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    Arsenal 3 Everton 0: Maanum and McCabe hit wonder strikes as Gunners move three points clear of Tottenham

    KATIE MCCABE led Arsenal’s bounce back from a midweek drubbing in Europe with a glorious strike to help defeat Everton.The Republic of Ireland ace’s volley and Frida Maanum’s boomer were among the stunning efforts that sealed a 3-0 Gunners win.  
    Katie McCabe netted her third goal in three league gamesCredit: Getty
    Frida Maanum netted a wonder goal for ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The strikes by the duo, watched by Arsenal legend Ian Wright who attended the game, looked worthy contenders for the club’s goal of the month competition.
    Boss Jonas Eidevall, whose team play Hoffenheim next, said: “We have quite a few of those players who have good, long-distance shooting (skills).
    “I think that really helps us because we are good at playing in behind. 
    “But when teams are dropping off against us, we know that we can create something from those shots. It was nice to see.”
    The Meadow Park clash began with both teams linking arms in the centre circle in response to abuse allegations made by players in women’s leagues around the world.
    Within seconds of kick-off, Arsenal, playing their first match after their 4-1 Women’s Champions League loss to Barcelona, went on the attack.
    Skipper Kim Little forced Everton keeper Sandy MacIver to turn her curling left-footed shot wide in the seventh minute.
    And Vivianne Miedema got the better of Hanna Bennison, playing in front of Eidevall for the first time since being managed by the coach at Rosengard.

    But the Netherlands striker saw her shot bravely blocked by Toffees centre-back Gabrielle George.
    And the WSL’s all-time top scorer saw another shot blocked seconds before Toni Duggan came close to capitalising on a loose back pass to Manuela Zinsberger.
    The 0-0 scoreline lasted until minutes after the half-hour mark before McCabe netted her goal of the season contender.
    The versatile Gunner sent a left-footed volley into the net over MacIver after controlling the ball with her knee.
    The hosts extended their lead with an unmarked Lotte Wubben-Moy heading the ball home from six yards out minutes before the half-time whistle.
    Lotte Wubben-Moy headed in Arsenal’s second goalCredit: Getty
    The second spell saw the visitors attempting to get a foothold in the contest.
    And stopper MacIver made a fine save in the 84th minutes following a left-footed shot from substitute Beth Mead.
    However, the hosts would go on to increase their lead courtesy of Frida Maanum’s thumper.
    The Norway midfielder smashed home Arsenal’s third goal from 25 yards out past an outstretched MacIver.
    The 3-0 result saw Arsenal go five games unbeaten in the WSL and three points clear at the top.
    And Everton, who play Man City in the league cup next, are currently eighth.
    Everton manager Willie Kirk wants his team to work on their passing to improve their options on the pitchCredit: PA
    Toffees boss Willie Kirk said: “We need to have a bit more belief in ourselves because there were passages of play where we played well.
    “We need to quickly learn that some of the passes we play give our team-mates no options.
    “We’ve got a lot of young players on the pitch. We need to develop that side of their game with experience.”

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    Man City starlet Stanway apologises for red card tackle and calls out trolls sending her abuse online

    GEORGIA STANWAY has said sorry for a thigh-high challenge on Leah Galton which saw her sent off in the WSL’s Manchester derby.And the Man City ace has hit out at trolls who sent her ‘abusive messages’ on social media following the tackle.
    Georgia Stanway received abusive messages on social media after being sent off during Man City’s clash with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
    The City ace was given a red card for a mistimed tackle on Leah GaltonCredit: Getty
    Ref Rebecca Welch gave Stanway her marching orders for a studs-up challenge which saw Galton hit the turf in the 35th minute of the clash.
    In a post published on her Twitter account this morning, the City starlet wrote: “I want to apologise for the sending off in yesterday’s Manchester Derby.
    “Everyone who knows me knows that I’m passionate and competitive. There was absolutely no malice intended and I’m glad Leah was OK and able to carry on with the game.
    “A huge thank you to my Man City teammates for the support and effort to secure a point. And to both sets of fans for creating an unbelievable atmosphere.
    “I made a mistake and hope everyone can accept my apology, but I shouldn’t have to log into social media and find myself subject to all sorts of abusive messages – remember we are all humans and mistakes can happen.”
    Khadija Shaw got on the score sheet for Man City after the team went down to ten playersCredit: Getty

