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    Brighton boss Powell hopes to stun Arsenal following defeat of Man United

    HOPE POWELL says Brighton are looking to spoil Arsenal’s top-three hopes as Albion hunt for a third win against a WSL big gun. And the Seagulls boss reckons the upturn in her side’s league form means they are unlikely to be underestimated by their top-flight rivals.
    Hope Powell’s players hope to get a result against Arsenal after beating Man UnitedCredit: Rex
    The last clash between Arsenal and Brighton this season ended in a 5-0 away win for the GunnersCredit: Getty
    Brighton, who are sixth and the only team to have beaten Chelsea this term, have won six of their last seven games across all competitions.
    They are targeting another major scalp after defeating Man United who are battling Arsenal for Champions League qualification. 
    And the Seagulls are yet to beat the Gunners since their arrival in the Women’s Super League in the 2018-19 season. 
    Powell, 54, said: “I think what Arsenal won’t do is take us for granted, which perhaps doesn’t help us.  
    “Historically they would beat us and I think there’ll be absolutely on it in this game.
    “They want to secure a top-three spot to go into Europe, but what we’re trying to do is spoil their party as we would do with any team that we come up against. 
    “I think now, because of recent results, teams will make sure that they’re absolutely on it. 
    “And Arsenal will come at us and I’m sure they will play their strongest side.
    “For us, that means a very tough game. And we will make it tough for them. We will do our utmost to be the best we can.” 
    Joe Montemurro’s side who have their sights set on a return to Champions League action next term are currently level on points with United
    But the Gunners have a superior goal difference to the Red Devils and a game in hand.
    Brighton will face Reading and Bristol in their final two games of the seasonCredit: PA

    And wins against Brighton, Everton, West Ham and Villa will guarantee Arsenal a coveted spot in Europe. 
    Montemurro, 51, said: “If we stick to our way and make sure that we don’t allow Brighton to be good in the areas that they are we should be able to get over the line.
    “But it’s going to be very tough as they use quick transitions and have a very good defensive shape.”
     Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Arsenal will be hoping for a home win against Brighton as they target Champions League qualificationCredit: Getty
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    Chelsea star Berger plays down goalkeeping heroics as Blues bid to beat Bayern Munich in Champions League

    ANN-KATRIN BERGER admits she is ‘quite critical’ of her shot-stopping heroics for Chelsea despite Emma Hayes hailing her efforts as world-class. And the WSL ace who helped seal a Champions League semis spot for the Blues relishes seeing herself as an underdog. 
    Ann-Katrin Berger hopes to reach the Women’s Champions League final with Chelsea this seasonCredit: Colorsport
    Berger’s breathtaking saves against Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg helped Hayes’ side line up a clash over two legs with Bayern Munich.
    The German giants and the WSL league leaders are battling for a place in the finals against PSG or Barcelona. 
    But perfectionist Berger, 30, keeps an eye out for errors in performances that have won her praise from pundits. 
    The Kingsmeadow keeper told SunSport ahead of today’s first leg: “I couldn’t tell you which of my games is my best performance.
    “Even in my best games, I find a mistake or something annoying.
    “You would have to ask my goalkeeping coach that because I’m quite critical of myself. 
    “With the Atletico and Wolfsburg matches, I was just doing my job.
    “I enjoy goalkeeping for Chelsea because I have a really good connection with the front four and midfield. 
    “It makes it so much easier for me to do my job. And having the faith the defenders have given me, I think it’s the nicest feeling to get that trust you need to work.”
    Chelsea are vying to become the first English team to be crowned football queens of Europe since Vic Akers’ 2007 Arsenal side. 
    Chelsea hope to pick up an away win in the first leg of their semis clash with Bayern MunichCredit: Getty

