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      ‘When it comes to Sunderland versus Newcastle, it’s going to be tough’, says Magpies goalkeeper Claudia Moan

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      GETTING “a bit of grief” over her summer transfer to Newcastle from Sunderland was a scenario Claudia Moan had prepared herself for.However the Magpies goalkeeper, 25, is determined to put any negative noise to the back of her mind and embrace life with the Women’s Championship’s newest side.Newcastle will play their first game in the Women’s Championship at 2:00pm today when they take on London City LionessesCredit: GettyGoalkeeper Claudia Moan says her transfer to Newcastle from Sunderland was about setting herself a new challenge.Becky Langley’s Newcastle will be among the sides chasing a spot in the Women’s Super League having clinched back-to-back promotionCredit: GettyMoan’s July switch to the Tyneside club follows a standout season with her old sideThe shot stopper, who began her senior club career at Sunderland five years ago, played a significant role in her former club’s push for promotion to the top tier last term. Moan kept ten clean sheets in 22 Championship games with the Black Cats in the thick of a five-way battle for a WSL spot, finishing five points behind division winners Crystal Palace. It was a feat that saw her win the second tier’s Golden Glove prize three months before her move to a Newcastle team that clinched back-to-back promotions under head coach Becky Langley.Read More Football StoriesMoan, whose new side face London City Lionesses in their first game of the season at 2:00pm today side, admits she had to block out some of the negative reaction to her move.She said: “When it (news of my transfer) reached some the men’s team fans, the first week wasn’t the best with a lot of people with their own opinions.”It’s one of those things where you have to be aware that you are always going to get a bit of grief.”I kept off my phone in the first week (after my move). It’s something I should have been excited about.Most read in Football”But there are people who try and spoil it for you because they are looking at it the wrong way. It’s football at the end of the day.Newcastle’s leap to the second tier will see them go toe-to-toe with the Black Cats for the first time in the Women’s Championship on October 13.And the match could see Moan in action against her former club for the first time since her transfer to the Tyneside giants.She adds: “For me I have to put it at the back of my mind. “I know that when it comes to Sunderland-vs-Newcastle it’s going to be a tough day especially for me.”And it’s just (about) trying to block out the people who don’t see it for what it is, “The people who are trying to say I’m a traitor and this, that and the other. Some people have only seen me play for Sunderland.”What they don’t know is I have been at Newcastle two times before this.“I’ve been at Newcastle, then Sunderland, then Newcastle and then Sunderland, but that’s not picked up on because I was playing for development teams.”But now I’m in the senior team, it’s like I’m now a traitor and this, that and the other.”For Moan the motivation for move is about setting herself a new challenge within the Women’s Championship.And she believes Newcastle, who along with London City Lionesses are being tipped as promotion contenders, will have a target on their backs.Moan said: “I think every team’s enemy is Newcastle. It’s expected and because the team got a double promotion.”In this league it’s whoever wants it most on the day. It’s a very, very hard league.”The top teams could draw or could get beat by teams at the bottom because you’re either trying to survive (a fight against) relegation, or you’re trying to get promoted. “There’s never an easy game, it’s always hard.”Along with London City, who last December were acquired by American business tycoon Michelle Kang, who also owns US side Washington Spirit, the Magpies are one of the most minted sides in the division.The women’s team went full-time in June last year after being officially assimilated into the club two years ago following Newcastle being taken over by a Saudi-led consortium in 2021.  Following back-to-back promotions over the last two years, Moan’s new club have demonstrated their intent in terms of trying achieve promotion for the third season in a row.Recent signings include ex-Man City full-back Demi Stokes and ex-Chelsea and Reading defender Deanna Cooper, both of whom have experience of winning WSL titles.And the club have also shown their faith in Langley’s leadership by giving their women’s team boss a new long-term contract.Moan said: “Becky and the team have made it quite clear, especially after the double-promotion that they do want to go for promotion.“We know it’s going to be a hard season and you have to work hard and fight for it, and that it might not happen, but we want to at least get into the top four.“We want to get as high as we possibly can and make a good impactlike Southampton did when they came up.“They shot right to the top and stayed up there and I don’t see why Newcastle can’t do that this season.”Former AC Milan midfielder Kosovare Asllani is among the experienced international players who joined London City this yearCredit: RexToday’s trip to Hayes Lane for Langley’s side will see them come up against a side managed by former Paris Saint-Germain Women’s boss Jocelyn Precheur.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis team have boosted their attacking options this summer signing Sweden international forward Kosovare Asllani from AC Milan. This week the club signed forward Isobel Goodwin from Sheffield United for an undisclosed fee thought to be a record figure for a Women’s Championship side. More

