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      Sonia Bompastor ready to begin Chelsea ‘adventure’ after being named as boss of seven-time WSL champions

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR vowed to live up to Emma Hayes’ trophy-winning legacy after becoming Chelsea Women’s new boss.Today Blues chiefs confirmed the ex-Lyon boss, 43, will take charge of the Women’s Super League champs after penning a four-year deal.Sonia Bompastor will begin her role as the new head coach of Chelsea’s Women’s Super League side on July 1.Credit: GettyBompastor’s appointment follows Emma Hayes becoming USA women’s manager after her 12-year trophy-winning Chelsea reignCredit: GettyHer appointment comes four days after her former side lost this year’s Women’s Champions League final to Barcelona.However this season Bompastor guided Lyon to a third consecutive title in France’s top-flight. Her three-year reign at the French giants’ helm, saw her clinch seven major trophy wins. These include a Champions League crown in 2022 following a 3-1 defeat of Barca in that year’s decider. Read More Football StoriesOf her Blues appointment Bompastor said: “I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea as the manager of the women’s team.”It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players.”I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.”Bompastor, whose midfield playing skills earned her 156 France caps, is the only coach in Lyon’s history to have won the Women’s Champions League as a manager and a player.Most read in FootballDuring her 13-year senior playing career that began at 20, the former France midfielder played for Lyon during two three-year spells from 2006 and 2010.And after hanging up her boots in 2013 she took up coaching role in the club’s academy before taking over as first-team head coach three years ago.Bompastor’s trophy haul as a manager includes a league and European silverware double during her first full season at Lyon’s helmChelsea chiefs say the head coach was hired as a successor to Hayes, who left the role to become USA women’s boss this month, following an in-depth recruitment procedure.Blues general manager Paul Green said:  “The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor.”Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate.”She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.”Bompastor’s assistants at Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin will join her when she takes charge of Chelsea.The former Lyon is set to begin her new role on July 1.With Bompastor at the helm, Chelsea will hope to become Women’s Champions League winners in the futureCredit: GettyChelsea’s co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: “Sonia is the ideal candidate to build on Emma’s legacy and take the team forward.READ MORE SUN STORIES”She brings a wealth of experience from managing at the highest levels and winning trophies as a player and a coach.”Her ethos and values align with the club’s. We are all looking forward to having her on board.” More

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      ‘We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe’, says Barcelona’s Lucy Bronze

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      LUCY BRONZE hailed Alexia Putellas’s classy cameo after Barcelona ended their run of Champions League final losses to Lyon in style. The midfielder’s late strike clinched a 2-0 win with incoming Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor enduring defeat in her last Lyon game. Barcelona’s 2-0 victory resulted in them winning the Women’s Champions League for a third timeCredit: GettyBronze was among her team’s standout players in the hardfought contestCredit: GettyAlexia Putellas’s injury-time strike secured the 2-0 victory for her side with Lyon pushing for a late levellerCredit: GettySonia Bompastor saw her final game in Europe at Lyon’s helm end in defeatCredit: GettyAnd Bronze, who shone in defence for Barca, became the first English player to triumph in five Women’s Champions League finals following three wins during her three-year spell at Lyon.After the game the Lioness full-back told DAZN: “We needed to be a club that really made history. “It’s hard to win it once, but to do it back-to-back, Lyon showed how difficult it is. This team has finally done that. “We’ll go down in history as one of the best teams in Europe.”Read More Football StoriesThe 190th Barca goal netted by two-time Ballon d’Or winner Putellas sealed a fairytale finish to a season disrupted by knee issues for the midfielder. Her team claimed back-to-back trophy wins in the contest for the first time in their history. Their third triumph in four years in the competition’s decider led to eight-time winners Lyon falling to their first defeat in seven finals.  Both sides had three shots on target between them in a hardfought first-half. Most read in FootballLyon skipper Wendi Renard volleyed against the post in the 15th minute and Mariona Caldentey saw her effort cleared off the line 14 minutes later. Aitana Bonmati broke the deadlock with an angled strike deflected home off Lyon defender Vanessa Gilles.Aitana Bonmati sixth Champions League goal this season gave her side a 1-0 lead in the 63rd minuteCredit: GettyAnd Putellas, who signed a new two-year deal with Barca this week, fired in a thunderous finish over goalkeeper Christiane Endler to put the result beyond doubt. Bronze added: “She’s the queen of Barcelona for a reason. “She’s had to work really hard to get back fit. She showed why she’s a two-time Ballon d’Or winner.” More