    And the Blues, who are two wins away from retaining their WSL title, have battled through some dramatic clashes on their way to their third Champion League semi-finals. 
    Results include their 3-1 aggregate victory against Atletico and a 5-1 win against German champions Wolfsburg.
    And Berger, who has kept 13 clean sheets in 20 games in Europe and the WSL, played a crucial part in those victories including two penalty saves against Atletico. 
    The WSL star, whose football journey began with watching her late father Alois compete in a Sunday League, is relishing the battle with German league leaders Bayern.
    And this term’s semis will not include seven-time winners Lyon who crashed out in the quarter-finals
    They suffered a shock 2-2 aggregate loss on away goals to Berger’s former club PSG.
    Chelsea hope to become the first English club since Arsenal to triumph in EuropeCredit: Getty
    Berger added: “I think Bayern Munich this year are really, really good. They have a really strong squad.
    They’ve improved in the last couple of years so it will be a very hard game I think, even harder than Wolfsburg. 
    “But I also know that we have the quality to win this game as well. It will be a good game to watch.”
    It has been seven years since Berger last played in the top-flight of women’s football in Germany with her career beginning in 2011 as a stopper for Turbine Potsdam.
    Since then the Blues star has enjoyed spells at PSG and Birmingham from 2014 to 2018, before sealing a 2019 switch to Chelsea. 
    And despite making the shortlist for FIFA’s 2020 Women’s Goalkeeper of the year, Berger enjoys seeing herself as an underdog.
    Berger added: “In the past, I have called myself an underdog. 
    “That’s because being an underdog you can actually choose who you want to be.
    “That helped me a lot because I’m completely different to a lot of other goalkeepers
    “And moving from Germany made me open my mind so I could peak.
    Lyon’s shock quarter-final exit has blown this term’s Champions League contest wide openCredit: Rex
    Berger believes the women’s game in England is becoming a more attractive prospect to players in Germany with the WSL sealing the biggest TV broadcasting deal in the history of women’s football 
    The Blues stopper added: “I recently played with the national team and players from Germany were really excited about what happened in England because of the (TV) deal. 
    “I feel like all the women’s leagues in Europe are in competition. I think this deal will help women’s football around the world.”
    Berger says the WSL is becoming more attractive as a league to players in GermanyCredit: Reuters
    Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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    Brighton ace Whelan says life has ‘changed forever’ after the arrival of her baby boy with partner Fern

    AILEEN WHELAN says her life has been transformed after her partner Fern gave birth to their adorable baby boy.The Seagulls striker shared the news with more than a thousand of her Twitter followers along with a cute picture of the couple’s newborn son Jenson James Noel Whelan.
    Aileen and Fern Whelan have been celebrating the birth of their newborn son Jenson
    The Albion ace, whose team are due to play Arsenal, says she feels “complete” following the new addition to her family.
    And in a tweet addressed to Fern Whelan said: “And just like that our lives changed forever.
    “Welcome to the world Jenson James Noel Whelan.
    “Born on 15th April 2021 weighing 8lbs 1. Our world is complete and we are so in love!”
    Aileen and Fern previously played together at Everton and Notts County before joining the Seagulls in 2017.
    And they helped them gain promotion to the Women’s Super League that year.
    The duo announced Fern’s pregnancy in October 2020 after the former defender hung up her boots in September, having been dogged with long-term injuries.
    And despite becoming a mum, Aileen has no plans to slow down her playing career.
    Following the announcement of their pregnancy Whelan said: “I can’t wait!
    “I have always dreamt of having our own family.
    “There will be less sleep I’m sure, but Fern and I will manage this to ensure I’m still getting enough for me to perform at football. 
    “I’m not the first player to become a mum whilst still playing, so I know it is possible. 