    The incident saw Stanway plant her boot onto the Red Devils forward’s thigh after a miscued challenge.
    It happened as Galton was attempting to bring the ball down in a bid to dribble past the England starlet at United’s Leigh Park Village home.
    And the tackle saw Gareth Taylor’s side reduced to 10 players shortly before going a goal ahead in the match courtesy of Khadija Shaw’s header.
    Ellen White netted to help City get a draw against UnitedCredit: Getty
    But the Red Devils would take a 2-1 lead towards the game’s later stages with Lucy Staniforth and Alessia Russo scoring a goal each in five minutes.
    Despite being a player down City managed to snatch a point from the four-goal encounter with Ellen White netting to ensure a 2-2 finish.
    The result saw City pick up their first point in four Women’s Super League games after losses to Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham.
    Last term’s title runners-up, who are currently ninth will take on Everton next in the group stage of the Conti Cup.

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    Man United boss Skinner dreams of luring Red Devils Prem fans to WSL and urges aces to play each game like a derby

    MARC SKINNER dreams of seeing Manchester United’s Premier League fans heading to the Women’s Super League.The Red Devils face rivals City in today’s derby and have a perfect chance to steal some limelight — with the men’s team on an international break.
    Man United are set to play their first derby WSL game under Marc SkinnerCredit: Getty
    Skinner wants his Red Devils side to approach every game they play like a derbyCredit: Getty
    Skinner, 38, takes his spot in the Leigh Sports Village dugout for a first home clash with the Citizens since his July appointment as United head coach after Casey Stoney’s May exit.
    Last Sunday saw two WSL teams — Tottenham and West Ham — forced to play matches at exactly the same time as their Premier League counterparts.
    Skinner said: “What I hope happens is that fans come to the women’s game and watch the men’s match on their tablets while they’re watching ours.
    “We’ve got to get to a point where it feels like a really difficult choice on which United game you might need to be at if that’s what happens.
    “Having looked at these schedules and knowing how many times schedules change around TV games, it’s not easy to put a jam-packed schedule together so that we can have every supporter involved at the same time.
    “So, with these limited clashes, I want it to be a hard choice for our fans as to which game they go to.”

    Fourth-placed United’s duel with City also comes days after a Sky Sports survey revealed nearly 24 per cent of men now follow more women’s sport than they did 18 months ago.
    Skinner added: “We had Darren Fletcher watching our training session on Thursday morning.
    “It’s brilliant, they love it. They’ve been watching our games from afar.”
    United’s last WSL derby clash with neighbours City, ended in a humbling 3-0 loss for the Red Devils back in February, with Caroline Weir netting a wondergoal.
    But Skinner’s aces now host a City side ravaged by injuries and fourth from bottom after losing three of their opening four games.
    Gareth Taylor says his Man City will keep up the fight for more wins in the leagueCredit: Reuters
    Citizens manager Gareth Taylor said: “We’re suffering with injuries and really looking forward to getting players back.
    “For the meantime, we go with what we have, and we keep fighting. I think this is a great game for us.”
    Victory for United today would be a first-ever WSL success against City — although boss Skinner is keen for his side to adopt a derby mentality in all their fixtures.
    He added: “Where I’m trying to get this group to is a point where you raise your game for every occasion.
    “I don’t want to downplay the derby, that’s not my job. I just want us to play like it’s a derby every week, to make sure we bring that spirit.”
    As a man in women’s sport you get to a point where you want the guidance.Marc Skinner – Man United Women’s head coach
    Skinner, who spent two seasons as head coach Orlando Pride, praised National Women’s Soccer League stars in the US for this week protesting against alleged abuse in their division.
    Players paused in the sixth minute of matches to link arms in a show of solidarity after two ex-players came forward with allegations of sexual coercion against their former coach Paul Riley.
    The ex-North Carolina Courage boss has denied the accusations.
    Skinner praised NWSL stars following their protest against alleged abuse in the leagueCredit: Reuters
    United gaffer Skinner said: “As a man in women’s sport you get to a point where you want the guidance.
    “We must absolutely continue to practise safeguarding.
    “Fifa needs to be part of that, then it spreads throughout the whole of women’s football.”

