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      Abby Dahlkemper relishing Man City title charge and defensive partnership with Steph Houghton

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      ABBY DAHLKEMPER hailed her budding defensive partnership with Steph Houghton following her debut for Manchester City. 
      And the US superstar is relishing the chance to battle Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal for the WSL crown.

      Abby Dahlkemper won plaudits for debut performance for Manchester CityCredit: Sportimage

      Dahlkemper hopes to establish a title-winning defensive partnership with City skipper Steph HoughtonCredit: Sportimage

      Dahlkemper was speaking a day after making her debut for Man City in the club’s 4-0 trouncing of West Ham. 
      And the USA international, who made headlines after joining the club in January on a two-and-half-year deal, praised her team-mates for helping her settle in. 
      Dahlkemper said: “It’s been great. I’ve been here a week now and what I’ve seen of Manchester has been so cool.
      “Steph was amazing to work with during the game (against West Ham).

      “I think just being able to trust my teammates and having them trust me felt seamless, and that’s a credit to the girls on the team.
      “They were so nice so I felt comfortable and I think that’s a good thing because we all need to work together to win things.”
      Dahlkemper, who was part of the American squad that won the 2019 Women’s World Cup, is the first US star to agree to a deal lasting more than a year with a WSL side. 
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      Dahlkemper played in every single game for the USA at the 2019 World CupCredit: Sportimage

      Before joining City, the defender made 64 appearances for North Carolina Courage, winning two NWSL championships. 
      And the centre-back is one of three US internationals in Gareth Taylor’s City squad following the signing of her close friends Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
      The ex-Courage star, who was voted the NWSL’s Defender of the Year in 2017, hopes to win silverware with her new team.

      Top to bottom this team is so talented with top internationals
      Abby Dahlkemper

      Dahlkemper added: “I really want to relish this opportunity, to experience Europe and to be a part of this team for a while.
      “To be able to experience this for two-and-a-half years is going to benefit me on and off the field.
      “There’s definitely a winning mentality here. You need that to have success as a team. 
      “This team wants to do big things. We’ve set standards and expectations high and we don’t let ourselves dip under those standards, that threshold.
      “Top to bottom this team is so talented with top internationals and every day you’re going to get challenged and every day you have to earn your right to play and perform. 
      “Hopefully I can help the team grow and I know the team will help me grow.” 
      City, who are currently third and five points behind league leaders Chelsea, are due to take on Arsenal next in the league.

      Dahlkemper and Man City are due to play title rivals Arsenal in the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the clash will see Dahlkemper will go head-to-head with record-breaking goalscorer Vivianne Miedema.
      The last time the duo faced off was in the 2019 World Cup finals which the USA won 2-0. 
      Dahlkemper added: “Arsenal are a quality side. They’ve done well and we respect them but we also focus on our game and the way we’ve been playing lately and on our successes.
      “We’re fine-tuning the things we need to fine-tune for that game. The girls are excited and we’re really focused heading into this week.”

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      Emma Hayes, shock contender to manage Wimbledon, has respect of Chelsea owner Abramovich and is inspired by Brian Clough

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      EMMA HAYES has enjoyed a meteoric rise, from growing up in a working class, football mad house in Camden – to one of the most respected figures in the game.
      Chelsea’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has trusted Hayes at the club for nine-years, during which there have been EIGHT managers of the men’s side.

      Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes is reportedly in consideration for the AFC Wimbledon top jobCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She has won eight trophies with the West Londoners since taking the top job in August 2012.
      So it’s no surprise that AFC Wimbledon are considering an astonishing approach to make Hayes English football’s first female manager.
      The Dons parted company with former boss Glyn Hodges on Saturday after their 2-0 home defeat to bitter rivals MK Dons.
      SunSport understands Hayes has not been contacted about the job yet.

      Who is Emma Hayes?
      Hayes MBE, 44, was born in Camden, London on 18 October 1976.
      She is currently head coach at Chelsea, having previously served as Arsenal Women assistant coach between 2006-08.
      After graduating from Liverpool Hope University in 1999, she became manager of American side, Long Island Lady Riders between 2001 and 2003.
      She was then head women’s football coach at Iona College in New Rochelle between 2003 and 2006.

      Hayes announced she was pregnant in December 2017 but one of the twins she was expecting did not make it past the third trimester.
      The West London manager gave birth to her son on 17 May 2018.
      With Chelsea she has won the WSL three times, the FA Cup twice, the League Cup and Community Shield – but never the Champions League.

