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      Eni Aluko QUITS ‘special’ presenting job in fresh blow following public spat with Ian Wright

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      ENI ALUKO has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid her public row with Ian Wright.Former England star Aluko aimed comments at Wright last week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Eni Aluko has stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards amid tension over her comments about Ian WrightCredit: PAAluko was a regular host at the Women in Football AwardsCredit: PAAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female pundits, before mentioning Wright’s nameAluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry on BBC Radio 4.The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it in an impassioned Instagram video.The Arsenal legend called for the public to “move on” from the incident, but the controversy has shown no signs of slowing down.The pair’s employer ITV the latest to weigh in with a strong statement in support of the 61-year-old former striker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd now Aluko has announced that she will take a step back from her role as host at the end-of-season awards on Thursday. The 38-year-old was due to take to the stage alongside Gabby Logan and Jamie Carragher at the London ceremony.She admitted that she didn’t want her place in the news cycle to “deflect” from the festivities.Aluko’s Instagram statement read: “The Women’s Football Awards hold a special place in my heart.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It was the first time an event of this scale was created solely to celebrate the incredible achievements in women’s football, and I’m so proud to have been part of it since the beginning.'”However, I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting lineup this year. Joey Barton charged after ‘comparing Eni Aluko to Fred & Rose West’ – as he slams ‘Banana Republic’ legal system”I don’t want anything to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about. “This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans, and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game.”The awards will be hosted in the very capable hands of Gabby and Jamie, who I know will bring their passion and energy to the stage.”I love women’s football deeply, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’ll absolutely be back involved in the future.”Aluko’s photograph has since been removed from the event’s publicity material, which now features only Logan and Carragher. Aluko’s position with ITV, where Wright is a popular figure, is under scrutiny amid the fall out, according to The Mail. Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More

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      Ian Wright says he ‘cannot accept’ Eni Aluko’s apology as Arsenal legend responds over women’s football punditry row

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      IAN WRIGHT has refused to accept Eni Aluko’s apology after the pundit claimed he risked blocking women from being given broadcast opportunities.Former England Women’s star Aluko aimed comments at Wright this week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Ian Wright says he cannot accept Eni Aluko’s apologyAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyThe pundit later apologised for mentioning Wright’s nameCredit: PAAluko spoke about importance of making sure female pundits were not blocked by men, suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” and “men need to be aware of that”.She since apologised to Wright after public backlash, but the former Arsenal star is unable to accept.He said in a video on Instagram: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The pair have worked together for ITV in the past, including during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.He added: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.Most read in Football”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.’That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you”It’s something I do not take for granted.”Aluko, 38, apologised to Wright over her comments, admitting it was wrong for her to mention his name while making a broader point about the women’s game.She said: “In my interview with Woman’s Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football – whether that’s in coaching, broadcasting or commercial space – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.”But it was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise.”I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More

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      Eni Aluko is wrong to criticise Ian Wright, he cares – women’s football is lucky to have him

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      WOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the game both on and off our TV screens.Ian Wright is a fantastic advocate for women’s footballCredit: GettyEni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football this weekCredit: GettySo I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko accused him of “dominating” punditry in women’s football earlier this week.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour, she explained: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.Read More in Football”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Ex-forward Aluko, who according to the Daily Mail could be axed over her comments, later continued: “Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money into building up the game.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWright supported Stoke defender Kayleigh McDonald throughout her ACL recovery and is now paying for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxAnd he is not just doing the bare minimum.The Telegraph revealed on Wednesday that Wright is personally covering the cost of rehab (around £1,700-a-month) for a semi-professional Stoke player who ruptured her ACL in March last year.Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview Kayleigh McDonald turned to social media for help when her club refused to pay for surgery in the wake of the incident.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely due to Wright.The 61-year-old paid for a sports lawyer to represent the defender and make sure that she received the support she needed.He cares.Wright has also committed to increasing the number of female coaches at grassroots level by teaming up with Barclays to create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund.In 2023 he donated £15,000 to pay for 664 women to attend a Level One training course.He cares.There is no doubt that Euro 2022 was a turning point for women’s football in England – and from a broadcasting perspective, Wright was at the forefront of it.The Arsenal icon repeatedly championed the prospect of more girls having access to the sport, insisting they deserve the same opportunities that boys have.He cares.The Arsenal legend started the Ian Wright Coaching Fund in a bid to help more women into coachingCredit: GettyAnd now, when many of his colleagues seemingly don’t want to, he keeps the conversation going in a bid to grow the women’s game even more.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women already.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games on TV as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.Read More on The SunIt’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.Ian Wright? We’re lucky to have him.Women are at the forefront of WSL coverage across the BBC and Sky SportsCredit: Getty More

