July. Her switch to the top-flight Italian side came 11 months after helping Sweden battle their to a bronze medal win in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia. And having been part of Everton teams that finished tenth, sixth and eighth in England’s top tier, Bennison felt she was “ready for something new” with Juve.This includes competing for a Serie A Women’s title and in the Champions League with the Turin club. Before her move the midfielder chatted to her Sweden international team-mate Linda Sembrant who spent three years at Juve prior to joining Bayern Munich this summer.  Bennison adds: “I just got a really good feeling speaking to the head coach and other staff around the club.”I spoke to Linda who was here before. For me, I needed something new and Juventus are interesting because of their style of play.”Winning games, playing in the Champions League and competing at the highest level is important to me.”I felt this is a good environment for me to come to and to hopefully play a lot as well.  “I want to develop and grow with the team and of course we want to win things.”On the domestic front Juventus are currently faring well with the team top of the table. Ahead of their Sunday away clash with Como, Bennison’s side are unbeaten in 10 games and four points off second-placed Fiorentina. Tonight at 8:00pm however they face a battle to keep hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals alive. The team are currently third in Group C and three points behind Arsenal who are second after two losses from their opening three group stage fixtures. They must avoid a loss to Gunners at the Emirates should Bayern Munich beat Valerenga in the other Group C clash taking place this evening. Bennison, whose side lost 4-0 to Arsenal last week, said: “It’s a game we need to win. Juventus will take on Como when they return to Serie A action this SundayCredit: Getty”We will do our very best to deliver a good performance and try to win it, but we know it will be hard. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We let in a lot of goals towards the end of the last game which we’re not happy about. We want to do things differently in this game.”It would mean a lot (to win) and that’s our goal. But it’s going to be tough for sure.” More

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      ‘Time is short for footballers. You want to play in these big games’, says Celtic’s Saoirse Noonan

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      HELPING Celtic make Women’s Champions League history by reaching its group stage for the first time has been more than a wow moment for Saoirse Noonan. The midfielder and lifelong fan of the club has viewed this as a chance to prove the team’s doubters wrong. Celtic Women will take on Chelsea tonight at Stamford Bridge following their 2-1 loss to the Blues in their third group stage game.Credit: GettyThe team are currently bottom of Group B after three defeats in the group stageCredit: GettyIn a group featuring Chelsea, Real Madrid and Dutch side FC Twente, the Hoops have been the underdogs. While results have so far not gone their way with Celtic bottom after three defeats, they gave a decent account of themselves last Wednesday against Chelsea. A slick first-half strike from Murphy Agnew at Celtic Park put the Scottish Women’s Premier team in the lead before the Blues battled back to a 2-1 victory. Tonight Noonan’s side face Chelsea away at Stamford Bridge and aim “to put their best foot forward”. Read More Football StoriesThey face a tough challenge with their opponents yet to be beaten in the WSL or Europe this term. The Blues have so far claimed ten wins across the board, including a 2-0 defeat of Manchester City on Saturday in the English top tier. Noonan, who has made three Champions League appearances this term, said: “We have a big run of games.”We treat every game the same regardless of whether we’re playing Chelsea or another teamMost read in Football”These fixtures coming up are huge for us. We’re going to put our best foot forward for the next few and see what happens. “As a footballer your time is short and you want to be enjoying it and playing in these big games. “These are unbelievable occasions and we’re definitely the underdogs, but we believe in ourselves and in our abilities. “It’s 90 minutes so why not go and give it a bash and put everything we have, our heart and soul, into the game and see what we can do?”For Noonan, whose senior club career began at Cork City in 2015, playing Champions League football has been since her days playing for Shelbourne. During a loan move from Durham two years ago she was part of the Shelbourne side that qualified to play in the contest’s Champions Path rounds held in June 2022. But her return from loan to the Women’s Championship side meant she would miss out on playing in the competition that year. Noonan adds: “I actually never got to play in the Champions League with Shelbourne because I left that summer so I was only on the team that qualified for the competition. Playing in the Champions League is one thing. Doing it for a club that you’ve always known growing up is something different.”Battling Chelsea in the elite competition for women’s football clubs in Europe is an experience that Noonan has relished: She said: “Playing a team that you watch weekly, and I’m not afraid to say I watch the Women’s Super League week-in, week-out. “I admire all those girls, how athletic they are, how professional they are and what they’re doing for everyone in the women’s game. “To be playing a part in that sometimes you have to take a step back and say, ‘wow I am there and I am playing against the best in the world’. “We did really well to get this far. No one expected us to get here and no one expects us to win. Hopefully we can prove people wrong.”Celtic etching their names into the history books by reaching the tournament’s group stage in September came two months after Noonan’s switch from Durham. The versatile midfielder joined the club on a permanent three-year deal in July. And she netted twice on her debut against Dundee United on August 10. For the Republic of Ireland international who grew up in a family of Celtic fans, her move was an emotional moment. Noonan adds: “When it was all happening before there were no papers signed, it was like ‘keep it hush hush’. “They were asking, ‘is it definitely happening?’.”Then we all went for dinner and it was on my birthday and I told the family that day. “Everyone, including my granny, were a bit emotional because it meant a lot. Noonan and her team-mates will play Montrose in the SWPL next following their clash with ChelseaCredit: Sportsfile”Football is a tough game and things can go right and wrong. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I’ve had my ups and my downs, it was just a really nice moment for everyone.”I don’t think my uncles have called around my house so much when I’m home to see me just because I play for Celtic.” More

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      Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news

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      CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby. On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025. Sam Kerr is working her way back to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in JanuaryCredit: GettyKerr announced she and her partner Kristie Mewis are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Kerr and Mewis are expecting their first child together with their baby due to be born next yearCredit: PAThe post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image. While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.Read More Football StoriesAnd Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published. And WSL leaders Chelsea have now hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.In a statement shared today, they said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.”There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.Most read in Football”We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”. In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity. “Over the weekend, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts. England boss Sarina Wiegman says the homophobic abuse aimed Kerr and Mewis is “disappointing”Credit: Alamy”Posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces, to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. “We refuse to stand by in silence. “We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.” More