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      ‘Nothing is too big for Sonia Bompastor’, says Aston Villa’s Kenza Dali of her former Lyon academy coach

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      KENZA DALI is relishing seeing Sonia Bompastor step “out of the comfort zone” with the Lyon chief expected to become Chelsea boss.And the Aston Villa ace, 32, expects Lyon will overcome Barcelona when they battle for the Women’s Champions League crown today.Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Lyon to a ninth Women’s Champions League trophy winCredit: GettyBarcelona hope to beat Lyon in a final of the contest for the first in their historyCredit: GettyKenza Dali reckons Bompastor could be a success at the helm of ChelseaCredit: GettyThe duel between the nine-time champs of Spain’s top-flight and Dali’s old club is the third decider in six years to be fought between the rivals. The 5:00pm fixture, at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain, will be Jonatan Giraldez’s last game as Barcelona boss before he takes over as head coach of US women’s club Washington Spirit.  It will also be Bompastor’s final match at the helm of Lyon who hold the record for the most Women’s Champions League trophy wins with eight in their cabinet.The France-born head coach, 43, was reportedly identified as a top target to succeed Emma Hayes as manager of Chelsea. Read More Football StoriesThis week the ex-Blues chief began her new role as USA Women’s head coach after guiding her old side to a seventh Women’s Super League title. And her old club are expected to announce Bompastor as the new gaffer of their WSL team in the near future following today’s Champions League final.Nothing is too big for her. If she comes to England to coach one of the best teams in a completely different environment, then she’s really being out of her comfort zoneKenza Dali on Sonia Bompastor Dali, whose senior club career includes Lyon stints from 2009-2010 and 2016 to 2018, said: “Sonia needs to be challenged and she loves new challenges. Nothing is too big for her.”If she comes to England to coach one of the best teams in a completely different environment, then she’s really being out of her comfort zone. Most read in Football”The French (style of football) management is completely different from the English management.”I know both sides, and I’m always surprised how different it is for a French coach to manage an English team.”But I think she will able to do it and if she’s going there (Chelsea) it’s going to be very interesting to see her out of the comfort zone.”Dali, born in the town of Sainte-Colombe, in eastern France, began her playing career in Lyon’s academy in 2005 before joining the club’s senior section in 2009.The midfielder, who has started in 37 top-flight games for Villa, had Bompastor as her academy coach at the age of 16. She describes the former left-back, who captained Lyon to Champions League titles in 2011 and 2012, as having the club’s will to win in her DNA. In two spells as Lyon’s head coach Bompastor has guided the team to seven major trophy wins. These include three top-flight crowns and a Champions League triumph.Dali, who played for West Ham and Everton from 2019 before her 2022 Villa move added: “Sonia was an unbelievable player and left-back, so competitive.”She was the academy coach and was one of my coaches when I was there when I was 16. “When I was training with her when I was still young, I remember how competitive she was.  She’s a coach who has the DNA of Lyon”You can see that if you watch Lyon’s (Champions League semi-final) win against Paris Saint-Germain. “On the bench, she was crazy because as a player, she was like that. “She just brings this competitiveness to the team and has a lot of big players to manage and not a lot of managers can do that.”Everything and every decision in Lyon is on purpose. “Having a coach that knows exactly what it takes to win, the politics at Lyon and how things are done is a strategy as well from the club.”Today’s clash will see Barcelona battle for Europe’s elite club football prize for the fourth time since 2019. While previous triumphs saw them thrash Chelsea 4-0 and beat Wolfsburg 3-2, the nine-time La Liga Women’s champs are yet to beat Lyon in a final.The French side have been a nemesis for their opponents with star striker Ada Hegerberg punishing their defence. The Norway star has scored four goals in two finals against Barca with Lyon clinching 4-1 and 3-1 victories in 2019 and 2022. Victory tomorrow would see them become Champions League top dogs for the ninth time.Dali, who today attended a WePlayStrong event in Bilbao as part of a Uefa campaign celebrating women’s football, added: “Everyone is talking a lot about Barcelona.”They are an unbelievable team, but Lyon have beaten them in a final recently and will want to make a point again.”In my head the only team that can beat Lyon today is maybe Barcelona. “But Lyon have a lot of quality and can really hurt Barcelona in the way they play.  “Sometimes Barcelona over possesses the ball, but Lyon can also be a team in possession. Dali reckons Lindsay Horan, Melchie Dumornay and Delphine Cascarino could be among biggest threats for Lyon against BarcelonaCredit: Getty”They can really hurt them with forwards like Melchie Dumornay and Delphine Cascarino.  “They also have some unbelievable players like Selma Bacha and Amel Majri.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s going to be a really interesting game.”Barcelona vs Lyon in the Women’s Champions League final can be watched live from 5:00pm today on DAZN’s YouTube channel. More