    “Sophie Bradley-Auckland at Liverpool had a baby.
    “I’m sure she had a few sleepless nights but returned to playing elite football and is still a great player.”
    Aileen has been a key player for Albion who have undergone a resurgence in the top-flight in the second half of this season.
    The club, who are sixth, have won five of their last six games in the top flight.
    And Whelan who scored in three of those victories has been singled out for praise by boss Hope Powell.
    Powell said: “Aileen would continue running if she had a broken leg.
    “She will do the hard jobs, the scrappy jobs and will run her legs off. 
    “She probably covers more ground than any player, but more importantly, she scores goals. 
    “Aileen throws herself at anything, can score goals – quite often scrappy ones -but she scores.”
    Brighton will travel to Arsenal’s Borehamwood fortress in search of their eighth win in the WSL this term.
    Whelan has been in good form for Brighton who have won five of their last six games in the WSLCredit: Martin Smith / UK Sports Images
    Hope Powell’s side hope to pick up their eighth win of the season when they play ArsenalCredit: Reuters
    The last exchange between the sides ended in a 5-0 home defeat for Albion.
    Powell’s side will be hoping for a repeat of the performance that saw them defeat Chelsea and Man United.
    And they will be hoping Whelan brings some of little Jenson’s baby magic to the game.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Manchester City 2 Chelsea 2: Berger’s brilliant saves help Blues move closer to retaining WSL crown

    ANN-KATRIN BERGER helped Chelsea snatch a precious point at Man City with the champs on course to win their fourth WSL title. The Germany stopper’s stunning saves along with goals from Sam Kerr and Pernille Harder saw the Blues secure a drama-fuelled 2-2 draw.
    Ann-Katrin Berger’s stunning second-half saves helped Chelsea secure a point at Man CityCredit: Getty
    Chelsea could win their fourth WSL title if they win their remaining two league fixtures this seasonCredit: Reuters
    The outcome saw the league leaders extend their advantage at the top by two points.
    And the Blues are just two games away from becoming the first side to win back-to-back WSL titles since Liverpool in 2013 and 2014. 
    And Emma Hayes hailed Berger’s world-class shot-stopping with her team due take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Sunday. 
    Hayes said: “You can score goals to win games but the defence wins championships and she  (Ann-Katrin) is an unbelievable asset to the team. 
    “She is the best goalkeeper in this country, I think along with Christiane Endler they’re the best in the world and she’s improving. 
    “The more pressure she gets, the more she responds. 
    “My team is extremely resilient, and there’s a mentality within the dressing room that if we’re not playing very well, someone’s going to bail us out.
    “I know (before signing Ann)  people thought I had wonderful goalkeepers.
    “I knew what she was capable of and refused to let her play anywhere else. 
    “I wanted her here at this football club and she’s justified that decision fully.”
    Berger and her team-mates will face Bayern Munich next in the Champions League semisCredit: Reuters

    The highly anticipated battle between the WSL heavyweights lived up to its billing with both teams on the attack from the off. 
    The hosts threatened within the first ten minutes and had a decent chance to take the lead with Sam Mewis sending her close-range header over the bar in the ninth minute. 
    And Alex Greenwood headed the ball off the line moments later following a backwards headed effort from Sam Kerr. 
    The 0-0 scoreline lasted until the 24th minute with hotshot Kerr losing her marker to put the Blues in front with a bullet header. 
    But Gareth Taylor’s side refused to be bowed and hit back with an equaliser with a Chloe Kelly tap in four minutes later. 
    There was penalty drama close to the half-hour mark after Kerr was brought down by Ellie Roebuck.
    While the City keeper appeared to have got the ball ref Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot with Harder converting to put the visitors ahead. 
    Lauren Hemp was on target for City who came close to snatching a third goal against Chelsea late on in the gameCredit: PA
    The second half was just as frenetic as the first with the game becoming stretched as Man City searched for an equaliser. 
    And they got one with Chloe Kelly taking advantage of an awkward Fran Kirby pass to set up Lauren Hemp.  
    And the England winger poked home a leveller for City with 16 minutes of normal time remaining. 
    Moments later Hemp would force a brilliant reflex save from Berger with the keeper parrying the ball over the bar. 
    And the Blues stopper denied Stanway before Bronze missed a gilt-edged chance to score in stoppage time with the visitors securing a draw. 
    A home clash with Birmingham is up next for Man City. 
    The most important thing is we make sure we focus on what we’re able to control which is our final two gamesGareth Taylor
    But should they draw or lose to Carla Ward’s side then Chelsea could clinch the title if they win their derby duel with Tottenham. 
    And Taylor says his players intend to battle until the end of the season following the disappointment of their draw with Chelsea. 
    Taylor said: “I thought girls left everything out on the pitch and played some really good stuff in the second period and dominated proceedings.
    “We looked like we were going to get the late winner. It took a world-class save from their keeper to keep them in it. 
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Chelsea will play Tottenham and Reading in their final two games of the seasonCredit: Colorsport
    “We just run out of time in the end so you can understand that the disappointment for the girls, 
    “The most important thing is we make sure we focus on what we’re able to control which is the final two games.
    “We need to take care of those games, finish the season strong, make sure we remain unbeaten at home and control we do. 
    “Anything else that happens elsewhere is out of our control, but we need to give ourselves the best possible chance.”
    Man City are now two points behind Chelsea ahead of their game against BirminghamCredit: Getty
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    Williamson wows Arsenal fans with her silky skills ahead of club’s clash with Seagulls

