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      Chelsea ace Pernille Harder says facilities and opportunities should be main focus in equality battle – not wages

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      PERNILLE HARDER says she thinks the equality battle in football should be focused on facilities and opportunities rather than on salaries.
      Harder, 28, said that while men and women’s football salaries may never be par, she believes that their academies and training facilities should be on a similar level.

      Harder says the equality fight should be focused on facilities and opportunities for womenCredit: PA:Press Association

      Harder believes women’s football shouldn’t always be focused on comparing salaries to men’s gameCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      While speaking on Uefa’s The Football Podcast, she said: “Equality is having the same facilities and opportunities to succeed as the men’s team.
      “It’s not equal pay that we’re asking for right now – we want equal opportunities and the respect for what we do every day.
      “I want to see equal opportunities for young boys and girls. You see a lot of good football academies for boys – where are the ones for girls?
      “There is a big opportunity there. Can you imagine if girls had the same opportunities as the boys? There was nothing like that when I was young.

      “My parents had to drive hours to take us to training – girls have to work a lot harder for it.”
      Harder went on to say that this is something she is passionate about and hoped that her record breaking transfer to Chelsea can help shed light on the issue.
      She added: “I’m passionate about it and I want to speak up when I have the opportunity.
      “To make the world a better place, we have to change the mindset of the decision makers – we have to speak up and let them see we aren’t satisfied.

      “I hope my record-breaking signing for Chelsea is the start of something new for women’s football.
      “Everyone should have the same opportunities in life – it shouldn’t matter what sex you are, what religion you follow, or what skin colour you have. I want to fight for these things.”
      The Danish striker has had a glittering career thus far and has won an array of awards including the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year Award in 2018.
      She was also shortlisted for the women’s FIFA best Footballer Award in November 2020.
      Harder has been a revelation since she joined the Blues from Wolfsburg in September last year for a record fee of over £250,000.
      Blues boss Emma Hayes has credited her for playing a major part in their recent success.
      Hayes said: “Pernille has got a fantastic mentality and one that has put her where she is today.
      “I think it’s important to note that we, as a football club, can’t take any of the credit for this.
      “What I know about the best – and I have coached a lot of top players in my career – is that they have unbelievable attention to detail. 
      “And the best always do it on training pitch, day-in, day-out, and Pernille is exceptional in training. 
      “The goals she has contributed, the assists and the involvement she has in creating our goals have been unbelievable.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Crystal Palace star Leigh Nicol reveals hell over having iCloud hacked and private images leaked to adult sites

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      CRYSTAL PALACE midfielder Leigh Nicol has opened up on her traumatising experience of having private images leaked online.
      The Scot, 25, took a year out of the game and shut her social media accounts after the terrifying discovery in the spring of 2019.

      Leigh Nicol has revealed her trauma at having private images leaked onlineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Nicol is now ready to speak out on her experience in a bid to help others educate themselves on the adult online world.
      She told Sky Sports: “The sickness was extreme.
      “It was a mixture between having a panic attack and being sick. It got to the point where there was nothing to sick up and that went on for weeks.
      “When I take myself back to that place, I can still feel the sickness in my tummy.

      “It was a vicious cycle. There was never a point where I was sitting there and feeling calm.
      “There was always some form of emotion, whether it was sickness, anxiety, sadness or tears. It was absolutely atrocious.
      “I still suffer with anxiety. I still have moments where I cannot get out of bed. It could be something so stupid that triggers me and puts me in a bad place again.”
      Nicol was a star of the Celtic academy in her teens before a move to Arsenal in 2013, which was followed by stints with Reading, London Bees and Millwall.

      People watch these videos and do not realise the damage to people’s lives.
      Leigh Nicol

      After being told of the leak, she suffered from suicidal thoughts and panic attacks.
      Therapy sessions were organised by the PFA and she hopes to use her experience to raise awareness.
      Nicol continued: “It is just about educating people.
      “I did not even know this was a thing. I had always assumed that the people in these videos put it out there themselves and I was OK with that.
      “It did not really cross my mind that this could be anyone. There is ignorance. I was ignorant.
      “People watch these videos and do not realise the damage to people’s lives. They are giving these websites a lot of money with their views, their sharing and their downloading but there are victims here.
      “The damage is done for me so this is about the next generation. I feel like prevention is better than someone having to react to this.
      “I cannot change it alone but if I can raise awareness to stop it happening to others then that is what I want to do.