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      Fran Kirby aims to ‘enjoy the moment’ following her title-winning departure from WSL champions Chelsea

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      FRAN KIRBY says her final few months at Chelsea had been very emotional after leaving the club a Women’s Super League champion.And while the ex-Blue, 30, wants to win more trophies in future, she vowed to enjoy her title-winning moment.Fran Kirby, pictured next to former team-mate Maren Mjelde, won a seventh WSL title with ChelseaCredit: GettyKirby netted Chelsea’s sixth goal in their 6-0 defeat of Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyKirby produced a fairytale ending to her nine-year Chelsea career with a goal scoring cameo in their 6-0 thrashing of Manchester United on Saturday.The forward, described by former Blues chief Emma Hayes as a generational talent, fired home the visitors’ final goal.Her finish was the among the strikes that helped the team become WSL champions for the fifth season in a row.Kirby, now a free agent following the expiration of her contract, told reporters: “The last few months have been very emotional and very trying to get through one day at a time.Read More Football Stories “For me, as a footballer, you always know these situations happen and probably when I was announcing it around that time, I was very emotional.“But at the end of the day, I just wanted to get to the end of the season and win a trophy so that became my main focus.”For me now it’s just (about) enjoying it, enjoying the moment and hopefully in the next few years I can win a few more trophies.”Following a 2015 Blues move from Reading, Kirby won 16 trophies with Chelsea including seven Women’s Super League titles.Most read in FootballThis month the forward was claimed to have attracted interest from Arsenal, with Vivianne Miedema leaving.But it’s thought the Gunners’ interest in her has since cooled with the north London giants reported to be eyeing a swoop for Barcelona ace Mariona Caldentey.Whichever club Kirby moves to next, the Lioness ace hopes to keep on winning as well as bringing out the best in those around her.The forward, named in England’s squad for two upcoming Euros qualifier duels with France, adds: “I’m super competitive in everything I do I want to win.”As I’ve said before in previous interviews, whether that’s at this club, or wherever else I go.”My main focus is to win and to try and help whoever I can around me and that is what I’m going to do.”For Kirby’s former boss Hayes’, the grind continues with the ex-Chelsea chief going straight to work in her new role as USA women’s national team head coach this week.Her side will play four warm-up fixtures in preparation for their battle for a gold medal in the Paris Olympics women’s football contest.The first two of those friendlies will be duels with South Korea in Colorado and Minnesota on the first and fifth of June.On whether she feels ready to get straight to work again, Hayes, 47, said: “It’s not tiring thinking about going to the Olympics is it? It’s different, a different energy.“I’ll be reinvigorated and re-energised with something else.  Sometimes people think you need a rest, but sometimes you just need to change.“On Monday I speak to (officials about) players and staff and Tuesday I’m on a leadership call with the US leadership (team). Emma Hayes is getting straight to work in her new role as head coach of the USA women’s national teamCredit: Getty”On Wednesday I fly to New York and then there is press on Thursday in Denver.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And on Friday I will speak to staff and get prepared for the team to arrive next Monday. “They deserve my full attention and they will get that from me.” More

