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      Renee Slegers insists focus is on West Ham as Arsenal target return to winning ways in WSL

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      RENEE SLEGERS describes herself as a coach who prefers to live in the moment. It is an approach she is taking when it comes to being in charge of Arsenal in the interim. Arsenal hope to return to winning ways in the WSL following a loss to ChelseaCredit: GettyTheir trip to West Ham with interim Gunners boss Renee Slegers follows a 4-1 win against Valerenga in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe stand-in Gunners boss insists the permanent job is not on her mind despite guiding the team out of a winless run in the top tier and Europe.Tomorrow Sunday Slegers will be at Arsenal’s helm again overseeing the team for the first time in a Women’s Super League duel.Their trip to West Ham follows the Netherlands-born coach manaing the Gunners in their 4-1 defeat of Valerenga in the Champions League following a loss to Bayern Munich. The match will be their first top-flight game since their former boss Jonas Eidevall resigned on October 15. Read More Football StoriesA draw and a loss from their last two WSL outings saw them drop to sixth and five points off leaders Man City. This weekend they hope to return to winning ways in the top tier ahead of their November 3rd trip to Manchester United after the international break. Slegers said: ”I like to be in the moment in life in general and that’s what’s needed at the moment.“It’s something we talked about with the players as well, can we be as much as possible in the here and now because that’s what we can impact.”Most read in FootballOn whether she knows if she intends to put herself forward for the permanent Arsenal head coach vacancy, Slegers added: “No, that’s not on my mind at all. “It’s a beautiful club and it’s a brilliant squad. We have all the facilities, all the resources, so it’s obviously a very good job to have. “I haven’t had time to reflect on myself that much during these past couple of days.“But I want to believe. I want the best for every individual, to have every individual show their biggest strength and to have the team play really good football. “I don’t think at the moment that’s what I want to deep-dive. At the moment it’s West Ham and to get the three points on Sunday. “I’m happy to be a part of it at this moment in time doing everything I can do to help the team more.”Sunday’s derby will see the Irons and the Gunners battling for maximum points. While West Ham are still chasing their first win in the top tier this term, Arsenal have fared slightly better away from home, narrowly beating Leicester 1-0 in September. The Gunners will be aiming to boost their goal tally having netted just once in their last two WSL games. The last WSL duel between West Ham and Arsenal ended as a 2-1 for Rehanne Skinner’s Irons in FebruaryCredit: GettyAnd Slegers hopes Alessia Russo scoring her first group stage Champions League goal this term will pave the way for more goals for the striker in the WSL this term.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe interim Arsenal chief added: “Alessia is really good at understanding it’s important to get yourself into good positions and then the goals will come and she scored on Wednesday.“That’s the main focus – to keep on getting our forwards in good positions to be able to get the ball into the back of the net.” More

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      Two footie stadiums set to lift booze ban after 39 YEARS with police powerless to intervene despite opposition

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      FOOTBALL’S booze ban will be lifted in a trial in the Women’s Championship.Drinking alcohol in sight of the pitch is prohibited in the top five tiers of the men’s game, although allowed lower down the pyramid.Football fans may be able to drink in their seat again in the near futureCredit: GettyTwo FA Women’s Championship teams are set to be part of a trial allowing fans to drink in sight of the pitchCredit: AlamyBut with the law not covering women’s football, a trial allowing drinking inside the stadium “bowl” will take place at two clubs in the second tier during this season.Nikki Doucet, chief executive of Women’s Professional Leagues Limited, told Leaders Week London at the Allianz Stadium that the clubs where the trial will take place had yet to be decided.She said: “ We are testing that actually in a couple of teams in the Championship this season and we’ll see what we learn from it.“Our fan base and the behaviour is different to the men’s game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ultimately it’s about being able to give our fans choices, while obviously maintaining the safety and what we need to do in terms of being responsible.”The idea of fans being allowed to drink at grounds in League Two and the National League was proposed by former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in her 2021 “Fan led Review”.While it was backed by fans’ groups and lower division club bosses, the push-back from Police was massive and saw the idea kiboshed.Sun Sport has been told that the Police position has not changed in terms of men’s football although there is no mechanism which would see local Forces able to prevent a women’s game trial.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDrinking in view of the pitch has been banned in the men’s top five divisions since 1985.Fans caught breaching the laws under the 1985 act can be banned from grounds, handed hefty fans and, in extreme circumstances, given three month prison sentences. The current laws around drinking in stadiums doesn’t include women’s footballCredit: AlamyTop 10 highest-paid Premier League stars More

