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      Chelsea 3 Brighton 1: Reiten on target as Blues go top of the WSL after defeating Seagulls

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      GURO REITEN helped Chelsea seal a gritty home win against Brighton although the Seagulls gave the Blues a second-half scare. The Norway ace’s strike and a hat-trick of Fran Kirby assists led to a 3-1 Blues victory with the champs going top.  
      Guro Reiten and Beth England were both on target for Chelsea who went top of the table after beating BrightonCredit: Reuters
      Emma Hayes aces will play Wolfsburg next in the Champions LeagueCredit: Reuters
      And the result saw Emma Hayes notch up her 150th WSL match win at the Blues’ helm ahead of her team’s Champions League duel with Wolfsburg on Wednesday.
      Hayes said: “I thought it was a wonderful performance from Guro Reiten
      “She was exceptional today, got her first goal of the season and the ball from Fran to Sam is out of this world. 
      “I think we started the second half when we were still in the changing room and gave away a sloppy goal.
      “I thought our game management beyond that limited them to two shots.
      “The third goal was the least we deserved and brilliant impact from the bench, once again.
      “I’m especially pleased for Beth that will do her confidence, the world of good.”

      Chelsea, fresh off the back of their Women’s FA Cup quarters defeat of Birmingham, got off to a fast start in the game’s opening moments. 
      And Reiten, who was a regular threat down the left, got the hosts off to a flier with a ninth-minute half-volley into the far corner following a throw-in from Kirby. 
      Hayes’s players had another chance to extend their lead minutes later with Harder through on goal but getting caught in possession as Hope Powell’s Seagulls poured into the box. 
      And the visitors had a strong chance to level near the twentieth minute with Aileen Whelan unleashing a fierce right-footed shot with Magda Eriksson clearing the ball on the line.
      Fran Kirby notched up three assists for Chelsea against BrightonCredit: Getty
      However, the champs eventually doubled their lead 11 minutes before half-time. 
      Their second came via a long pass from Kirby and a daring header from Sam Kerr after keeper Megan Connolly missed a chance to claim the ball. 
      The opening moments of the second half saw Albion pull one back with Danielle Carter poking the ball home following a throw-in from Whelan. 
      However, Chelsea put the game out of reach with Fran Kirby driving forward on the right.
      And the Blues player threaded in a neat pass into the path of substitute Beth England who buried Chelsea’s third to wrap up the win.
      The result saw Brighton, who are fifth, register back-to-back losses with the team looking to bouncing in their clash with Tottenham. 
      Danielle Carter pulled a goal back for Brighton in the second-halfCredit: Reuters
      Albion boss Powell said: “I think everybody today, defensively, played a really important part, which then means there’s less pressure on our goal, which is exactly what we wanted. 
      “Unfortunately, it’s really hard to sustain for 90 minutes.
      “Teams will get chances as we got the chance at the other end to score and they had more than three but they managed to score three.”

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      National Women’s Soccer League coach sacked with coaching licence suspended after sexual coercion allegations

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      PAUL RILEY has been fired as head coach role of US women’s football club North Carolina Courage following sexual coercion allegations made by female players. The accusations against the coach, who is 58 and from England, were made public in an article published by The Athletic on Thursday. 
      Paul Riley was the head coach of North Carolina Courage prior to being sackedCredit: Rex
      Riley has worked in the National Women’s Soccer League since 2014Credit: AP
      And the former Portland Thorns club boss has also had his coaching license suspended by the United States Soccer Federation.
      Riley, who was born in Liverpool and began his managerial career in US football in 1986, has been accused of acts of sexual misconduct including coercing a player into having intercourse. 
      The Athletic’s report includes accounts from players managed by the coach who has worked in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – the top-flight of women’s club football in America – since 2014. 
      Mana Shim and Sinead Farrelly were among the players who went public with their allegations in regard to the former North Carolina Courage coach.
      Farrelly played for Riley during his spells at the helm of Philadelphia Independence in 2011, New York Fury in 2012 and Portland Thorns from 2014 up to 2015.
      In her interview with The Athletic Farrelly claims Riley coerced her into having sex with him in 2011. 
      North Carolina Courage said it ‘commended’ players for ‘bravely sharing their stories’. 