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      Man Utd 0 Chelsea 6: Emma Hayes bids farewell to Blues by sealing WSL title on dramatic final day at Old Trafford

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      MAYRA RAMIREZ caused magnificent mayhem, lighting the fuse for a six-goal Chelsea rampage with Emma Hayes given a storming send-off. The Colombian bagged a brace in a 6-0 Old Trafford trouncing of Manchester United, with Fran Kirby also netting in her final Blues outing.Emma Hayes signed off her Chelsea reign in styleCredit: ReutersFran Kirby signed off on her Chelsea career with a goalCredit: GettyAnd was mobbed by her Chelsea team-matesCredit: GettyThe one-sided demolition saw the team crowned Women’s Super League queens for a fifth successive time with England boss Sarina Wiegman and United icon Sir Alex Ferguson watching from the standsThe visitors also took their trophy tally from 15 to a sweet 16 with Hayes ending her Blues’ reign as a top-flight champion 12 years on from starting her job without an office or staff.Women’s Super League  season finales did not come much more intense than today’s fixtures with the race once again going to the wire.  The stakes were high for the Blues who started the day top but level on points with second-placed Man City initially by virtue of a plus-two goal difference advantage.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was the final day their blunt-talking, serial-winning boss Hayes would be in their dugout before taking charge of the USA Women’s national team at the end of this term. In a season that began with dreams of a quadruple trophy treble, hopes that were later dashed, the visitors were eager to give their boss another silverware send-off With Arsenal defeating them in the Conti Cup, Barcelona dispatching them in the Champions League and Man United ending their FA Cup run in the semis, the league was their only hope“The league is your bread and butter”, was a response Hayes gave at a press conference two years ago when asked how it means to her to win back-to-back titles. Most read in FootballChelsea captain Millie Bright and Emma Hayes shared a moment on the touchlineCredit: PACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSYet earlier this month her seven-time title winners came so close to ending the season trophyless. A shock 4-3 loss to Liverpool took the race out of Chelsea’s hands with Gareth Taylor’s Man City looking odds on to triumph. Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea trainingBut Chelsea’s bitter rivals Arsenal clinching a hardfought away win against City earlier this month gave Hayes a second chance. “We’re not f***king done yet”, were the words Hayes’ roared after her final home game at Kingsmeadow 13 days ago.  Back then her side capitalised on Man City dropping points to reignite their title challenge by thrashing Bristol City 8-0And in today’s game they grabbed it with both hands roasting the Red Devils by racing to a 4-0 lead in 44 minutes. Ramirez, who missed the Blues’ last five matches with a hamstring injury, made a stunning return with her crocked striker pal Sam Kerr among those watching from the stands. The Colombian took just two minutes to give Chelsea a lead heading home from Guro Reiten’s cross. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd made 2-0 six minutes later, slotting into a far corner beyond United goalkeeper Mary Earps. United hit the woodwork with Maya Le Tissier’s attempted header from a corner before Sjoeke Nusken made 3-0 at close range.And they took their lead to 4-0 with Ramirez outmuscling her marker to bag her brace before half-time.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe second spell went from bad to worse for Marc Skinner’s side with Melanie Leupolz taking advantage of their failure to clear to slam the ball into the roof of the net.And Chelsea heroine, who was playing her last Blues game before leaving the club this month, slotting home a classy finish to wrap up the hammering.TYSON FURY VS OLEKSANDR USYK LIVE: ALL THE LATEST FROM HUGE UNDISPUTED WORLD TITLE FIGHT More

