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      Lifelong Man Utd fan opens up on sharing her experiences of living with dementia with Old Trafford legend Denis Law

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      SHELAGH ROBINSON has fond memories of meeting Denis Law to talk about dementia and her love for Manchester United.In December 2021 the Old Trafford legend was left stunned when the Red Devils fan revealed she had been living with the condition for a decade. 
      Shelagh Robinson has been reflecting on meeting Denis Law ahead of England’s Alzheimer’s International game this evening
      Sarina Wiegman’s side will take on Australia tonight at 7:45 pm Brentford’s home groundCredit: PA
      Four months earlier Law, 83, had bravely revealed he had been diagnosed with mixed dementia. 
      Reflecting on their meeting Shelagh, 83, who lives in Stoke-on-Trent, said: “I was totally starstruck.
      “I still have a vivid memory of him saying to me ‘are you really sure you’ve had it for more than 10 years?’
      “He had the impression that people often have that you can’t do anything once you’ve had a diagnosis and expecting things to be over. 
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      “We got on extremely well and the question he kept on asking was, ‘have you really had it for 10 years and you’re still alert?’ 
      “As you often do, he’d thought it was the end and there is no life after your first diagnosis, which is what you often feel.
      “I’ve been tremendously lucky in that my family has supported me to be as active as I can.”
      Shelagh, who has two sons and a daughter, has been a Manchester United fan much of her life 
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      The Stoke-born grandmother of 11, who is a widow, went to her first Red Devils game at the age of seven.
      The year before she attended her very first football match when she watched Stoke City beat Bury 2-0 in a Football League North clash in April 1946. 
      Her meeting with Law came about through their work as champions of Alzheimer’s Society who are an official charity partner of the FA. 
      The duo are among approximately 900,000 people in the UK who are living with the condition. 
      This evening the Lionesses will take on Australia at Brentford’s home ground in an Alzheimer’s International clash. 
      Ticket sales proceeds from England’s duel with the World Cup co-hosts are being used to raise funds for the charity. 
      It comes just over a year after the Three Lions’ game against Switzerland in support of their work. 
      Recalling the lead up to her own diagnosis, Shelagh added: “I was beginning to have difficulty remembering where to go when I was still driving. 
      “I’d get into the car to go to Stoke-on-Trent which was a journey I have done all my life and couldn’t quite remember the way to go. 
      “It was just extraordinary. I didn’t know how to go to places I’ve always gone to.
      “And then I found that when I came to traffic lights once, I wasn’t sure what they meant.
      Of her diagnosis, Shelagh said: “The best thing that happened to me was I went to the best GP and she really listened to me. 
      “I was really very lucky as I had a firm diagnosis.
      “For some people it can take ages because you are told it’s depression or stress.
      “I had a very early diagnosis. It was devastating and you can go under the duvet for a while.
      “But I’ve got children and a family who needed me to come out from under the duvet. 
      “After I’d taken some time to come to terms with it, that’s when I found out about the Alzheimer’s Society.
      “They’ve changed my life. They’ve given me help, support and they’ve given me loads of information which you need so much. 
      “Through them I’ve made lots of friendships. I’ve met so many other people who have dementia, and there’s nothing as good as peer support.
      Last year Shelagh met Sir Geoff Hurst ahead of the Three Lions’ Alzheimer’s International match against Switzerland
      Sam Kerr is likely to feature against England after being rested for the Matildas’ game against ScotlandCredit: Getty
      “I’m part of their Three Nations dementia working group and we do so many things. 
      “We do webinars, which is how the Denis Law interview came about.
      “We provide as much information as we can from the lived experiences of people who have dementia.
      “I’d never been to Wembley until they sent me there for the England vs. Switzerland (men’s) match last year. 
      “I can’t be at the Lionesses’ game unfortunately but I will be watching on TV avidly.”
      Like many United fans, Shelagh is hoping the Red Devils’ WSL aces will prevail in their quest to win major silverware this term. 
      The team, who are currently top of the league, will face Brighton on Saturday in a bid to reach their first Women’s FA Cup final. 
      She added: “They play with such grace.
      “Of all of the United’s footballers I have seen I remember George Best being one of biggest stars who played gracefully.
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      “But I love to see the women’s team play. They’re joyous to watch.”
      England vs Australia can be watched live on ITV4 from 7:45pm this evening
      Shelagh is hoping Man United’s WSL stars will win silverware this seasonCredit: PA More

