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      Arsenal to host Women’s Super League clashes against Chelsea and Tottenham at the Emirates

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      ARSENAL will hold two of their biggest WSL London derbies at the Emirates Stadium next term.  The club will take on Chelsea on the first day of the new season in September before facing Tottenham at the home of their men’s side in March 2022.
      Arsenal’s WSL players will take on Chelsea and Tottenham at the EmiratesCredit: Getty
      The Gunners’ season opener against the Blues is expected to kick-off at 3 pm on Sunday 5 September with their duel with Tottenham set for March 27. 
      However, the club says these dates could be subject to changes.  
      Arsenal’s first top-flight game at the Emirates this year follows their friendly defeat of the WSL champs in August.
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      The clash will see the return of fans of the side who finished third in the league last term behind Chelsea and title runners-up Manchester City. 
      And it could see Gunners’ debuts for England and Japan stars Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi and Norway midfielder Frida Maanum, who joined the club this summer. 
      Arsenal chief Vinai Venkatesham said: “These games provide us with an exciting opportunity to showcase our world-class talent to more people than ever before; both through the matches at Emirates Stadium and also as a result of the new WSL broadcast deal.
      “Arsenal Women is one of the most successful teams in the history of the women’s game and everyone at the club is really looking forward to the coming season, with the aim of making this another successful campaign.” 
      Tickets for the Gunners’ game against Chelsea are due to go on sale on Wednesday 11 August.
      Their match with the Blues will see the club play their first domestic league fixture under new boss Jonas Eidevall. 
      Arsenal will play their first WSL game under Jonas Eidevall when they face Chelsea in the leagueCredit: Getty

      The Sweden-born gaffer, 38, became the team’s new head coach in June following Joe Montemurro’s departure at the end of the last season.  
      Eidevall’s appointment follows his three-year spell in charge of Swedish women’s side Rosengard.
      The Arsenal chief led his former side to a league title win in Sweden’s top women’s football division in 2019 and a Swedish Cup triumph in 2018.
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      Canada and Sweden get new venue and kick-off time for Tokyo Olympics football final following USA bronze win

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      CANADA and Sweden’s gold medal clash in the Olympic women’s football final has been moved to the evening due to worries over Tokyo’s scorching midday heat. The duel which was due to commence on Friday in Japan’s capital at 11:00 local time will start at the later slot of 9:00 pm – which is 1:00 pm UK time. 
      Bev Priestman’s Canada side will play Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics women’s football finalCredit: Rex
      And the encounter will be held in Yokohama amid concerns about the quality of the pitch at Tokyo’s National Stadium where the match was expected to take place. 
      The Guardian reports that high temperatures expected around the early kick-off time had prompted worries from both teams regarding the health of their players. 
      It is claimed that the early kick-off slot was chosen as a result of broadcasters in the USA wanting to show the match on television if their women’s national side reached the finals. 
      The time change for the game, reportedly approved by the International Olympic Committee and Fifa has been welcomed by Sweden boss Peter Gerhardsson who described it as a “very good decision”. 
      And via her Twitter account, Sweden and Chelsea goalkeeper Zecira Musovic said: “To even consider playing a final at 11:00 local time in Japan is a direct danger to the players’ health due to extreme weather conditions.
      “Once again money talks way too much in a discussion that should not be a discussion.”
      At a press conference, Canada head coach Bev Priestman added: “I think the (kick-off time) change makes absolute sense in terms of the spectacle of the game and what it can be. 
      “For anyone tuning in around the world it will be a much better game because of it and I can’t wait to get going.”  
      The clash will see Sweden and Priestman’s Canadian side battle for their first Gold medal Olympic win a day after the USA’s 4-2 bronze triumph against Australia. 
      And it could potentially see Priestman, 35, who is a former Lionesses’ number two, claim her first major tournament win ten months after becoming head coach of the world’s eighth-best women’s football team. 
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      Her side, which includes Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming, Tottenham’s Shelina Zadorksky and Man City’s and West Ham’s Janine Beckie and Adriana Leon,  claimed a major scalp in beating the USA in the contest’s semis. 
      The 1-0 victory under the Durham-born coach was Canada’s first win against their neighbours in 20 years. 
      Priestman added: “I feel really excited and very privileged.”
      Chelsea and Sweden star Magda Eriksson could end up going head-to-head with her Blues team-mate Jessie FlemingCredit: Rex

