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      Arsenal 1 Manchester City 2: White breaks Miedema’s record as Man City beat Gunners after Chelsea and United losses

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      ELLEN WHITE believes the title race could be the most exciting ever after she snatched Vivianne Miedema’s top scorer crown. 
      Goals from White and Lauren Hemp saw Manchester City defeat Arsenal 2-1 on a day shock losses blew the battle for top spot wide open.

      Man City star Ellen White now holds the record as the WSL’s all-time top scorerCredit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      Chloe Kelly and White were clinical in attack helping City to register their second WSL win against Arsenal this termCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Despite netting her 55th goal to surpass Miedema’s WSL record, the England hotshot says her focus is on City’s fight for league supremacy. 
      And just THREE points now separate the top three teams after Reading and Brighton stunned Manchester United and Chelsea on home turf. 
      White said: “I think [the title race] is potentially the best ever. It’s nice for me [to break the WSL goalscoring record] but I just want to concentrate on what I can do for the team. 
      “Obviously I’m a goalscorer, I want to score goals in any way I can help the team. 

      “But for me it was all about the result today and thankfully we got the win. 
      “Today it was three points away from home in tough conditions in a scrappy game, but I think it showed our grit and determination as a squad. 
      “We heard about the other results but we have got a big game on Friday with Man United. 
      “We are delighted with the three points but now we have to focus on that. 

      “We just want to keep our momentum and confidence going in the league.” 
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      Chloe Kelly’s crosses proved to be clinical for Man City setting up both goals against ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Gunners came into the game eager to shake-off their rustiness having seen two previous fixtures kiboshed due to pitch problems.
      But after a cagey start, with both teams struggling to click in the final third, it was the visitors who took the lead in the 12th minute through White. 
      The England striker smashed a clinical half-volley past Manuela Zinsberger following a glorious Chloe Kelly cross. 
      The hosts, stunned by the opener, tried to hit back almost immediately with Beth Mead forcing an easy save from Ellie Roebuck close to the half-hour mark.
      And they had a goal disallowed close to half-time with Jill Roord inches offside after burying Miedema’s through ball. 
      The Gunners began the second-half determined to get back on equal terms swiftly. 
      And momentum looked as if it would shift their way with unmarked Caitlin Foord levelling in the 57th minute. 
      However, Gareth Taylor’s players – eager to regain the upper hand – saw a couple of glorious chances thwarted.
      This included White hitting the woodwork after going one-on-one with Zinsberger with 19 minutes of normal time remaining. 

      Lauren Hemp’s third goal of the season helped City to seal a vital winCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Lauren Hemp turned hero for City, burying a bullet second-half header from another deadly Kelly cross. 
      It was enough to see Joe Montemurro’s Arsenal side suffer their first home defeat since a loss to Chelsea in January 2020. 
      The result has left a minor dent in the Gunners’ Champions League hopes with the team now seven points behind third-placed City. 
      However, Arsenal have a game in hand and they face a tricky clash with the champions next.
      Montemurro said: “In the end when you concede a lot of set plays in and around the box and corners you do lose a little bit of momentum. 
      “But all credit to City, they are a quality side.” 
      A massive derby clash with United, who suffered a surprise defeat at home to the Royals, is up next for City. 

      Vivianne Miedema and Arsenal will take on champions Chelsea nextCredit: Rex Features
      And Taylor has warned his side are ready to turn up the heat on the Red Devils and Chelsea following their results.  
      “A lot of people will be looking at those two results today and will be saying it’s a shock and a surprise, but this is football. 
      “Fortunately that hasn’t happened to us today and we move on to the next game.”

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      Chelsea women suffer first defeat in TWO YEARS as Brighton end incredible 33-game unbeaten run

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      THE WSL title race has been blown open spectacularly after Brighton inflicted Chelsea’s first league defeat in over TWO YEARS. 
      Sam Kerr gave the champs an early lead after nodding home on five minutes, after she was left unmarked at the far post at Kingsmeadow.