      Roman Abramovich invited Hayes and women’s side to Israel last summer, having not watched the men play in over a yearCredit: PA:Press Association

      Chelsea owner Abramovich has trusted Hayes with the women’s side for NINE yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
      Chelsea dynasty
      Hayes lost 11 of her 12 games in her first full season – but she has well and truly since repaid Abramovich for his patience.
      Few bosses in the men’s game have been given the keys to create a dynasty as huge as Hayes has at Chelsea.
      The club chairman, Bruce Buck, has become her right hand man, as well as director and transfer guru Marina Granovskaia.
      She told SunSport in January: “Everybody always thinks when you talk about support it’s financial. It’s not.
      “It’s making sure that we feel an integral part of the club, and that we’ve been well built into the club and all the support mechanisms around that.
      “I’ve made no secret that I’ve had a close relationship with my chairman, Bruce, but also with Marina.
      “I work first hand with Marina on transfers and she’s very invested in what the team is doing and the players that we’re bringing in. 
      “I think that support has grown the more time that I’ve been here and one that I’ve been extremely fortunate to cultivate. 
      “People even from other clubs, they say ‘what is the secret?’
      “And I always say you need to find your person at the board level or wherever that might be that will help drive that.”

      Hayes with Chelsea women’s general manager, Paul Greenhe, after winning the FA Cup in 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor

      Former Blues caretaker boss Casey Stoney has hailed Hayes for building Chelsea from scratch Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Casey Stoney was caretaker manager of Chelsea Women in 2009.
      She recently revealed: “You couldn’t get anything, not even a tracksuit from the club back then.
      “You have to put all the credit for the changes on Emma’s shoulders.
      “She led the way. By proving she could do the job, she role-modelled the message to other clubs that women can manage football teams.”
      Abramovich invited the women to Israel for a friendly with the national team last summer, having not watched the men play in over a year.
      He has also ensured they train at the men’s plush Cobham base and developed Kingsmeadow into Hayes’ fortress.
      The Blues boss added: “There has always been a huge interest from the owner, for example when we went to visit Israel last year.
      “He absolutely loves watching the team and what we’re doing here and I hope I’ve built him a team he can be proud of.”

      Hayes grew up in Brian Clough mad, working class household in CamdenCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Hayes has won eight trophies with Chelsea
      Early influence of Brian Clough
      Hayes’ love for football stemmed from her dad, who was a big fan of former Nottingham Forest boss – Brian Clough.
      She said: “I grew up in a household where my father loved him, and watched his teams a lot. I was a massive fan of Cloughie and his team.
      “I went to a lot of Nottingham Forest games live when they were in London,
      “So, I’ve grown up always admiring his football, the type of football and he’s straight-talking
      “I was only a child, but I was very influenced by my father, who always spoke highly of John Robertson and always talked about John Robertson in that early team.
      “We talked a lot about the recruitment of players, and the importance that Clough and his assistant Peter Taylor in my household.”

      Hayes has hailed Old Big ‘Ead for inspiring her straight-talking approach in management.
      She added: “I don’t think we’re conscious about what we’re going to become, I’m sure he’s played a small part in that for me.
      “I’ve grown up in a house with a self-employed person their whole life.
      “My dad’s only ever worked for himself, he’s made his own money and brought cash home everyday and put it on the table and he’s grafted.
      “I find it refreshing to hear some honesty.”

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      Chelsea 4 Tottenham 0: Blues boss wants champs to keep cool after sinking Spurs to extend winning streak

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      EMMA HAYES wants her Chelsea aces to stay calm under pressure after putting Tottenham to the sword in a derby drubbing.
      A Melanie Leupolz brace was among the goals that led to a crushing 4-0 defeat for Spurs – their first loss under Rehanne Skinner.

      Chelsea made it 33 WSL games unbeaten with victory over TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Germany ace Melanie Leupolz was on target twice for the champions Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Despite the emphatic scoreline, the champs didn’t have things entirely their own way with their plucky visitors determined to have a go early on. 
      Hayes said: “I think until the first goal we were sloppy and we were slow in our build. 
      “We played into their hands and played into the bodies they had on the inside of the pitch. 
      “I think struggled with our decision-making and composure until that first goal.

      “Prior to that goal we made some adjustments which helped and from there on we dominated. 
      “With so much experience you have to be calm under pressure.
      “It’s important to recognise you are not going to dominate for 90 minutes and when the momentum is not with you, you work hard to keep a clean sheet. 
      “But we have to give credit to our opponents as we started slow.” 

