Women’s football

JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s Conti Cup triumph has given them “inner calm” before their return to WSL action. But he warns the Gunners should not expect anything for free in their Wednesday evening clash with Liverpool.
Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could move to within six points of league leaders Man United if they beat LiverpoolCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
Arsenal hope to pick up their first win in the top tier this month following their Conti Cup final victoryCredit: Getty
His team, who are fourth, face the Reds at home three days after consigning Chelsea to defeat in the league cup final. 
Eidevall’s aces are nine points behind leaders Manchester United.
But they have two games in hand with the Red Devils facing a huge test at Chelsea this Sunday. 
The Arsenal gaffer, 40, said: “Winning doesn’t give you anything for free. 
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“It doesn’t entitle you to anything in the next match you play. 
“If you talk about winning culture, it’s about making sure that you focus on the next game.
“Hopefully what it can give you when you’re winning a trophy is that sense of inner calm.
“You have shown people that you’re capable of something that you already know inside that you were, but now others also know it.”
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 “We’ve been playing a lot of games and they have not
“They obviously have had a lot of time to think about and to prepare on how to go about things in this game. 
“We need to focus on the key details in the way we play and be prepared for Liverpool
“We know they’re going to be very well organised, very physical. 
“We need to do all the basics right in order to have any chance of getting the results we want.”
Aside from Kim Little, Australia ace Caitlin Foord proved to be one of Arsenal’s biggest threats in their defeat of Chelsea.
The triumph saw them end a four-year spell without a silverware win. 
The Gunners forward was a handful in a match that saw Chelsea make defensive changes. 
And her performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 October thrashing of Lyon preceded the French giants making a substitution in the right-back position. 
Eidevall added: “Caitlin is a key player for us in all aspects of the game. 
“Of course, it’s a team effort, but she very much has a big role when we have been successful on our left side in those games.
“Whenever the transfer window closes, there’s no point discussing what you don’t have.
 “It’s more about discussing what you do have, and she’s definitely a player that deserves to be in the spotlight with the performances she delivers.” 
Liverpool, currently eighth, are looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 away loss to Leicester before the international break. 
But will have to do so without the services of Natasha Dowie with the striker sidelined by a hamstring injury, with Leanne Kiernan also crocked. 
Reds boss Matt Beard said: “It’s a massive blow for us. 
“We’ve had a few issues around injuries and we are going to give everyone as much time as possible to be fit for the game. 
Beard’s side are five points above the WSL’s drop zone. 
Liverpool will be without the services of Natasha Dowie and Leanne Kiernan when they visit Arsenal this eveningCredit: Getty
But they have a game in hand on Leicester City who are propping up the table. 
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Beard added: “At the start of the season, we identified a mini-league we would be in. We want to make sure we finish at the top of that. 
“Right now we are in a good position.” More

JONAS EIDEVALL hailed Kim Little’s ‘phenomenal’ display as Arsenal went all guns blazing, sinking Chelsea. Their nightmare start turned into a dream finish – with Highbury legend Ian Wright watching as the Gunners lifted the Conti Cup after a 3-1 win. 
Arsenal lifted the Conti Cup trophy for a sixth time after beating Chelsea at Selhurst ParkCredit: Getty
Stina Blackstenius levelled for Jonas Eidevall’s side after Sam Kerr gave Chelsea a second-minute leadCredit: Getty
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes says Kim Little ‘ran the show’ with the Gunners skipper firing her side ahead from the penalty spotCredit: AFP
Arsenal legend Ian Wright was among the high profile football figures watching the match at Selhurst ParkCredit: Getty
The performance saw Stina Blackstenius answer her doubters with her equaliser paving the way for a fightback. 
It also saw skipper Little get her wish of another ‘special’ cup-winning moment with Arsenal ending a silverware dry spell stretching back four years to 2019. 
The midfield veteran was among her side’s standout performers netting a goal that gave them a lead over the beaten Blues.
Gunners chief Eidevall said: “When you thought she couldn’t get better, she put on that performance. 
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“I told Kim straight after the game, I wasn’t sure if it was possible this is the best you’ve been since I’ve been the coach. 
“She was phenomenal. She played close to a perfect match. 
Arsenal’s first trophy win under Eidevall was watched by a 19,010-strong Selhurst Park crowd including club CEO Vinai Venkatesham .
