Women’s football

EMMA HAYES heaped praised on Sam Kerr after Chelsea fired a Conti Cup final warning to Arsenal, knocking them out of the FA Cup.  The hotshot’s 82nd goal in 100 Blues appearances was the icing on the cake of a 2-0 dispatching of the Gunners. 
Sam Kerr doubled Chelsea’s lead at Kingsmeadow as the team beat Chelsea to enter the FA Cup quartersCredit: Getty
Sophie Ingle opened the scoring to give the hosts a 1-0 lead after the withstood some early pressure from ArsenalCredit: PA
Stina Blackstenius had a few strong chances to level for the visitors in the first halfCredit: Getty
It saw the striker – back from Cup of Nations action in Australia – score her fifth goal in 11 appearances against Arsenal.
But the Gunners will feel unlucky to have left the game scoreless despite 11 shots on target to Chelsea’s three. 
Their performance was watched by Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema with both Arsenal aces in the stands.
Reflecting on Kerr’s performance days after her return from Australia, Hayes said: “Some players get off a plane on Thursday night, come in on Friday and moan and say ‘I’m tired’, but not Sam. 

“Some say, ‘I need this, I need that’, but not her.
“She comes in and does everything necessary and possible and lifts the spirit of the building. 
“She does that when nobody is looking. She does it when she is our only real out-and out number nine available.
“She is the best in the business.”
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Kerr’s finish was followed by Blues fans serenading her whilst mocking Gunners.
They chanted, ‘even when jetlagged she’s better than you’, in reference to the striker playing just days after returning to England from Australia.
Hayes added: “It’s challenging for both teams.
“They had the exact same challenges where both sets of players returned later than they normally do (from an international break)
“Sometimes they come home on a Tuesday or Wednesday (after an international break).
“This time it was Thursday or Friday. 
“Well done to the players because to do that is a bit of a slog.”
On the Blues’ overall performance, Hayes added: “We have an unbelievable mentality, we are elite performers and we do it all the time.”
The visitors had some quality chances to get on the scoresheet at Kingsmeadow including two clear cut first-half opportunities for Stina Blackstenius. 
Lauren James saw a sixth minute cross cleared by the hosts as Chelsea began testing the visitors in the final third.
But the Gunners ramped up the pressure on the cup holders early on with Ann-Katrin appearing to drop the ball following a 12th-minute Caitlin Foord cross.
Arsenal had a superb chance to go 1-0 up around the 18th minute with Blackstenius latching on to a flicked pass from Frida Maanum.
But the striker blazed her effort well over the bar after holding off Magda Eriksson following her powerful drive into the box. 
The deadlock was broken when Sophie Ingle buried a bottom corner shot in the 21st minute after a good build up involving Eve Perisset, Jelena Cankovic and James.
Two superb saves at either end from Manuela Zinsberger and Berger saw the score line remain 1-0 going into the break.
Berger managed to stop Katie McCabe’s rifled effort before swiftly reacting to Foord’s shot from the rebound.
Despite Arsenal’s efforts, the second spell saw Chelsea double their lead through Kerr.
The striker chipped over Zinsberger in the 56th minute after a run into the box and a well-placed pass from Cankovic.
Victoria Pelova fired an effort wide of the post toward’s the games closing stages a few more chances were saved by Berger. 
These included Maanum’s shot from distance with 11 minutes of normal time left. 
Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners will face Chelsea again when they two sides meet in the Conti Cup final at Selhurst Park on March 5Credit: Reuters
The hosts held out to seal a 2-0 win and book their FA Cup quarters spot before their Conti Cup final clash with Arsenal this Sunday.
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Gunners chief Jonas Eidevall said: “It is not normal or ordinary to have so many more goal scoring opportunities than Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.
“We created enough in order to win the game. But they are brutally efficient- hats off to them and we were not.” More

DAGNY BRYNJARSDOTTIR dreams of lifting her first major trophy in England since the birth to her son Brynjar in 2018.The West Ham captain wants that picture perfect moment of her child and her celebrating a silverware win with the Irons. 