      It looked as if Tottenham were gearing up to stun the champs in the opening quarter.

      Ria Percival, left, and her Tottenham team-mates put Chelsea under pressure early on Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      First with Shelina Zadorsky firing over the bar in the 11th minute and Ria Percival forcing a fingertip save from Ann-Katrin Berger.
      Moments later it was Kit Graham’s turn to test Chelsea’s top stopper when she unleashed a cracking right-footed shot off after creating space.
      But the visitors saw their momentum evaporate with the Blues netting twice in two minutes.
      First with midfield maestro Leupolz walloping in the hosts’ opener after catching Aurora Mikalsen cold in the 25th minute.
      And the Spurs stopper, making her debut in place of the injured Becky Spencer, was beaten again moments later.
      This time after Fran Kirby pinched a lose pass from Abbie McManus to set-up Pernille Harder. 
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      Ann-Katrin Berger was forced to make two fine saves in first 20 minutes of the derbyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Later Harder turned provider for Chelsea’s third with Sam Kerr heading in the Denmark ace’s pinpoint cross close to half-time. 
      The champions began to turn the screw in the second half with Harder forcing a spectacular goal-line clearance from Ria Percival in the 52nd minute. 
      And the Blues wrapped up their win with Leupolz netting from the spot after super sub Beth England won a penalty. 
      The victory means Chelsea stay top of the table and level on points with Manchester United who beat Everton 2-0.
      And it saw the champions extend their record-breaking unbeaten WSL run to 33 games ahead of their Conti Cup clash with West Ham.

      If we had taken one or two of the chances we had, then mentally it would have changed the landscape of the game
      Rehanne Skinner

      The result leaves Tottenham in seventh ahead of their trip to Aston Villa. 
      And it remains to be seen whether Spurs will have their No1 stopper Becky Spencer available for that game.
      Spurs boss Rehanne Skinner said: “She is getting a scan on Monday so we will be in the loop as to what that is going to look like.  
      “No team wants to be in a position where they are losing 4-0 but it’s important we take positives out of this game. 

      Emma Hayes and her players are due to play West Ham in the Conti CupCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “There were certain aspects of the performance that were really positive for us when we were in possession. 
      “I think the biggest thing is that you have to take advantage of the scenarios you are presented with. 
      “If we had taken one or two of the chances we had, then mentally it would have changed the landscape of the game.”
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      Bristol City 3 Brighton 0: Robins defeat Seagulls as relegation scrap heats up in the WSL

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      MATT BEARD reckons Brighton were fortunate to see only one of their players sent off during their feisty 3-0 loss to Bristol City. 
      And the Twerton Park gaffer praised his rampaging Robins for blowing the relegation battle wide open by grabbing their first win in the top-flight this term. 

      Bristol City picked up their first win of the season and their first victory under Matt BeardCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Ebony Salmon was on target twice for the Robins during the fiery encounter at Twerton ParkCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      An Ebony Salmon brace and a Yana Daniels boomer saw the Robins sink the Seagulls to register their first WSL victory under interim boss Beard.
      But the clash was not without its moments of drama and anger which included a second-half red card for Kayleigh Green. 
      The Wales ace was given her marching orders for a stamp on Yana Daniels in the 68th minute. 
      And the Belgium star revealed Green had apologised and there were no hard feelings afterwards. 

      Beard said: “It was a clear red card as she had a red mist and stamped on Yana. I think they were lucky to finish the game with ten players. 
      Daniels added: “These things happen in football. There is so much passion in the match and they were losing. 
      “I think it just was a really tough, feisty game and she apologised so it is forgotten already.”
      Bristol, eager to bounce back from a 4-0 drubbing at Everton, got off to a flier through Daniels’ long-range opener in the third minute. 

      Matt Beard believes Bristol’s win will put pressure on Aston Villa and his old club West HamCredit: Rex Features

      However, Brighton refused to be bowed and set about pressuring their hosts keeping them pinned in their own half in the first 30 minutes.
      And they should have levelled after a quarter of an hour with several Seagulls lining up but failing to strike in the Robins’ penalty area. 
      Despite Brighton’s efforts, the hosts extended their lead with Ebony Salmon netting after the half-hour mark following a glorious pass from Jasmine Matthews. 
      And the Bristol starlet picked up her fifth goal of the season from the penalty spot after Victoria Williams was penalised for a handball thirty minutes into the second half.
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      Brighton have lost five league games on the bounce ahead of their trip to ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      With 22 minutes to go the visitors were reduced to ten players after Kayleigh Green saw red. 
      The 3-0 win leaves Matt Beard’s side, who are bottom, just four points behind ninth-placed Brighton
      And Hope Powell’s player face a tricky trip to Chelsea next in the league. 
      Beard believes the battle to beat drop may become more intense with Aston Villa and West Ham just two points ahead. 
      However, the Twerton Park boss is wary of the advantage his old club has with the Hammers carrying two games in hand over the Robins. 
      Beard added:  “What we have done is put West Ham and Aston Villa under pressure for their games because we’ve got three points and we’ve got a little bit closer to them. 