      Chelsea stopper Carly Telford palmed Megan Connolly’s corner into her own net to give Brighton an 80th minute winnerCredit: PA:Press Association

      Republic of Ireland midfielder Megan Connolly celebrates Brighton’s stunning upset win over Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.Credit: PA:Press Association

      Aileen Whelan nods Brighton’s leveller past home keeper Carly Telford to spark a shock defeat for WSL leaders ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But just three minutes later Aileen Whelan got the Seagulls back in it after rising highest to head in Inessa Kaagman’s inch-perfect corner. 
      Bethany England rattled the crossbar from 12 yards before the break, and Sophie Ingle saw a header cleared off the line – but they couldn’t find a breakthrough.
      Against the run of play, Blues stopper Carly Telford shirked her duties and palmed Megan Connolly’s corner into her own net to make it 2-1 with ten minutes left to play. 
      The shock result ended the West Londoner’s incredible record of 33 matches unbeaten in the league.

      It also left them level on 32 points with second place Manchester United, who have played one more game.
      The Seagulls had just three shots on goal compared to Chelsea’s staggering 30, while also managing just 24 percent possession to the Blues’ 76.
      Boss Emma Hayes said: “Of course I’m disappointed to lose the game.
      “I think the Manchester United result today and our result serves as a reminder that if you’re not on it in this league then you can be turned over.”

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      Brighton chief Hope Powell said: “I’m really, really delighted – I’m sure it’ll sink in later. It’s a big win for us today.”
      Reading dealt United their first home defeat in over a YEAR.
      The opener came after Emma Mitchell’s corner was flicked on by Amalie Eikeland with Natasha Harding pouncing at the back post to nod in from a yard on 62 minutes. 
      Just two minutes later, ex-Arsenal ace Danielle Carter made it 2-0 after breaking free to nod in another pristine delivery from Mitchell. 
      A win would have seen the Red Devils go top. 
      United boss Casey Stoney, said: “I’m bitterly disappointed. I think we weren’t at our levels today. 
      “We defended two set pieces really poorly and it ended up costing us. 

      Hope Powell was ‘delighted’ at her Brighton side’s ‘big win’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Brighton celebrate a victory that has shaken up the WSL title fightCredit: PA:Press Association
      “If you want to go for titles and stay in and around the top three you’ve got to defend better in those pivotal moments. 
      “Man City next becomes a must win now in terms of staying in and around that top three. We need to get that right.”
      Royals chief Kelly Chambers said: “It was a great goal from Danielle [Carter] and it was great to be able to have her on the pitch to contribute today.”
      Jamie-Lee Napier nabbed Birmingham a vital point – and dented Everton’s hopes of a Champions League spot. 
      Danielle Turner put the Toffees ahead after sending a delicious free kick, dipping and curling into the bottom corner on 22 minutes.
      Tinja-Riikka Korpela saved Claudia Walker’s limp penalty – awarded for handball – but Napier poked in the rebound for the equaliser. 
      A run of just one win in eight WSL matches has left Everton trailing third place and a spot in Europe by 12 points now. 
      ⚽ 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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      Brighton boss backs Hayes over AFC Wimbledon ahead of Seagulls clash with Chelsea

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      HOPE POWELL backed Emma Hayes’ response to AFC Wimbledon rumours after the Chelsea boss shut down speculation linking her with the Dons.
      And the Brighton chief wants her players to give the Blues a run for their money in their clash with the champs.

      Hope Powell and Brighton are due to take on Chelsea in the WSLCredit: Rex Features

      Powell, 54, was speaking ahead of Albion’s trip to the league leaders’ turf with her team looking to bounce back from four losses in their last six games. 
      And the Seagulls boss said reports of Hayes being eyed as a potential Dons manager brought back memories of a similar situation she faced in 2009 during her England tenure. 
      The former Lionesses head coach was thought to be in the frame for the gaffer’s job at Grimsby Town following Mike Newell’s exit from the League Two outfit.   
      Powell said: “I’m really pleased with Emma’s response. Years ago, I was in exactly the same position. 

      “There was this whole thing around Grimsby and me going to be the manager of Grimsby as if I was going to give up the England job.
      “No disrespect to Grimsby, but why would I do that?
      “I think the assumption is regardless of the level of men’s football, the assumption is it’s better than the level of women’s football, which is absolute nonsense. 
      “She (Emma) is arguably with one of the best clubs in the world, let alone our league. 