Dagny Brynjarsdottir hopes to reach a cup final with West Ham for the first time since joining the club in 2021Credit: Getty
The Irons captain and her team-mates take on Aston Villa in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup laterCredit: PA
Brynjarsdottir has won 19 trophies including NWSL and Bundesliga titles with Portland Thorns and Bayern Munich.
Today the striker, 31, who grew up in Hella in Iceland, will lead her team-mates in a clash with Aston Villa for an FA Cup quarter-final spot. 
The striker, who has been a Hammers fan since childhood, told SunSport: “I won a lot of trophies before I became a mum, but I actually haven’t had one since then. 
“I’m still waiting for the one title where I can take a picture of myself and my son (holding a trophy).
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“I want to make it to a final with the team. 
“It will be hard, but I want to go all the way.
“Hopefully it’s going to happen this season.”
With the club, seventh in the WSL, having battled Manchester City in an FA Cup final in 2019, Brynarsdottir is eager to see them vying for the trophy at Wembley again. 
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The striker added:  “With where we are in the league at the moment, obviously we’re not going to win that, so cup games are crucial for us.
“It would mean a lot to me and to the club. We are in this to win trophies.”
This term Brynjarsdottir was named team captain by boss Paul Konchesky after helping the Irons to sixth place last season.
It is their highest WSL position to date. 
She is part of a small crop of current WSL stars who have given birth during their elite playing careers. 
They include Chelsea’s Melanie Leupolz and Reading skipper Emma Mukandi who have both given birth in the past two years. 
Brynjarsdottir’s son was born in June 2018 during her three-year spell at National Women’s Soccer League giants Portland Thorns. 
Becoming a parent with her husband Omar has made Brynjarsdottir even more focused as a footballer. 
The Irons captain added: “I’m probably a better team-mate as I’m more chilled now.
“Before I was a parent, if I played well or had a bad game, I would be thinking about it for days.
“But there’s no time for that when I’m home, I have to be a mum.
“It’s good and it’s healthy to be able to switch on and off.
“Obviously it’s not easy all the time especially if my son is sick or I’m doing a lot of travelling. The ‘mum guilt’ can kick in quite a bit. 
“But still, I try to get the best out of myself while I’m training or playing in a match.”
Brynjarsdottir sees a good support system as vital when combining motherhood with a professional career for club and country. 
And she praised West Ham and gaffer Konchesky for providing a family club environment in the literal sense. 
She adds: “Last month when my husband had to fly to Iceland, I had to bring my son to a Saturday training session because I had him by myself.  
“Konch (Paul Konchesky) brought his kids in so they were babysitting my son at the training ground. 
Brynjarsdottir says West Ham and Konchesky have been supportive when she brings her son to trainingCredit: PA
“My son loves to come to the club.
“His highlight on game days is to come into the changing room after matches.
“It’s very helpful to have staff and a manager who are understanding.”
Support for pro footballers who are mothers has been an ongoing issue in the past few years. 
In January Brynjarsdottir’s friend Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir shared details of her landmark maternity pay claim against her former club Lyon. 
The midfielder, who retired from playing for Iceland this year, not paid her full salary whilst pregnant at the club
Last August, Fifa ordered the French giants to pay the full amount owed to her,
It was a ruling she hailed as a wake-up call for clubs. 
Brynjarsdottir, who played with the midfielder for Iceland at last summer’s Euros, said: “What Sarah did is great for the future and it wasn’t easy for her 
“I’m just very grateful to her and I know (the situation) took a toll because it was a big fight with Lyon.
Brynjarsdottir praised her compatriot Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir after she bravely fought and won a battle for maternity payCredit: Getty
“Supporting mums is something clubs need to get right if they want to be a part of how fast the (women’s) game is growing. 
“This is important for future mums who play professional football because there will be more in the game and other sports.