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      My cousin is Man Utd FA Cup hero – now he’s helping me through my injury hell so I can shine for women’s team

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      GABBY GEORGE is leaning on her superstar cousin Jesse Lingard to help her return from a lengthy injury.George, 27, has missed 11 months of action after suffering an ruptured ACL last October, just one month after joining Manchester United women from Everton.Gabby George is leaning on her cousin Jesse Lingard to help her return from injuryCredit: GettyGeorge has spent 11 months out with a ruptured ACLCredit: Instagram @gabsgeorgeeThe Man Utd defender has been talking through her rehab with her cousin Jesse LingardCredit: Instagram @gabsgeorgeeGeorge, who came through the youth ranks at Man Utd like her cousin Lingard, re-joined the Red Devils after leaving for Everton at the start of her career.But her emotional return to Manchester was scuppered when, after just three appearances, she ruptured her ACL and saw her season come to an end before it had even really begun. It wasn’t the first time that she had suffered the devastating injury either, falling to the same fate back in 2020 for the Toffees and missing a year of football.But as well as the experience of going through the rebab before, George has the advantage of relying on a knowledgeable family member to guide he through the tough times.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLingard, who now plies his trade in Korea with FC Seoul, has missed over 100 games throughout his career with injury and knows a thing or two about how to bounce back.George has been able to rely on Lingard during her recovery and is hoping that his help will act as a springboard for her to burst back onto the scene this season.Speaking to MUTV, she said: “I’ve spoke to Jesse quite a lot about my rehab.”I think it is hard to describe the emotions that you go through when you have an injury; there are ups and there are downs like anything in life.Most read in FootballGeorge was injured in just her third game for Man UtdCredit: PABEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”It’s difficult to put into terms when it is something so big to you. “Obviously I have played football for however long and when it is something that is taken away from you, it has been important to have Jesse around, well not around but having him on the phone with him being in Korea now!Jesse Lingard fires wildly over the bar on K League debut”My family have been amazing for me, my little sister she has been amazing for me and to have people around me to just have something else to think about.”Lingard made 232 appearances for Man Utd and will go down in history as an FA Cup hero for the club thanks to his extra-time winner against Crystal Palace in 2016.Now George is hoping to write her own history for the club, but first she is focusing on building up her fitness and minutes during pre-season.She explained: “Obviously minutes are important in pre-season especially when I haven’t played for so long, there hasn’t been the chance to build-up those connections with everyone.”Everyone is doing the same thing but we obviously want to get minutes, build as a team, build our connections and I think that is the most important thing for pre-season and that is on and off the pitch.”Jesse Lingard now plays for FC Seoul in KoreaCredit: Getty More

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      Leah Williamson backs Arsenal to handle Women’s Champions League qualifier pressure in clash with Rangers