    LEAH WILLIAMSON is winning plaudits on Twitter for a sublime piece of skill during Arsenal’s trouncing of Gillingham in the Women’s FA Cup. The England ace, who is better known for her robust defensive displays, stunned fans when she pulled off the silky move.
    Williamson wowed Arsenal fans on Twitter with her nifty skills during the team’s fourth round FA Cup win against GillinghamCredit: Getty
    And Gunners supporters proudly shared a clip of Williamson in action, with the caption “How’s your touch,” directed towards her.
    In the clip, which amassed over 2,000 likes, the centre-back can be seen using her back heel to flick the ball to her front foot, before majestically controlling it and passing it on.
    And club team-mate Anna Patten can also be seen in the footage watching Williamson, 24, in amazement.
    In the comments under the clip, Williamson jokingly asks Patten if she is “okay,” to which Patten replied, “I’m so in awe of your touch I can’t move!”.
    Patten, who returned to North London in January, also showed off her attacking prowess by scoring her first-ever goal for the Gunners in their 10-0 win against Gillingham.
    The Hertfordshire-born defender, who sealed a move from US university side the South Carolina Gamecocks, has made five appearances for Arsenal this term.
    And Patten and her team-mates have even more to celebrate with the Gunners having gone 540 minutes without conceding a goal ahead of their WSL game against Brighton.
    But not to be out-done by the team’s defenders, Dutch hot-shot Vivianne Miedema also hit a pinnacle in the game, making her 100th appearance for the club.
    Williamson and her team-mate Patten joked about the clip on Twitter
    The Gunners have not conceded a goal in 540 minutes of competitive football

    Gunners boss Jo Montemurro will be hoping his players can keep up their solid defensive displays as they pursue Champions League qualification.
    Arsenal, who are currently third, are level on points with their top three rivals Manchester United.
    However, they have a game in hand over the Red Devils who face Tottenham ahead of their final two matches of the season against Bristol and Everton.
    Wins for Arsenal in their four remaining WSL games should see them finish third and qualify for the Champions League.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Arsenal will play Brighton, West Ham, Everton and Aston Villa in their final four WSL games this termCredit: Getty
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    Taylor hopes Man City can knock Chelsea off the WSL’s summit in crunch clash for title

    GARETH TAYLOR thinks it will be a huge coup if Man City can swipe Chelsea’s WSL crown during his first term in charge. And the Academy Stadium boss has thrown his weight behind plans to provide the women’s game’s top referees with access to training given to Prem and EFL match officials.  
    Gareth Taylor hopes his team can pick up maximum points against ChelseaCredit: Getty
    A win for the Blues would put them in pole position to retain their WSL crownCredit: Getty
    City, who are without injured skipper Steph Houghton, will battle with the Blues for the first time since their 4-2 Conti Cup quarter-final loss to the champions in January. 
    And Taylor expects his side will face a stiff test as they look to avenge that defeat and pick up their tenth win on the bounce before a clash with Birmingham. 
    Should City triumph the club will be two wins away from securing their second WSL title and their first since Taylor took charge in September 2020.
    Taylor, 48, said: “This is obviously a result we need. But we know afterwards that we need another two wins. 
    “It’s important for us that we focus on this game and get this job done. To win the title would be big, let’s not dance around it.
    “It’d be a huge achievement for us especially considering the run that we needed to go on in order to be successful. 
    “In the WSL unfortunately with just 12 teams and only 22 games, it doesn’t really allow for any inconsistency at all. 
    “We’ve lost one game this season to Chelsea, they’ve lost one game to Brighton. Everything’s fairly tight. 
    “It’s not really been a season where you’re able to kind of run away with points. 
    Manchester City are currently two points behind league leaders ChelseaCredit: Zuma Press