      “I knew going into our game against that if we just believed it would go our way and it did.   
      “There is a feeling that I get from this group, this hunger and desire. 
      “I have got no doubt that they see Gold and they want to get Gold.”
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      Hope Powell’s Brighton kick-off WSL season with Amex clash against West Ham

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      BRIGHTON will begin their fourth term in the Women’s Super League with a clash against West Ham. The game will take place at the Amex Stadium with WSL fans set to return to watch the team this season. 
      Brighton will take on West Ham in their first WSL match at the Amex since November 2019Credit: Getty
      And the contest will start at 2:00 pm on Sunday 5 September with tickets going on sale on August 7. 
      Albion, who finished sixth last term, will be targeting a higher spot in the table in a season that will see WSL games aired on Sky Sports and the BBC as part of a landmark three-year TV deal. 
      The last time Hope Powell’s aces played at the Amex was back in November 2019 with 4,310 fans turning up to watch them trounce Birmingham 3-0. 
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      And Covid restrictions saw the club play the majority of last term’s games behind closed doors at the People’s Pension Stadium – home of League Two outfit Crawley. 
      Brighton boss Powell, 54, said: “We have only had a couple of games at Crawley with supporters present in the last 18 months so to be able to have a big crowd in at the Amex for the first game of the new season will be brilliant.
      “We look forward to welcoming them back and to seeing as many Albion fans there as possible to get behind the team and making it a memorable occasion for the club.
      “It’s such a big season for the WSL with a new broadcast deal and the increased profile that will bring to the women’s game and plus, of course, the (Women’s) Euros in England next summer as well.
      “Our first game of the season at the Amex is going to be a fantastic occasion and we’re really looking forward to it.”
      Albion’s encounter with the Irons could see boss Powell give debuts to summer signings Danielle Carter and Rinsola Babajide. 
      Former Arsenal forward Carter, 28, joined the club in July on a two-year deal for an undisclosed fee following a one-season spell at Reading last term.
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      And the striker, who won three FA Cups and three WSL titles with the Gunners, netted four goals in 25 Royals appearances last season. 
      Meanwhile, Babajide, 23, sealed a one-term loan switch from Liverpool. 
      The former Millwall striker was named Player of the Season following her first term with the Reds from 2019 to 2020. 
      Former Reading striker Danielle Carter could make her Brighton debut against West HamCredit: Getty

      And the London-born forward was part of an England side who finished third in the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. 
      Powell added: “We achieved our highest WSL position (last season) and we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, but we want to push on this season and get better. 
      “Any additions to our squad have got to add value to what we’ve got and in Danielle and Rinsola that is definitely the case.”
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      Megan Rapinoe chokes back tears after USA’s shock first loss to Canada in 20 years in Tokyo Olympics semi-final

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      MEGAN RAPINOE fought back tears as she reflected on Canada’s defeat of the United States with Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming netting the winner.   And the USA superstar paid a touching tribute to team-mate Carli Lloyd following the surprise 1-0 result in the Olympics women’s football semis in Japan. 
      Megan Rapinoe and the USA were beaten by Canada who will face Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s football finalCredit: Rex
      The goal was scored in the 74th minute of the clash at the Kashima Stadium after Tierna Davidson fouled Canada sub, Deanna Rose, in the penalty box. 
      And the result saw the four-time Gold medallists miss out on qualifying for the finals for the second successive Games. 
      The team, who have won four World Cups, were beaten by Sweden in the quarter-final stage of the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Brazil.  
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      Rapinoe, 36, told NBC: “We never want to lose to Canada. I don’t think I’ve ever lost to Canada. 
      “There’s still a lot to compete for. That’s what I told the girls. It’s not the colour we want but there’s still a medal on the line. It sucks.
      “Obviously not our best game. Not our best tournament. We didn’t have it today. 

