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    Arsenal and England Lionesses star Leah Williamson reveals awkward wardrobe malfunction while collecting OBE

    LEAH WILLIAMSON opened up on her awkward wardrobe malfunction while chatting with pal Alex Scott.The 26-year-old was pitchside at the Emirates as Arsenal Women prepared to take on Aston Villa earlier today.
    Leah Williamson was speaking pitchside at the EmiratesCredit: BBC
    Williamson receives her OBE from Prince William
    Williamson, 26, recently collected her OBECredit: Getty
    The defender was chatting to pal Alex Scott pitchsideCredit: BBC
    Williamson remains sidelined by an ACL injury suffered earlier this year.
    But ahead of today’s match, broadcast on BBC One, she stopped to chat to pal Scott.
    The defender collected her OBE from Windsor Palace earlier this month, proudly posting a series of snaps from the day to her Instagram account.
    Unbeknown to fans, however, Williamson had suffered an awkward moment.
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    Asked about the experience of collecting her honour by Scott, Williamson said: “I’m glad, I really appreciated it by the time it came around.
    “So a nice day out, a nice moment to reflect on where I’ve come from.
    “But you know me – still so much to do so…”
    Scott then cheekily asked: “What went on with the outfit?”
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    Williamson grinned as she admitted: “The outfit, yeah, my trousers split.
    “I received my OBE not in my best form, but no one knew about it until you just told the whole world, so thanks.”
    Scott then giggled, with Williamson also breaking out into a laugh.
    Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall opened up on yesterday’s Football Focus about the difficulties of being without a series of key players, including Williamson, due to ACL injuries.
    He said: “It’s difficult because they’re such good football players.
    There is only one Leah WilliamsonJonas Eidevall
    “You don’t build a squad where you have two Leah Williamsons, for example.
    “There is only one Leah Williamson. When you have a player like her you decide to play in a way that makes the most out of it.
    “That’s really hard when you’re trying to replace a player like that because there is not a direct replacement on the market.
    “There might be a copy of Leah Williamson that’s not as good and I don’t believe in having a lesser version.”
    Arsenal went on to beat Villa in the most dramatic fashion.
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    Maz Pacheco had given the visitors a 25th minute lead at the Emirates.
    Katie McCabe equalised on 92 minutes, with Alessia Russo finding a stunning winner just moments later.
    Alessia Russo celebrates netting Arsenal’s late winnerCredit: Getty More

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    Emma Hayes keen on taking ‘mindful’ approach on Kerr and Kirby return to Chelsea first team action following injuries

    EMMA HAYES warns Chelsea fans need to be patient when it comes to hopes of seeing Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby starting together this term. The prolific duo are yet to feature in Hayes’ first XI this season with the Blues boss carefully managing their returns.
    Sam Kerr came off the bench for Chelsea in their WSL clash with Manchester City last time outCredit: Getty
    In recent Kerr and Fran Kirby have developed a prolific attacking partnership for ChelseaCredit: Getty
    West Ham will be the Blues’ next opponents in their first WSL game at Kingsmeadow this termCredit: Getty
    Kerr, who has bagged 86 goals in 110 Chelsea games, was a second-half substitute during the title-holders’ dramatic draw with Manchester City last Sunday.
    It was the Blues’ striker’s first top-flight appearance since her return to fitness from a calf injury sustained on World Cup duty with Australia. 
    Hayes, whose team hosts West Ham at Kingsmeadow on Saturday, said: “Yes – Sam played games in the World Cup on the back end.
    “But she didn’t train that entire period. 
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    “She then had a couple of weeks break then had the same injury, so she’s only had one week’s training. We have to be mindful of that. 
    “Sam has had her first full training week and is available for selection. 
    “But you have got to make decisions on what’s right for Sam in the long term, and not just immediate decisions.
    “That’s because the crowd will remember and want to see certain partnerships together. 
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    “As football managers, I don’t think people really realise sometimes you’re managing so many other things that may not always allow you to put players and combinations of players together. 
    “We’re getting closer to it and we’re another week closer, so I’m happy for that reason.
     “I think for the players, they’re just getting back into the rhythm of being there.
    “Coaches always want training weeks, so I’d much rather be in that position, but players always want games.”
    Kerr and Kirby have formed a lethal attacking partnership in recent seasons
    In their first year together during the Blues’ 2020-21 campaign, the team-mates scored and assisted 13 times as a duo. 
    Their prolific displays played a key part in Chelsea claiming the second of four consecutive WSL titles they have won since 2019. 
    However the second half of last term saw Kirby sidelined from knee injury sustained in March during a Conti Cup duel with West Ham.
    Hayes, whose team have one win and one draw, added: “With Fran Kirby – yes, she’s had a pre-season.
    “But she has missed a large chunk of last season, so we’re building particularly Fran into the season.  
    “This is the first week we’ve had Sam being able to train with the team in its entirety and had Fran at the same time, and Lauren at the same time. 
    “I think this week, we’ve looked much more like ourselves.”
    Chelsea’s Saturday evening clash with West Ham will see them play at Kingsmeadow for the first time this term.
    Their previous home game – held at Stamford Bridge – saw them seal a 2-1 win against Tottenham with James and summer-signing Mia Fischel both netting in front of 
    On how the Kingsmeadow and Stamford Bridge atmospheres compare, Hayes said: “I’m a bit old school so I love Kingsmeadow.
    “I like the feeling of the crowd on top of you. 
    “I like the banter you get from the away fans, I enjoy all of that. It makes me chuckle during a game. 
    “But from where I sit (at Kingsmeadow) I can see this section of our longest-serving, most ardent fans singing their tunes. 
    “And you can’t hear that in the biggest stadiums but I for sure can hear it at Kingsmeadow.  I love being there. It’s our other home.”
    Saturday’s game will see Chelsea face Rehanne Skinner’s Irons without the services of Fischel and Guro Reiten with both currently crocked.
    West Ham have won two of their last three games across all competitions under their new boss Rehanne SkinnerCredit: PA
    And Hayes is expecting a tough encounter seventh-placed West Ham side facing Chelsea for the first time under Skinner. 
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    The Blues boss added: “West Ham have all the qualities to do well, particularly because of the way the front two work. 
    “We think they’ve done really well in pre-season and in their first two games from what we’ve analysed. We certainly don’t underestimate them.” More