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON insists Arsenal aim to avoid the hurt of a Champions League qualifier exit when they face Rangers. The Gunners host Scotland’s top-flight leaders tomorrow evening with a place in the first round qualifying final at stake.Leah Williamson and Arsenal are targeting a win against Rangers in their Women’s Champions League first round qualifier duelCredit: GettyRangers are top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League after five wins from their first five games this termCredit: RexThe 7:30pm Meadow Park clash comes almost a year after Williamson’s side were knocked out on penalties last term in the contest’s qualifier stage by French side Paris FC.And the Arsenal centre-back, 27, who was then working her way to back fitness from a ruptured knee ligament, insists her team are eager to get the job done this time around.  Williamson said: “Last year was a hurtful situation. We were left to regret that for the rest of the year.”Everyone knows what it feels like to lose, no one wants to feel like that again.Read More Football Stories “But with this team, one of the benefits, or one of the strengths of the team, is the intensity that we’ve played at.”And when pressure arrives, that sort of tension can be taken out on the way that we play.”The last time Williamson featured in a Champions League fixture for her club was in March 2023.Back then she helped the Gunners overturn a 1-0 quarter-final first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich.Most read in FootballThey sealed a 2-1 aggregate victory in a second-leg clash at the Emirates.And it was Williamson’s backheeled assist that teed up Frida Maanum’s stunning top corner strike which put the game to bed.The defender, who made her senior Arsenal debut in a Champions League last eight duel with Birmingham ten years ago added: “That night of football was incredible.”It was the first time I think I really felt the real magic of the Champions League with overturning a 1-0 deficit.”There were so many elements. Frida’s goal was incredible.”And it was the first time on a night like that, with that many people coming out to watch us, when there was rain and it was cold. “But that is actually my core memory when I think about playing in the Champions League. That’s the last game I played in it.”Tomorrow night, regardless of it being a qualifier and not quarter-final, that does not matter to me. “It’s Champions League and I’m very excited to get back involved. “And the opportunity of playing in those knockout games is special because it offers you those special moments if you are on the right side of them.”Arsenal will be without the services of forward Beth Mead and defender Steph Catley with the duo both ruled out due to injury. However the team will have Netherlands goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar in their squad along with new forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji. The Wednesday evening game will pit Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners against a Rangers side with five wins from five games in the Scottish Women’s Premier League.The team are coached by former Arsenal midfielder Jo Potter who also guided her players to a Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup win in March via a 4-1 defeat of Partick Thistle.Eidevall, 41, adds: “They were very, very close to knocking out Benfica who we know are a good European team.“We know the qualification stages is not easy. We need to bring our very best from the first second in the game to the very last, so it’s no underestimating opponents from us.”The victors of tomorrow’s game will face Atletico Madrid or Rosenborg BK in Saturday’s first round qualifier final.And while boss Eidevall sees the push for a WSL title as his team’s “bread and butter”, reaching the Champions League group stage is a priority.He adds: “If you look at football as a global phenomenon, Champions League is what makes European football so special.”It’s what makes the whole world want to come to Europe and compete. “Of course, if I look it (the game) the league (in England) is our bread and butter.”That has to be our foundation. That has to be our main target – to win the (Women’s Super) League.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall is eager to see his side reach the Champions League group stageCredit: Getty”But Europe always has to be the vision and it’s going to bring the toughest challenges, it’s going to be knockout football and down to moments.READ MORE SUN STORIES”And it’s the jeopardy of that as well that makes football so exciting.”As a club, I very much see us as a European club then you need to be a part of the competition and be present in the group stages.” More

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      Former Jamaica ace hopes new guide for mums in football leads to better support for female players with children

