Women’s football

CHELSEA withstood a spirited fightback from Reading to restore a three-point gap over Arsenal. Fran Kirby put the Blues in front with a quickfire free-kick as they sealed a 3-2 win on a snowy evening at Kingsmeadow. 
Jelena Cankovic scored twice inside five minutes as Chelsea raced to a 3-0 first-half lead against ReadingCredit: Reuters
Amalie Eikeland netted as the Royals fought back with two goals in the game’s second halfCredit: Getty
Emma Hayes’ side’s battling display sees them remain top of the table.
And title rivals Arsenal, Manchester United and Man City all current have a game in hand on the Blues. 
Royals boss Kelly Chambers shared her dismay with the match’s opening goal being allowed to stand.
Her comments were made after footage showed a Blues player in an offside position. 

Chambers told Sky Sports: “The first goal just deflated us. 
“We had a good 30 minutes where we were solid and caused Chelsea problems but the officiating, we speak about it week in week out, but it’s costing teams”. 
After the game Hayes spoke about her support for the use of VAR in the game. 
At present the system is not deployed at WSL fixtures. 
Most read in Football
The Chelsea chief told Sky Sports: I didn’t even see the goal but the guys told me it was offside. This happens.
“I am an advocate of VAR because if [mistakes] lead to goals, I can totally understand how every team across the league might feel with that.
“It goes in swings and roundabouts – it went in our favour this week, maybe in another week it doesn’t. But we do have to improve it.”
The Blues caught Reading cold in the 16th minute with Kirby slotting the ball home after the hosts reacted swiftly with their free-kick 
And summer signing Jelena Cankovic put in a clinical performance in attack scoring twice in four minutes the first spell.
But Reading fought back with Sanne Troeslgaard firing a low shot under Ann-Katrin Berger with half an hour remaining. 
And Amalie Eikeland made it 3-2 a minute later, firing home at the near post. 
The hosts held out to seal the win and maintain their advantage at the top of the table with a Champions League duel with Albanian club Vllaznia up next on Friday. 
Elsewhere Vivianne Miedema opened the floodgates for Arsenal as they fought back from a goal down to trouce Aston Villa 4-1. 
Kirsty Hanson struck from 20 yards to give the hosts a sixth-minute lead at Villa Park. 
Jordan Nobbs and Katie McCabe were both on target during Arsenal’s 4-1 trouncing of Aston VillaCredit: Getty
But Carla Ward’s battlers saw the game levelled after Rachel Corsie’s own goal. 
A Miedema volley saw the Gunners go 2-1 up before Katie McCabe helped them double their advantage with a tap-in. 
And Jordan Nobbs capped off the victory with the game’s final goal with six minutes of normal time remaining. 
Victory saw Arsenal leapfrog Man United to second spot behind Chelsea. 
And Hawa Cissoko marked her return from a five-match ban by helping West Ham consign Tottenham to a 2-0 defeat.
Goals in the first and second periods saw the Irons claim maximum points on the road.
Kerys Harrops’ challenge on Kate Longhurst saw West Ham given a penalty close to half-time.
But Dagny Brynjarsdottir failed to convert from the spot in the 47th minute. 
The second spell saw the Iceland ace make up for her miss by blazing home a rocket shot in the 49th minute.
Spurs looked to battle their way back towards the games closing stages at their Breyer Group Stadium home. 
But they got caught on the counter with centre-back Cissoko sending a chipped 83rd-minute effort over Tottenham keeper Rebecca Spencer. 
Irons boss Paul Konchesky said: “For Hawa it was excellent. It (the goal) has been a long time coming.
“I didn’t think she would chip it.
“I’m really pleased she scored today, but I thought she was fantastic at the other end of the pitch defending the box along with the back four and our goalkeeper.”
Read More on The Sun
Claudia Walker and her West Ham team-mates moved up to fourth after their away win against TottenhamCredit: Getty
The result saw Rehanne Skinner’s side drop to seventh before their midweek duel with Everton. 
And Konchesky’s side leapfrogged Aston Villa to go fifth in their last league clash before Christmas.  More