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      Ian Wright’s touching £1,700 gesture to injured women’s football star revealed after Eni Aluko criticised Arsenal legend

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      FORMER Arsenal striker Ian Wright continues to prove that he is just as much of a legend off the pitch as he was on it.The 61-year-old has been a huge advocate for women’s football over the years.Ian Wright is paying £1,700 out of his own pocket for a player’s ACL injury rehabCredit: GettyKayleigh McDonald has thanked Wright for his generosityCredit: GettyAnd last April, he showed just how much he cared with an incredible gesture to a player who had suffered a potentially career-jeopardising injury.After Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald suffered a ruptured ACL during a match against Burnley, she was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed.The Telegraph has revealed that he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender has revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month.McDonald has insisted that Wright deserves more recognition for his kind gesture.She told Telegraph Sport: “I wouldn’t be in a great place mentally if it wasn’t for Ian Wright.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEni Aluko has criticised Wright for ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football broadcastingCredit: Getty”I would probably still be waiting for my surgery if it wasn’t for him.”For him to do this for me, someone he didn’t know, I think there should be more of a spotlight shone on him.”Emotional Man Utd icon Roy Keane is visibly moved by Ian Wright interview News of the Arsenal legend’s incredible generosity comes after he was criticised by former England Lioness Eni Aluko for “blocking” opportunities for women in football broadcasting.Speaking on Radio 4 Woman’s Hour earlier this week, she said: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and, you know, I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”When asked to clarify if she thought it was wrong for Wright to be at the forefront of women’s football coverage, Aluko added: “I don’t know about wrong, but I think we need to be conscious and we need to make sure that women are not being blocked from having a pathway into broadcasting in the women’s game.”It’s still new, it’s still growing. There’s a finite amount of opportunities and I think that men need to be aware of that.”Men need to be aware that, you know, you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Wright has continued to back the growth of women’s football in recent years.In 2023, he teamed up with Barclays to help create the Ian Wright Coaching Fund – an initiative created to increase the number of female coaches at grass-roots level.He made a £15,000 donation and paid for 664 female coaches to attend their Level One training course.And in 2022, following England’s European Championship semi-final win over Sweden, he insisted that all girls should have the opportunity to play football at school.Wright said: “Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football in their PE, just like the boys can, what are we doing?Read More on The Sun”We have to make sure they are able to play and get the opportunity to do so.”The former Arsenal striker started a women’s football podcast with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton last year and regularly features on ITV’s coverage of the Lionesses.McDonald was forced to set up a GoFundMe page when Stoke initially refused to pay for surgeryCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWright is now paying £1,700 a month for her rehabCredit: X @Kayleigh_McxWOMEN’S FOOTBALL needs more people like Ian Wright.In a world where the “nobody cares” narrative is still all too common, the Arsenal legend remains a huge advocate for the sport both on and off our TV screens.So I was quite surprised to see that former England Lioness Eni Aluko had criticised him earlier this week for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.When it comes to women in football, it would be difficult to find anyone more supportive than Ian Wright.The much-loved former England star has invested both time and money in building up the game.And he is not just doing the bare minimum.From supporting a semi-pro player throughout her recovery from a severe ACL injury to helping hundreds of women earn their Level One coaching qualification, he cares.The question is – why would someone who cares so much be “blocking” opportunities for others?Having followed the game for so long, Wright clearly knows what he is talking about.If you ask me, that’s surely the No1 priority when it comes to hiring a pundit.What does it matter if he’s not a woman?Last year, the ITV pundit started a new women’s football podcast called ‘Crossways’ with Manchester City legend Steph Houghton.The insight that he and Houghton give is fascinating and fresh, a unique perspective on the WSL and international football.Speaking of England’s top tier, it would be fair to say that coverage is dominated by women as it is.The likes of Houghton, Ellen White, Anita Asante, Izzy Christiansen, Karen Carney, Jen Beattie and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk feature on coverage across the BBC and Sky Sports.Meanwhile, Wright only covers England games as a pundit for ITV Sport.His involvement is certainly not “blocking” opportunities for women.It’s a great thing that one of the most universally beloved figures in English football is an advocate for the sport.We’re lucky to have him. 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      Sonia Bompastor urges Chelsea to bounce back from ‘tough’ Barcelona loss by widening lead over WSL rivals