The result saw Chelsea consigned to League Cup final heartbreak for a second successive year. 
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And the Gunners sealed their first tournament final victory over their rivals since the 2016 Women’s FA Cup final. 
Eidevall said: “When you look at the last decade, Arsenal have not been the leading club in women’s football in England. Historically, it has been. 
“That is of course an ambition for the club to go back to regain that position in women’s football again. 
“With that being said, with the number of trophies that we won in the last 10 years, we know it’s difficult,
“It’s a really tough competition.
“But that’s the ambition for us to come back to, and to compete in any trophy that we go in for.
“it was really nice that we could go the whole way (in this one) because it can fill us with belief.
“What was important is that we showed we could come back from a defeat last Sunday.
“From losing a game and turning it into a winning result, we showed that we could win a final against Chelsea. 
“They’ve been winning a lot of finals lately here domestically.
“Hopefully it can fill us with belief going forward.”
Arsenal were caught cold in the second minute after a loose ball led to Guro Reiten crossing for Sam Kerr to head home. 
They mounted a fightback winning a couple of corners before eventually levelling in the 16th minute.
They did so with Blackstenius slotting home after Frida Maanum’s strike deflected off Magda Eriksson. 
Arsenal fought their way back after going behind early on courtesy of Sam Kerr’s headerCredit: PA
Arsenal took the lead several minutes later after Katie McCabe was caught by Sophie Ingle with Little’s spot-kick sending Ann-Katrin Berger the wrong way. 
A McCabe and Berger collision saw play paused after both went down following the Gunner ace’s high challenge
And Republic of Ireland international was later cautioned. 
Rafaelle made some vital interventions thwarting Kerr on the counter before prompting a Niamh Charles own-goal on the stroke of half time. 
The second spell saw Erin Cuthbert’s shot fly wide off the post with Lauren James firing over in the 55th minute
And Leupolz came close pulling one back late on with Arsenal holding out to seal their trophy triumph.
Chelsea boss Emma Hayes said: “I asked my analysts what they did differently.
“They didn’t do anything apart from Foord coming in and being a bit more narrow.
Jonas Eidevall reckons Arsenal’s league cup win will give side more belief in their bid to win more silverwareCredit: Getty
“There wasn’t anything distinctly different. 
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“Their aggression was different, the intensity of what they did in and out of possession – Kim Little ran the show – that’s not about tactics, that’s just about players.
“More of their players played well today than us. It’s a football match, that’s what happens. It’s their week.” More

KIM LITTLE is chasing more trophy-winning moments with Arsenal as they bid to end their mini silverware dry spell.They face Chelsea later in this year’s Continental Cup final – the first cup contest decider between the sides since 2021. 
Victory against Chelsea would see Kim Little and Arsenal win the Conti Cup for the sixth timeCredit: Getty
The Gunners hope to bounce back from their 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the WSL last time outCredit: Getty
The club’s last Conti Cup win was back in March 2018 when they beat Manchester City 1-0Credit: Getty
The league cup holds a special place in Little’s heart.
The Gunners skipper made her 150th appearance in the 2018 final and defeat of Manchester City. 
A game in which the midfield maestro, 32, made her return from a lengthy spell out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. 
The Arsenal captain said: “I’ve played in a number of finals and have lots of great memories of scoring and having those really special moments.
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“A lot of the games were very close. 
“That one (in 2018) was 1-0 and I think we beat Lincoln 2-0 in one (back in 2013) 
“I have really special moments from this competition. 
“That comes with playing with my teammates and being able to share those with them as well. 
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“We’ve got another great opportunity to do that. I’m really looking forward to it
“We’ll do all we can to create another moment that is special and we come up with another trophy (win).”
The final sees the Gunners take on Chelsea without Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema with the forwards working their back from ACL injuries.
Both aces played pivotal roles in Arsenal’s last league cup and WSL title wins with Miedema netting the winner in their Conti Cup triumph five years ago. 
Little says the duo, likely to be watching from the stands, will be urging on their team-mates. 
She added: “We’ve got a great group of girls here and obviously we’re missing Vivianne and Beth.
“But off the pitch they’ll be there to support us and to drive us forward.”
Arsenal have notched up the most the Conti Cup wins to date having won the contest five times.