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      Wiegman says England door is not closed to Steph Houghton but World Cup selection chances ‘are not high’

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      SARINA WIEGMAN “would never close” the door on the possibility of Steph Houghton being included in her England World Cup squad. However the serial-winning Lionesses boss admits the chances of the Manchester City captain, 34, being chosen “are not that high”. 
      Steph Houghton is aiming stay ready and professional in case of a call-upCredit: Getty
      Sarina Wiegman says she will not shut the door on Houghton but admits her World Cup selection chances ‘are not that high’Credit: Reuters
      England will take on Australia tomorrow night at the Gtech Community Stadium as part of their World Cup preparationsCredit: Alamy
      Wiegman, 53 was speaking after Houghton described contending with being left out of the national squad as “mentally tough”
      The Man City centre-back, who has 121 senior international caps, was was sharing her thoughts in a BBC Radio Five Live interview. 
      The Durham-born WSL star has not played for the Euros champions since 2021 following some spells out with injury. 
      Wiegman, whose side play Australia at Brentford’s home ground on Tuesday night, said: “It’s hard at the moment.
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      “She’s in a hard position because, as I said, I don’t want to take out the players who are in that position, because they’re doing really well, so the chances are not that high.
      “But I will never close the door.
      “When you are in international football and you are England coach, you want everyone to be available too if things happen for some players and the situation changes. 
      “But at this moment, I make other choices.”
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      Houghton, who played for the Lionesses in five major tournaments, admits she would have to “re-evaluate” things if a summer call-up does not arise. 
      While the former England captain wants to keep “knocking on that door” she acknowledges her omission will not stop her from wanting the team to succeed at the World Cup this year.
      Wiegman added: “Steph is a very good, very experienced player.
      “I have a lot of respect for what she has done for the women’s game and she has come back in the squad for Man City. 
      “But the players I have now in that position I don’t want to take out because I think they perform really well. That’s the reason why.
      “It is difficult because she has done so much for the game.
      “It’s difficult with everyone because everyone trains so hard and so does she.”
      The Lionesses’ clash with Australia comes five days after their Women’s Finalissima defeat of Brazil via a penalty shootout. 
      The victory saw them go 30 games unbeaten under Wiegman
      Tomorrow’s match could see Sam Kerr in action with the Matildas record goal scorer rested for her team’s 1-0 loss to Scotland on Friday. 
      And Leicester forward Remy Siemsen might feature having received a call-up on Sunday following Emily van Egmond and Holly McNamara’s withdrawal from Australia’s camp. 
      The game could also see Ella Toone, 23,  start alongside her Man United pal and summer transfer target Alessia Russo
      Both featuring against Brazil last Thursday with Toone netting normal time but seeing her spot-kick saved.
      Russo, who has netted 11 goals in 20 senior Lionesses appearances, has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest sides including French giants Lyon. 
      The WSL star, whose Red Devils contract is due to expire at the end of this season, has scored eight goals in 15 top tier games this term. 
      On if she hopes to continue playing alongside Russo at club level, Toone added: “We’re joined at the hip and we’re best friends. 
      “We love each other’s company. That will never change no matter where Alessia Russo is. I love playing with her. 
      “Right now we’re at England camp, spending every minute together and playing football together.
      “So now it’s just about enjoying now and whatever happens, happens.”
      England’s clash with the Matildas comes 102 days before their World Cup group stage opener against Haiti in Brisbane, Australia
      Ella Toone hopes fans will flock to stadiums to watch World Cup games in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Reuters
      This summer’s tournament is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand with England aiming to follow their Euros triumph on home soil with a World Cup win. 