      The Robins are due to take on Leicester City in the Conti Cup semi-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We can only control ourselves and that’s the most important thing. 
      “At the moment, we’re still reliant on other teams dropping points. 
      “All we can do is control what we can control and just keep picking points up and trying to do as much as we can to stay up.”

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      Man City boss Taylor backs WSL head injury subs and says Mewis will miss West Ham clash

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      GARETH TAYLOR has thrown his weight behind the use of concussions subs in the women’s top-flight, after football chiefs reached a deal with Fifa. 
      And the Man City gaffer revealed Samantha Mewis will miss his side’s clash with West Ham after picking up an injury on USA duty.

      Gareth Taylor’s Man City side are to play West Ham in the WSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Taylor welcomed the introduction concussion substitutes in the Women’s Super League and the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Taylor, 47, was speaking hours after Wembley and League bosses agreed to the introduction of concussion substitutes in the Prem, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship.
      The new rule will come into effect in the three divisions from February 6. 
      Taylor said: “I look at my situation when I played back in the day and there were a couple of times where I was concussed. 
      “Fortunately, in one of those situations I was taken off and people told me afterwards I was complaining about wanting to come back on the pitch

      “I couldn’t remember anything so I think this is something that is needed. 
      “We had two concussions in pre-season in training with players being hit with a ball.
      “Sometimes these situations can be dangerous, so I give credit to the FA. It’s an important addition for us to have.” 
      Man City, who sealed a January move for US ace Abby Dahlkemper, have suffered a minor injury blow following a knock to Sam Mewis. 

      The USA midfielder hobbled off with an ankle problem during her country’s 6-0 win against Colombia.
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      Man City will be without Sam Mewis when they play West HamCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      Mewis, 28, has been on target three times in nine WSL appearances.
      And the presence of the box-to-box midfield maestro was missed during City’s Conti Cup quarter-final loss to Chelsea. 
      However, Taylor is hopeful the US star will be available for selection ahead of City’s clash with Arsenal
      The Gunners are fourth after 11 games and one place below Man City in the table.
      Taylor added: “We are waiting for the results of a scan to see if this is remnants of an old injury or if it’s a new one. 
      “To be honest she’s looking good and came through a few checks. 
      “I think this weekend may be too soon for her to return.

      Sam Mewis picked up an ankle injury during USA Women’s 6-0 win against Colombia in OrlandoCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.
      “But there’s a real possibility that she could be back for next week and ready for the game after that. 
      “Even when she was given the news about her injury, Sam felt that it was better than what it was showing. 
      “That just speaks volumes of her as a person, really, she’s a very positive person and she’s working really hard to get herself back in.”

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      Tottenham’s Cho So-hyun pictured at Hotspur Way training ground for first time loan since switch from rivals West Ham

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      CHO SO-HYUN has been pictured at Tottenham’s training ground for the first time since her transfer from rivals West Ham.
      The South Korean playmaker will wear the number 11 shirt for the North Londoners.

      Cho So-hyun has switched from West Ham to Spurs

      Cho joined West Ham in January, 2019 and made 33 appearances

      The midfield maestro, 32, penned a season long loan deal with Spurs – with an option to make the switch permanent.
      She is one of the East London club’s most experienced players, as skipper of her country and with the most caps for the international team.
      Cho will reunite with men’s South Korea captain Son Heung-min, at the North London club.
      The women’s and men’s teams share the Hotspur Way training hub.

      The move to seventh-placed Spurs will be a step up for midfield maestro, given that West Ham are third from bottom.
      She is in contention to face Chelsea on Sunday, where she will meet up with her international team-mate Ji So-yun.
      Cho is also known to be a respected figure in the Hammers’ dressing room and is often helping guide the youngsters.
      She was an integral part of the West Ham side which historically reached the FA Cup final for the first time ever, in their inaugural WSL season.