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      CHEYNA MATTHEWS hopes new guidelines for mums in football will make it “less taboo” for female players to bring their children to sports events.The former Jamaica player, 30, shared her thoughts as part of ‘The Postpartum Return to Play’ guide published by global players’ union Fifpro.Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, who won a landmark maternity pay case last year, is among the players who fed into Fifpro’s new guideCredit: ReutersCheyna Matthews (left) hopes Fifpro’s guide will help make it less taboo for players who are mums to bring children into football environmentsCredit: APThe 48-page guide, published today, was produced with input from current and former elite players who are parents, including Matthews, who is a mother-of-three.Other players who are mums and shared their experiences include ex-Iceland midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, who won a maternity pay claim case against French giants Lyon last January.The guide provides information on topics such as sleep hygiene, breastfeeding and pelvic health. It also provides advice on nutrition for players for during and after pregnancy, as well as management of mental wellbeing, and returning to exercise post-pregnancy.Read More Football StoriesThe guide includes insights from experts on pregnancy and reproductive health, women’s football and Fifa maternity regulations.And Matthews, who played for Jamaica at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, hopes it will lead to better support for female footballers wanting to blend their roles as mothers and elites athletes.The former forward, said: “For me, I tried to keep my children away from the club environment because I didn’t want to be looked at as the mum, I wanted to be looked at as a professional.”I think that was probably my biggest challenge – finding that balance of how often do I have my children around, do they travel with me?Most read in Football”It’s those kinds of things and I just worked with my family and the support and resources that I had outside of the team to make it fit what I felt like I should do in my professional environment.”These guidelines will really help, in terms of having the professional life and the family life intersect, where it’s not as taboo to have your child travel with you on a trip. “And it’s not considered a distraction and there’s a space for it.”Last month in Paris retired United States sprint star Allyson Felix opened the first nursery to be set up in an Olympic village.The seven-time Olympic gold-medallist told NBC the idea for this at the Paris games “was top of mind to support athletes are mothers”.Felix, who won an election to represent athletes on the IOC, said: “It’s here so that mothers and families feel supported.”Having some normalcy is great, just to have an actual space dedicated for this.”Last month Allyson Felix opened the first nursery to provided in an Olympic Games villageCredit: ReutersMatthews, who has 18 senior Jamaica caps, hopes Fifpro’s new guidelines will open doors for similar spaces at football tournaments.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward, whose former clubs include Washington Spirit, Racing Louisville and Chicago RedStars, adds: “Having the childcare centre for the Olympians is huge.”I can just see with the (Fifpro) guideline how it will open doors for maybe sponsors and different supporters to have these experiences for players in the football environment as well.” More

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      Sonia Bompastor praises Chelsea for frustrating Arsenal and says more work needs be to done ahead of WSL season

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR is keen to keep building Chelsea’s team spirit following an unbeaten start to her Blues reign.It is a case of so far good two months into the Blues’ chief’s reign with her team beating Arsenal in their first friendly since she took charge in July.Chelsea have picked up two wins from their first two friendly games under Sonia BompastorCredit: GettyThe Blues will face Feyenoord in their third pre-season friendly this summer before the start of the new WSL season next monthCredit: GettyBompastor, who took over from Emma Hayes, has notched up two friendly wins including a 1-0 defeat of the Gunners during a United States pre-season tourSandy Baltimore’s close-range, walloped effort, following by a clever intervention from Maika Hamano, was enough to seal victory last night despite a fight-back from their opponents.Bompastor, whose side host Feyenoord in a September 7 friendly, said: “What I take from the game is we worked really hard as a team.”Even if we had some difficult moments, we were able to manage them.Read More Football Stories “There is a good team spirit in times like that and of course the result is good, even if we know we still need to work. “These two games – are good games to build on and progress.Of Baltimore’s first goal in a Chelsea shirt, she added: “I feel really happy for her because it’s always something special to have the opportunity to score for your first goal with your new team.”It will give her some confidence and it’s always good for her to get highlighted. That’s a good thing.”Most read in FootballThe result left the Gunners, who begin their push for a Champions League group stage place next week, with a few things to ponder in terms of their attack.Star forward Beth Mead withdrew last night’s game shortly before kick-off and Stina Blackstenius is out of match action as she works her back from a hip issue.Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall told the supporters site Arseblog: “When I summarise this trip there are a lot of positives but the clear negative for us is that we have poor player availability.”We come away from this trip disappointed that we haven’t been able to nurture more of the key relationships that we want to have this year.”We need to get players back on the pitch because to have a fast start, we need those relationships.”Off the back of Chelsea’s 3-1 win against National Women’s Soccer League champions Gotham FC, the France-born boss made use of most of the squad at her disposal.Lauren James was a notable absentee with the player missing the match due to an unspecified injury.But the forward is expected to be okay following Chelsea’s return to London.Eleven substitutes featured for Bompastor in a match that underlined the attacking and defensive depth of one of Europe’s most intimidating sides.Among the starters was Japan playmaker Maika Hamano, one of the best performer on the night, who provided the assist for Baltimore after pinching the ball off Kim Little.Lucy Bronze and teenage Netherlands midfielder Wieke Kaptein were also among the new Blues who started, with Kaptein, 18, at times controlling the midfield in the game’s early stages.Following Baltimore’s 48th minute strike Arsenal took control of the game. Jonas Eidevall will be hoping for a clinical response from Arsenal when they face Rangers in the Champions League qualifiersCredit: GettyThis followed the introduction of Frida Maanum and summer signing Mariona Caldentey, with the ex-Barcelona forward causing problems on the left flank.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile they dominated with Alessia Russo and Caitlin Foord lively in attack, the Gunners were unable to make their dominance count with Chelsea thwarting them in the final third.This is something Eidevall will be eager to rectify ahead of the team’s Champions League first round qualifier clash with Rangers on September 4. More