      Toone said:  “For us it was so exciting knowing we were hosting a major tournament in our country. 
      “For the Australians it will be massive. Hopefully we can get loads of fans in the stadiums enjoying the football.” More

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      Chloe Kelly is England’s hero AGAIN as she strikes decisive penalty to win Finalissima for Lionesses against Brazil

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      CHLOE KELLY was the toast of Wembley AGAIN after sealing England’s glorious Finalissima triumph over Brazil.The Manchester City star struck the winning penalty to secure a 4-2 shootout triumph just eight months after her strike won Euro 2022 for the Lionesses.
      The Lionesses celebrate winning the Finalissima after beating Brazil in the finalCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Chloe Kelly lets the emotion out after sealing another momentous win for EnglandCredit: Rex
      Ella Toone fires England ahead in the 1-1 draw before a 4-2 shoot-out winCredit: Rex
      Kelly said: “I looked the keeper in the eye and thought I’m going to score.”
      It extended England’s unbeaten run to a staggering 30 matches.
      Her long striding run and deadly finish saw Sarina Wiegman’s side overcome a rude awakening from a battling Brazil team.
      The delighted forward: “It’s great being back here at Wembley in front of our home fans. They were brilliant again tonight.
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      “This feels like home to me. It’s brilliant to be back here. It was an excellent performance from the girls and we keep moving forward.
      “I was just excited for it. I calmed myself down and was ready to take it.
      “We’re made of great people here. Staff and players. It’s about moving forward and being ready for July.
      “It was a different challenge here tonight. We are building momentum and now we have to keep moving forward.”
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      It was a result that saw them reach the 30-game unbeaten mark under Wiegman.
      The last duel between the sides at the famous ground ended in a 2-1 loss for a home team then managed by Phil Neville.
      Back then the Lionesses faced a Brazil outfit featuring Selecao legends Marta and Formiga plus rumoured Arsenal target Debinha.
      But this game was a different affair with Wiegman’s Euros winners facing a much more youthful Brazil side.
      England got off to a solid start with the Copa America Feminina champs pinned into their own for large chunks of the first half.
      The crowd roared for a penalty when Alessia Russo was fouled by Rafaelle after latching on to Lucy Bronze’s classy fifth-minute pass over Brazil’s defence.  But the  forward was waved offside.
      The first real chance fell to Barcelona star Bronze, who was among the match’s standout performers.
      The England full-back leathered the ball towards goal from just outside the 18-yard box, forcing a diving save from shot stopper Leticia in the 13th minute.
      Brazil attempted to get their attack going with Geyse’s shot deflected out for a corner.
      Kelly calmly slots the Finalissima clincher following her Euro 2022 winnerCredit: Getty
      Andressa Alves snatches Brazil’s last gasp leveller ahead of penaltiesCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      The deadlock was broken in the 23rd minute when England carved the visitors backline open with Bronze teeing up Ella Toone to slam the ball home.
      And the hosts saw a goal disallowed with Lauren James flagged offside near the half-hour mark and Bronze’s header from a corner bouncing wide close to half-time.
      The second spell saw Brazil ring the changes with Andressa Alves and Adriana coming on for Lauren and Zaneratto.
      And it made the difference with Andressa pouncing in the third minute of injury time to take the duel to penalties after Mary Earps spilled the ball.
      But the Manchester United goalkeeper made amends to pull off a brilliant save from Tamires as England won the shootout 4-2 to lift a first Women’s Finalissima trophy.
      Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “I love the celebrations.
      “Everyone went straight to Mary Earps, and she is just drinking it in and going and celebrating with the crowd.
      “Again, it speaks to the mentality of this team. They love winning.”
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      ENGLAND: Earps, Bronze, Williamson, Greenwood, Carter, Stanway, Walsh, Toone, Hemp (Robinson 88), Russo (Daly 74), James  (Kelly 74). Booked: Earps, Hemp.
      BRAZIL: Leticia, Kathellen, Lauren (Andressa 46), Rafaelle, Antonia (Gabi Nunes 87), Ary (Fernanda 87), Luana  (Duda 69), Kerolin, Tamires, Zaneratto (Adriana  46), Geyse. Booked: Rafaelle.  More

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      Leah Williamson hails ‘warrior’ Brazil star Rafaelle as Arsenal pals prepare for Women’s Finalissima clash