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“West Ham and Portland Thorns treated me well.
“I’ve been very lucky with that, but I know that’s not the case everywhere. Hopefully in the future it will be.” More

REHANNE SKINNER has been left unimpressed by the process leading to Eveliina Summanen’s two-match ban for deception.The Tottenham chief questioned how rules are being interpreted after the rescinding of a red card for Manchester United’s Ella Toone.
Rehanne Skinner questioned whether a precedent has been set around rules concerning violent conduct on the pitchCredit: Getty
The Spurs boss was reacting to an incident involving Eveliina Summanen who has been given a two-match ban for simulationCredit: Getty
Summanen will miss Tottenham’s FA Cup clash with Reading and a league trip to Manchester CityCredit: Getty
Summanen, 24, has been suspended for “successful deception of a match official” during Spurs’ 2-1 loss to United on February 12.
The ban was issued following an incident in which the player was seen holding her face after a push on her shoulder from Toone.
The United star received a red card and three-match suspension later reversed after her club’s successful appeal.
Following the overturn the FA revealed Summanen had been charged for allegedly committing “a clear act of simulation”.
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Tottenham’s appeal against this outcome, decided by an independent hearing, was unsuccessful.
It means the midfielder misses their Sunday FA Cup clash with Reading and their trip to Manchester City on March 5.
Skinner, 43, said: “It’s fair to say that we were really shocked, disappointed.
“I was unimpressed with the way this whole process has actually happened.
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“When you a look at the face of it, the red card removal is one that potentially going to be really challenging.
“If we’re not interpreting the rule about violent conduct in the right way, then that is a bigger problem we need to look into. 
“Essentially, it’s if you’re using or are attempting to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent when you’re not challenging for the ball. That’s the rule.
“In a situation where that’s happening and evident, then the challenge we’re faced with here is what precedent are we trying to set?
“What’s that going to look like moving forward for us all? I just think it’s opened a can of worms
“The Premier League, Football League, Championship and WSL all go by the same rules.
“I think this massively highlights the inconsistencies around how things are dealt with.
“That’s something that definitely needs to be addressed moving forward in order to ensure that we’re moving the game in the right direction.”
United boss Marc Skinner used the term “play-acting”, when sharing his thoughts on Summanen’s actions prior during the incident.
The Red Devils boss was responding during an interview immediately after game.
Spurs chief Skinner added: “I think it’s really important to focus on your own team and your own players.
“For me, commenting on other people’s players is beneath the standards and values I have and I’m prepared to go to.”
On Sunday aim to avenge their narrow 1-0 December loss to the Royals in the league by knocking them out of the FA Cup.
Since that defeat, Spurs’ attack has been boosted with Bethany England’s switch from Chelsea and Mana Iwabuchi joining on loan from Arsenal.
England has been looking sharp for her new side netting three goals in her past three games across all competitions.
Skinner said: “Beth has settled in faster than any of us expected with the goals she has scored and the way she has been performing.
Tottenham hope to have Bethany England ready for their Reading clash after the striker took a knockCredit: Getty
“When you have been at a club for such a long period of time it does take time to adjust, but she’s applied herself unbelievably well.
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“She picked up a bit of a knock in the Manchester United game that we have been managing this past week.
“We’re hopeful she will be in good position for this weekend.” More

SARINA WIEGMAN says Mary Earps’ reaction to England conceding against Belgium is a sign of the squad’s high standards. Her side were relentless on their way to retaining the Arnold Clark Cup netting four second half goals in the 6-1 demolition.
Chloe Kelly’s three goals saw her become the Arnold Clark Cup’s Golden Boot winner this yearCredit: Getty
England remain unbeaten in the invitational competition winning the trophy for the second year in a rowCredit: Getty
Lauren James was named the Arnold Clark Cup’s player of the tournament following her performancesCredit: Getty
Chloe Kelly’s double on Wednesday night earned her the contest’s Golden Boot
The forward scored three times in the competition with the hosts bagging 12 goals in three games. 