MARC SKINNER insists Manchester United are not aiming to settle for fourth after nabbing a point against their neighbours. Laura Coombs pounced to ensure Man City shared the spoils of a 1-1 draw in a record-breaking top-flight duel at the Etihad.
Leah Galton bagged her fourth WSL goal in nine games after giving Manchester United the lead at the EtihadCredit: Alamy
Marc Skinner says his players’ performances have shown how much they have evolved since last seasonCredit: Getty
Laura Coombs levelled the match for Manchester City with her fourth league goal this termCredit: Getty
The match saw the Citizens’ smash their previous WSL crowd record  of 31,213 at the ground smashed with 44,259 turning out to watch. 
Leah Galton’s opener looked to have given the visitors the perfect early Christmas gift before Coombs’ leveller for the hosts. 
The result, which preceded Arsenal’s 4-1 drubbing of Aston Villa and Chelsea’s defeat of Reading, sees Man United end the year in third and three points ahead of the Citizens. 
Skinner, whose side have a game in hand on Chelsea, said: “I’m frustrated with the result but not the performance.
Read More Football Stories
“We will continue to evolve this team.
“Honestly, as a coach, it is the most pleasing thing to see the players taking on responsibility and showing their personality.
“We’ve shown so much growth in the first half of the year. It really sets us up for next year.”
The match saw Galton register her fourth league goal in nine WSL games this term. 
Most read in Football
On the form of the versatile Red Devils ace, Skinner added: “Galton was magnificent. 
“She’s a wonderful, wonderful talent. Defensively, offensively, I would not want to play against her.”
While the Red Devils may have missed out on a derby win at the Etihad they are proving to be far more formidable foes for their top three rivals having beaten Arsenal on the road this term. 
When asked on where he hopes to strengthen his squad in January Skinner, was tight-lipped on which areas he would be focusing on. 
The Red Devils boss said: “Manchester United are not here to compete for fourth. 
“We’re actually here to compete in every game we play regardless of the historical position of any team we play against 
“I respect everything Manchester City do, I respect everything Chelsea and Arsenal do, I respect everyone in the league. 
“We know how difficult a job this is and trying to bridge that gap and we’re planning ahead.”
City, who started strongly, came close to netting in the tenth minute with Alex Greenwood’s delivery prompting a scramble and a superb punched goal-line clearance from Mary Earps.
But the visitors began to get the upper hand.
They took a 27th minute lead with Galton sweeping the ball home after neat build-up play involving Ella Toone, Hannah Blundell and Millie Turner. 
Nikita Parris looked to be through on goal moments later before Leila Ouahabi’s stunning tackle thwarted the forward.
And Deyna Castellanos saw her strike from distance comfortably gathered by Earps close to half-time. 
The second spell saw United keep the pressure up on Gareth Taylor’s side before Laura Coombs directed a 58th minute header home after Laia Aleixandri’s drive up field. 
The game became more end-to-end as City upped the ante and both sides pushed for a late winner
United’s Martha Thomas forced an impressive late close-range save from Ellie Roebuck following Earps stopping a bullet header from Khadija Shaw.
There were shouts of a handball after Greenwood blocked Lucia Garcia’s cross in the second minute of injury time before the game finished a draw.
The outcomes sees remain City fourth and three points behind United before their first league clash of 2023 with West Ham
City boss Taylor said: “I thought a draw was a fair result.
Gareth Taylor believe his Man City side are starting gel effectively following a summer of squad changesCredit: Getty
“They edged it in the first half, we did in the second half. It was too much like a basketball match in the final stages for my liking.
Read More on The Sun
“I feel we have a really good team for the future. They’re starting to gel and play well together. It’s exciting. 
“We’ve got ourselves into a good position in both competitions we are in.” More

KERSTIN CASPARIJ is hoping to turn her Manchester City move into a fairy-TAYLHer side’s duel with Marc Skinner’s Red Devils could see the Netherlands ace take to the pitch in her first derby since her July switch from Dutch side FC Twente. 
Kerstin Casparij could be in line to start for Manchester City when they take on Man United at the Etihad in the WSLCredit: Alamy
Manchester United have been in formidable for in the Women’s Super League winning seven of their first eight games this seasonCredit: Getty
The Citizens midfielder, 22, who began her senior playing career at 15 at Dutch club SC Heerenveen, is one of seven players who joined the Conti Cup holders this year.
And her arrival followed the departures and retirements of several former City aces including Euros-winning quintet Ellen White, Georgia Stanway, Jill Scott, Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze.
Casparij, who made 42 FC Twente appearances helping her old side a league title win last year, said: “Gareth got me very excited about my move here. 
“The first time Gareth and I spoke to each other he was just very football minded which I liked 
Read More Sports Stories
“I could really spar with him on what I thought or what he thought and he was very open about that. 
It’s just nice when you have a first conversation with a new coach to have that open mindedness.”
Today’s match between Taylor’s team and Manchester United, who are second in the table, will be the first derby encounter in the league between the rivals this season.
The highly anticipated clash which is expected to attract 43,000 fans will see both sides face-off at the Etihad for the first since September 2019. 
Most read in Football
Back then the hosts, who are currently fourth clinched a 1-0 win courtesy of a 25-yard thumper scored by their former forward Caroline Weir. 
The Citizens are yet to lose to United in the league and have gone on  a six-game winning run after losing to Aston Villa and Chelsea. 
However their neighbours currently have the advantage of a three-point lead in the race for the title and a place in one of the WSL’s top three spots for Champions League qualification. 
And last month Skinner’s side clinched a dramatic 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates. 
Casparij insists the squad mood going into this match is a relaxed one. 
The midfielder, who has made seven WSL appearances this term added: “We’re really down to earth but we want to win every game
“We know we have to and we want to do well in the league this year and win things.
“Everyone’s just really relaxed and focused on each game. The main thing is that we don’t get overconfident.”
Off the pitch Casparij is eager to get to grips with Mancunian phrases. 
She added:  “I like saying ‘I’m buzzing’ but I feel like I say that all the time so I have to come up with some new phrases. 
“When I joined and was doing my medical, some of the players would say phrases like ‘you’re not Manc mate’ or ‘only people who support City are Manc’ and stuff like that. 
“But I wouldn’t like to burn my fingers by saying that to anyone because I don’t want to fight!”
In recent years players from the Netherlands have made their mark on the domestic game in England including the WSL’s record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema. 
Gareth Taylor’s side could go level on points with the Red Devils if they win their first derby clash of this seasonCredit: Getty
Other Dutch players who enjoyed trophy-winning success on these shores include former Gunners Danielle van de Donk and 2019 World Cup Golden Gloves winner Sari van Veenendaal. 
Along with Miedema and former Arsenal midfielder Dominique Janessen both were part of the squad that helped Arsenal to a WSL league title win in 2019. 
Casparij, who was part of the Netherlands side that reached the Euros quarter-finals’ said: “The Dutchies who have been there have done amazing for themselves.
Casparij admires the impact Netherlands stars such as Vivianne Miedema have had on the WSLCredit: Getty
“This makes it maybe a little bit easier for like the new generation of girls to come into the WSL. 
Read More on The Sun
“There’s a reason they thrive and there’s a reason we actually love being in the UK.
“I think it’s massive for them to have taken the first step.” More