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      Sarina Wiegman insists Manchester City’s Chloe Kelly has ‘built enough credit’ to keep her Lionesses spot

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      SARINA WIEGMAN says Chloe Kelly’s position in the Lionesses squad was not in doubt with the winger facing a battle to start for Manchester City. Today the forward, 26, was named in Wiegman’s 25-strong group before the team’s friendly duels with Germany and South Africa. Chloe Kelly has been included in Sarina Wiegman’s 25-strong squad for England’s two friendly games in OctoberCredit: ReutersSarina Wiegman says Kelly is in a “hard place” amid fierce competition for minutes in Man City’s attackCredit: GettyBut her club and country goalkeeper team-mate Khiara Keating has been left out following her inclusion in the squad that qualified for next year’s Euros.In July the reigning Euros champions secured automatic qualification for the tournament in Switzerland. They did so via a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland and a 0-0 draw with Sweden. Kelly, who scored the winning goal for England in their Euros final defeat of Germany at Wembley two years ago, has faced a fight to start for City this season. Read More Football StoriesThe forward, who reportedly attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain this year, has made one start in her two top-flight appearances this term. City’s summer swoops for Japan ace Aoba Fushino along with the impressive form of Mary Fowler and Jess Park, has cranked up the battle for starting spots in Gareth Taylor’s side. They are top of the WSL and a point ahead of title rivals Chelsea and beat Barcelona 2-0 in the Champions League group stage on October 9.However, Wiegman insists Kelly, who has seven senior caps, has earned enough credit for national selection. Most read in FootballThe England boss, 54, said: “Chloe is in a hard position. There is huge competition going on there at the very highest level. “She’s competing for that too, not getting the minutes that of course she hopes for and we do. “But she built credit for us that she wasn’t in doubt for us to bring her in.”The Lionesses are due to face Germany at Wembley on October 25 for the first time since beating them there in the Women’s Euros finals in 2022. The match will be preceded by a special tribute to former England and Man City skipper Steph Houghton who retired at the end of last season. Wiegman’s side will also take on South Africa at the CBS Arena in Coventry four days later. Both matches will serve as warm-up preparations ahead of their attempt to win a second successive Euros trophy.The England chief added: “We’re really happy that we’ve qualified for the Euros because now we can play four friendlies this Autumn and have very good games. “Facing Germany, the USA, South Africa and Switzerland over two camps – that’s challenging, it’s really good and it will show us where we are. “With bringing in 25 players, we can see a few more players and how they relate to each other in our environment and training sessions. “But we can also try out some more things in the game and see different connections.”Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker has been recalled into England’s squad for the first time this year. However, City starlet Keating, 20, misses out. The shot-stopper, who won last year’s WSL Golden Glove,  is yet to start in the league this term. Wiegman wants Khiara Keating to get sharper and fitterCredit: GettyHer club pal Ayako Yamashita is currently preferred between the sticks having played four league games for City so far this season. READ MORE SUN STORIESWiegman adds: “We all know Khiara is a very talented goalkeeper. We want her to get fitter and sharper. “That’s the message she got and it’s better to do that in her own environment.” More

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      Arsenal Women’s head coach Jonas Eidevall RESIGNS with immediate effect after loss to Chelsea and Bayern thrashing