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons going up against her ‘warrior’ Arsenal team-mate Rafaelle will feel like new territory tonight. And the Brazil star suggested Williamson must be “half-Brazilian” because of her skills and joked she should take Samba lessons.
      Arsenal aces Leah Williamson and Rafaelle will be on opposing sides when England face Brazil in the first Women’s FinalissimaCredit: Getty
      The centre-back duo have been in fine form for Arsenal helping their club side to a win against Manchester City before the international breakCredit: Getty
      Rafaelle captained Brazil when the team won their eighth Copa America Feminina trophy last JulyCredit: Getty
      The Gunners central defensive duo will be on opposite sides when England face Brazil at Wembley this evening in the first Women’s Finalissima.
      Brazil ace Rafaelle, 31 ace said: “I’m not glad to play against Leah because she is so good.
      “I feel like she’s half Brazilian because she’s got the skills, she just needs to learn to Samba and she’ll be fine. 
      “She’s a good player who can play in the back or in the middle. She deserves to be here with this great team.”
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      Lionesses skipper Williamson, 26, said: “Rafa’s a bit of a warrior, as an athlete she’s head and shoulders above the rest.
      “The Brazilian way and what she can do with her feet is impressive also so I’m in awe of her to be honest, most days.”
      The sell-out Wembley duel will see the World Cup rivals face each other for the first time since their Euros and Copa America Feminina triumphs last summer.
      Tournaments in which Williamson and Rafaelle captained their national sides to trophy-winning glory. 
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      The match comes five days ahead of the Lionesses’ duel with this summer’s World Cup co-hosts Australia who play Scotland at Plough Lane tomorrow. 
      England boss Sarina Wiegman, 53, said: “We’re getting closer to the World Cup so want to get closer to our team selection, but still there are things that can happen internationally and at club (level)
      “This moment playing Brazil and Australia gives us a new opportunity. 
      “We expect to be challenged more defensively.
      “This again will gives us more information about our team and where our players are at in this moment.”
      The last Wembley duel between Brazil and the Lionesses was back in October 2019 with the hosts, then managed by Phil Neville, losing 2-1
      Seven members of the home side who featured in that game are part of Wiegman’s squad this evening. 
      Should England win it will see them go 30 games unbeaten under their head coach whose side are yet to lose a game since took charge of the team. 
      Brazil boss Pia Sundhage, 63, said: “When it comes to this game it’s part of the journey to the World Cup. 
      “I’m so appreciative and really happy to play against one of the best teams in the world with the best coach in the world. 
      “All of us will get answers after the game. I’m grateful for the opportunity”
      Tonight’s clash comes a day after Lise Klaveness failed in her bid to be elected to Uefa’s Exec Committee after receiving just 18 out of 55 potential votes.
      The Norway football chief was the first woman to go up against male candidates for a place in the group with seven spots available. 
      But Debbie Hewitt became the first female FA chair to be voted onto Fifa’s council as British vice-president.
      Reflecting on this Wiegman said: “Of course we want more women in the game. We want more women in every position.
      “We hope that’s going to change and lots of changes are on the way.
      A win for England will see them go 30 games unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman with the team yet to lose a game under their head coachCredit: Getty
      “It’s really good news that Debbie Hewitt is chosen as a vice-president of Fifa. That’s a really good thing.
      “Let’s try to make it a better place for women in football and keep moving forward.”

      Sundhage added: “We’ve been fighting all our lives, so let’s just continue to do that because we love this game, football.”
      England vs. Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima can be watched live on ITV1 from 7:45pm with coverage of the match starting at 7:30pm More

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      ‘My foot has been in ice but it still works’, says Katie McCabe after her wonder goal helps Arsenal beat Man City