CARLA WARD has backed Vivianne Miedema’s call for football chiefs to listen to fears over player workloads. The Aston Villa chief’s squad contains several internationals including England star Rachel Daly and Scotland aces Rachel Corsie and Kirsty Hanson.
Carla Ward says the workload of players in the women’s game with the scheduling of international windows is a bigger picture issue that needs to be discussedCredit: Getty
Vivianne Miedema wants Fifa and Uefa to listen to concerns regarding players’ workloadsCredit: Reuters
Today Villa take on Arsenal at home, four days after Gunners star Miedema, 26, flagged the higher number of international breaks in women’s football compared to the men’s game.
Ward, 38, said: “It’s a difficult one because what Miedema said is very true. 
“I talked about it after the last window where there were World Cup qualifiers and we had players finishing a game on a Wednesday night with complete heartbreak and then they have to play 48 hours later. 
“I’m not sure you’d see that in the men’s game.
Read More Football Stories
“It’s a bigger picture, something that needs to be discussed — and I’ve spoken about that. 
“You have to put the welfare of players (first) both mentally and physically
“There’s also mental challenges with that, how they cope with certain emotions of certain games, and then having to come straight back in.”
Today Sunday Villa hope to maintain the form that saw them qualify for the Conti Cup’s knockout phase after finishing top of their table after four group phase games. 
Most read in Football
And the Gunners will hope to snuff out Daly’s attacking threat with the forward and Man City’s Khadija Shaw currently topping the WSL’s scorers chart with eight goals each.
Daly’s form has seen her win a Barclays Women’s Super League player of the month award for a second time this season.
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall, 39, said: “Rachel Daly has been phenomenal so far this season. 
Rachel Daly has impressed for Villa in the WSL netting eight goals so far this seasonCredit: Getty
“But it’s not only her unfortunately, we need to focus on Villa as a whole team in order to deal with them and to get the result we want.”
Ward added: “Rachel leads by example and she is the type of personality you need in the changing room.” More

THE Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been fined after a number of their women’s national players engaged in chants referencing the IRA at Hampden Park in October. Uefa revealed the FAI had been fined £17,274 following an investigation conducted by its Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector. 
Republic of Ireland Women made history in October when they qualified for the World Cup for the first time after beating ScotlandCredit: Sportsfile
Members of the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team made headlines after their 1-0 defeat of Scotland in a qualification duel for a place in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. 
Film footage of players singing pro-IRA chants in their dressing room at Hampden Park sparked furore after clips were circulated on social media. 
Players were seen chanting ‘Ooo Ah Up The Ra’ following their game against Scotland on October 11.
The Republic of Ireland had made history that night by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in the side’s 49-year existence. 
Read More Football Stories
The chanting incident after their win against Scotland in October led Europe’s governing football body to fine the FAI for “violation of the basic rules of decent conduct”.
A statement published on the disciplinary page of Uefa’s web site said:  “Following an investigation conducted by a Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on 11 October 2022, and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings opened against the Football Association of Ireland, the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has taken the following decision: To fine the Football Association of Ireland €20,000 for the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.”
In response to the fine the FAI said: “The Football Association of Ireland notes and accepts the sanction by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of Uefa following Uefa’s independent investigation into a potential breach of Uefa’s Disciplinary Regulations.
“The FAI and the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team has apologised to all affected by events after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Play-Off against Scotland in Hampden Park in October.
Most read in Football
In October national team manager Vera Pauw, 59, issued a public apology following players’ post-match chants at Hampden Park. 
Pauw, who has coached the side since September 2019 after being appointed as boss, said: “We’ve hurt people and we are very, very deeply sorry for that.”
Next summer the Republic of Ireland will be one of 32 teams competing in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The team have been drawn in Group B at the tournament alongside Canada, Nigeria and contest co-hosts Australia.
Their first game will see them go up against Australia on July 20 at Sydney Stadium.
Vera Pauw’s players will play Australia in Sydney in their first World Cup game in July 2023Credit: Sportsfile More