Women’s football

EMMA HAYES saluted Magda Eriksson’s fairytale finish to her Blues spell as Chelsea made it a tough day for Arsenal with their 2-0 win. The Sweden star’s first – and potentially last – WSL goal helped move her side within touching distance of a fourth successive title.
Magda Eriksson doubled Chelsea’s lead against Arsenal with her last goal for the team at KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
Eriksson and Pernille Harder are set to make their final Chelsea appearances in the Blues last WSL game next SundayCredit: Getty
Emma Hayes’ players will face Reading in their final game this seasonCredit: Getty
The Blues’ home victory saw them avenge their Conti Cup final loss to Arsenal.
It also derailed the Gunners’ top three hopes before Manchester City’s trip to neighbours Man United this evening. 
And Eriksson and Pernille Harder made their penultimate Blues appearance with the duo leaving Chelsea as free agents this summer. 
Hayes said: “This is so fitting (that) of course she’s scored today. 
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“Everybody wanted that fairytale for her. She has been our captain and leader. 
“I know the work that has gone on behind the scenes to get the team to where it is. 
I just looked onto the pitch and all I see is the years of work in the background. 
“The meetings, the analysis, the disagreements, the good times and the moments you’re sick looking at each other. 
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“It’s all of those things. And this team has a habit of peaking when it matters. 
There’s three senior leaders in our team (in Magda, Millie Bright and Maren Mjelde).
“I think it’s important that the baton is passed on through them.”
Stina Blackstenius went close to netting for Arsenal in the first halfCredit: Getty
Of Eriksson and Harder playing the final home game at Kingsmeadow, Hayes added: “They’ve had amazing years here and an amazing time. 
“They’re not going to be here (from next season) and we have had a chance to replace them with something different.
“It is not them, we can never do that. If there is going to be a separation, they want nothing more than to see Chelsea continuing to thrive. 
“On that end it’s been good. I respect them both so much as people. I’m proud of them.”
Before the game Jonas Eidevall spoke of Arsenal needing to “keep the ball well” if they were to stand a chance of beating their rivals. 
While possession was fairly even in the first half it was Emma Hayes’ side who were the most ruthless in front of goal. 
Blues warning signs came as early as the 10th minute with Sam Kerr seeing a goal disallowed as offside. 
Moments later Stina Blackstenius threatened for the visitors going one-on-one with Ann-Katrin Berger forcing a fine block from the Blues goalkeeper. 
The hosts had the upper hand in the first half with four shots on target converting twice within 41 minutes. 
Guro Reiten slid home Chelsea’s opener following Eve Perisset’s cross in the 22nd minute.
Frida Maanum came close to bagging an equaliser with Berger having to claw the ball from dropping into the net after spilling.
And Eriksson made it 2-0 with a tap in after Kerr’s headed assist close to halftime.  
Eidevall altered things in the second spell with Steph Catley on for Kathrine Kuhl and the Gunners gaining the upper hand in attack. 
And they won a penalty that skipper Katie McCabe fired well wide of goal. 
The hosts weather pressure from Arsenal to go five points clear at the top.
And they could become champions if the Red Devils lose their clash with Manchester City this evening. 
A City win could also  put Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes in jeopardy with the race going to the wire. 
Jonas Eidevall’s side’s battle to qualify for the Champions League could go the last day of this season if Man City beat Man UnitedCredit: Getty
Gunners boss Eidevall said: “My mindset has been that we need to do everything in every single minute of the season to try to finish as high as possible. 

“Nothing changes because of today’s result.
“If we look at it in a positive way, it should be in our own hands in control of our own destiny and that is the preference.” More

JONAS EIDEVALL admits Arsenal’s injury concerns have made this season one of the toughest of his coaching career. The third-placed Gunners visit Kingsmeadow later for a lunchtime duel with leaders Chelsea in their penultimate WSL game this season. 