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    Jorge Vilda to become Morocco women’s boss a month after being fired from Spain head coach job

    JORGE VILDA is set to return to coaching just over a month after being axed from his role as Spain Women’s boss. The controversial head coach will take charge of Morocco Women’s national team with an official unveiling scheduled on Sunday. 
    Jorge Vilda is to become Morocco women’s coach and sporting directorCredit: AFP
    The unveiling of Vilda as the Atlas Lionesses’ new boss comes 40 days after he was sacked from his role as Spain women’s head coachCredit: Getty
    Vilda, 42, was dismissed from his role as boss of the Women’s World Cup winners two weeks and two days after they won the tournament for the first time on August 20. 
    The firing of the football coach, followed the repercussions that occurred after former Spain FA President Luis Rubiales’ unwanted kiss of Jenni Hermoso. 
    The  ex-Spanish FA chief, 46, kissed Hermoso on the mouth during a medal presentation ceremony for this year’s World Cup winners.
    The incident occurred following Spain’s 1-0 defeat of England in the contest final in Sydney, Australia. 
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    Afterwards the former Barcelona striker, 33, who is her national side’s all-time record scorer, said the kiss was non-consensual.
    It is an allegation which Rubiales denies. 
    Vilda’s sacking last month came ten days after Rubiales was suspended from his job as Spanish FA president
    His former boss would later resign from the post in September following his suspension.
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    Former La Roja gaffer Vilda came under fire for applauding his ex-boss during an emergency Spanish FA assembly.
    During the gathering Rubiales initially refused to quit his role as president following his controversial kiss. 
    Vilda’s impending appointment as Morocco Women’s head coach comes while he is under investigation as part of an alleged sexual assault and coercion case against Rubiales.
    The case was brought to court by Hermoso following the kiss incident.
    Vilda is set to replace Reynald Pedros at the helm of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations finalists. 
    In August the Frenchman guided the team to the World Cup’s last 16 stage with Morocco reaching the tournament’s knockout stage for the first time in their history.
    However Pedros was axed from his role following the team losing two friendly fixtures to Zambia  last month including a 6-2 defeat at home. 
    They are due to play Namibia in November over two legs in round two of CAF’s Women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. 
    Reports in Spain claim Champions League-winning coach Lluis Cortez turned down the chance to become Morocco’s head coach prior to Vilda’s appointment. 
    Morocco made history by reaching the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup for the first time this yearCredit: Alamy
    Spanish sports journalist Andrea Pelaez claimed former Barcelona boss rejected the job upon learning that Vilda would be joining his set-up. 
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    It is thought the ex-La Roja boss was initially expected to become a technical director of grassroots. 
    However he will become the team’s coach and sporting director. More

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    Beth Mead back in full training in boost for Arsenal before Emirates clash with Aston Villa