      In a statement posted on its official Twitter account on Thursday, the club said: “The North Carolina Courage have terminated head coach Paul Riley effective immediately following very serious allegations of sexual misconduct. 
      “The Courage support the players who have come forward and we commend them for bravely sharing their stories.
      “The North Carolina Football Club is united together in our commitment to creating a safe, positive and respectful environment, not only within our club but across the league and our great sport.
      “As previously stated, players and staff are encouraged to report any inappropriate behaviour in accordance with NWSL policy as we prioritise efforts to maintain the highest professional standards of conduct throughout our organisation.”

      The NWSL says it intends to report the allegations to the USA’s Centre for SafeSport to investigate. 
      In a statement, the League’s commissioner Lisa Baird said the NWSL plans to set up an ‘anonymous reporting process for players and staff to text concerns’ to them for investigation. 
      However, a number of high-profile US women’s national team players have accused the league of failing to investigate allegations. 
      They include two-time Women’s World Cup winner and former Tottenham loan star Alex Morgan who called on the league to “take responsibility for a process that failed its own players”. 

      The NWSL Players’ Association is reported to be demanding the division commences an ‘independent investigation’. 
      The call is one of three demands made by the body that also want the league to disclose how Riley was hired within the division ‘after leaving another club following an investigation into abusive conduct’.
      It has been reported that Riley who has managed women’s football clubs in America since 2006, has denied the allegations.  More

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      Clattenburg criticised for saying women must decide between refereeing roles and pregnancy

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      MARK CLATTENBURG has come under fire for suggesting women referees have to choose between their jobs and having children.The former Premier League ref reckons female match officials who get pregnant during their careers face a ‘difficult pathway’.
      Clattenburg has defended his views about female refs and pregnancyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Clattenburg, who left England’s top-flight in 2017 to manage referees in Saudi Arabia, was sharing his opinions with Ally McCoist, Alan Brazil and England rugby ace Joe Marler on talkSPORT.  
      And the Durham-born official, who went on to ref in China in February 2019, was asked for his thoughts on Sara Cox making history by becoming the first female referee to oversee a Premiership Rugby clash.
      Clattenburg, 46, said: “We always had an assistant referee in the Premier League, Sian Massey (Ellis), and now we have a woman refereeing in the Football League, Rebecca Welch, so women are starting to develop in the men’s game.
      “If you look at Uefa, for example, the French woman (Stephanie Frappart) refereed the Super Cup final, so Uefa are getting more and more women.
      “The problem with women is, and certainly in refereeing in football, they have a difficult pathway if they get pregnant during their refereeing career – it can stop them a long way.
      “So they have to make this choice: do they want to be pregnant or do they want to be referees?”
      Clattenburg added: “They’ve also got to pass the men’s fitness test.
      “A lot of women struggle with the men’s fitness test. If you want to be in the men’s game, you have to meet those criteria.

      “So, if they pass all this, and they choose the right path, I believe that women should be involved in the men’s game, as well as men being involved in the women’s game.
      “If we look at the Women’s Soccer League, for example, there’s been some high-profile mistakes.
      “Why not bring in the best referees, if you’ve got the best leagues.”
      Clattenburg’s views got short shrift from some accounts on social media with one describing them as outdated.
      One Twitter account user pointed to seven-time Wimbledon champ Serena Williams and two Women’s World Cup winner Alex Morgan as examples of women performing in sport at the highest levels after having children.
      And another Tweeter suggested Clattenburg’s views made him think he had ‘woken up in the 1940s’.

      When quizzed on his opinion the former Prem ref, who oversaw the Euros 2016 final between Portugal and France, refused to alter his standpoint.
      Clattenburg said: “Women have to make that sacrifice. Say if they get to a certain level in refereeing, and they want to get to that next level.
      “If you become pregnant, it can cost you two or three years of your life.
      Sian Massey-Ellis has continued her officiating at the highest levels of football after having a babyCredit: Getty
      “Once you lose that three years, somebody else takes your position, so that they move up.
      “If you want to have babies, you’ve got to do it early in your career.
      “If you start having babies later on in your career, you miss that opportunity and it’s sad because there are some great women.”