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      Arsenal’s Katie McCabe eager to clinch another ‘dream’ WSL title win with the Gunners

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      BEING crowned a WSL champion at the Emirates, whilst helping Arsenal end their title drought, would be a dream come true for Katie McCabe.It has been five years and three months since her side lifted the top prize in women’s club football in England.Katie McCabe hopes Arsenal can take their strong finish to the end of last term into next seasonCredit: GettyMcCabe and her team-mates will take on Chelsea in a pre-season warm-up ahead of their push to qualify for the ChampionsCredit: GettyA 4-0 away defeat of Brighton, with McCabe netting second goal in that game, clinched the Gunners’ third WSL title win and 15th in an English top-flightOut of the squad that helped the team become WSL champions, just five players remain.Aside from McCabe, 28, they are skipper Kim Little, centre-back Leah Williamson, Lia Walti and superstar forward Beth Mead.And Republic of Ireland skipper McCabe, would love her team, who finished third in the league last term, to return top of the pack.Read More Football StoriesThe versatile winger, whose side will face Chelsea in a pre-season clash in the United States tonight, said: “When we go into every season, we want to be competing for all trophies available.”The league will absolutely be one of them going into next season as well.”It would be a dream come true (if we were) to win a WSL title in front of 60,000 at the Emirates.”For us it’s something we want and we’re always competitive.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLast summer Arsenal experienced a difficult start to their season.In September they suffered a shock exit from the Champions League group qualifying stage, losing on penalties to Paris FC.Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ A result that McCabe described as disappointing.However the second half of last term saw Jonas Eidevall’s aces rally, picking up five wins from six games between the end of March and mid-May.This included their 1-0 Conti Cup final defeat of Chelsea at Molineux.And McCabe, who has lifted five major trophies with the club since her 2015 arrival, expects the Gunners to push on.This starts with Eidevall’s side hosting Rangers on September 4 in a first round qualifier for a place in the Champions League group stage. The winger, who notched up more than 200 Arsenal appearances added: “Wearing the Arsenal shirt, you carry that weight and that responsibility to bring back silverware for the club.”I know me and my team-mates will be hungry to do that for sure next season.”For us, we’re always looking to be better than in previous seasons, so of course it’s to progress more.”I feel like towards the end of the season we got into a really nice groove of how we want to play and playing our style of football.”Going into next season we want to continue that – to play our way and use that going into games and winning matches early on.”The Champions League will be massive for us too and, of course, competing for all trophies available.”This December it will be nine years since McCabe sealed a move from Irish side Shelbourne to an Arsenal team then managed by Joe Montemurro.Since then the winger, who struggled with injury and faced a battle for minutes early in her Gunners career, has become a firm fan favourite. And she hopes to keep the crowds cheering.McCabe, who said: “I feel old. It’s been an incredible eight-and-a-half years. To say I’ve over 200 appearances now for Arsenal is incredible”Having the fans’ support has been massive for me whether it’s the chants and the support of the goals. I always want to give back.”Her efforts for her club aside, McCabe is among several profile athletes who have been utilising a fitness tracker to monitor their performance.The app known as WHOOP, and worn as a wristband, is used the Republic of Ireland international and a few of her Arsenal team-mates.They include England forward Mead.According to McCabe, it provides her with useful insight on her fitness sleep patterns as well her sleep patterns and cardiovascular performance.She says: “It’s not just athletes it’s available for. It’s for people working in their everyday lives as well.”There’s a high focus on tracking your menstrual cycle, so there’s a lot of women’s specific data in there as well. Arsenal’s clash with Chelsea will be first against their London for since Sonia Bompastor’s began her role as Blues head coachCredit: Getty”It’s data I personally use and it helps me be able to perform at my maximum each day.”My favourite is the match-day data that that comes out of it and how much strain as such you have on your body too.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Having the WHOOP app there to help with that, it’s important for me to then fine tune those details and put it into my performances each day, including training in the gym.”Chelsea vs Arsenal can be watched live from 21:15 tonight on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube. More