    BETH MEAD has given Arsenal a huge boost with the forward back in full training for the first time since her return to fitness from a serious knee injury. The WSL ace, 28, was put through her paces earlier today with her team-mates before their Emirates duel with Aston Villa.
    Beth Mead did some training with her team-mates earlier this term and is now back in full sessionsCredit: Getty
    The WSL star, who helped Arsenal win the league in 2019, is nearing a return to action for Jonas Eidevall’s sideCredit: Getty
    The Gunners fans’ favourite took part in a behind-closed-doors training match with Arsenal’s women’s youth players on Wednesday. 
    Her last appearance for Jonas Eidevall’s team was last November during their 3-2 loss to Manchester United in the league at the Emirates.
    Back then the Euros Golden Boot winner ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament.
    The injury saw her sidelined for the rest of last season with the WSL star missing also this summer’s World Cup.
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    Mead’s return to full training comes at a time of mixed results for the Gunners so far this term.
    Eidevall’s side, who finished third in the WSL season, have picked up one point from their first two top-flight games.
    The league cup holders fell to a surprise 1-0 season-opening loss to Liverpool before going on to earn a point on the road against Manchester United last Friday. 
    The WSL giants also fell to a surprise loss to Paris FC in the Women’s Champions League.
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    The Gunners, who reached the contest semis this year, were knocked out of the tournament’s qualifiers after losing a penalty shootout. 
    During the season before her knee injury, Mead notched up 11 goals and eight assists in 20 WSL games. 
    And her stunning displays on the international stage help England win the Women’s Euros for the first time last summer.
    The forward finished as the tournament’s top scorer bagging six goals.
    This Sunday will see Mead’s side chase their first win of the season when they host Villa, who they have beaten four times in six WSL encounters.  
    Rachel Daly and her Aston Villa pals will take on Arsenal at the Emirates with both teams chasing their first wins this seasonCredit: Getty
    So far the club have sold more than 32,500 tickets for the fixture which kicks off at 2:00 pm at the Emirates on October 15.
    The last meeting between the rivals ended in a 2-0 away loss for the Gunners on the final day of last season. 
    However this term Villa are yet to pick up a point after losing to Manchester United and Liverpool in their season-opening matches. More

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    Arsenal and England Lionesses star Leah Williamson shows off toned abs alongside pal Alex Scott at red carpet bash

    LEAH WILLIAMSON and Alex Scott both caught the eye as they strutted down the red carpet.The duo stunned at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards.
    Alex Scott and Leah Williamson stunned on the red carpetCredit: Rex
    They were both in attendance at the Attitude AwardsCredit: Rex
    Scott wowed in a see-through dressCredit: Rex
    A host of celebs were in attendance in Camden, London for the ceremony that celebrates LGBTQ stars.
    Williamson, 26, arrived at the awards show with her footballing pal Alex Scott.
    The current Arsenal and England captain donned a stylish black dress for the evening.
    Her look stole the show as she gave fans a glimpse of her incredibly toned figure.
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    Meanwhile, Scott dazzled in a bold dress.
    She wowed in the outfit that exposed her underwear.
    The retired Gunners and Three Lions full-back was also joined at the Attitude Awards by Jess Glynne.
    Scott, 38, has been dating the pop star for over two months.
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    The BBC host and Williamson are best pals and holidayed together in Ibiza over the summer.
    They enjoyed many nights of wild partying on the Spanish island.
    Amanda Holden and Alan Carr hosted the Attitude Awards with the likes of Louise Redknapp and Maisie Smith in attendance.
    Alex Scott and Leah Williamson holidayed together in the summerCredit: Instagram / @alexscott2
    The duo are close friendsCredit: Getty More

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    England Lionesses goalkeeper Mary Earps’ shirts sell out hours after going on sale – and now fetching huge sums on eBay

    NIKE finally released Mary Earps England shirts on Monday – only for them to sell out in a matter of hours.Earps, 30, was left “hugely disappointed” ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup after the sportswear company failed to put any goalkeeper shirts on sale.
    Nike finally released Mary Earps shirts on MondayCredit: Getty
    Some sold for double the retail price on eBay
    The Manchester United star also revealed that she had been “fighting behind closed doors” and “trying to go through the correct channels” in a bid to find a solution.
    Nike initially decided against selling the shirts, but they made a U-turn in August and announced that a limited quantity would be released.
    And on Monday morning, exactly 50 days after the World Cup final, they were finally put on sale.
    Three colour options – pink, green and yellow – were available to fans with ‘Earps 1’ on the back.
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    The shirts were priced at £99.95 on the official Nike website, but some have since been put up on eBay for DOUBLE the price.
    Two shirts – one yellow and one pink – have been sold for an astonishing £199.99.
    Another two have both been sold for £159.99 and one has gone for £174.99.
    Earps took to Instagram on Monday evening to confirm that Nike will be putting more shirts on sale at retail price.
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    She said: “Didn’t realise these were going on sale today and you’ve sold them out already!
    “More are coming before the end of the year and in more sizes (kids & adults) – so stay tuned!
    “Thank you all for your incredible support on this. You guys have made this happen!”
    The United star played a crucial part in England’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final earlier this year.
    Although England suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain at the last hurdle, Earps came away from Australia with the Golden Glove.
    She was also named The Best Women’s Goalkeeper in the World by FIFA in February. More