Meanwhile Manchester City have triumphed in four finals.
The Gunners’ last silverware win came in 2019 with former gaffer Joe Montemurro guiding them to the club’s 15th league title and third WSL crown. 
Since then, the team with the English game’s biggest domestic trophy haul have been eclipsed by Chelsea.
Under Emma Hayes the Blues have emerged as one of the alphas of the women’s game on these shores. 
Their haul includes three of the last five FA Cups, two of the past four Conti Cups, and four of the last five WSL crowns dating back to 2018. 
At Selhurst Park they face the tough task of attempting to halt the winning run of a side who knocked them out of this year’s FA Cup.
Of Chelsea’s will to win, boss Hayes, 46, said: “The team are hungry to always improve. 
“If you can influence that, you have a chance of competing. 
“There was a moment last week, I think we were winning 2-0, my team were on the far side and they were having a huddle. 
“I could see all my leaders. I knew every one of them was in complete control of how we would manage that last part of the game.” 
Today’s game will see the Blues in action without Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder with both sidelined by knee and hamstring injuries. 
Hayes added: “Fran had had a prp (platelet-rich plasma) injection this week, we’re waiting for that to settle down.
Emma Hayes’ side are aiming to win the league cup for a third time following their defeat of Arsenal last SundayCredit: PA
“We’ll see how that pans out probably at the back end of next week. 
“The last thing both of them want is to be in the position they’re in.
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“I hope that we get one or both of them back relatively soon because they are important players to us.”
Arsenal vs Chelsea in the Continental League Cup final can be watched live on BBC1 at 3:00 pm. More

MAGDA ERIKSSON believes Conti Cup glory will fire Chelsea’s silverware hunt and push for a first Champions League crown. Victory over Arsenal in the league cup final would see the Blues spoil their rival’s chance of a first trophy success since 2019.
A victory for Magda Eriksson and her team-mates would see Chelsea lift the Conti Cup for a third timeCredit: Getty
The last contest final between the sides saw the Blues emerge as victors in the 2021 FA Cup finalCredit: Getty
The London giants will battle it out at Selhurst Park on Sunday with the Gunners aiming to avenge their FA Cup fifth-round loss to their rivals.
Eriksson insists Chelsea must focus to avoid a repeat of the League Cup final loss they suffered against Manchester City last term.
The Blues captain, 29, said: “We know it’s going to be a new game with new challenges.
“We just have to be ready and switched on because we lost the final last year. We don’t want a repeat.
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“We’ve had two tough games against Arsenal in the league and FA Cup.
“Last Sunday’s was tough and they had some chances, so I think they’re really strong.
“They’ve had a bit of a tough time with injuries and played really tough opponents as well.
“They are still a top team so we have to be ready.”
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Since a switch from Swedish side Linkoping in 2017, Eriksson has won ten trophies with the Blues including four league titles and two Conti Cups.
Her arrival coincided with Chelsea (and Manchester City) ending Arsenal’s dominance with the Gunners trophyless in the past three seasons.
Eriksson added: “We’re not shy about the fact that we love to win.
“That is why we have come far in a lot of competitions over the years.
“We have that drive and everyone is willing to do whatever it takes to win and to lift those trophies.
“It would be a very good energy boost to the team as we’re going into a tough period after this final.
“We have some really tough games and the Champions League.
“Getting that boost of the Conti Cup would be amazing. We’re going to give everything on Sunday.”
Chelsea were boosted by summer signings including Kadeisha Buchanan and the emergence of Lauren James.
James, 21, was on fire in the semis, netting as her side thrashed West Ham 7-0.
Eriksson said: “It is difficult to change clubs and come into a new culture.
“The new players have done really well and added experience especially Kadeisha.
“She has won pretty much everything!
“Lauren James’ development is amazing. She’s in a league of her own at the moment.
“It’s just been really fun to follow her and to see that when she stays injury free, how good she can actually be.
“This is just the beginning with her as well. It is an exciting time.”
Arsenal’s last four games have seen them score twice with the team shutout in league duels with West Ham.
Their two most recent goals have come in a loss and win against Man City in the league and Conti Cup semis.
Eriksson says Kadeisha Buchanan’s trophy-winning experience is beneficial for ChelseaCredit: Getty
Jonas Eidevall wants his aces to put a lack of goals out of their minds as they target a first trophy win under the head coach.