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      ARSENAL WOMEN have announced the departure of head coach Jonas Eidevall.The 41-year-old leaves following a poor start to the season, with Arsenal sixth in the Women’s Super League table.Jonas Eidevall has left ArsenalCredit: ReutersThe Gunners suffered a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at the weekendCredit: GettyFans were left furious last week after the Gunners suffered a 5-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.And matters were made worse on Saturday when they lost 2-1 to London rivals Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.Eidevall was booed at the full-time whistle, with thousands of fans expressing their discontent.One person even created a giant P45 to wave in the stands, while another wrote ‘Jonas Out’ in bold letters on Hornsey Road.Read More on ArsenalAssistant coach Renée Slegers will take charge of the Gunners as interim boss while a full-time replacement is appointed.Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “We thank Jonas for his commitment to the club and achievements here since joining us in 2021.”We have great respect for the dedication and commitment he showed to our women’s first team and recognise the role he has played in the growth and development of Arsenal Women.  We all wish him the very best for the future.”Our focus will now turn to the process of appointing a new Head Coach, and in the meantime, supporting Renée, as she takes interim charge of the team starting with two important fixtures this week.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFans expressed their discontent with the manager at the weekendCredit: X / @laythy29One supporter even took a giant P45 to the Emirates StadiumCredit: X / @mybadwosotakesClare Wheatley, the club’s director of women’s football, went on to add: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Jonas for his hard work and dedication to Arsenal Football Club over the past three years.”Jonas has brought us back-to-back trophies in the last two seasons, together with many memorable moments on the pitch.Watch Ireland captain Katie McCabe star in hilarious Adidas ad ahead of new WSL season with Arsenal”We wish Jonas and his family the best of health, happiness and success for the future.”We have full confidence in Renée to take responsibility for the team in the interim period.”Eidevall, who took charge of the team in 2021, guided Arsenal to two Women’s League Cup triumphs and a Champions League semi-final in 2023.Arsenal return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they face Norwegian side Vålerenga.The team will be looking to pick up their first win in the tournament’s group stage after being trounced by Bayern last time out. The Gunners then face West Ham on Saturday.Who could replace Eidevall?By Sandra BrobbeyCasey Stoney:The ex-San Diego Wave boss, who is currently without a managerial role, has been heavily linked with the now-vacant women’s head coach job at Arsenal. Stoney, who was at the Emirates last Saturday to watch the Gunners’ 2-1 loss to Chelsea, has ties with the club having played for them for two spells from 1999 to 2002 and from 2014 to 2016. Having begun her coaching career as a player-manager at Chelsea in 2009, Stoney has since become a highly-rated coach within the sport having guided American side San Diego to National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup win in March, and an NWSL Shield triumph last year. The former Man United Women’s boss, managed the Red Devils for three years from 2021 guiding them to WSL promotion. She also helped to nurture the careers of several United aces, past and present, including Ella Toone, Lauren James and Alessia Russo. Jack Wilshere:The Arsenal Under-18s men’s coach would be a wildcard for this role having started his current job two years ago and having never worked in the elite women’s game. The former Gunners playmaker led the team to the finals of the 2022-23 FA Youth Cup, during his first season in charge. where they were beaten by West Ham. A top-level WSL side hiring a men’s academy coach wouldn’t be an entirely new thing.Manchester City Women’s boss Gareth was employed as the club’s Under-16 head coach before taking on his current role.  More

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      Watch non-league star score stunning goal in huge derby win… just hours after running HALF-MARATHON

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      A NON-LEAGUE star scored a fantastic goal just hours after completing a HALF-MARATHON at the weekend.Maidstone United’s Georgia Culpitt scored her second goal of the season against Tonbridge Angels on Sunday.Non-League star Georgia Culpitt scored a great goal after running a half marathonCredit: x @MUFCWomenHer shot flew over the goalkeeper and into the far cornerCredit: x @MUFCWomenCulpitt ran the Royal Parks Half just hours before the matchCredit: x @MUFCWomenAnd she did so just a matter of hours after running around the Royal Parks of London.After receiving the ball on the edge of the box, Culpitt fired her shot over the goalkeeper and into the far right corner.Maidstone went on to win 5-1 against Tonbridge at the Gallagher Stadium.They now sit fourth in the South East Counties Women’s Football League table.Read More in FootballFans took to social media to react to the incredible achievement, with one person writing: “Georgia that is insane!”Another said: “This is shows the levels of women’s football. You can actually run a half marathon and still play a match.”A third commented: “Great achievement on the half marathon, not a bad finish either!”While commentator Charlotte Richardson said: “Incredible! What a strike after clocking up all those miles already.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSCulpitt ran the Royal Parks Half before the match on Sunday.The half-marathon runs through four of London’s Royal Parks and past some of the city’s iconic landmarks.’I hope our players have Sudocrem because they’ve had their a—s slapped,’ fumes non-league manager in viral interview More

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      Jonas Eidevall reflects on ‘hurt’ of Arsenal’s three-game winless run following WSL derby loss to Chelsea