Jonas Eidevall’s players will be hoping for a repeat of the display that saw them beat Chelsea in the Conti Cup finalCredit: Getty
A win for the Gunners could see the WSL title race go right to the wire if Man United beat Manchester City laterCredit: Getty
However, they will be without the services of Lia Walti who became the latest first-team player to have their season ended by injury.
Kim Little, Laura Wienroither, Leah Williamson Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema are their other key figures sidelined with hamstring and knee ligament concerns.
But he expects Walti to be fit for the World Cup despite the crocked Gunners ace missing their final two fixtures.
Eidevall, 40, said: “It definitely has been tough.
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“It is tough to have players injured because you feel so much for them, but also to constantly have to come up with new solutions and prepare new ways.
“It’s on different levels for me. One is to think forward, think about the next action, but still don’t forget that there is an individual and person behind every injury 
“We need to take care and support that person as well as we can.
“Another thing is to find solutions to be flexible in the way that we think.
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“When you’re in the middle of it, just keep going one game at a time. There are two more games and then we’re done.”
Walti was carried off on a stretcher during Arsenal’s 4-1 win at Everton on Wednesday after Aggie Beever-Jones’ late tackle caught her ankle.
However Eidevall believes the midfielder will be ready to play for Switzerland, with her team facing the Philippines in a World Cup group stage opener on July 21.
The Gunners boss added: “It’s not a multiple month injury so she should be able to recover well in time for the World Cup which is, of course, very important for her.
“I’m very happy for her that it wasn’t more serious. I was afraid it could be, so this is a relief.”
Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea will be the first time the rivals have faced each other since the Gunners’ 3-1 Conti Cup final win against Blues in March.
And Eidevall expects his players will face a different performance, with their opponents having won their last five games across all competitions, scoring 20 goals.
He said: “We have a flexible mind and will be prepared that it will be a Chelsea team that will look a little bit different than it did the last time out.”
The match will see Pernille Harder and Chelsea captain Magda Eriksson making their final Blues appearances at Kingsmeadow, with the duo leaving the club.
Magda Eriksson and Pernille Harder will play their final game at Kingsmeadow with the duo leaving Chelsea at the end of this seasonCredit: Getty
And Emma Hayes is keen to see them get a good send off.
The Chelsea boss said: “I’m proud of Pernille and Mags. As a football club it’s important we send players who meant a lot to us off in the way that we want.”
Hayes’ Blues could retain the WSL crown with a win against Arsenal should Manchester United lose to Man City at Leigh Sports Village today. 
Emma Hayes expects her team to face a tough challenge from Arsenal in their final London derby this termCredit: Reuters
However is keen not to underestimate the threat posed by the Gunners. 
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She added: : “We haven’t won anything.
“We’ve got to play arguably one of the best teams in Europe this year and that will be extremely challenging.” More

VICKY JEPSON says Bethany England is worth a Lionesses World Cup spot after Spurs won their WSL survival fight.The Tottenham striker’s double took her to 12 goals for the season and left bottom-club Reading on the brink of relegation.
Bethany England and Kit Graham both netted as Tottenham won their fight to avoid relegationCredit: Getty
England was voted Tottenham’s Supporters’ Club’s player of the season following her attacking displaysCredit: Getty
It was also her fifth goal in three matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with the team playing in the first ever Premier League and WSL double-header at the venue.
Interim boss Jepson, whose team play West Ham in their last game this term, said: “I’m over the moon personally (with the result). 
“The task was to keep us in the WSL and that task is complete and we can enjoy that status in the WSL. 
“We still have one game left to play and we certainly don’t want to be complacent going into that.”
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England’s clinical finishing for Tottenham has seen her become the third highest scorer in the top-flight this season.
Her tally of 12 goals includes 10 notched in 11 WSL games for Jepson’s side who beat Reading 4-1.
The Tottenham chief added: “There have been opportunities in games where Beth has pulled goals from out of nowhere due to individual brilliance.
“I think she should be going to the World Cup but I’m not going to tell Sarina Wiegman how to do her job.
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“It’s up to her but I think she’s a top English scorer in the WSL.”
The deadlock was broken in yesterday’s game when England headed home in the 29th minute when she pounced on a cross from Molly Bartrip.
Celin Bizet doubled the hosts’ lead four minutes before half-time when she fired beyond keeper
Grace Moloney following Eveliina Summanen’s through ball.
Royals boss Kelly Chambers shuffled her deck in the second half with Emma Harries replacing Sanne Troelsgaard and Deanne Rose on for Tia Primmer.
But Spurs increased their advantage when England pounced on a back-pass from Easther Mayi Kith on 62 minutes.
Kit Graham made it 4-0 after wrong footing Moloney with 15 minutes to go
And Reading pulled one back when Justine Vanhaevermaet headed home in the 79th minute.
Kelly Chambers’ Reading side will be relegated league rivals Leicester beat West Ham at home todayCredit: Getty
If Leicester beat visiting West Ham today, the Royals will be relegated.
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Chambers said: “We can’t be deluded about where we are and it is Chelsea on the final day.
“It was a tough day and a tough season. Leagues don’t lie, you end up where you should be.” More