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      Arsenal 5 Tottenham 1: Gunners trounce Spurs to set up Women’s FA Cup semis duel with Brighton

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      NIKITA PARRIS and Mana Iwabuchi turned on the style as Arsenal survived a Women’s FA Cup scare before putting Tottenham to the sword. The duo combined to clinical effect with Caitlin Foord with the trio netting four goals as the WSL leaders claimed their semi-finals spot in a 5-1 win.
      Nikita Parris was on target with a goal close to half-time during Arsenal’s defeat of TottenhamCredit: Getty
      Mana Iwabuchi netted as the Gunners progressed to the semi-finals of this year’s delayed Women’s FA CupCredit: Getty
      The result saw Arsenal go unbeaten in 19 games across all competitions since losing to Chelsea in February.
      And it brought them a step closer to their dream of winning the contest for the fifteenth time with a semi-final duel with Brighton next. 
      Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall said: “It feels like we’re scoring a lot at the moment, and we look so threatening in our offence, but I think we can be a lot better still. 
      “But from a results perspective and the way we look in attack sometimes it’s excellent, but I still think there are some areas we can improve.
      “I think it’s about the consistency, to be honest.
      “We’re at a really, really high level, but there are maybe one or two percentages we can get better at. It’s more about being consistent over 90 minutes
      Rehanne Skinner’s gutsy Spurs side – currently unbeaten in the league – began the game brightly taking the fight to their hosts. 
      And they momentarily silenced the home fans with Rachel Williams walloping home a left-footed fifth-minute strike past an outstretched Lydia Williams. 

      Such was the strength of Arsenal’s attacking ranks that Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall was able to rest in-form aces Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema and skipper Kim Little.
      And the trio of Nikita Parris, Mana Iwabuchi and Tobin Heath who all started proved to be just as deadly in attack.
      And it was England forward Parris who came close to levelling for the home side as she jinked her way into the box before her sixth-minute shot was blocked. 
      But the slim lead of Skinner’s players evaporated when Iwabuchi showed some deft control as she squeezed the ball past Josie Green to thump in Arsenal’s equaliser. 
      Rachel Williams stunned the hosts with an early opener for TottenhamCredit: Getty
      The Gunners, now dominating their opponents, took the lead moments after the half-hour mark.
      This came via a dangerous Heath cross from the left bouncing into the goal off Tottenham starlet Asmita Hayle.
      And Arsenal increased their tally to three in the thirty-third minute courtesy of Caitlin Foord’s first of the evening. 
      The Australian netted off the back of a Nikita Parris’s cross following a lovely one-two between Iwabuchi and Parris on the edge of the 18-yard box. 
      There was no let-up from the hosts who were relentless in attack in the first half’s closing stages. 
      Their fourth goal came through Parris heading the ball home over Spence in the forty-fourth minute. 
      Caitlin Foord nabbed a brace for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The second half saw summer signing Frida Maanum come on for Lia Walti. 
      The Norway international came close to nabbing her first Women’s FA Cup goal sending a shot past Spence’s post. 
      Chioma Ubogagu came close reducing the deficit for Tottenham forcing keeper Williams to palm her bottom left shot out of danger. 
      But the visitors conceded again when Caitlin Foord poked home her second of the evening following a pinpoint cross from substitute Beth Mead. 
      And the Gunners saw out the 5-1 win ahead of their league clash against Aston Villa next following by their Champions League duel with Barcelona. 
      Tottenham are looking to bounce back from their loss by maintaining their unbeaten run in the WSL
      And they have a trip to Leicester up next with the Foxes yet to pick up a win in the top-flight.
      Rehanne Skinner says Tottenham will turn their attention to their match against Leicester next in the leagueCredit: PA
      Skinner said: “Arsenal are a fantastic side and we’re in a growth phase where we’re trying to get to the point where we can compete with that on a regular basis
      “It’s a cup game anyway so it’s always got a different feel to it.
      “But when we get going into the weekend, it’s certainly a big focus on the league and that’s going to be the main thing that we talk about from this point forwards. 
      Women’s FA Cup Quarter-Final Results
      Brighton booked their place in the final four of the Women’s FA Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win against Charlton. 
      Fliss Gibbons sealed Albion’s victory with a bottom corner volley with the Seagulls facing Arsenal in the semis. 
      Elsewhere Manchester City bounced back from their injury woes with a thumping defeat of Leicester. 
      A Khadija Shaw hat-trick and a Vicky Losada boomer were among the goals netted in a 6-0 win for Gareth Taylor’s side 
      Meanwhile, Chelsea knocked four past as set up a semi-final clash with Man City. 
      Goals included a second-half brace from Fran Kirby and an injury-time effort from Pernille Harder.