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      Khadija Shaw hails ‘special’ PFA Women’s Player award win with Grace Clinton collecting Young Player prize

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      KHADIJA SHAW paid tribute to her football rivals and Manchester City team-mates after being voted women’s PFA Players’ Player of the Year.The striker, 27, who is currently on a pre-season tour in Australia with her club, described her win as “a special honour”.Khadija Shaw’s PFA Players’ Player award win follows her helping Man City finish second in the WSL last termCredit: AlamyThe City striker won last term’s WSL Golden Boot despite sustaining a season-ending ankle injuryCredit: GettyGrace Clinton was voted the PFA’s Young Women’s Player of the Year following her impressive loan spell at Tottenham last seasonCredit: GettyLauren James is one of three Chelsea stars named in the PFA’s Women’s Team of the YearCredit: GettyThe Jamaica captain pipped team-mates Yui Hasegawa and Lauren Hemp to the gong.Chelsea trio Erin Cuthbert, Lauren James and Niamh Charles are the three remaining nominees who finished as runners-up for this year’s prize.Shaw’s triumph follows a season in which she collected the Women’s Super League’s Golden Boot after netting 21 goals in 18 top tier games last term.The Jamaica hotshot played an influential role in the Cityzens pushing Chelsea all the way in a tense top-flight title battle.Read More Football Stories A contest which the Blues’ won on goal difference last term.She said: “I am both happy and proud to have received this award – to be recognised in such a way by my peers is a very special honour. “I also want to thank my teammates and the entire coaching staff because without them this wouldn’t be possible. “I’d also like to congratulate all my fellow nominees who are such amazing players. Most read in Football”To have been voted the player of the year means a lot.”Earlier this year Shaw, who sustained a season-ending ankle injury in April, was named as the WSL’s Player of the 2023-24 campaign.The striker, who joined the club from French side Bordeaux three years ago, is one of six City aces named in the PFA WSL Team of the Year.England trio Alex Greenwood, Hemp and Khiara Keating are included in the star-studded line-up along with Japan playmaker Hasegawa and Spain defender Laia Aleixandri.Blues full-back Charles, midfielder Cuthbert, forward James and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, have also been included in the PFA’s WSL women’s team of the year.This follows a season in which the quartet helped their side to a fifth successive WSL title win to round off Emma Hayes’ final year at the Blues’ helm.James finished as the WSL’s second highest scorer with 13 goals netted in 16 games.Grace Clinton and Arsenal centre-back Lotte Wubben-Moy are the only two players from outside the league’s top two sides named in the PFA’s selected 11.Man United starlet Clinton, 21, who impressed during her one-term loan spell at Tottenham, was also voted the PFA’s Young Women’s Player of the Year.I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that, then you see the best version of a player.Grace Clinton – PFA Young Women’s Player of the Year winner This follows a season in which the midfielder helped Spurs reach the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time ever.The young Lioness, who began her senior club career at Everton in 2020, made 20 top-flight appearances for Tottenham last season.The North London side, managed by Robert Vilahamn, were beaten 4-0 by the Red Devils at the Wembley showpiece in May.Clinton, who attended tonight’s star-studded PFA ceremony at the Manchester Opera House, said: “It’s such an honour to be voted by the unbelievable players that play in this league.The midfielder, who scored on her senior England debut in February, added: “It’s the best league in the world.”To go out on loan, learning as a young player and being recognized is lovely.”I’ve played with confidence and when you play with that, then you see the best version of a player.Clinton helped Tottenham make history with the team beating Arsenal for the first time in the WSL last DecemberCredit: Sunday Times”Tottenham have been a massive part of my journey, and I can’t thank them enough.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Goals and visualisation are important to me but most of all just enjoying playing. “If I’m enjoying myself then I play my best football.” More