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR insists Chelsea “will never give up” as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing Champions League defeat. And the Blues head coach is uncertain whether striker Sam Kerr will return to action before the end of this season.  Sonia Bompastor wants her players to focus on the future with the team returning to WSL action following a Champions League semis first leg loss to BarcelonaCredit: GettyCatarina Macario is among the players likely to be in action for Chelsea when they host Crystal Palace at KingsmeadowCredit: GettyThe Blues hope to register win ahead of their Stamford Bridge duel with Barcelona in the second leg of Champions League last four tieCredit: AlamyThe WSL leaders host Crystal Palace on Wednesday in their first top-flight clash following their 4-1 Champions League semis first leg loss on Sunday. A tough result that left their quadruple hopes and target of winning the contest this season hanging by a thread. While they hope to pull off a huge comeback in their European tie, Chelsea are also focused on claiming an eighth WSL title and sixth FA Cup.  Bullish Blues chief Bompastor, 44, whose team have lost just twice so far this term, said: “It’s always tough to lose especially when you are Chelsea as it’s something you don’t experience a lot.  Read More Football Stories”I will never give up and my players will never give up. This is our mentality. We want to achieve a lot this season. “We have three more competitions to play in, hopefully, until the last moment in the season, but everyone is ready for that.”I have depth in my squad. So every player is ready to compete in every competition, every game we have to play.”While Chelsea do have depth two influential players currently out of action are forward Lauren James and striker Sam Kerr. Most read in FootballThe creative flair and attacking threat James brings was missed by her side during their clash with Barcelona.And her club pal Kerr is continuing her recovery from a knee ligament tear she suffered during a winter training camp in January 2024. When asked about the potential of a Kerr comeback before this season ends, Bompastor added: “I’m not in a position to give any time frame on her return.”I know she won’t be involved in the game this weekend.”After tomorrow’s clash the WSL leaders host Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and hope to overcome a three-goal deficit in the decisive leg of their Champions League tie. In addition to being a confidence boost, a defeat of the bottom-placed Eagles would also restore Chelsea’s six-point lead at the summit. Rivals Arsenal are currently second and three points. Bompastor added: “Monday was a difficult day for everyone – staff and players. “But I told my players now we need to look at the future. Palace, who are bottom of the WSL and seven points off Aston Villa, have won just two of their 18 league games so far this termCredit: Alamy”We want to go back to top of the table six and points ahead of Arsenal, that’s the main focus.Read More on The Sun”The only thing we can control now is the future. “We need to show a reaction in this game, that’s the main thing and the most important thing.” More

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      Lotte Wubben-Moy eager to step things up in next chapter of Arsenal career after signing new deal with WSL giants