HELEN WARD never envisaged her football career would one day lead to her painted in  a giant mural at Vicarage Road. Today the striker, 37, will end her journey as a player by attempting to help Watford return to the Women’s Championship. 
Helen Ward will hang up her boots following Watford’s clash with Nottingham Forest in the Women’s National League play-off finalCredit: Getty
Ward hopes to help her side win promotion to the Women’s Championship
The lifelong Watford fan and her team will battle third tier rivals Nottingham Forest for promotion.
The Women’s National League play-off final at the home of MK Dons’ will see the Golden Girls veteran play her final match before retiring.  
Ward, who is a mother of two and began her career at Watford at 15, said:  “If you’d have asked me if I’d still be playing at 37 I’d have said absolutely no chance. 
“That in itself is an achievement. It just sort of  went from season to season and I’ve kept playing because I loved it.
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For me personally, with this being my last game and my last season, it (winning promotion) would be a magical way to finish 
“To do this with the club where I started it all would be amazing and I’ve got one last chance to lift a trophy. 
“There’s been so much going on behind the scenes and so many people working hard to put us in a position to be competing at this stage in the season.”
Watford’s clash with Nottingham Forest comes six days after the club celebrating Ward’s career by unveiling a mural of her at Vicarage Road’s North-West corner. 
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The artwork created by features Ward in her club shirt and in action for Wales. 
The Brent-born player who retired from international football in March, is Wales all-time goalscorer with 44 goals in 105 appearances. 
Of the mural, Ward adds: “It was a big surprise, a huge surprise. I’d absolutely no idea that it was coming. 
“It’s a bit daunting seeing a big, big version of your own face on the wall
“But it’s something that means a lot to myself and my family and to be up there with the likes of Luther Blissett, Graham Taylor and Elton John.
“Their legendary status is clear for anyone to see at the club. 
“I’m not going to put myself in that category but to be considered as someone worthy of having a mural at the stadium is incredible and as a Watford fan, it’s really special
Reflecting on her career for Wales, Ward said: “There was no vision of what I might or might not achieve. 
“The international stuff sort of came when I was I think I was 22 and I made my debut. 
“Even that came fairly late in the day when you look at how young players are making their debuts now.
“ I’ve just taken everything as it’s come on the way and never really tried to think too far ahead which has probably helped me. 
“I think if you get too concerned with what might happen or what you’re trying to achieve in the future, you can get distracted.
“It’s been a whirlwind and I’m grateful for every moment I’ve lived and for every team that I’ve played for and every club mate that I’ve had.” 
Watford’s duel with Nottingham Forest will see the sides go head-to-head for the first time since Forest’s 3-2 triumph in the Women’s National League Cup final. 
And Ward, who enjoyed spells at Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading before her 2017 Golden Girls return is hopeful of a different outcome this time. 
The striker adds: “In the League Cup (final) it was a tight game.
“We both have learned a lot about each other but I don’t expect much to change in terms of how either team approaches the game. 
“I believe in this squad and I believe we’ve got the players to get us over the line.”
Today’s clash between Watford and Forest will be the last ever Women’s National League play-off final. 
Next season will see the winners of Women’s National League Northern and Southern Premier divisions promoted to the Championship. 
The FA’s promotion and relegation shake-up between the divisions means two teams will be relegated from tier two next term rather than one. 
From next season the winners of the Women’s National League North and South divisions will be promoted to the ChampionshipCredit: Getty
Ward added: “It’s a real shame that whoever doesn’t win isn’t going to get promoted 
“It’s been a shame ever since the play-off has been a thing and thankfully, this is the last one of its kind
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“I think the FA have come to a really sensible decision for next season in terms of making it two up and two down and that’s that’s great for the game.”
Nottingham Forest vs Watford can be watched live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport’s web site from 1:00 pm More

MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to use the hurt of their FA Cup final loss to fuel their bid to beat Man City.A home win against their neighbours on Sunday would see United qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
Manchester United will be pushing for a derby victory to keep their title hopes aliveCredit: Getty
A Man City win could see the race for top three go to the wire should Arsenal drop points against ChelseaCredit: PA
Skinner’s team, who are second could still be in title contention should they beat City and Arsenal defeat leaders Chelsea.
The Red Devils boss said: “The beauty of this season is we’re talking about bouncing back from a final where we’ve done really well and lost 1-0 to Chelsea in our first (FA Cup) final.
“When I talk about Manchester City feeling our hurt, it’s via our energy, our commitment and our spirit.
“Football-wise we can hurt Man City as they could hurt any team including us in the league.
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“For us it’s about using the emotional edge in every action that we make. If we do that then we can beat anyone.”
Skinner revealed his father suffered a heart attack a day ahead of Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat of United in the FA Cup final. 
The head coach  added: “He is ok now. That’s the factor people don’t see, when you go into games.
“I felt we as a collective did well at hiding those things. I’m tough enough to help my team when we need it.
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“That’s how professional we are. We’re here to do a job.”
City, who are fourth and three points behind Arsenal, need a win to keep their hopes of playing in Europe next season alive. 
However a point or more for United from their last two fixtures and four more for the Gunners this term would see both sides claim a top three spot. 
Citizens boss Gareth Taylor said: “We want to be in the Champions League.
“We know we’ll need the three points and that’s what we’ll do.
“There’s no need to instigate fire in the bellies with this one.”
Man City will be hoping to avoid dropping out of the WSL’s top three for the first time during Gareth Taylor’s reignCredit: Reuters
Skinner added: “It’s a heavyweight contest.
“With one big punch, the other one could be knocked out so we have to try and land those punches. 
“If we beat them, not only are we still in contention for the league, but obviously then we can finish mathematically above them.”  More

PERNILLE HARDER and Magdalena Eriksson have called time on their trophy-laden Chelsea spells. Eriksson, 29, announced her exit in a filmed goodbye message with the Blues skipper leaving at the end of this term after a six-years at the club.
Magda Eriksson is set to leave Chelsea at the end of this season with her contract expiring this summerCredit: PA
Pernille Harder will also be leaving club at the end of this termCredit: Getty
The duo are set to play their last two games for Chelsea when the Blues face Arsenal and ReadingCredit: Getty
The centre-back, who has made 183 Blues appearances, will leave as a free agent along with Harder with their contracts expiring this summer.
The duo, have been a key part of Emma Hayes side, have have been linked with Bayern Munich according to reports in Sweden. 
Eriksson, who has been Chelsea skipper since 2019, said: “It’s with a heavy heart and so many emotions I announce that my journey as a Blue will come to an end.
“I see myself as extremely privileged to have played a part in this great club’s history.
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“When I signed for the club the ambitions were clear, Emma’s openness with that really resonated with my own ambitions.
“I quickly realised it wasn’t just all talk either. Winning was at the heart of everything we did, and that competitiveness was contagious. 
“I’d like to thank the club, Emma and Paul (Green) for believing in me and supporting me from the moment I signed six seasons ago.”
Blues chief Hayes added: “There are not enough words to describe the impact Magda has had, not just on this football club but on me. 
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“She has been a wonderful leader, someone who has helped drive the team and it’s standards to the levels that we’re at.
“Chelsea will always be her club, it will always be her home. She will forever remain a legend of this football club.”
Eriksson, who switched from Swedish side Linkopings in 2017, has helped Chelsea win 11 trophies including four league titles. 
She and Harder are set to play their last two games in Blues shirts when Hayes’ side face Arsenal on Sunday and Reading next weekend. 
The duo could see their side secure a third successive domestic double should they win on Sunday and Manchester United lose or draw against Man City.
Eriksson added: “I’d like to thank my team-mates, current and old ones. You are a bunch of winners, a great group of people who truly knows what it takes. 
“My biggest thank you goes to the unbelievable Chelsea fans.
“I felt your power on my debut game at Kingsmeadow and you’ve kept growing in numbers and strength ever since.”
Harder, 30, announced her plans to leave Chelsea hours after the club published an open farewell letter from Eriksson.
The Denmark captain was formerly the world’s most expensive female footballer when she joined from Wolfsburg in 2020 for a record £250,000 fee. 
Since then she has scored 44 times in 79 Blues appearances winning two league crowns, three FA Cups and a Conti Cup.
Harder tweeted: “It’s been a dream coming true playing for this amazing club and I’ve loved every single moment along the way.”
Emma Hayes’ side are close to sealing a third successive double trophy winCredit: Getty
Hayes added: “Pernille is one of the best attacking players in the world and you see all of them qualities day in, day out. 

“She has always been so driven to succeed, to get to the top and to help the team win trophies. 
“I want to place on record my thanks for her brilliant contributions to the team’s success the past few years and I wish her the best for the future.” More