Eidevall, 40, said: “In football, the easiest thing to do is to say, ‘We have one problem in the last game, so now we focus 100% of our time on that.’ 
“Then inevitably, something else will become the problem. 
“We need to work on everything. It’s a whole.
“It’s not only about executing chances; it’s still about creating chances. 
“It’s still about defending, pressing and building up. Everything is connected in football.
“Are we encouraging players to finish so we make that a habit?
“Of course, we’ve put a little bit more emphasis on that. But that’s the only thing.”
The 3:00 pm final could be set for a record crowd turnout with 24,000 tickets issued before the game.
The current record attendance for the league cup final stands at 8,004. 
And Eidevall is hoping for a large and loud Arsenal fan presence. 
A win for Arsenal would see them lift their first league cup under Jonas EidevallCredit: Getty
The head coach added: “Our team wants to do everything in our power to give that back to the supporters.
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“So I hope they come in large numbers. 
“I hope they are as loud as always and as passionate about the game as we are.” More

Gareth Taylor says Manchester City are in a good position to gain ground on Chelsea and Man United in the title race.Defeat of Tottenham in Taylor’s 100th match at the Citizens’ helm today will see his side go second behind United.
Gareth Taylor’s side could leapfrog Chelsea to go second in the league if they beat Tottenham at homeCredit: Getty
City have won seven of their last nine games across all competitionsCredit: PA
Today’s match will see the team wear kit inspired by Manchester-born suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst
Taylor said: “We see this game as a big game, but we’ve got nine big games left.
“I think what we have now is belief and the bit between our teeth, that it’s in our hands, that’s the major thing.
“That’s not to say it’s going to be a walk in the park, for sure. 
“It’s so difficult, levels are so high, margins are so tight. But we are in a very good position to make a step forward.”
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City, who have won 72 of their 99 games under their gaffer, will wear special kit in tribute to Moss Side-born suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. 
The green, purple and white Puma apparel has been designed in honour of Pankhurst’s Mancunian roots ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8
It has also been created to highlight the girls and women’s game in Manchester.
And Puma are sponsoring free weekly football sessions for 250 girls across the area.
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Today’s match could also see Esme Morgan make her return from injury to City’s backline.
Taylor said: “We’ve got Esme back into the frame. Demi Stokes is a little further down the line.”
Meanwhile Tottenham have welcomed Kit Graham’s return to action with Bethany England’s availability in doubt.
The Spurs forward could be set to start against City following her extra time substitute appearance in the team’s FA Cup tie loss to Reading.
Graham, who came on in the 103rd minute of the fifth round clash, has battled back to full fitness from a knee injury.
Skinner said:  “She’s such a great character to have in and around the team.
“Since she’s been back in training she elevates the intensity of what we do.
“We’ve had so many issues with long-term injuries and squad availability.
Kit Graham could be set to make an appearance for Tottenham against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
“It’s definitely a positive for the whole team and for her.”
Tottenham, who have struggled with injuries, are chasing their first win in the WSL this year.
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Skinner added: “The results of late have eluded us in the last few WSL games so we’re trying to get that on track.”
Manchester City vs Tottenham in the WSL can be watched live on the FA Player at 2:00 pm today More

MARC SKINNER believes Manchester United will face an aggressive and resurgent Leicester City this weekend.The Red Devils chief, who hailed Mary Earps’ Fifa award, reckons United’s Prem stars’ league cup triumph has energised the club.
Marc Skinner’s team could move five points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League with a win against LeicesterCredit: Getty
Skinner expects his players will face a high pressing Leicester side at Leigh Park Village on SundayCredit: Getty
Willie Kirk’s team have won two of their last three league gamesCredit: Getty
On Sunday Skinner’s side could move five points clear at the WSL’s summit with a home win against Willie Kirk’s battlers. 
The last encounter between the teams ended in a 1-0 October away victory for United who have lost just one top tier match so far this term. 
Their duel with the Foxes, who are bottom and battling for WSL survival comes three days before Chelsea’s WSL clash with Brighton. 
Of the threat posed by Leicester, Skinner, 39, said: “In all honesty I’d expect Willie to be more aggressive. 