    City’s game against Chelsea comes a day after the FA revealed PGMOL ref chiefs will oversee the management of WSL match officials from next season. 
    The standard of refereeing in the league has at times been questioned by club bosses with some officiating decisions coming in for criticism. 
    It is hoped the move will help ramp up the quality of officiating following growing calls for full-time refs at the highest levels of the women’s game. 
    Taylor added: “To come under one governing body is going to help everyone, it’s going to help the officials, it’s going to help referees. 
    “We’re always wanting to look at ways that we can revolutionise the game and add quality and this is a really positive step forward.”
    Taylor has backed plans for WSL match officials to receive training and support given to Prem refsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Meanwhile, Ann-Katrin Berger reckons the outcome of Chelsea’s clash with City will determine who will become the WSL’s top dogs this term.
    And the Blues stopper, who has kept 10 clean sheets in 14 league games this term hopes her side can pick up a second win at the Academy Stadium.   
    Berger, 30, said: “We’re two strong teams that know how to win. And I think it will be harder for us because it’s not on our ground.
    “But I think because we won for the first time there this year, we can have a little more confidence in this game.” 
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Ann-Katrin Berger believes Chelsea can take confidence from their win against Man City in JanuaryCredit: Rex
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    Hayes says Chelsea are ‘focused’ on beating Man City to WSL title amid ‘Big Six’ breakaway outcry

    EMMA HAYES is “fully focused” on helping Chelsea beat Man City despite the furore surrounding the Blues’ role in plans for a European Super League.  And the Kingsmeadow boss says she has no knowledge of controversial proposals to set up a women’s version of the breakaway division.
    Emma Hayes says Chelsea are focused on notching up their second match win in the league against Man CityCredit: Rex
    Chelsea’s clash with Man City is the first of two big games for the Blues who face Bayern Munich in the Champions League semisCredit: PA
    Hayes, whose aces aim to strengthen their grip at the top, was speaking hours after the Blues revealed themselves as one of six Prem giants joining the league.
    A Chelsea statement on the £4.6billion 12-team competition – which entails no relegation – says a ‘corresponding women’s league will also be launched, helping to advance the women’s game as soon as practicable.’  
    However, Hayes, whose team will visit Man City – who are also among the ‘Big Six’ sides joining the league – says she knows little about the proposals. 
    The Chelsea boss told reporters: “I don’t know anything about it (a women’s league). I’ve been on the training pitch mostly. 
    “I don’t know about any conversations around those things. I leave those matters to people at the top end of football.
    “I’d love to tell you I was sitting down reading a lot about it late on Sunday night, early Monday morning. 
    “The reality is, I haven’t looked at any media. I haven’t had time to have an opinion, to be honest.”
    The breakaway plans, which include six other football giants from Italy and Spain, have been met with growing anger and dismay within the sport.
    FA President Prince William and Fifa Council candidate Laura McAllister are among the influential figures who have criticised the move.
    Man City have won nine of the WSL games on the bounce in 2021Credit: PA