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    Kirby and White make Ballon d’Or shortlist as Barca’s Graham Hansen dismisses women’s award snub

    FRAN KIRBY and Ellen White are among the WSL stars who made the nominees shortlist for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or award. The England aces are joined by Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr, Magda Eriksson, Jessie Fleming and Pernille Harder. 
    Fran Kirby is one of five Chelsea stars on this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or shortlistCredit: Rex
    Man City forward Ellen is among the WSL aces nominated for the awardCredit: Getty
    But the surprise omission of Barcelona’s wing wiz Caroline Graham Hansen has stunned some fans and pundits. 
    And a few have taken to social media to question why the Barca ace, 26, was missing from the women’s award’s 20-player shortlist. 
    But the Norway international, who helped the Catalan giants brush Chelsea aside in this year’s Women’s Champions League final seems unfazed by the nomination snub.
    And the winger who netted eight times in 23 top-flight games helping Barca to title wins in Europe and Spain, took to Twitter to let her supporters know. 
    Reacting to the announcement, Graham Hansen tweeted: “To everyone who is wondering. It’s all good. 
    “We won the triple, and we are working our a***s off to achieve this again. All that matters and the only thing that matters. 

    Kirby, 28, and White, 32, enjoyed impressive seasons for their top-flight sides last term. 
    City striker White broke the all-time record for goals scored in the WSL when she netted for the 55th time in the top-flight in February. 
    Meanwhile Kirby notched up 16 goals and 11 assists in the league helping the Blues claim their fourth domestic title.
    And the playmaker who netted twice during the Blues Conti Cup triumph finished as last term’s PFA Women’s Player of the Year.
    Barcelona have five stars on this year’s shortlist with Jenni Hermoso, Alexis Puttellas, Lieke Martins  and keeper Sandra Panos among the nominees.
    Samantha Mewis is the only USA’s women’s national team player in the running for the award which was put on hiatus last year due to the Covid pandemic. 
    Caroline Graham Hansen’s omission from this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or shortlist has surprised some fansCredit: Rex
    And Portland Thorns forward Christine Sinclair among the Canada stars shortlisted alongside her compatriots Fleming and Paris Saint-Germain’s Ashley Lawrence. 
    The trio were part of the Canadian that won gold in the Tokyo Olympics women’s football tournament under the management of Bev Priestman.
    The winner of the prestigious prize is due to be announced on November 29 in France’s capital Paris. 

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    Rise in interest from Emma Raducanu and Women’s Super League is good for the future of female sport

    THE Covid pandemic disproportionately affected women more than men.Women had higher job losses, lower wages and increased responsibilities juggling careers with their children’s education but we have scored one small victory: Sport was given a boost for women that might otherwise have taken many years.
    Rising British tennis star Emma RaducanuCredit: Rex
    Manchester United Women’s Super League teamCredit: Rex
    While millions of sport fans were frustrated at being unable to watch their teams in grounds, TV filled the gap with live, round-the-week screenings.
    Before then, women’s football was occasionally taken out of its hidey-hole but attracted minimum male interest.
    Now, both sexes were seduced by female competitors of perhaps surprising virtuosity.
    Though the overall standard is considered by some to be less compelling than the men’s game, we have the inherent skills and means to deliver entertainment.
    More, we don’t usually spit, rarely deliberately clog opponents and keep our elbows to ourselves (except in sales queues).
    So, interest in women’s sport exploded and suddenly we had hits in the TV charts.