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      KATIE MCCABE has a knack for scoring corkers even with a swollen foot. Her thunderous finish today may go down as the shot that reignited Arsenal’s title charge as they dented Manchester City’s with a 2-1 win. 
      Katie McCabe revealed her left foot had been in ice for four days prior to her wonder goal against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      McCabe’s 74th-minute wonder striker saw Arsenal seal a 2-1 win against their title rivalsCredit: Getty
      Jonas Eidevall side currently have a game in hand on Man City and league leaders Man UnitedCredit: Reuters
      In a game where the Gunners suffered a fresh injury blow with Caitlin Foord crocked, McCabe’s rocket injected energy into their hopes of a first WSL crown since 2019.
      Her strike, that saw Arsenal go second before Chelsea’s duel with Aston Villa, was made more special by the fact it came off her left foot. 
      A foot that was last Wednesday covered by a protective boot with the Republic of Ireland skipper on crutches.
      That night the WSL ace hobbled off injured during the Gunners’ Champions League defeat of Bayern Munich. 
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      McCabe said: “It (my foot) wasn’t good on Wednesday.
      “It was absolutely rattled. I don’t know whether you have seen the video. 
      “Our medical team have done an unbelievable job on the quick turnarounds.
      “My foot has been in ice for the last four days trying to get the swelling down but it still works!”
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      McCabe’s winning goal ended Man City’s 14-game unbeaten run before the international break and final stretch of the title race. 
      It also saw the Gunners show their resilience after an injury to yet another key attacking player with Foord coming off in the 36th minute. 
      McCabe added: “When you get injuries to players like Kim and Caitlin, and early on in the season with Beth, Viv and Steph, unfortunately, it’s a long list for us.
      “But we’ve got the players to step-in and do a job. 
      “You have Kathrine (Kuhl) who is 19 and coming in and seeing the game out for us.
      “It’s all about staying together and I guess we showed that today.”
      On the character his side have shown in two of their biggest games, Eidevall said: “I’m lost for words.
      “This block, from my time as an Arsenal manager, has been by far the most competitive block. 
      “We played Chelsea twice, Bayern Munich twice, City, Tottenham away. 
      “The amount of games we have played, and then you look at our injury situation and how it changed during the games, managing results not going our way,  be at times not having the greatest refereeing against us either. 
      “We just kept putting our left foot in front of our right foot and thinking of the next action, of solutions and sticking in the game. 
      “These situations may have been a problem in the past, but now it feels like we’re thriving in them instead.”
      On McCabe’s performance added: “This period here is the best we’ve seen Katie McCabe since I’ve been a coach here. She has been a tremendous player
      “We didn’t even have her out kicking long balls yesterday just to save her foot. 
      “Then she manages to play 80 mins on that yellow card, which was extremely harsh, and then she tops it off with that goal.”
      The game’s first four minutes saw McCabe enter the ref’s book after her throw-in bounced off Chloe Kelly’s head.  
      Kelly provided the assist as Man City took a fifth-minute lead with Khadija Shaw’s glancing header home. 
      Khadiha Shaw put Man City 1-0 up in the first half with her 16th WSL goal this seasonCredit: Getty
      They dominated in attack early on with Arsenal looking to battle their way back. prompting a brave block from Alex Greenwood. 
      The defender took a long-range Leah Wliliamson shot face-first before Ellie Roebuck pulled off an impressive stop to deny Blackstenius in the 26th minute. 
      The second spell saw the hosts pile pressure on Gareth Taylor’s side.
      They equalised with Frida Maanum slotting home in a congested six-yard box. 
      McCabe sparked jubilant celebrations in the dugout and the stands smashing in a 74th-minute winner following a corner-kick 
      An away clash with Manchester United awaits the Gunners later this month. 
      However they will be without McCabe’s services with the player suspended for her side’s next WSL game. 
      Meanwhile Man City will host West Ham before clashes with Reading and Liverpool.
      Gareth Taylor expects there will be more twists and turns in the WSL title raceCredit: Getty
      They are then set for a Manchester derby battle with United before and end-of-season duel with Everton
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      After their loss to Arsenal, City boss Taylor said “I feel disappointed for the players and the players because we’ve given the game away.
      “But there are still important games to play including five games left for us.” More

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      Eidevall relishing Manchester City test for Arsenal and hopes WSL attracts more investment