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    England Lionesses star Chloe Kelly looks sensational in bold low-cut dress on red carpet for Pride of Britain Awards

    ENGLAND star Chloe Kelly stole the headlines during the Pride of Britain Awards with a stunning dress.Kelly shone bright as she attended the annual event on Sunday at the the Grosvenor House hotel.
    Chloe Kelly attended the Pride of Britain Awards on Sunday in LondonCredit: Alamy
    England star Kelly stood out with a fabulous see-through black and grey dressCredit: Alamy
    Kelly plays for Manchester City as well as the LionessesCredit: Instagram / @chloekelly
    Kelly stole the headlines at the Pride of Britain AwardsCredit: Instagram / @michaeljarman
    The Manchester City star donned a fabulous low-cut black and grey dress as she posed for the cameras on the red carpet.
    The striker shared some of the best snaps on her Instagram account and received immense praise from her 751,000 followers.
    One fan commented: “Slaying the pitch AND the red carpet.”
    Another posted: “You certainly are the pride of Britain.”
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    A third wrote: “Stunning! You and that dress!”
    Another agreed: “She is everything!!!”
    While one simply added: “You look really beautiful.”
    Kelly has been capped 33 times by England and scored a total of seven goals.
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    The 25-year-old shot to fame when she scored the winning goal in the Euros final last year against Germany.
    The ex-Everton star also made headlines with her celebration that saw her removing her shirt in jubilation.
    Kelly has also played for Arsenal as well as all of the Lionesses’ youth teams.
    Kelly stood out as she posed for the cameras on the red carpetCredit: Alamy
    Kelly received immense praise on social media from her followersCredit: Alamy
    Kelly scored the winner for England in the Euros final last yearCredit: Getty
    Kelly made headlines with her celebrations as she removed her shirtCredit: Reuters More

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    Watch England Lionesses hero get sent off for timewasting in FIRST HALF as Ian Wright blasts it as ’embarrassing’

    ENGLAND defender Alex Greenwood was sent off for time wasting during Manchester City’s WSL clash with Chelsea this afternoon.The 30-year-old was penalised while taking a free kick in the 39th minute of the match.
    Alex Greenwood was sent off for time wasting against ChelseaCredit: PA
    Chloe Kelly was left furious about the decisionCredit: Reuters
    With the ball just inside Man City’s half, Greenwood took around 25 seconds to find the pass.
    But just as she went to take the kick, referee Emily Heaslip blew her whistle before giving the England Lioness a second yellow.
    Greenwood, who stood still in disbelief, did not receive a warning prior to her dismissal.
    And her team-mates were left furious as a result, with Laia Aleixandri, Jill Roord and Chloe Kelly booked for dissent.
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    England legend Ian Wright took to social media to criticise the “embarrassing” officiating.
    He tweeted: “Embarrassing. They keep telling us about laws of the game but where is common sense! Why would she be wasting time??? Kmt.”
    Euro 2022 Golden Boot winner and Arsenal star Beth Mead agreed, adding: “Awful decision, never time wasting.”
    Meanwhile, WSL legend Casey Stoney branded the decision “ridiculous” and a “joke”, writing: “Possibly the most ridiculous red card I’ve ever seen. How to ruin a game @BarclaysWSL. Absolute joke!!!!!”
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    Man City were leading the match against holding WSL Champions Chelsea 1-0 when they went down to 10 players.
    Kelly opened the scoring in spectacular style just seven minutes into the clash with an excellent strike from 25-yards out.
    England Lioness Lauren Hemp was sent off in the late stages after picking up a second yellow card.
    The first was for dissent, while the second followed a challenge on Lauren James.
    Chelsea went on to level the score in the sixth minute of added time through Guro Reiten.
    After the match, Man City boss Gareth Taylor claimed that Greenwood’s red card was a “gamechanger”.
    Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “The gamechanger is Alex’s [Greenwood] red card. It changes everything.
    “It is frustrating, particularly when we seemed to have gone from here to here [one extreme to another] on dishing out those yellow cards.
    “It is a difficult one to take because the players were magnificent defending the box against some really physical, direct players. Then with Alanna [Kennedy] off the pitch we think Khiara [Keating] has pulled off the save at the vital moment [before Chelsea scored].
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    “I’m so proud of the players. We were tremendous last week. This week was a different game. I spoke to Emma [Hayes] at the end and neither of us enjoyed that because those few decisions were a spoiler.
    “All we want to see is consistency. If that is going to happen in a game like that, then we need to see that applied across every game.”
    City went down to nine players at the end of the match after Lauren Hemp was sent offCredit: Reuters More