    And with the relaxation in Covid restrictions, this has been translated spectacularly in the number of spectators, greater involvement of the leading clubs, bigger business, more sponsorships, greater media coverage and business possibilities.
    The increase in pay and the standard of football has attracted a number of high-class foreign players and in many ways the Women’s Super League has shadowed the Premier League to become a world favourite.
    Our game was in a strategic place to take advantage of the TV gush that became a mild antidote to the horrors of the pandemic.
    Since the FA changed their 50-year misogynistic stance and took the women’s game to their bosom, progress has been fast.
    This possibility had long been there. On Boxing Day 1920, 53,000 watched a women’s match at Goodison Park — with another 10,000 locked out.
    And then, theorising that the game was “quite unsuitable for females and ought not to be encouraged”, the FA banned women from playing on Football League grounds the next year.
    Relief came in 1969 when the Women’s FA was formed on the strength of the whole population’s involvement in England’s 1966 World Cup triumph.
    History maker Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier ever to win a Grand Slam on Saturday night
    Then the seed of the soccer sorcery flowered with the introduction of the WSL in 2011.
    All-professional in 2018, the 11-team WSL was cashing in strong links with leading clubs and our leagues prospered from greater exposure just as cricket did through The Hundred, in which a double-header of the women’s competition preceding the men’s was hugely popular.
    Another Wonder Woman emerged with Emma Raducanu’s extraordinary capture of the US Open title at the age of 18 and without dropping a set, a breath-taking positive for Britain.
    Follow that with Lucy Bronze, Ellen White and the other England stars who yearn to win the World Cup as the dominance of North America is increasingly challenged.
    The rewards are good and growing. BBC and Sky have signed huge, live TV contracts.
    Uefa’s prize money for the European Super League is now £24million and the group-stage winners will get £341,000 — five times the previous figure.
    Today, football is truly a career for women athletes.
    Tomorrow? I can see it challenging the men’s game.
    Not everyone will be Jolie
    JUBILANT scenes around St James’ Park on Thursday night after the announcement that Mike Ashley had left the club after 14 years as owner.
    I am sure he was just as jubilant as the supporters to be out of there.
    Newcastle fans celebrate their Saudi takeoverCredit: Splash
    Because what he hoped would be a love affair between them on the scale of Romeo and Juliet ended up as irreconcilable a split as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s, with both parties happy to see the back of each other.
    Supporters interviewed about their view on the new owner being Saudi, with their — how shall we put it kindly? — dubious moral dilemmas, said this was an issue for another day.
    I suspect seeing off Ashley and welcoming an owner with a £320billion fortune may mean that day never comes for them.
    But what the rest of the Premier League, the football authorities and the Crouch review will make of it . . . well, that day will come, I’m sure of it.
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    Hayes warns Chelsea must ‘respect Wolfsburg’s history’ as WSL champs aim to conquer rivals in Europe

    EMMA HAYES says Chelsea are not taking Wolfsburg’s threat to their hunt for Women’s Champions League glory for granted. And the Blues boss suggested memories of her side’s dramatic loss to Barcelona in last season’s finals have been well and truly put to bed.
    Emma Hayes will be looking to defeat Wolfsburg for the second time this yearCredit: Rex
    Melanie Leupolz and her team-mates are due to play the two-time Women’s Champions League winners at KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
    The WSL champs will host the German giants on home turf tonight in the contest’s new group stage format introduced this season.
    And their German opponents, who have won the tournament twice in their history, have never lost on English soil despite the Blues knocking them out of the contest quarters last term.
    Hayes said: “I think you have to respect Wolfsburg’s history.
    “They have won the Champions League and they’ve competed at the top end for a lot of years.
    “They have the knowledge and the experience of being there, so I don’t feel we’re underdogs, but I don’t think we’re clear favourites either.
    “I think it’s an evenly matched game where we’ve earned the right in Europe to reach that point.
    “I think until we take that next step then quite rightfully, we’ve still got a lot of work to do.