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes the “drama and entertainment” of the WSL attracts more financial backing for the division in future.And the Arsenal boss is relishing the challenge facing his aces when they take on Manchester City this afternoon. 
      Arsenal hope to follow their defeat of Bayern Munich in Europe with a win against Man City in the WSLCredit: Getty
      Jonas Eidevall believes the drama and competitiveness of the WSL gives the league an edgeCredit: PA
      The last WSL meeting between the Gunners and Man City ended in a 2-1 win for the CitizensCredit: Alamy
      Eidevall was sharing his thoughts on the WSL following the Gunners and Chelsea reaching the Champions League semis before his side’s clash with City later.
      The lunchtime duel comes days after the London rivals’ dramatic defeats of Bayern Munich and Lyon. 
      When asked what those results suggest about the strength of the league, the Arsenal chief said: “It says a lot. 
      “We have Manchester United and Manchester City, who have played incredibly well so far this season.
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      “They also have the quality to go very far in Europe.”
      Eidevall’s remarks coincided with the FA revealing 500,000 fans have attended WSL games so far this season. 
      The Gunners gaffer added: “We’re playing a lot of games (in the WSL), that are really challenging.
      “You see a team like Aston Villa and the football that they are producing – it’s amazing and a really high level football.’
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      “To speak of only four (WSL teams) might be a mistake. There will be more clubs coming (through). 
      “This will be the strength for the league.
      “This is what no other European country will have at this moment – a league that can have so much competition, so much drama and so much entertainment in it.
      “Hopefully that can be a real driving force for financial investment to get the best players in Europe coming here to play in England.”
      Arsenal have won just one of their last six WSL meetings with Manchester City with their rivals winning four of those matches. 
      While the Gunners defeated their opponents on their way to league cup triumph this year, City avenged that loss with a 2-1 win in the WSL in February.
      The Arsenal chief added: “I see them as a very strong team. 
      “They’re very organised both on and off the ball with a very clear idea of how they want to execute (their gameplan) 
      “I’m looking forward to the challenge of us playing against this strong team.”
      Today’s clash could see Steph Houghton make her ninth WSL appearance this term.
      Steph Houghton was among Man City’s standout performers in their wins against the Gunners and Chelsea earlier this yearCredit: Getty
      And Taylor believes the City skipper is hitting fine form for his side.
      The Citizens boss said “Steph has performed really well in this period for us.
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      “I think she’s playing some of her best football that we’ve seen. Her leadership qualities are huge.”
      Arsenal vs Manchester City will be aired live from 12:30pm on BBC Two and streamed live via BBC iPlayer today. More

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      Emma Hayes praises Chelsea’s ‘character-building’ win after her Blues beat Lyon after penalties in the Champions League

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      EMMA HAYES was left “relieved and exhausted” by the dramatic penalty shootout that saw Chelsea reach the Women’s Champions League semi-finals.  The Blues boss hailed Maren Mjelde and Ann-Katrin Berger after her side defeated Lyon in an intense Stamford Bridge encounter. 
      Maren Mjelde converted two spot-kicks in a matter of minutes for Chelsea against LyonCredit: Getty
      Ann-Katrin Berger saved Wendi Renard’s and Lindsey Horan’s spot-kicks in a dramatic penalty shootoutCredit: Getty
      Chelsea are set to face Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Berger sent Chelsea fans into delirium after pulling off two shootout saves late on Thursday evening during an intense quarter-final decider.
      Her side’s European run looked to be over with Lyon leading 2-1 on aggregate with the Blues having won the first leg 1-0 in France. 
      But they were awarded a penalty in extra time (in the 124th minute following a VAR check for a foul on James in the box much to Lyon’s dismay. 
      And Mjelde coolly converted to take the clash to a shootout with the Norway ace later netting the first spot-kick. 
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      Chelsea went on to win 4-3 on pens to enter semi-finals alongside Wolfsburg, Barcelona and WSL rivals Arsenal. 
      Hayes, whose team will play Barcelona in the semis, said: “We’ve never won a penalty shootout as a team so can you imagine what was going through my mind.
      “I had to be conscious that the penalty takers were [still] on the pitch as I didn’t see a goal in us to be honest.
      “When I saw Lyon’s substitutes coming off the bench – one after another, all world-class talents – I felt we dealt with it well.
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      “It was the most character-building performance, even if it was the ugliest.”
      Of Berger and Mjelde’s efforts, Hayes added: “Ann-Katrin is probably the best penalty saving goalkeeper I’ve ever worked with.
      “I felt really confident going into the penalty shootout, even if I didn’t look it. 
      “Every day [in training] everyone always hates going up against her. 
      “For Maren to do what she did when it was the last kick of the game, when she had to place the ball three times, she’s a Chelsea legend.  
      “She deserves her night as much as Ann-Katrin does, because we know what she’s like from penalties. 
      “I knew that if we got to that situation momentum would turn and it was drama. I’m relieved and exhausted.
      The hosts, watched by Graham Potter, Reece James and Marc Cucurella came close to sharing a goalless normal time draw that would have seen them through.
      After an early wobble with Ann-Katrin Berger spilling the ball after Delphine Cascarino’s rifled  third-minute shot they held their own
      And Lauren James forced a flying save from goalkeeper Christiane Endler in the 24th minute.
      The second spell saw the visitors ring the changes with Ada Hegerberg and Dabritz coming on Signe Bruun and Damaris Egurrola. 
      And Chelsea made some switches of their own including Sophie Ingle coming on for Melanie Leupolz.
      The Blues midfielder suffered a bloodied nose after being elbowed in the face during an aerial duel. 
      Berger’s save of Lindsey Horan’s spot-kick sealed Chelsea’s quarter-final win against LyonCredit: Getty
      Vanessa Gilles gave Lyon a 1-0 lead after netting from a tight angle in the 76th minute.
      And Sarah Dabritz made it 2-0 (and 2-1 on aggregate) with her extra time bottom corner strike, 
      A VAR check by ref Ivana Martinic saw the hosts win a pen in extra time with Lauren James adjudged to have been brought down in the box by Vicky Becho. 
      Mjelde coolly slammed her spot-kick home to take the clash to a nerve-wracking  shootout with Hayes geeing up the home crowd. 
      Mjelde, Sam Kerr and Jessie Fleming netted the Blues’ opening three pens with Dzsenifer Marozan and Ada Hegerberg scoring for Lyon. 
      But Wendi Renard saw Berger save her effort while Endler kept out James’ shot. 
      Jess Carter stepped up to make it 4-3 to Chelsea before Berger saved Lindsey Horan’s shot to seal a famous win. 
      Lyon boss Sonia Bompastor was left frustrated by the result and the ref opting to award Chelsea a late pen
      Sonia Bompastor hailed her side for “playing with their hearts” following their loss to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The head coach said: “I still feel it wasn’t a penalty and the wrong decision has been made overall.
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      “My girls played with their hearts.
      “To be a side capable of being 2-0 up with very little time left at a place like Stamford Bridge shows what a good performance it was.” More