And Lauren James efforts saw her earn a player of the tournament prize with Wiegman’s aces now 29 games unbeaten under their boss. 
The Lionesses head coach said:  “When you go into a tournament, whatever tournament that is, you want to win it.

“This week we wanted to try out some different things, see lots of players and we wanted to see some combination of players
“We also wanted to manage loads and that’s exactly what we did.
“We were able to because players came out really good.”
Belgium’s only goal against the Lionesses came in the 78th minute when Elena Dhont struck for the visitors at Ashton Gate Stadium.
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Reflecting on shot stopper Earps’ reaction to that moment, Wiegman added: “Of course, the standard is really high and you don’t want to concede a goal. 
“And she’s the goalkeeper so she really doesn’t, and as a team we won’t want that, and she doesn’t want that either, so of course she was not happy.
“I’m happy with this week, happy with the win and happy with what we have done this week in taking the next steps in preparation for the World Cup.”
“The countries we played (in this year’s Arnold Clark Cup)  are just beneath the world’s top (sides). 
“I know Italy and Belgium are really improving, but we are too.”
Belgium had an early corner with Tessa Wullaert floating the ball into the box in the second minute
But they found themselves on the back foot with a swift England counter with Lauren James jetting down the right and teeing up Georgia Stanway, who fired wide.
Kelly squared the ball to James in the eighth minute, with the Chelsea starlet sending her close-range shot over the bar.
And the Manchester City ace combined with Ella Toone before blazing an effort over the crossbar herself following a block from Tine De Caigny.
The Lionesses took the lead when Kelly bundled home a 12th-minute opener after James slotted a swift cross into her path.
England captain Leah Williamson netted twice against BelgiumCredit: Getty
That advantage was doubled when Lucy Bronze lofted a cross inside the box over Belgium’s defence for Williamson to head home close to half-time. 
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The second spell saw Kelly bag her brace in the 50th minute, firing beyond the grasp of goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.
A Julie Biesmans own goal made it 4-0 in the 78th minute, then Bronze finished from close range. More

MILLIE BRIGHT reckons Rachel Daly can play in any position for England with the striker shining in attack as well as defence.  The Lionesses’ final Arnold Clark Cup game this year sees them face Belgium tomorrow evening at Ashton Gate. 
Rachel Daly and Millie Bright could be set to feature for the Lionesses when they take on BelgiumCredit: PA
Sarina Wiegman is yet to decide on what would be her first choice starting 11 as England’s World Cup preparations continueCredit: Getty
So far the hosts have netted six times with Daly bagging a brace deployed as a striker rather than her previous role as full-back. 
Vice-captain Bright, 29, said: “We all know what Rachel is capable of, but she’s also very versatile and it’s key to have that in the squad.
“She’s a player who is very willing and she’ll literally play anywhere – I think she said that a million times to you all. 
“But I like to see every player succeed and do well.
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“The beauty of having the squad that we do is we want everyone to perform and be at their best.”
Daly, 31,  is joint-top scorer in this year’s tournament with Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert with both on two goals. 
Last year the Lionesses netted four goals with two scored by Bright with Daly playing in defence. 
Bright joked her pal wants to battle her for the Arnold Clark Cup Golden Boot – which the Chelsea ace won with Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas last year. 
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She added: “I know Rachel said she was going to challenge me for it (the Golden Boot) at the start of the tournament.
“Coming into the tournament, I said I’d like to see more goals than there were at the last one.
“It’s nice to see that there are plenty of goals. It makes it exciting.”
England are without the services of Emily Ramsey with the goalkeeper withdrawing from camp following an ankle injury. 
Ramsey, on loan at Everton from Manchester United  is among a number of rising WSL stars who have broken into the senior squad. 
These include Lauren James, Katie Robinson and Jess Park. 
The trio have impressed with the competition for World Cup squad spots heating up. 