      Nicol has described her return with Crystal Palace as ‘key’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      “There are situations where these websites have underage kids on them, for example.
      “The more that you dig into this, the more traumatising it is because there are 14-year-old kids on these websites and they don’t even know about it.”
      Nicol continues to suffer abuse online as a result of the leak and admitted she is still ‘a work in progress’ from overcoming the severe anxiety the episode has caused.
      But a return to football with Women’s Championship club Crystal Palace has been a godsend, particularly after a number of teams turned her down after hearing of her past.
      She noted: “Football has been the key to my recovery.
      “I am so grateful that I have found a club like Palace that allow me to be myself. They have supported me as a human being.

      “They didn’t really care about the past, they just offered me an opportunity to get fit and train by following their off-season programme.
      “I loved it from the moment I came back in pre-season because I was so proud of the place I had gotten myself to physically.
      “From the moment I walked through the doors, I have not looked back. When we got the first win and first clean sheet, that is when I remembered there was no better feeling in the world.
      “I had missed that emotion.”

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      England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck pens three-year contract extension with Man City

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      ELLIE ROEBUCK has penned a new three-year deal with Manchester City to keep her at the club until 2024.
      The 21-year-old goalkeeper revealed she looking forward to “exciting times ahead” after extending her contract with City.

      Ellie Roebuck has penned a new three-year deal with Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The new deal comes after she helped City retain the Women’s FA Cup in DecemberCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

      The club and the youngster shared the exciting news on Tuesday .
      City tweeted: “Yes Ellie Roebuck has signed a new three-year deal.”
      To which Roebuck responded: “Three more years in blue. Exciting times ahead with this team.”
      Head Coach Gareth Taylor added: “We are really pleased to secure Ellie’s future with us and look forward to seeing her add to the continued success she has had so far here at Manchester City in the years to come.”

      Women’s Managing Director, Gavin Makel said: “I’m delighted that Ellie has committed her future with the Club.
      “Since she joined us as a teenager, we have seen just how hard she has worked to develop into the player that she is today.
      “I know that she has the drive and hunger in wanting to continue to progress and I am excited to see what her future holds.”
      The new deal comes after an amazing season for Roebuck, where she secured the WSL’s first-ever Golden Glove award, and helped City retain the FA Cup.

      But she still remains hungry for silverware and has eyes on a quadruple trophy haul this season/
      When asked what a successful season would be, she said: “A Champions League medal, a League medal, a Conti Cup medal, an FA Cup medal and hopefully, an Olympic gold medal and then I’ll be quite content.”

      Roebuck started her career with City in 2015 and it has been on a meteoric rise since.
      She signed her professional contract with them in 2018, and played a key role in helping the club lift the Continental Cup and FA Cup.
      During the same year she also made her debut for England’s national team and has become their no.1 shot-stopper.

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      Emma Hayes rubbishes AFC Wimbledon role as step up from Chelsea job as ‘insult’ to women’s football

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      EMMA HAYES has slapped down speculation linking her to League One strugglers AFC Wimbledon.
      And the Chelsea boss rubbished the view that the Dons’ managers job would be a step up from her current role at the helm of the WSL champs. 

      Emma Hayes says AFC Wimbledon cannot afford her Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes has dismissed rumours linking her to the vacant manager’s role at AFC Wimbledon Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, 44, was speaking to journalists following reports of her being shortlisted to become AFC Wimbledon’s new manager. 
      But the Blues gaffer revealed she is happy to be leading her WSL title-winners and that her focus is on Chelsea’s Conti Cup semis clash with West Ham. 
      And the highly-rated coach reckons the Dons could ‘absolutely not’ afford her. 
      Hayes said: “First of all, I think it’s important we talk about my game tomorrow – I’m the manager of Chelsea. 

      “I manage and represent elite world-class players and for me, this is an amazing job I’ve spent nine years cultivating all of my energy into. 
      “I’m not looking for another job, I’m blessed with working with wonderful humans day-in, day-out.
      “I just don’t know why anybody would think women’s football is a step down. 
      “If coaching World Cup champions, winners, players who have represented their countries in the Olympics or Euros is a step down from anything.

      “I think the football world needs to wake up and recognise that women’s football- while the game is played by a different gender to men – is exactly the same sport.”
      “This is not a conversation about Emma Hayes and AFC Wimbledon, but we should be having larger conversations about creating opportunities in the men’s game are not limited to those in privileged positions.”

      Hayes has won 11 major trophies with Chelsea’s women’s side Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes, who is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, has won 11 major trophies with the club. 
      A move to the Dons would have seen the Camden-born coach become the first woman in history to take charge of a men’s football league side.