      “Too many errors from us. I felt like the space was there for us. We just couldn’t get into it.”
      Before the clash, the USA had not lost a football match to Canada in 20 years. 
      The team, managed by Vlatko Andonovski, have won five of their last six encounters against the Canadians going back to the London Olympics in August 2012. 
      We want to send everybody out on the happiest note and we weren’t able to do that todayMegan Rapinoe
      The encounter between the sides at the 2012 Games saw the US seal a dramatic 4-3 win with Rapinoe on the scoresheet.
      And the OL Reign star, who was part of the US team that won Gold at the London Olympics, was seen comforting Carli Lloyd, 39, following the loss to the Canadians in Tokyo.
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      When asked how she felt after what could be the pair’s last Olympics playing alongside each other Rapinoe added: “We’ve been in this a long time together. 
      “We are both closer to the end than the beginning and we’ve both shared moments on the field, not that many sad moments, but a few.
      “It’s tough. She’s one of the greatest players to pull this jersey on. 
      “Who knows, it might not be her last Olympics, but it probably is.
      “We want to send everybody out on the happiest note and we weren’t able to do that today.”
      Rapinoe hopes the Tokyo Games will not be Carli Lloyd’s last Olympics appearance as a USA playerCredit: Rex

      Canada, managed by former England Women’s number two Bev Priestman, will face Sweden in a duel for the Gold medal on Friday. 
      That clash will see Chelsea ace Fleming go up against her Blues team-mate and skipper Magda Eriksson at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.   
      And the USA will take on Australia in a battle for Bronze on Thursday at the Kashima Stadium.
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      Arsenal ace McCabe expects Gunners’ fight for silverware after friendly defeat of WSL champs Chelsea

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      KATIE MCCABE reckons Arsenal’s quality can help them in their battle for trophies with the Gunners targeting their first silverware win since 2019. And the midfield ace is expecting big things from the club who face Tottenham in a pre-season clash before a Champions League qualifier against Kazakhstan side Okzhetpes. 
      Katie McCabe believes Arsenal Women has enough quality in their squad to win silverware this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland international, 25, was speaking to Arsenal’s web site following the team’s 2-1 pre-season win against Chelsea at the Emirates. 
      Goals from the midfielder and rising starlet Freya Jupp, 17, were enough to seal the victory with 16-year-old Reanna Blades netting a solitary effort for the Blues.  
      The Gunners’ last major trophy was back in the 2018-19 season with the club clinching their third Women’s Super League title. 
      McCabe, who joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015,  said: “Last year we didn’t compete for any trophies. 
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      “We secured the Champions League but a club like Arsenal needs to be up for trophies, so we’re progressing to do that this year. 
      “You can see the quality we’ve got in as well, so we mean business this season and we want to start that with the pre-season games moving into the season.
      “There are big things coming to this team.”
      McCabe, who signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal back in May, was among the standout performers for the Gunners alongside Jupp, new signing Frida Mannam and England ace Jordan Nobbs.
      The team were without Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord and summer signings Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi with all four away at the Tokyo Olympics.  
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      The Gunners are currently waiting on the outcome of medical checks on Nobbs, 28, who was stretchered off with an ankle injury after a collision with Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert. 
      The team were playing their first game under new management with assistant coach Aaron D’Antonio in the dugout and boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, currently undergoing quarantine following his arrival from Sweden.  
      McCabe expects Arsenal to be vying for major honours this season with the club competing in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

      However the manager is expected to join his players this week ahead of their trip to Spurs and their clash with Okzhetpes at the Sapsan Arena in Russia. 
      McCabe added: “He was giving us his team talk via Zoom, so that’s a first but it’s COVID times so what’s new? 
      “He’s been great and the staff have been really supportive in making things as easy as possible for us players.”  
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      Former Birmingham manager Marc Skinner becomes Manchester United Women’s boss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have hired Marc Skinner as head coach of their women’s side ahead of their second term in the WSL. The 38-year-old’s appointment follows Casey Stoney’s departure as Red Devils gaffer at the end of last season following her three-year spell in charge.  
      Marc Skinner has become Manchester United Women’s new head coach
      The Basildon born manager, 39, who led the club to a historic top-flight promotion in 2019, became the new head coach of US women’s club San Diego in July.  
      Skinner’s move will see him take up Man United’s reins after a two-year stint as head coach of National Women’s Soccer League team Orlando Pride. 
      The former Solihull College Academy manager will lead a Red Devils side who narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fourth and a point behind Arsenal last term. 
      Skinner said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players. 
      “Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game.
      “It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team into what will be another competitive WSL season; I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of.”
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      Ed Woodward, Man United’s vice chair added: “Marc is a coach with proven pedigree in the WSL and we are delighted he is joining the club and returning to the league after his recent time in the US. 
      “Our commitment to the continued development and success of the Women’s team is total, and we see Marc’s appointment, along with the talented squad and players recruited this summer, as key to that process.”
      Skinner began his career in football coaching at Solihull College in 2013 before taking charge of Birmingham Women’s youth team in the 2015-16 season.
      Prior to his 2019 switch to America Skinner enjoyed a three-year spell in charge of Birmingham City’s senior women’s side where he was credited for revamping their style of play.
      And the former Brum boss earned praise for leading the club to the 2017 Women’s FA Cup final where they were defeated by Manchester City. 
      Since 2019 Skinner had been leading an Orlando side whose players include two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan and Brazil heroine Marta.  
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      And the club is currently seventh in their division having won four, lost four and drawn four of the 12 games they have played so far in the 2021 NWSL season. 
      Skinner’s United appointment comes in the week during which the side announced the signing of former West Ham striker Martha Thomas.
      The Scotland international joined the club on a two-year deal until the end of the 2022-23 season with an option to extend for a further year.
      Martha Thomas has joined Man United following a two-season spell at West Ham from 2019 to 2021Credit: Getty