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“When I look at the way that he sets up, the way he’s attacked Manchester City and in some of the other games, they’ve set up with an attacking kind of temperament and personality. 
“This might be a game where we expect more of a high press so we’ll prepare either way. 
“It’s something we’re going to have to continue to try and avoid and to overcome.
“Knowing Willie’s character in the way that he is, you know, I’m pretty sure he will set up an aggressive team.”
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Despite their 2-0 home loss to Manchester City on February 4, Kirk’s players have enjoyed improved results this year. 
These include 3-0 and 1-0 defeats of Brighton and Liverpool in January and February. 
And they are now just a point behind Reading with Leicester having a game in hand.  
Skinner added: “Since Willie has been in (charge) I think there’s been a real turn of results.
“They’ve been way more aggressive and that’s nothing against what was happening before because Lydia set up a really structured team.  
“I’ve just seen the way Willie wants to go and attack games and that’s rubbed off on some of their results. 
“With the Liverpool game I felt Liverpool should have taken something from it.
“But I know the way he really likes to play, I know what he wants to do with his teams. 
“I’d expect them to not fear us at all and come to try and take some points.”
United’s match, which kicks-off at 12:30pm at Leigh Park Village, comes six days after Mary Earps being named Fifa’s best women’s goalkeeper of 2022. 
The gong for the Red Devils stopper, 29, follows some stunning performances for club and country.
This includes Earps becoming the first goalkeeper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL.
Skinner added: “We’ve spoken about Mary a lot during our press conferences, but for all the praise we give, her ability to win things like that just cements the quality she has.
“I think what we can use it for is the power within this country to keep growing our own players.”
Aside from pushing for Champions League qualification, Man United are chasing their first major silverware win since their 2018 promotion to the top tier. 
And Skinner believes the Carabao Cup triumph of Erik ten Hag’s men, who play Liverpool in the Prem on Sunday, has boosted the vibe within the club. 
The trophy is the first piece of silverware the Prem side have won in six seasons.
The United boss added: “It really feels palpable. 
“You can actually feel it when you walk into the building, when you’re in the hallways and whenever we speak to our counterparts on the men’s team. 
“You can just feel this real energy around the whole club. 
Skinner reckons the Carabao Cup win for Erik ten Hag’s side has boosted good vibes within the clubCredit: PA
“The Academies – both female and male – are always producing the quality of players who should be at Manchester United.
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“It’s such a special group for that. 
“But when you look at the most senior teams, we’re all striving for the same things which is to be successful and to progress.” More

KARREN BRADY has been named as a director of West Ham’s Women’s Super League side. The club today confirmed their vice-chair as one of three directors of the side with fellow board members Tara Warren and Nicola Keye. 
Karren Brady wants to help boost the growth of West Ham’s WSL side on and off the pitchCredit: PA
The Irons’ vice-chair has become director of the club’s women’s teamCredit: Alamy
And they say Baroness Brady’s focus will be on overseeing a new executive level of support for West Ham’s women’s football operation. 
This includes its commercial functions as well its first-team and WSL academy. 
Brady, 53, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm this important and exciting new level of senior support for West Ham United Women, as we continue to enhance all areas of the Football Club and build upon our role as an equity leader in football.
“The women’s game is the fastest growing sport in the United Kingdom.
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“At West Ham United we have made tremendous strides forward since being granted FA Women’s Super League status five years ago.
It is hoped Brady’s appointment along with that of executive director Warren and Keye, who is the club’s ticketing director, will help to boost the growth of the Irons women’s team.
Together the trio have more than sixty years’ experience working in senior operational roles in professional football. 
She added: “Tara and Nicola have a wealth of valuable experience in football and business.
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“Together we will work tirelessly to ensure that West Ham United Women continue to go from strength to strength, on and off the field.”
West Ham, currently seventh in the WSL, achieved their highest ever finish in the division when they ended last season in sixth place. 
West Ham have ambitions of breaking into the WSL’s top four in the futureCredit: Getty
The team, who face Reading in the league on Sunday, have hopes of closing the gap on the WSL’s top four. 
This term the Irons reached the Conti Cup semi-finals before being knocked out by Chelsea last month. 
And the 2019 FA Cup finalists reached the fifth round of this year’s competition before falling to a loss on penalties to Aston Villa.  More