      Women’s football is not a step down from anything
      Emma Hayes

      However the former Arsenal assistant manager questioned why anyone would want to leave elite women’s football management for coaching a lower tier men’s side battling relegation.
      And her view was echoed by England Women’s legend Fara Williams who believes Hayes would face an uphill struggle in the Dons’ hotseat. 
      England’s most-capped player said: “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No. I think the odds would all be against her going into that position.
      “The positions she’s in with Chelsea is a much better position.”
      WRONG STEP
      Hayes added: “Women’s football is not a step down from anything. 
      “Women’s football in its right is something to celebrate and the quality and achievements of all the females I represent.
      “Fran Kirby, Pernille Harder, Beth England, Magda Eriksson, Millie Bright, Maren Mjelde, do you want me to keep going? 
      “These are world-class players and I think that’s what I’m disappointed with, not being linked to a football job as a football coach, regardless of gender.
      “But as you can see with – I’m happy at Chelsea and I love my job here and I’ve always been clear about that. Nothing has changed.” 
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Hayes says she is happy to be managing world-class talent at the BluesCredit: Prime Media

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Reading ace Williams thinks odds could be ‘stacked against’ Emma Hayes in AFC Wimbledon hotseat

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      FARA WILLIAMS reckons Emma Hayes could face an uphill struggle if she takes charge of AFC Wimbledon. 
      And the England Women’s legend thinks the highly-rated Chelsea manager is better off at the helm of the WSL champs.

      Reading ace Fara Williams believes Emma Hayes would be better off staying as Chelsea bossCredit: Getty – Contributor

      Emma Hayes is reportedly on the short-list for the vacant manager role at AFC WimbledonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Williams, 37, who is the country’s most decorated Lioness, was speaking hours after the Express revealed Hayes is reportedly on the shortlist to become the next Dons manager.  
      Such a move would see the Kingsmeadow chief, who led Chelsea to a record-breaking 33 game unbeaten run, become the first woman in history to boss a men’s football league outfit. 
      The League One strugglers, who are currently one place above the drop zone, called time on Glyn Hodges’ tenure after a 2-0 loss to arch-rivals MK Dons.
      Williams told talkSPORT 2’s Women’s Football Weekly: “I think it’s credit to the work Emma has done over the past years and certainly for the past year with her Chelsea team. 

      “Do I see it as a good opportunity for Emma to go and take on a relegation battle with a League One club? No.
      “I think the odds would all be against her going into that position 
      “I would say the position she is in at the minute with Chelsea is a much better position for her.
      “But I think it’s great that she is being spoken about in that bracket to go and work within the men’s game. 

      “If it is to happen, it’s fantastic and it opens up doors for many other women within the game.” 

      Hayes, 44, is highly regarded by Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: PA:Press Association

      Hayes, 44, whose Blues will take on West Ham in the Conti Cup semis, is considered to be one of the best coaches in women’s football.
      In addition to leading Chelsea to three league titles and two FA Cups, the Camden-born gaffer won 11 major trophies during her three-season spell as Arsenal’s assistant manager. 
      Hayes, who joined Chelsea in 2012, is reportedly being eyed for the AFC Wimbledon post alongside ex-Dons players Ian Holloway and Luke Garrard, and ex-England and Gunners star Sol Campbell.

      We just need somebody to break the mould
      Emma Hayes

      Other names being touted include Morecambe coach Derek Adams and former Fleetwood manager Joey Barton.
      Days before the story broke Hayes told SunSport that she hoped to see women coaching men’s sides in the future.
      The Chelsea boss said:”I’m like everyone, I would hope for a fair and equal society and making great strides to create opportunities for women in the men’s game. 
      “Are we at the stage where a Premier League or Championship club is close to hiring a female?
      “You would have to ask the board because they’re the people that have to make the decisions about who they hire.
      “I just hope we do start to see more females coaching teams like you see across American sports.
      “And I suspect that when that happens the first time and there is a success to it, that it will happen subsequently. 
      “We just need somebody to break the mould.”

      Hayes has led Chelsea to 11 major trophy wins since taking charge of the WSL side in 2012Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Reading ace Williams, who is working with England Women’s Under-17s as part of an FA Elite Coaching Programme, believes Hayes could blaze a trail for women managers in men’s game. 
      And the Royals striker, who has 168 England caps, hopes to see the Blues gaffer one day take charge of the Lionesses.
      Williams added: “I would like to see Emma be that driving force for women to take opportunities within the men’s game.
      “I certainly think she has the capabilities to do that and I hope an opportunity comes up for her but I just don’t think this AFC Wimbledon one is the one. 
      “But for me in the long-term, I would love to see Emma Hayes – after she has achieved things at Chelsea and worked in the men’s game – take the England Women’s job further down the line. 

      Hayes and her Chelsea stars are targeting a WSL title and Champions League win this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “That would be something special.” 
      Hayes was heavily linked with managing Chelsea’s Prem side following Maurizio Sarri’s departure in 2019.
      And the Blues boss has previously worked as a W-League coach in the USA where she managed Long Island Lady Riders, Iona College and Chicago Red Stars. 
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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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.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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