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      Marc Skinner hopes Man United can ‘consistently win’ silverware following FA Cup success

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      MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to become consistent trophy winners and finish this season with an Old Trafford triumph. The Red Devils chief expects Chelsea to give his side a tough time as they target a fifth successive Women’s Super League title. Marc Skinner is aiming to guide Hannah Blundell and her Man United team-mates to a win against Chelsea todayCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are looking to follow-up winning the FA Cup for the first time in their history by beating Chelsea for the first time in the WSLCredit: GettyToday’s clash at the Theatre of Dreams is one of the WSL’s biggest end-of-season fixtures. And the visitors hoped to be crowned champions on Emma Hayes’ last day at the Blues’ helm. However Skinner’s aces, who won a Women’s FA Cup for the first time by trouncing Tottenham 4-0 at Wembley last Sunday, will be looking to throw a spanner in the works. The head coach, who penned a one-year contract extension with the club, said: “The feelings of the last game have to go into this one. Read More Football Stories”I felt we were the really dominant team and we’re going to need that again. “The benefit of having played such a big game at a fantastic arena (as Wembley) to come back to our home and play against the best team in the country is something we’re looking forward to. “The players are going to give everything for our fans, for our club”But after that, it’s time for the girls to see really reflect on what’ve we’ve got to do to make sure we’re consistently winning things in the future.”Most read in FootballThe last clash between Chelsea and Man United ended with Skinner’s players emerging as 2-1 victors in this year’s FA Cup semis However the Manchester side are yet to beat their opponents in league with the Blues winning seven of their last eight top-flight encounters. Skinner added: “We played Chelsea recently in the FA Cup semi-final and that was a really difficult game against a really top opponent “But for the narrative of being at Old Trafford, we’ve just won and it’s Emma’s last game and Chelsea can still win the league, there’s a lot riding on this.”We’ve got to give everything and I know the players will do that  This season Skinner has at times come under pressure from some Man United fans with the team having had mixed results in the league. His side went toe-to-toe with Chelsea in last term’s title battle finishing two points behind the title holders and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. However this term will see the Red Devils finishing fourth or fifth depending on whether they can win today and if fourth-placed Liverpool win, lose or draw away at Leicester. But Skinner believes his team can use their first FA Cup win to push for success in other competitions including the league.  Emma Hayes’ Blues are targeting a fifth successive WSL title win on her final day as Chelsea Women’s bossCredit: PAThe Man United chief said: “We’ve grown and we’ve shown that in a (cup) final.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’ve shown our experience and we’re going to have that for many games to come.”It can’t be just a one-off, it’s going to have to be something we utilise as our natural performance from now on.” More

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      Emma Hayes ‘not stressed’ by bid to guide Chelsea to a fifth successive title in her final game in charge of the Blues