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      Chelsea star Melanie Leupolz forced off with nasty injury as blood streams down her face and fans fume at ref

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      CHELSEA star Melanie Leupolz was forced off with a nasty injury during her side’s dramatic Champions League quarter-final clash with Lyon this evening.Leupolz’s face was severely bloodied after a clash with Danielle van de Donk.
      Melanie Leupolz was severely bloodied during her side’s Champions League clashCredit: AFP
      The German required four minutes of on-field treatmentCredit: Getty
      The incident occurred during the 65th minute of the tense second leg at Stamford Bridge.
      Play was allowed to continue after Leupolz and ex-Arsenal star Van de Donk collided, despite the Blues star clutching her head on the ground.
      When the game was finally halted by the ball going out of play, Leupolz rolled over to reveal a significant amount of blood streaming from her face.
      The German star required four minutes of treatment before the game could resume.
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      And she was eventually replaced by Welsh international Sophie Ingle in the 71st minute.
      One fan was left furious by the officials’ handling of the incident.
      They wrote on Twitter: “Leupolz will remember this game after that!
      “Nose absolutely streaming with blood & the ref reluctant to stop the game & telling her to get up! Been pulling this c**p the whole game!”
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      Leupolz, 28, was eventually replaced by Sophie IngleCredit: AFP
      Others winced at the amount of blood on Leupolz’s face.
      One wrote: “Horror film jump scare when Leupolz lifted her head from the turf there.”
      A second tweeted: “Holy lord Leupolz just got absolutely clattered in the face.”
      Another added: “How did the referee take so long to pause the game?
      “Leupolz down holding her head and is now bleeding like crazy from her nose.”
      Chelsea went into the match leading 1-0 from last week’s first leg at Lyon’s Groupama Stadium, courtesy of Guro Reiten’s goal.
      They were pegged back on home soil this evening, however, with Canadian defender Vanessa Gilles levelling the tie for Lyon on 77 minutes.
      When Sara Dabritz scored Lyon’s second 20 minutes into extra time, it looked for all the world that the French side would advance to the semi-finals.
      But Maren Mjelde’s 128th minute penalty sent the tie to a penalty shoot-out, with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger the hero as the Blues triumphed 4-3 on spot-kicks.
      Lyon celebrate Vanessa Gilles’ leveller on the nightCredit: Getty More