Katie Robinson is among England’s newest squad members who have impressed during the Arnold Clark CupCredit: Getty
Bright added: ”For youngsters coming in there’s a lot to learn, but it was so nice to see the youngsters play with freedom. 
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“For me, that’s a sign that we’re doing all the right things and allowing them to go on and just play their game and keep developing. 
“Ultimately we have to keep moving forward as a squad.” More

RACHEL DALY is ready to help England win from any position on the pitch after propelling them to victory against Italy. The hotshot’s brace denied shared spoils for their rivals in the Arnold Clark Cup with the Lionesses’ sealing a 2-1 win
Rachel Daly netted her first brace in the Arnold Clark Cup on SundayCredit: Alamy
Two headed goals for the England striker helped the Lionesses maintain their unbeaten run in the invitational tournamentCredit: Getty
Katie Robinson and Jess Park also shone for Sarina Wiegman’s side with the team facing Belgium nextCredit: Alamy
Victory saw the hosts stretch their unbeaten run to 28 games under Sarina Wiegman conceding just eight times across those fixtures.
And Daly become the first player to bag a brace at this year’s Arnold Clark Cup with the fixture watched by a record CBS Arena crowd.
On Sunday the versatile Lioness started in a striker role she normally plays in at club level for Aston Villa.
A position that has seen her become the second highest scorer in the WSL this season with 10 goals in 13 top-flight games. 
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Daly, currently the top English scorer in the league this term, said: “I think you guys (the media) care more about where I play than I do. 
“But I’m genuinely happy to play in any role. 
“Obviously playing in the nine is something I do week-in, week-out, so it’s a little bit more natural for me, 
“However, whatever role I’m given, I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”
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Daly’s efforts and those of her team-mates has given boss Sarina Wiegman more food for thought before England’s clash with Belgium on Wednesday. 
The Red Flames notched up their second win in the Arnold Clark Cup beating South Korea 2-1 on Sunday
Last week Wiegman talked of making team changes during the invitational tournament with her players readying themselves for the World Cup. 
She made nine alterations to the side that trounced South Korea 4-0 with Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter retaining their spots in defence.
Up top, alongside Daly, Lauren Hemp and Katie Robinson played on the flanks.
And Lauren James, Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly started on the bench. 
Of the idea of Daly and Russo starting in attack together, Wiegman said: “We’ve played some scenarios where we put in two centre forwards
“For now, with how we play, we shouldn’t start with two or we wouldn’t at this moment. 
“With the way we play we’re doing really well.”
A 32,128-strong crowd attended England’s second Arnold Clark cup fixture, the largest turnout for a game at the CBS Arena. 
The hosts took the fight to Italy early with Laura Giuliani forced to clear a sloppy first-minute backpass. 
But the visitors forced England stopper Ellie Roebuck into a fifth minute save with Valentina Giacinti’s rifled near post effort. 
From then on England cranked the pressure with Daly, Hemp and Robinson causing problems. 
Daly forced Martina Lenzini into an error in the box before her hefty shout prompted a quality save from Guiliani in the sixth minute. 
Moments later the striker forced another stop from the Italy goalkeeper before Jess Park fired an effort over the bar from distance. 
Greenwood’s intervention denied Valentina Giacinti the chance to open the scoring in the 20th minute with the Italy striker through on goal. 
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 32nd minute with Daly heading in Robinson’s lofted cross. 
But the game was levelled with a controversial equaliser in the 62nd minute with Sofia Cantore header flying over Roebuck at the near post. 
Italy will take on South Korea in their final Arnold Clark Cup game with both teams hoping to bounce back after two lossesCredit: Alamy
There were questions on the ball delivered to Cantore had floated out of play before the Italy player’s header
They were also questions as to whether it had crossed the line with no VAR in place to verify during the game.
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Officials ruled it as a goal with the decision met with some boos from the crowd.
An assist from sub Lauren James saw Daly head home nine minutes later to seal her brace with England unbeaten in the contest.   More