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      EMMA HAYES is relishing the WSL title race going to the wire following the “unbelievable adversity” her team has faced this term.And the Blues chief, whose 12-year reign ends this weekend, sees Maika Hamano as a key player for Chelsea’s future.Chelsea are likely to face a tricky test against Manchester United in Emma Hayes’s last game in charge of the teamCredit: PABlues fans hope to see the team pull off a win against United at Old Trafford with WSL title retention at stakeCredit: GettyMaika Hamano’s strike against Tottenham secured victory for Chelsea in their penultimate game of this WSL seasonCredit: GettyThe Japan forward, 20, netted in the Blues 1-0 defeat of Tottenham on Wednesday night, slamming a first-half shot beyond Spurs goalkeeper Bara Votikova.Her match-winning strike helped her side go top of the table above Manchester City.Both teams are currently level on points but with Chelsea carrying a plus-two goal difference advantage.Hayes, 47, said: “She’s been incredible in training, she’s Chelsea’s future and I’m always happy to keep evolving this team.Read More Football Stories “I’ve said it a thousand times. I’m leaving the next manager a fabulous team.”We’ve evolved it and Maika been fantastic in training and has been smashing goals in all week, she deserved the start (against Tottenham). This Saturday Hayes will be on the touchline for the last time as Chelsea manager before commencing her role as head coach of the USA’s women’s national team.The Blues’ final game under their gaffer will be a clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, six days after the Red Devils lifted the Women’s FA Cup at WembleyMost read in FootballAnd like last term the battle to be crowned top-flight champions will be decided on the last day of the WSL season, with Gareth Taylor’s Man City also in contention.Should Man City dispatch Aston Villa at Villa Park, Chelsea will need a win and a higher goal difference tally than their rivals in order to secure a fifth successive title.When ask how much her team relishes taking title races to the wire, Hayes adds: “I said to them, proverbially speaking, it’s like going in with a gun in your mouth. “How do you want to respond to that?”What I love about the team is our ability, no matter that proverb, to keep their cool.”We will find a way to keep performing no matter the pressure.”These will be the things I remember the most, it won’t be the wins, the ability of human beings to keep finding a way.”People write you off, you wonder if you have more to give, we’re still finding a way.”This season has seen Chelsea face challenges with injuries with star striker Sam Kerr, forward Mia Fischel and defender Aniek Nouwen sidelined by knee ligament ruptures.And influential striker Mayra Ramirez has missed the Blues’ last four games due to injury.In a season where Chelsea lost a league cup final and Champions League and FA Cup semis duel, another title win make them WSL champs for a seventh time.Her team had their title hopes reignited when Man City fell to a 2-1 home loss to Arsenal last Sunday. A game that was followed by Chelsea trouncing Bristol City 8-0 before their narrow win against Tottenham last night. The Blues boss said: “I am enjoying myself, I’m not stressed. “I’ve been here before, I love seeing the fans and being with them.Man United are battling Liverpool for a fourth-spot finishCredit: Getty“I love the saying when someone gives you a second chance in life, make sure you don’t need a third and I love that we take it to the last day.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No matter the outcome I’m super proud of how this team keeps finding ways. “The adversity we’ve had this year has been unbelievable.” More

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      WSL record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema to leave Arsenal at the end of this season

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is reportedly set to be the target of a summer transfer swoop from Manchester City, following her departure from Arsenal.The top-flight giants are thought to be plotting a move for the Gunners heroine.Vivianne Miedema will leave Arsenal as a free agent at the end of this seasonCredit: GettyThe Dutch forward is thought to be attracting interest from Manchester CityCredit: GettyEarlier Today Arsenal announced the forward’s seven-year spell with club will end when the current Women’s Super League season finishes this weekend.Her contract with the club is set to expire at the end of this season with the player departing as a free agent.The Daily Mail claims the prolific forward, who is the WSL’s all-time record scorer with 79 goals, is attracting interest from Man City and other clubs.Of Miedema’s efforts for Arsenal, club director of sport Edu said: “Viv’s goals and overall performances as an Arsenal player have been of the highest quality.Read More Football Stories”She has created so many wonderful memories for us over the years. “We thank Viv for her huge contribution towards the success of the team during her seven years with us. “We wish Viv and her family the best of health and happiness for the future.”Following her 2017 move to England from Bayern Munich, Miedema has notched up 125 goals and 50 assists in 172 Gunners appearances.Most read in FootballAnd the Dutch forward, who is also the Netherlands all-time record goalscorer, has won three league cups and a WSL title with the club.During her career with Arsenal Miedema has finished as the top-flight’s top scorer on two occasions.  This includes the 2018-19 season where her 20 goals in 22 games helped the club become WSL champions for a third time. Miedema has won the Golden Boot twice during her time with ArsenalCredit: GettyThis term has seen Miedema’s game time limited to 13 appearances with the forward undergoing minor knee surgery in March.The operation occurred five months after she made her return from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in December 2022.Miedema’s team, who are third in the table, will host Brighton at Meadow Park on Saturday in their final WSL game of this term. More