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      JONAS EIDEVALL admits Arsenal have had a bad start to their season after they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea. The Gunners boss says he aims to focus on the things he ‘can control’ when questioned on whether he feels his job is safe.Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s recent results have not helped their “league-winning” ambitions with the team collecting one point from their last WSL gamesCredit: GettyVersatile Blues winger Sandy Baltimore was among Chelsea’s scorers against ArsenalCredit: GettyEidevall has come under pressure from some Arsenal supporters amid three difficult results for his side in the past week. And a couple of defensive blips during set pieces saw his team lose their Saturday afternoon duel with Chelsea, conceding twice during the game’s first 16 minutes. Despite a late Arsenal fightback, goals from Mayra Ramirez and Sandy Baltimore were enough to seal a significant away victory for Sonia Bompastor’s Blues. The result led to the Gunners notching back-to-back defeats across all competitions after Bayern Munich trounced them 5-2 in the Champions League four days ago.Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “You need to do your absolute best in every single game. “But there is no point in hiding away from reality in saying it’s a bad start to the season.“It certainly doesn’t help with league-winning ambitions. “But it doesn’t change the perspective that you need to go game-by-game.”Most read in FootballArsenal have netted just two goals in their last three league fixtures with their last win in the top tier occurring away against Leicester City.And the loss to the Blues took their tally of winless results at the Emirates to three so far this season. On if he feels his job is safe, the Gunners chief added: “I gave absolutely everything in preparation for this game. “You can see the players gave absolutely everything on the pitch. “That’s the part you can control as a coach. That’s what you can control and ask for from the players as well.“I fully understand that people are disappointed when we don’t win football matches and we are also really disappointed. “We are really hurting, I’m hurting, the players are hurting. We want to do that better so I fully understand that in that moment.” Ramirez gave the Blues a fourth-minute lead with Arsenal caught out by a corner-kick that ended with a looped overhead strike from the Colombian dropping in behind goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.Baltimore’s header 12 minutes later made it a tough start for the hosts before they battled back with Caitlin Foord firing in an angled goal near halftime. The hosts upped the ante in attack in the second half with Chelsea spending large parts of the game’s closing stages defending. But they held out to claim maximum points with USA chief and ex-Blues boss Emma Hayes, and Arsenal football director Edu, among the guests watching from the stands. The result led to Bompastor registering her first win in the WSL against the Gunners leapfrogging Manchester City to go top before the Cityzens’ trip to Liverpool on Sunday.  Sonia Bompastor says she wants to encourage her team to hate conceding after they kept a third successive clean sheet in the WSL this termCredit: GettyThe Blues boss said: “I want my team to be able to hate conceding goals and I think this is what they showed with their mentality READ MORE SUN STORIES“When you play a game away and the team is doing good and you can hear your fans cheering for the team and supporting you, it’s so powerful. “I’m so proud of them and so happy for them.” More

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      Faye White hopeful Arsenal can ride out rough moments in WSL derby battle with Chelsea

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      FAYE WHITE believes Arsenal can use the disappointment of a shock draw and loss in the league and Europe to fuel their battle to beat Chelsea.The Gunners icon thinks Sonia Bompastor’s first Emirates visit as Blues boss could be the ideal moment for her old side to stun their rivals.Faye White expects Arsenal will want to redeem themselves following their loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners hope to pick up their first match win at the Emirates this season but will face a huge challenge from ChelseaCredit: GettyToday’s game is a pivotal one for White’s former club who suffered two difficult results in the past seven days.A scoreless draw at home against injury-hit Everton was followed by a brutal 5-2 Champions League group stage loss away at Bayern Munich.A match where ex-Chelsea midfielder Pernille Harder ran riot against Jonas Eidevall’s players netting a 13-minute hat-trick.But White, 46, who was part of the Arsenal team that made history becoming the first English side to win a Women’s Champions League in 2007, reckons they will need little motivation to bounce back.Read More Football StoriesAnd she hopes the Gunners will be ready to ride out tough moments on the pitch.The former Arsenal captain, who won 11 top-flight titles including a WSL crown during her 17-year career at the club, said: “It’s about using that disappointment that you feel.“During my playing career, I won nine FA Cups, but I remember the one that I lost the most. I used that as motivation to want to not feel that again.“When you lose as a player, you want to get out there, get it out of your mind and redeem yourself.Most read in Football“But the team won’t need any getting up for this game. They’re at home, they’ll have the home crowd.“They know they’ve beaten Chelsea well at the Emirates before, but also how tough games can be (against them).“They just have to have that confidence and belief a little bit more, but also that desire, hunger, and the resilience side of it.”A mixed start to the season combined with two underwhelming results in the WSL and Champions League has seen the team’s tactics come into question.On his Wrighty’s House podcast club legend and Barclays football ambassador Ian Wright likened their performance against Everton to that of a mid-table side.White adds: “I’ve been there and done it where you can get yourself up for the tough games“But it’s also those matches against teams lower in the table where you’re expected to win because of the quality you have on the pitch and the bench, but you can’t quite break them down.“And then your rivals get their hopes up and step up a level as they feel they can nick a point or even a win.”Eidevall’s side are yet to win on their turf in the league this term with all their WSL home matches being played at the Emirates this season.However, his team went unbeaten in their last four home games against Chelsea in the top tier.Results include a 4-1 win last December against the Blues, then managed by former boss Emma Hayes, with Beth Mead and Alessia Russo among their scorers.White said: “Chelsea are seen as the team to beat. If there is any time for them to be got at, it’s now.“This is possibly a time where you could get at them because of a slight change of messaging (from their new manager) and a certain way players have been asked to play.“This will be the first time Bompastor experiences this kind of derby.“It’s going to be a good match but Arsenal have to be at their best and ride out those tough moments.”Chelsea are currently unbeaten in the league having notched 1-0 and 7-0 defeats of Aston Villa.Sonia Bompastor hopes to maintain her unbeaten run by consigning the Gunners to defeatCredit: GettyDespite Arsenal’s recent results, Bompastor is not taking the threat they pose lightly.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Blues boss, 41, who won September’s WSL Manager of the Month prize said: “I don’t pay attention to their context or their dynamic.“This team has a lot of talent. This game will be a tough game no matter what the context is for them.” More