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      Man City boss Taylor criticises ‘super late’ Women’s FA Cup player rules changes

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      GARETH TAYLOR hit out at late changes to Women’s FA Cup player registration rules that have affected his injury-hit Manchester City squad.Coordinators of the contest, delayed from last term, say quarter-final teams can register three new players who took part in the competition at an earlier point.
      Gareth Taylor says information on player registration changes for the Women’s FA Cup has come too lateCredit: Getty
      However, players cannot feature if their former clubs are still involved in the competition.
      This means City’s former Arsenal and Tottenham aces Ruby Mace and Alanna Kennedy will not be part of their club’s clash with Leicester this evening.
      Taylor told reporters: “We didn’t get the information until really, really recently, which causes us kind of even more frustration.
      “Getting that information to us a little bit quicker would help. It has come super late.
      “I think it’s wanting to know that information sooner rather than later.”
      The rule comes as a blow to City with the side currently battling with injuries.
      The club had eight first-team members unavailable for their last league match which ended in a 5-0 away loss to Arsenal, their heaviest defeat in the Women’s Super League.

      Players currently out of action include skipper Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Ellie Roebuck, Karen Bardsley and Chloe Kelly.
      The Academy Stadium side, who lost three of their last four matches across all competitions, will be looking to bounce back against Leicester.
      And Foxes forward Jess Sigsworth says her side will approach the game with no fear.
      I know last season when Leicester played City, they only lost 2-1. We’re so excited to go and play themJess Sigsworth
      The former Man United striker and her Leicester team-mates are yet to pick up points in the WSL having lost their opening three league matches.
      But they hope to give Man City a run for their money on their rivals’ home turf.
      Sigsworth said:  “This is where we know we can put things right. We can go and showcase what we can actually do.
      “And then we can go into Sunday against Spurs confident and hopefully take all three points there.
      Jess Sigsworth says Leicester will approach their match against Man City with ‘no fear’Credit: Getty
      “We’re going with no fear, all we’re doing is looking forward to it now.
      “This team can do really well against them. I know last season when Leicester played City, they only lost 2-1. We’re so excited to go and play them.
      “Unfortunately for Man City, they have got a few injuries. It’s never nice when players get injuries, but it may be a good time for us to play them.”

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      Arsenal 5 Manchester City 0: Gunners go top as Kim Little helps inflicts City’s worst-ever loss in the WSL

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      KIM LITTLE helped Arsenal avenge a hat-trick of losses to Man City with the Citizens falling to their heaviest ever WSL defeat. A fierce first-half strike from the retired Scotland ace was among the goals that saw Gareth Taylor’s side lose 5-0. 
      Kim Little bagged a brace with Arsenal going top of the table after beating Man CityCredit: Rex
      The Gunners consigned Man City to their worst loss in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      The result saw the in-form Gunners go top of the table and level on points with Tottenham ahead of their Women’s FA Cup quarters duel. 
      And it leaves a dent in City’s title hopes with the injury-hit Manchester giants falling to eighth in the table after a third successive loss before their FA Cup clash with Leicester.
      City boss Taylor said: “We’re in a difficult moment there’s no doubt about that, but I think we have to fight and will fight. 
      “I think it feels like a difficult result to take (the 5-0) because it didn’t really feel like that. 
      “When you look on the face of it with the errors that we made and the fact we didn’t take (advantage of) our good moments, then you’re going to end up with that scoreline.
      “I want to see us really up for the game (against Leicester City) on Wednesday night. I am looking for a real response.” 