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      It was her penalty in a shootout with Reading that secured the spot at Wembley in May 2019, and she has made 33 appearances in total.
      The South Korea ace spent six years in the WK League, helping Incheon win the top-flight title in four campaigns.
      She is the second West Ham casualty of the January transfer window, with striker Alisha Lehmann moving to Everton for a season long loan on Monday.

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      South Korea captain Cho So-hyun seals transfer from West Ham to arch rivals Tottenham

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      CHO SO-HYUN has switched allegiances from West Ham to arch rivals Tottenham.
      The South Korea skipper, 32, arrived at the Hammers in January 2019, from Norwegian club Avaldsnes IL.

      Cho So-hyun has switched from West Ham to SpursCredit: Rex Features

      She is one of the East London club’s most experienced players, as skipper of her country and with the most caps for the international team.
      Cho will reunite with men’s South Korea captain Son Heung-min, at the North London club.
      The move to seventh place Spurs will be a step up for midfield maestro, given that West Ham are third from bottom.
      She is in contention to face Chelsea on Sunday, where she will reunite with her national teammate Ji So-yun.

      Cho is also known to be a respected figure in the Hammers’ dressing room and is often helping guide the youngsters.
      She was an integral part of the West Ham side which historically reached the FA Cup final for the first time ever, in their inaugural WSL season.

      It was her penalty in a shootout with Reading that secured the spot at Wembley in May 2019, and she has made 33 appearances in total.
      The South Korea ace spent six years with Avaldsnes IL in the WK League, helping them win the top-flight title in four campaigns.

      She is the second West Ham casualty of the January transfer window, with striker Alisha Lehmann moving to Everton for a season long loan on Monday.

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      Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 4: Blues break record for longest WSL unbeaten run with crushing victory

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      EMMA HAYES praised her Chelsea aces for breaking the record for the longest unbeaten Women’s Super League run after thrashing Aston Villa 4-0
      Sam Kerr and Beth England opened the floodgates with the team going top after notching their 32nd game without defeat – surpassing Manchester City’s milestone.

      Chelsea now hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in the WSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The WSL champs will be looking to continue their winning run when they play TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes said: “It’s not a trophy, but it is a record that shows just how consistent this team has been over the last couple of years. 
      “I think there is a reason we have been the champions and not just because of that record, but because of the consistent levels in the performance. 
      “And that’s what happens when you have got such a great group of people.
      “I represent a fantastic bunch who put a shift in. They work hard and I am very proud of all of them and everybody who works for the football club.

      “I know it’s a big achievement but I learn with the highs and lows of winning and losing. 
      “You have to remove all the emotion from that and you have to constantly remind yourself of the daily processes you have to go through in order to get a win.”
      Villa, playing their first game under interim gaffer Marcus Bignot, were looking to avoid conceding early as they had done against Reading and Man City previously.
      But any hopes of this were blown away by Sam Kerr’s thunderous third-minute volley in off the crossbar to put the champs ahead. 

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      Pernille Harder was on target for Chelsea scoring their third goal against Aston VillaCredit: Reuters

      And the visitors were on target again shortly after the half hour mark with Kerr turning provider for Beth England’s bullet header. 
      Villa, who had to battle to get forward, had a few attacking forays in the visitors’ half.
      Their strongest chance came when Nadine Hanssen slid Mana Iwabuchi through, with the Japan ace almost scoring by nutmegging Carly Telford.
      However, strikes from Pernille Harder and Magdalena Eriksson in the final 30 minutes wrapped things up for the Blues ahead of their derby clash with Tottenham on Sunday.   
      Chelsea’s record-breaking effort comes during a dramatic week for the club and two days after the sacking of men’s coach Frank Lampard. 
      And Hayes praised the efforts of the Blues ex-Prem boss who she believes has left a good foundation for new manager Thomas Tuchel.
      Hayes added: “Look, I have been at the football club a long time and I accept the nature of our business, and I accept that results are of paramount importance, and it’s always sad to see managers lose their jobs 
      “I’m sad for that reason and I’m equally excited to see Thomas. I admire his football and I’m looking forward to seeing how that is implemented.

      Mana Iwabuchi and her Villa team-mates will play Arsenal nextCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I think Frank has left him a wonderful group to build upon.”
      Aston Villa, who have lost three of their last four WSL games, face a tricky clash with another London side in Arsenal. 
      And Villa’s new manager Bignot said: “We need to understand our roles and responsibilities and bring some of that desire that we did show during periods of the game to Arsenal.”
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