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      ‘We need to use this time very wisely’, says Jonas Eidevall as Arsenal gear up for new season

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s pre-season test will determine which players gel best on the pitch before their push for silverware next term.  And the Gunners chief wants his ace to have a fast start in the qualifiers for the Champions League group stage.Jonas Eidevall’s players will take on a Washington Spirit in the first game of their pre-season tour laterCredit: GettyTheir clash with the NWSL team comes four days after the club signed Sweden forward Rosa Kafaji from BK HackenCredit: GettyTonight the WSL side take on Washington Spirit in the United States in their first game of their first pre-season tour across the pond.  The Gunners will also face title-holders Chelsea on August 25 in the first meeting of the sides since Sonia Bompastor began her role as the Blues new head coach in July.  Their clash with Chelsea could offer a glimpse of a new look for the side attack following the arrivals of Spain and Sweden forwards Mariona Caldentey and Rosa Kafaji.The duo sealed summer transfers from Barcelona and BK Hacken to the Women’s League Cup holders with with Cloe Lacasse and WSL record scorer Vivianne Miedema leaving the club.Read More Football StoriesAlong with full-back Emily Fox and centre-back Laia Codina, Caldentey will join the squad on Monday after their duel with Washington Spirit. Eidevall, who guided Arsenal to League Cup wins this year and last year, said: “We need to see which players gel best with each other and what relationships we can develop.”That’s the process that we’re starting here (the US) now.”We haven’t had any sessions with the whole squad yet.Most read in Football”The whole squad (of 29) will probably be here on the 20th, so that process does not really start until then. We need to use the time very wisely.”It’s not only with our forward line but other units have players with different qualities too.“I think that’s really exciting because we have one way of playing but we can shape that in forms that are going to be as optimal as possible through game-state or opponent.”Arsenal’s duels with Chelsea and Washington Spirit, who are managed by former Barcelona head coach Jonatan Giraldez, will be followed by them facing Rangers in a Champions League qualifier.The Gunners will host the Scottish Women’s Premier League in the first round clash to qualify for the contest’s group stage on September 4thThe winners of this one-off match will take on the victors of a clash between Atletico Madrid and Norwegian side Rosenborg BK in a bid to reach the next stageWith his side suffering an unexpected qualifier knockout loss to Paris FC last term, Eidevall is keen to see them get off to a flier this year.He adds: “We’re only playing one game, so it’s not a two-legged qualifier which is very different.”You could see that in the game against Paris when we were knocked out. Eidevall hopes to guide his team through the Champions League qualifiers to the contest’s group stage this seasonCredit: Getty”The stress of conceding a goal in the second half is totally different compared to if you were playing a return leg.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The reaction of the team is going to be way different which makes the margins much smaller in these games.”We need to start fast to get those margins on the right side for us and we need to get the right answers against Washington so we have a good foundation to build from.” More