      Ahead of their North London visit, Taylor described his side as a wounded animal with eight first-team regulars currently crocked. 
      And Arsenal showed little mercy taking the lead in the tenth minute. 
      They did so after Beth Mead pounced on Alanna Kennedy’s loose pass to tee up Vivianne Miedema to smash in the host’s opener.
      It took around 11 minutes more for Arsenal to double their lead with Kim Little getting on the score sheet.
      Lia Walti delivered a neat little pass to Miedema who flicked the ball on for Little. 
      And the Arsenal skipper drove into the box to whack in the host’s second past the outstretched Karima Taieb.
      City caused a couple of problems with a corner towards the first-half’s closing stages before Demi Stokes was cautioned for a tug on Miedema.
      Vivianne Miedema was on target for Arsenal after capitalising on a loose City passCredit: Reuters
      The second spell saw City attempt to get a foothold in the game with a dangerous cross from Lauren Hemp causing problems for keeper Manuela Zinsberger.
      But any chances of them getting back into it were blown away by Katie McCabe rifling in Arsenal’s third in the 60th minute following a long ball from Walti.
      Skipper Little picked up her second from the spot with 12 minutes of normal time remaining after Alex Greenwood fouled her in the box.
      And a late Leah Williamson headed goal wrapped up a memorable night for the Gunners and a tough one on the road for City.
      Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal must not get carried away by their win
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “We talked about putting pressure on ourselves and how we needed to perform and get better results against the top teams. 
      “I’m really happy that we’re been able to turn that around but we’re early on in the process and we still have things to develop. 
      “It’s great for the result but let’s not get carried away.”

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      Arsenal goal queen Miedema hails summer signings and rejects idea of a World Cup every two years

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA is enjoying the ‘energy’ Arsenal’s new signings have brought to their squad.And the Gunners goal queen joked she may ‘have to retire’ if a two-yearly World Cup comes to fruition. 
      Vivianne Miedema believes Arsenal’s signings have made them a far stronger sideCredit: Rex
      The Netherlands forward was speaking ahead of her club’s home duel with Man City with Arsenal aiming to make it three wins from three games in the WSL. 
      It is a match that could see some of the team’s newest stars who include Mana Iwabuchi and former City forward Nikita Parris go up against Gareth Taylor’s side. 
      Miedema, 25, said: “It’s really fun, to be honest, being on the pitch right now. It just gives you energy. 
      “You’ve got so many amazing players around you that you want to be out there, you want to have fun and I think competition is only good for everyone. 
      “I think you can see that with Beth already right now and Keets is coming in.
      “The girls want to show what they’re capable of and that’s only going to make us stronger as a team especially with all the games we’re gonna have. 
      “We’ve got plenty of opportunities to change the team and for everyone to get minutes and for everyone to stay fit. 

      USA star Tobin Heath is among the high profile players who joined Arsenal this summerCredit: Getty
      “It’s amazing to have that quality on the pitch and we have improved a lot compared to last year.”
      Arsenal’s first WSL game at Meadow Park this term comes 17 days after Miedema netted her hundredth goal for scoring a hat-trick in their Champions League second-leg crushing of Slavia Praha. 
      And the club’s return to Europe’s top club competition will see them go up against title holders Barcelona at their home ground on October 5. 
      The Catalan giants who trounced Chelsea 4-0 in the final in June have begun their season brightly in Spain’s top-flight
      Under head coach, Jonatan Giraldez who replaced Lluis Cortez at the end of June, have won their opening three fixtures and are yet to concede a goal. 
      And Barca’s last game saw them hammer Valencia 8-0 with midfield ace Alexis Puttellas netting a hat-trick in four minutes. 
      Miedema, who has taken her goal tally to 102 for Arsenal, is relishing the chance of the Gunners pitting their skills against Europe’s top club.
      Vivianne Miedema netted her 100th goal for Arsenal this month
      The WSL star added: “I think playing against one of the best, or probably the best team in the world right now is really exciting.
      “It’s these games that you play football for. 
      “That’s what you want as a player and I think Champions League is something special. 
      “You’ve got big games in the WSL but those Champions League nights are a bit more special. 
      “These are the games that you love to play and I can’t wait to play in them.”
      Miedema, who has 104 Netherlands international caps, has joined her former national team boss Sarina Wiegman in dismissing the concept of a biennial World Cup.
      The Lionesses chief expressed concern for player welfare after being asked about plans for the tournament to be held every two years.
      On the idea of a biennial Women’s World Cup, Miedema said: “I can hardly keep up right now so I might have to retire, to be honest!
      “From a North American point of view, I get it because they want to measure themselves with the rest of the world more often.
      Miedema, like Sarina Wiegman, is not a fan of the concept of a biennial World CupCredit: Getty
      “But I think for us Europeans with the Euros being here, with the Olympics being in between, with the leagues we have, it’s just not possible. 
      “It’s not what you want as a player either.
      “You want to play the big tournaments and they need to be special and I’m definitely not a big fan of the potential new set-up. It’s not good for football.”