      And the forward 25, netted four goals in 16 WSL appearances for the Irons last season.
      Thomas said: “I want to be enjoying my football again and I’m looking forward to challenging myself in this environment and being part of an attacking team where I can express myself. 
      “My focus right now is on settling in and putting in the hard work at training, but I can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the fans back in the stadium.”
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      Lionesses to battle Northern Ireland in front of fans at Wembley in Women’s World Cup qualifier match

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      ENGLAND will take on Northern Ireland at Wembley in October in a qualifying clash for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.  The duel between the sides will be the first competitive game for the Lionesses at the stadium since its reopening in 2007.  The fixture on Saturday 23 October follows two international friendly encounters for England […] More

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      Lauren James rejoins Chelsea in transfer from Man Utd and is delighted to ‘come back home’

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      LAUREN JAMES sealed a fairytale return to WSL champions Chelsea having played for the club’s Under-10s and Under-14s sides during her childhood. The ex-Man United starlet, who is the sister of the Blues Prem full-back Reece James, confirmed her move following weeks of speculation.
      Lauren James has joined WSL giants Chelsea on a four-year dealCredit: Getty
      Lauren James’ brother Reece currently plays as a full-back from Chelsea’s Premier League sideCredit: PA
      And the move will see the siblings become the only brother and sister duo to play for Chelsea next season.
      James, 19, who made her senior professional debut at Arsenal at 16, has agreed to a four-year deal with Emma Hayes’ side.  
      Reports claim Man United received an undisclosed fee of £50,000 for the WSL ace.
      And it is thought the payment is the highest the Leigh Park Village side have ever received for a female player. 
      James’ switch to Kingsmeadow comes on a day that saw Chelsea veteran Hannah Blundell unveiled as Manchester United Women’s newest summer signing. 
      The Sussex-born left-back, 27, has switched to the Red Devils on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further year. 
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      On her Chelsea move, London-born James said: “It’s a great feeling to come back home, to a great club, the club I started at the age of six. 
      “To be able to play for the first team now and come back here to Emma and the rest of the group is a good feeling.
      “I’m excited to get started and I can’t wait to meet all the fans at Kingsmeadow when the new season kicks in.’
      Blues boss Emma Hayes added: “Lauren is an exciting, young talent who we have admired for a while.
      “When the opportunity came up to sign her, we felt now was the right time to bring her back to the club.
      “We’re excited to see how she develops in the coming years and look forward to welcoming her to pre-season training.”
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      James touted as a player to watch by Uefa, netted 22 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions during her three-season United spell from 2018 to 2021. 
      Her strikes include the first-ever goal scored for the Red Devils in  Women’s Super League during their first season in the top-flight. 
      The forward, whose brother won a Champions League trophy with Chelsea’s men’s side last term, received her first senior call-up to an England camp in November 2020.

      However, the club was narrowly pipped to a qualifying spot by Arsenal last season.  
      The unveiling of James as Chelsea’s latest signing comes on the same day as the announcement of next term’s WSL fixtures. 
      The striker is set to wear the club’s number 19 shirt.
      And the Blues face a tantalising season-opening London derby clash with Arsenal with the match taking place from September 3 to September 5.
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      Emma Hayes extends Chelsea reign with Women’s Super League champions confirming new contract More