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      Lauren Hemp ready for ‘tough tasks ahead’ after Manchester City’s ‘statement’ win against Barcelona

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      LAUREN HEMP insists Manchester City have made a statement with their gritty 2-0 win against Barcelona in the Champions League.  The City ace praised defender Naomi Layzell’s goalscoring display during the defeat of the contest’s winners before their return to WSL action on Sunday.Lauren Hemp and her team-mates will aim to maintain their unbeaten run in the WSL as well as Europe when they visit Liverpool nextCredit: AlamyCity summer signing Naomi Layzell impressed during the team’s 2-0 win against Barcelona playing out of position as a full-backCredit: GettySpain’s top-flight leaders, who Cityzens boss Gareth Taylor described as the best side in the world, fell to their first loss in the tournament’s group stage on Wednesday.A prodded finish from Layzell, her first in a Man City shirt and in the contest, gave Taylor’s side the lead in the first half.And that opener, assisted by Vivianne Miedema’s flicked header, was followed by Khadija Shaw rounding Barca goalkeeper Cata Coll late in the game to slot home to secure the points.The result saw the three-time Champions League winners beaten for the first time ever in the competitions group stage and for the first time this season. Read More Football Stories And Hemp and her team-mates maintained their unbeaten run across all contests before their WSL clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.Hemp said: “Hopefully that puts a statement out on a good start in the group stages.”It was a great win. I thought in the first half, we dominated, possession. “And we created a lot of chances and in the second half, but it looked a bit different.Most read in Football“I felt like we defended so well, put our bodies on the line. “We’ve still got to play them again. It’s going to be a tough task going to their place.”City, who take on Austrian team SKN St Polten in the tournament next Wednesday, handed a group stage debut to centre-back Layzell.The England Under-23s central defender, signed from Bristol City in August for a record fee, played as a full-back in the Joie Stadium duel. The Wednesday night game was the defender’s first time playing in the tournament’s group stage.  It also came almost five years on from Layzell making her debut appearance in the WSL for the Robins against the club she would eventually join this summer. And the player, who went off injured after appearing to her roll her ankle, rewarded boss Taylor’s faith by helping her club shut out some of the most lethal attacking talents in EuropeThese included Ballon d’Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas and Barca striker Ewa Pajor. Hemp added: “She’s done so well since she got here. I’m proud of her.”Not only did she score, but she defended so well, kept the ball most of the time and topped it off with a goal which was amazing and we’re all so happy for her.”Man City will take on Austria’s top-flight leaders SKN St. Polten in their second Champions League group stage game on October 10Credit: AlamyChelsea narrowly defeating Real Madrid in their group stage opener one night before Man City’s victory, made it good week for English clubs going up against two of the best sides in Spain’s top tier.READ MORE SUN STORIESOn her side’s chances of going all the way in the contest, Hemp said: “Every game is going to be different.   “We know there are so many tough tasks ahead of us. We’re just going to take it one game at a time. More