    “We respect Wolfsburg as a team. They’re in the early stages of team development under their new coach but they’re unbelievably athletic.
    “This will be a high-intensity game.”
    Chelsea go into this game having moved to third in the WSL and three points behind Arsenal and Tottenham following a 3-1 defeat of Brighton.
    And the top-flight title-holders are playing in Europe for the first time since being beaten by frontrunners Barcelona who consigned the Gunners to a 4-1 defeat .
    But Hayes insists her Blues are fully focused on the task ahead and their battle for silverware on all fronts.
    Of course, we always want to win all of them (trophies) including the Champions League Emma Hayes
    The Kingsmeadow chief added: “Our preoccupation is on our daily practice and competing for every trophy.
    “Of course, we always want to win all of them including the Champions League
    “I just think we’re one year better because of that experience last year.”
    Blues captain Magda Eriksson believes her side are far more formidable opponents than they were last season.
    Wolfsburg are currently second in Germany’s top-flightCredit: Getty
    And the Chelsea centre-back admitted to being ‘devastated’ to hear of the sexual misconduct allegations engulfing America’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
    Last week The Athletic last published a report including accusations made by players about England-born coach Paul Riley’s conduct and allegations relating to sexual coercion
    Riley, who denies the allegations, was fired from his head coach role post of NWSL club North Carolina Courage following the publication of the report.
    And games in the top-flight of women’s club football in America were suspended at the weekend with the division’s commissioner Lisa Baird quitting her role.
    Fifa has initiated a preliminary investigation into the situation.
    Magda Eriksson believes Chelsea are stronger side than they were last seasonCredit: PA
    Eriksson said: “As players, we stay updated on what’s happening in the women’s football world and we are devastated to hear about these events in the NWSL.
    “We discussed how horrifying it (the situation) is, but it’s good that players are brave enough now to step forward
    “I think there has to be a good system in place for when players speak up.”

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    Barcelona 4 Arsenal 1: Champions League queens run riot as Gunners endure first loss in Europe this season

    BARCELONA brought Arsenal’s nine-game winning streak to a grinding halt with a ruthless attacking display.  A clinical strike from ex-Gunner Asisat Oshoala was among the goals that saw the WSL aces dispatched 4-1 in an intense Women’s Champions League duel.
    Asisat Oshoala was on target for Barcelona netting their second goal against ArsenalCredit: Avalon.red
    Caroline Graham Hansen was a constant threat down the right for last term’s Women’s Champions League winnersCredit: Getty
    The defeat leaves the Gunners third in their group and in a need of a win to aid their quest to reach the contest’s quarter-finals.
    And it sees Barca go second behind German side Hoffenheim who crushed Danish outfit HB Koge 5-0.
    Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “Barcelona played in a way where they really denied us a lot of space and time when we win the ball double in the first half. 
    “On just on a few occasions we succeeded in playing the ball out to toward our open spaces and if you watch the second half in comparison, we did that many more times. 
    “And, of course, that’s sometimes how football is. We played a team that’s better than any other opponent we have played so far this year.
    “That will prepare us for the future, and we will learn from it, and we will need to raise our standards and hopefully do better.”