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      LOTTE WUBBEN-MOY has vowed to make the “next chapter” of her Arsenal career count after signing a new contract with the club. The England defender’s new deal is claimed to be a three-year one according to BBC Sport.Lotte Wubben-Moy she feels pride and excitement at extending her career with ArsenalCredit: GettyThe Gunners defender has made 143 senior appearances for Arsenal and scored ten timesCredit: GettyWubben-Moy’s team hope to overturn a one-goal deficit in their second leg Champions League semi-final duel with LyonCredit: GettyThe WSL ace, 26, who has made 143 Gunners appearances, rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system before making her senior debut at 16. This season has seen Wubben-Moy’s moments on the pitch at times disrupted by injuries.So far this term Wubben-Moy, who captained her club’s development side during her youth career, has played in nine WSL games and two in the Champions League.In February a muscle problem led to her withdrawing from England’s camp ahead of the Lionesses’ Nations League duels with Portugal and Spain. Read More Football Stories However the defender, whose side will play Lyon away this Saturday in a Champions League second-leg semis duel,  returned to training this month. And the lifelong Arsenal fan could be set for more game time with her team currently three points behind WSL leaders Chelsea ahead of their final three league games this term. Of her new deal Wubben-Moy said: “I feel a huge amount of pride, excitement and optimism to once again put pen to paper at this special football club. “Arsenal is the club I want to win with and I feel this new contract comes at a time in my career where my ambitions are matched by my abilities on the pitch. Most read in Football”I’m determined to make this next chapter count.”Gunners boss Renée Slegers added: “We’re so happy that Lotte has signed a new contract. “Lotte is a top defender who has shown significant progression in recent years. “She will continue to play an important role as we pursue our shared goal of competing for the highest honours in the game.”Before commencing her second stint at Arsenal, Wubben-Moy spent two years in the United States’ college soccer systems playing for North Carolina University side Tar Heels. Since her return to the Gunners in 2020 the London-born defender has won three League Cups and one FA Cup with the club. Away from the pitch Wubben-Moy is an active supporter of a number of sports-related causes focused including providing girls with more opportunities to play football. Following England’s triumph at the 2022 Women’s Euros she helped to coordinate an open letter from the Lionesses to Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, when they were Conservative leaders candidates, The letter called for girls to have access to at least two hours of sports classes including football training. Wubben-Moy’s new deal comes in a month which Arsenal hope to reach the Women’s Champions League final for the first time in 18 years.Credit: Alamy Clare Wheatley, Arsenal women’s football director said: “Lotte is a wonderful role model for all young players. Read More on The Sun”She is an example of how hard work, strong values and determination are the platform for success. “We know that she will continue to give all of herself to Arsenal Football Club, both on pitch and of course in her consistent support of our wider community.” More

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      England stars Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway set for top honours at 2025 Women’s Football Awards

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      KEIRA WALSH and Georgia Stanway will be honoured at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards.The two Lionesses will receive Special Recognition Awards for their contributions to the sport.Georgia Stanway is set to receive an award at the Women’s Football AwardsCredit: GettyShe will be joined by Chelsea star Keira WalshCredit: GettyThe awards will be granted to the duo not for their contributions in England but internationally as well.Walsh, 28, and Stanway will be handed the awards at a star-studded ceremony on May 1 at the InterContinental London, Park Lane.The ceremony will be hosted by BBC presenter Gabby Logan as well as former Lioness Eni Aluko and retired Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.Carragher helped launch the Women’s Football Awards in 2023 and is excited to present the awards.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway have had outstanding careers so far, marked by incredible success on the pitch.”This year’s awards will rightly celebrate their footballing achievements.”But we’ll also be recognising the brilliant work they do off the field.”Especially their exceptional commitment to improving access to grassroots football for women and girls. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”I’m really looking forward to honouring Keira and Georgia, alongside Gabby Logan and Eni Aluko, at the ceremony next week.”Walsh is viewed as a trailblazer in women’s football for her playing career and also for helping develop grassroots girls’ football.Chloe Kelly shows off her toned abs in very bold outfit as England Lionesses star attends MTV Europe Music AwardsJamie Carragher has spoken about the awardsCredit: Abigail ShiiShe played an important role in the founding of the Rochdale Girls Development Centre two years ago.The Chelsea star has also funded kits and equipment for a female talent programme that supported 35 girls.She won a BWSL title in 2016 as well as three Women’s FA Cups, and lifted the Continental League Cup four times at Manchester City.The midfielder joined Barcelona in 2022 before returning to England in January by signing for the Blues.Stanway, 26, has enjoyed success on the pitch with spells at Manchester City and Bayern Munich.She has also scored a vital goal in the Lionesses’ run to winning the Uefa Women’s Euros 2022. More

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      Renee Slegers reckons Arsenal can turn fight for Women’s Champions League final spot around