    And Blues supporters network The Chelsea Social fears plans for a corresponding women’s European Super League would ‘ignore a number of clubs with a serious pedigree in the women’s game’ and ‘prioritise those with the deepest pockets.’ 
    Chelsea’s involvement in the ‘Big Six’ breakaway has been criticised by some of the club’s supporters
    Hayes, whose team are bidding to retain their WSL crown says registering a second win at Man City’s Academy Stadium fortress is her priority. 
    The Blues gaffer added: “I’ve just had my head fully focused on Wednesday’s game and I’m paid to win football matches so I’m just focusing on the game.” 
    Just two points currently separate Chelsea from City who are second in the table. 
    And the WSL champs have won 16 matches and drawn one less than their in-form rivals who have picked up maximum points from nine league games this year. 
    A victory for the Blues would see them move five points clear at the summit with just two games remaining against Tottenham and Reading. 
    It would also give them a boost ahead of the first-leg of their Champions League semis clash with Bayern Munich.
    This term Chelsea are aiming to become the first English side since Arsenal to win the top prize for women’s football clubs in Europe. 
    Hayes added: “I think winning always breeds confidence, that’s for sure. 
    “But these are two different competitions and you do perform differently in the league over the Champions League as it’s a different style of opponent.
    “I think for the neutral our match against Man City is going to be a great game to watch knowing that the outcome will play a massive factor in where the league title is going to end up. 
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    A win for Chelsea against Man City would put them five points ahead in the WSL with two games remaining this termCredit: PA
    “I’ve been here long enough to know that I’m used to these games, so forgive me for not sounding delirious about it.
    “It’s just another one for us in what has already been a brilliant season so far.
    “What I know is that this these are the top two teams in England, playing on Wednesday vying for the league. 
    “And I think Man City’s qualities, throughout the season with the quality that they’ve got amongst their group, have demonstrated why they are in and around it.”
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    Fans compare Gunners centurion Miedema to Messi and Ronaldo ahead of Brighton clash

    VIVIANNE MIEDEMA has Arsenal fans ranking her alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi following her 100th appearance for the Gunners. And the Dutch forward is now just eight goals short of scoring one hundred times for the club after netting in her side’s 10-0 drubbing of Gillingham.
    Miedema marked her 100th Gunners appearance with a goal bringing her tally to 92Credit: PA
    Fans who watched Miedema help her team set up a fifth-round Women’s FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace praised her remarkable feat on Twitter.
    One supporter claimed Arsenal’s Prem side, who are currently languishing in ninth in their league, would be in a higher position if the Netherlands star played for the men’s team.
    Another described her as ‘The Real Goat’ of our time’ whilst a fellow Gooner called her the ‘Cristiano Ronaldo of women’s football’
    The club’s official account hailed the striker’s efforts with goat emojis in their caption.
    And while raving about Miedema’s clinical finishing a Gunners follower described the 2019 Women’s World Cup finalist as more like Messi.
    But one tweeter offered a diplomatic solution. They stated her pitch skills were similar to both stars and opted to call her “Cristiano Messi.”
    Breaking records in the women’s top-flight has become the norm for Miedema who has enjoyed phenomenal success at Arsenal since her 2017 move from Bayern Munich.
    This season, she smashed the WSL all-time scoring record with 50 goals in just 52 games.
    And the Gunners ace, who is due to play Brighton with her team, has racked up 17 goals in 18 Women’s Super League games this term.
    The former Bundesliga Women’s star is also on course to win the WSL Golden Boot award for the third year running, but faces stiff competition from Chelsea’s Sam Kerr.
    Vivianne Miedema is just eight goals short of scoring one hundred times for Arsenal
    Fans have been debating whether Miedema is more like Ronaldo or Messi

    Chelsea’s Kerr has also clocked up 17 goals and with both rivals providing five assists for their respective sides this season.
    Miedema is yet to sign a new deal with Arsenal, who are third and pushing for a Champions League qualification for next season.
    And the club hopes a top-three finish and a place in one of Europe’s most prestigious football contest will entice the Netherlands striker to sign a new contract.
    Miedema recently revealed that she would love to play for her childhood dream team Feyenoord
    The Eredivisie giants plan to launch a women’s team next season.
    Miedema and her Arsenal team-mates are due to take on Brighton next in the WSLCredit: Zuma Press
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