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      Hemp wants Man City to make injured stars ‘proud’ with a ‘statement’ win against Arsenal

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      LAUREN HEMP tweeted she was ‘gutted’ when a hamstring injury derailed her promising start to last season Now the in-form forward wants Man City to make their crocked aces ‘proud’ by beating Arsenal.
      Lauren Hemp hopes Man City can defeat Arsenal at Meadow ParkCredit: Alamy
      Lauren Hemp netted against Arsenal when City beat them 2-1 earlier this yearCredit: Getty
      The Citizens have eight first-team regulars out including Hemp’s housemate Esme Morgan who suffered a right leg fracture during the team’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham.
      But optimist Hemp believes her title-chasing side will bounce back from their injury woes and will be ‘flying’ this season.
      The England starlet, 21, said: “It’s upsetting to see your friends go down with injuries and not be able to do the thing they love but the morale in the squad is still positive.
      “It’s important the rest of us put on performances that do our team justice and make players on the sidelines proud. It sort of gives us that extra drive to keep working hard.
      “We want to make sure we win so that when they come back (to full fitness), we can be flying.”
      Before this evening’s clash Hemp reflected on her own battle back to fitness from a hamstring issue that saw her sidelined from September until December last year.

      The forward went on to enjoy a storming finish to last season picking up six WSL goals in 15 games and a second PFA Young Player of the Year gong as City took Chelsea to the wire in the title race.
      And now the Academy Stadium heroine is keen to help team-mate Morgan who was there for her during her ‘tough period’ out of action.
      Hemp added: “When I was injured Esme looked after me and so it’s my turn now.
      “I’ve been looking after her, taking things down to her making sure she doesn’t have to lift a finger and I know she would do the same for me and has done in the past.
      “Every player goes through it at some point and it’s important to look after people when they do.
      “Hopefully everyone who is injured can get back on the pitch as quickly as possible.
      We’re ready to give it a good go and we’d love to win and make a statement that we are here to push for the leagueLauren Hemp
      “They’re in the right care here (at Man City) And we’re, we’re still excited to keep pushing and hopefully win trophies this season.”
      Hemp, who headed in a match-winning goal against the Gunners last time out, is hoping City will nab their fourth consecutive top-flight win against their rivals.
      However, the visitors face a more dangerous Arsenal side this time around boasting new attacking talent, an altered style of play and a new gaffer in Jonas Eidevall.
      Arsenal’s Nikita Parris could be set to play against her old club Man CityCredit: Getty
      Hemp added: “They’ve signed some phenomenal players and obviously we know Keets (Nikita Parris) and she’s played for City before.
      “We’re ready to give it a good go and we’d love to win and make a statement that we are here to push for the league.”
      Arsenal’s starting line-up is likely to include centurion goal scorer Vivianne Miedema who has been in superb form for the club so far this term netting three goals in two WSL games.
      The Netherlands ace has joined her ex-national team boss Sarina Wiegman in opposing proposals for a biennial World Cup and joked she may have to hang up her boots.
      Vivianne Miedema says she is not a fan of the concept of a World Cup every two yearsCredit: Getty
      Miedema told reporters: “I think for us Europeans with the Euros being there, with the Olympics being in between, with the leagues we have, it’s just not possible.
      “It’s not what you want as a player either. You want to play the big tournaments and they need to be special.
      “I’m definitely not a big fan of the potential new set-up. I think it’s not good for football.”

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