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      RENEE SLEGERS vows Arsenal will use memories of their past trouncing of Lyon to keep their Champions League final hopes alive. Her Gunners fell to a narrow 2-1 loss on Saturday afternoon after Melchie Dumornay’s goal thwarted the chance of a draw.Kadidiatou Diani gave Lyon a 17th-minute lead at the Emirates after her strike was found to be onside following a VAR checkCredit: GettyArsenal won a second-half penalty after Lyon keeper Christiane Endler was adjudged to have fouled Leah Williamson whilst attempting to punch the ball awayCredit: AlamyMariona Caldentey levelled the match with her spot-kick after sending Endler the wrong way with 12 minutes of normal time remainingCredit: AlamyBut Dumornay, pictured with celebrating with Lyon skipper Wendi Renard, restored her side’s lead in the 82nd minuteCredit: GettyThe visitors’ first-leg semis triumph ensured ex-Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro made his return to the Emirates a victorious one.The Gunners now face the challenge having to stun their rivals on the road with the French giants carrying a one-goal advantage. And they hope to win their second leg battle by at least two goals with a spot battling Barcelona or Chelsea in the final at stake.The last time the North London side appeared in the contest’s decider was in 2007 when they lifted the trophy after beating Umea in a two-legged tie. Read More Football StoriesArsenal gaffer Slegers, whose team visit Lyon next Sunday, said: “We’re not happy with the result, because we did really well getting the equaliser and that was the least we wanted. “And after that goal we felt like we could potentially score another. “As the game turned out, especially in the second half, the draw or  the win was what we were going for.”The last time Arsenal took on Lyon away in the Champions League was during the group stage of the contest almost three years ago. Most read in FootballBack in October 2022 they demolished the French giants 5-1 with Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord both netting twice with Frida Maanum also on the scoresheet. However the Lyon team they will battle in the second leg next Sunday will be quite different to the side they faced back then. Aside from Dumornay their attacking options currently includes Kadidiatou Diani and Tabitha Chawinga with the former among the scorers in today’s game. However, Slegers is bullish about her side’s chances of turning things around.The Gunners head coach adds: “Arsenal has done it before against Lyon away and has won by big numbers.”It’s going to be on a pitch, 11 versus 11, and we have all the opportunities to win that game next Sunday.”With Real Madrid getting dispatched in Europe by Arsenal’s women’s and men’s sides, the hosts came into this game full of confidence. However it was Lyon who struck first snatching a 17th-minute lead through Diani’s bottom-corner strike, following a fairly balanced opening quarter Her opener was initially disallowed before a VAR check showed she had been played onside with Arsenal’s defence caught out by her pace and one long ball forward. Later Dumornay hit the crossbar with a chipped effort after spotting keeper Manuela Zinsberger off her line. And there was a scary moment for the hosts when skipper Leah Williamson dropped to the turf in pain before getting up moments later after getting caught on the shin by the Lyon forward.And the hosts almost levelled proceedings with an effort from Alessia Russo striking the crossbarArsenal cranked up the intensity of their attack in the second-half. This eventually paid off when they won a pen after a VAR check found goalkeeper Christiane Endler had struck Williamson while trying to punch the ball away. Mariona Caldentey converted for hosts in the 78th minute. But hopes of a point were wrecked by Dumornay’s ruthless 82nd-minute striking flying past Gunners keeper Manuela Zinsberger after a rapid counter.Despite Arsenal’s loss Montemurro praised how far the team had come since time in charge. And the Lyon boss, whose players are so far still unbeaten in this term’s contest, admits his side suffered before sealing their first-leg victory. Montemurro said: “I’m not sure there are many people that come to this iconic stadium against a very good team and expect to not suffer a little bit. “And we suffered, but it balanced itself out in the end.Lyon boss Joe Montemurro reckons the pressure may be off Arsenal in the second leg despite his side’s one-goal advantageCredit: Getty”It’s not over yet. This thing is not over and maybe the pressure has been taken off Arsenal. Read More on The Sun”They’re 2-1 down, they’re coming to Lyon and whatever happens, happens. “But it’s a dangerous scenario and they’re a good team.” More