    Arsenal, so dominant in domestic competition, spent much of the game chasing the ball, maintaining five at back when sitting deep.
    Their hosts, intent on getting off the mark quickly and defeating their third WSL team this year, enjoyed 70 per cent of possession.
    That dominance bore fruit with Mariona Caldentey opening the scoring moments after the half-hour mark.
    The midfielder walloped in Barca’s first after Oshoala’s bottom-left corner shot was parried by keeper Manuela Zinsberger. 
    And the ex-Arsenal ace was involved in Barcelona’s second goal of the evening minutes before half-time. 
    The Nigeria striker hovered around Arsenal’s defence, before jetting down the right and into the box and cutting a pass back for Alexia Puttellas to net from eight yards out.
    Our expectation is to be loyal to our style and to play the way we know how to play. It doesn’t matter who our opponent is.Mariona Caldentey
    The second half saw Barca extend their lead with Oshoala getting on the scoresheet for the hosts’ third.
    The scoreline prompted Eidevall to shuffle his cards in the 56th minute with Nikita Parris, Caitlin Foord and Tobin Heath coming on for Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and Katie McCabe.
    And it was a tactical move that worked to great effect with Parris seeing her shot cleared off the line in the 74th minute before Frida Maanum nabbed a goal for the visitors moments later.
    A superbly placed Tobin Heath cross led to the Norway ace bundling the ball over the line.
    Barca had a couple more attempts on goal before super sub Lieke Martens wrapped up the win.
    And she did so by exploiting Arsenal’s high line with a well-timed run evading Leah Williamson to net Barca’s fourth.  
    The Catalan giants came close to increasing their goal tally to five with the ref pointing to the spot after Alex Puttellas hit the turf following a Jordan Nobbs tackle. 
    And Zinsberger pulled off an impressive save parrying the ball out of danger with the game ending 4-1.
    Mariona Caldentey says Barca will be ‘loyal’ to their style of play no matter who their opponents areCredit: Getty
    Barca midfielder midfield ace Caldentey said: “There’s a long way to go (in the competition) and there is much to do, but what we have to do is concentrate on ourselves. 
    “Our expectation is to be loyal to our style and to play the way we know how to play. It doesn’t matter who our opponent is.
    “If we play our game if we feel comfortable, and if we play the one, the way we want, I think that we’re a very difficult team to defend (against).”

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    Arsenal boss Eidevall says Gunners will not show too much respect to beatable Barcelona in Women’s Champions League

    JONAS EIDEVALL reckons toppling Barcelona will NOT be Arsenal’s season-defining moment if his side defeats Europe’s football queens.And the Gunners boss warns his stars will not be showing the defending champions too much respect in their Champions League clash.
    Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal will need to be the ‘best versions of themselves’ against BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona have scored 25 times in their three games before their clash with the GunnersCredit: Rex
    The game at the Johan Cruyff Stadium will see two sides with some of Europe’s most feared forwards go head-to-head for the first time since Arsenal’s 7-0 aggregate drubbing of Barca in 2013.
    And Eidevall is ‘confident’ his players can compete with the team that crushed Chelsea 4-0 in the contest’s finals in May.
    The Arsenal chief told reporters: “I really think Barcelona is the best team with big capital letters. The way they are playing – especially in offence – is very structured.
    “We know it’s a very, very big football team that we’re playing against, but they’re human just like we are. They will make mistakes just like we do.
    “They are a very good football team, but they are also beatable. It’s 11 humans against 11 humans. In Sweden, we say ‘a shovel is a shovel’.
    “We need to be our best version of ourselves and shouldn’t overly respect them either. It’s about us trying to be as good as possible.”

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    Both sides come into this game unbeaten in their domestic divisions with the Catalan giants having scored 25 goals in their last three top-flight encounters.
    These include 8-0 thrashings of Valencia and Villarreal in Spain’s top division in September.
    And Arsenal have scored more away goals in England’s top tier than any other Women’s Super League side.
    However, Eidevall says the Gunners will not get carried away should they defeat their rivals on their home turf.
    If we win, it’s not like the season is going to end. We have another game coming up against EvertonJonas Eidevall
    Arsenal will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run across all competitions so far this termCredit: Getty
    The Meadow Park boss added: “This is one game out of many. It’s a really, really nice challenge and we’re looking forward to it.
    “But if we win tomorrow, it’s not like the season is going to end. We have another game coming up against Everton.
    “If we draw tomorrow the season is going to continue, if we lose the season is going to continue. It’s all about us having a good performance.”
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