      “She is very, very successful, still has an appetite to do well there and is working with some of the greatest players in the world.”
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      Powell backs Emma Hayes view that she has ‘the best job in the world’ at ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Brighton, who signed Finland full-back Emma Koivisto, hope to put distance between themselves and the drop zone. 
      And Seagulls centre-back Victoria Williams says the team have had frank conversations following their loss to Bristol City. 
      Williams, 30, said: “We have a great team spirit and I think we just let ourselves down as individuals.
      “When we think about our identity we’re hard to break down and teams know that and it just seemed to come unstuck last Saturday. 
      “The players had a meeting and a reset to remind ourselves that while we have had a couple of bad results, we haven’t become a bad team overnight.”
      Powell added: “If everybody has desire, appetite, effort and application, we’ll give ourselves a chance against Chelsea.

      Brighton are looking to improve their league form following four defeats from their last six gamesCredit: Alamy Live News
      “We lost 1-0 last time but I thought we played well and we managed to get a point from them historically.”
      Chelsea, level on points with Man United, are looking to extend their record-breaking league run to 34 games unbeaten. 
      And the champions, who play Arsenal after Albion have sealed a shorts sponsorship deal with investment bank N+1 Singer.

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      Aston Villa 1 Tottenham 0: Iwabuchi nets a corker as Villa beat Spurs to seal their first top-flight home win

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      MANA IWABUCHI propelled Aston Villa to their first WSL home win with a superb contender for goal of the season. 
      And the Japan star’s wonder-strike helped the Villans move five points clear of the drop zone with the relegation battle heating up. 

      Mana Iwabuchi was on target for Aston Villa who picked up their first home win in the league this termCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Iwabuchi and her team-mates have moved to ninth ahead of their derby clash with BirminghamCredit: Reuters

      Both sides began brightly and eager to get off to a fast start in their quest to notch up a vital victory.
      And it looked as if the visitors would be the most likely to strike first with Kit Graham’s tenth-minute effort taking a dangerous deflection before being gathered by Lisa Weiss.
      But it was Villa, with their zesty high press and Iwabuchi and Diana Silva causing problems, who proved the more clinical of the teams.  
      And Iwabuchi caught Spurs cold with a cracking top-corner shot beating Aurora Mikalsen in the 12th minute. 

      Rehanne Skinners’ players – stung by that early blow – battled hard to find an equaliser.
      They nearly had a chance to with Australia ace Alanna Kennedy sending her volley narrowly wide shortly before half-time. 
      The second period saw Spurs stopper Mikalsen – standing in for the injured Becky Spencer – picking up the first yellow card of the game after a heavy challenge on Silva on the edge of the penalty area. 
      And Tottenham came close to nabbing a second-half leveller with debutant Cho So-hyun narrowly missing a tap-in off a Kit Graham cut back. 

      Diana Silva put in a solid shift for Villa before being subbed off in the 97th minuteCredit: Reuters

      And the South Korea skipper, on loan from West Ham, saw her second effort sail over the bar in the 100th minute. 
      Villa’s third win of the season saw them leapfrog Brighton and West Ham up to ninth in the table.
      The Seagulls and the Hammers are facing crunch clashes with Chelsea and Bristol City on Sunday.

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      Aileen Whelan on becoming a new mum, lifting trophies with Brighton and juggling child therapy work

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      AILEEN WHELAN “can’t wait” to become a new mum with her long-term partner Fern Whelan. 
      In October, the former Brighton teammates announced they were expecting a baby, just two months after Fern, 32, hung up her boots. 

      Brighton striker Aileen Whelan (right) juggles full-time football with work as a child therapistCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      They arrived at the Seagulls together in 2017, having starred alongside each other at Everton and Notts County.
      The duo helped Brighton cruise to promotion to the top tier in their first season at the club, and ensured the south coasters retained WSL status with ease last term.
      But they are facing a whole new challenge off the pitch, as they prepare for sleepless nights with their little one who is due in less than 10 weeks. 
      Aileen, 29, said: “I can’t wait! I have always dreamt of having our own family and we only have three more months of waiting for our baby to arrive. 

      “There will be less sleep I’m sure, but Fern and I will manage this to ensure I’m still getting enough for me to perform at football. 
      “I’m not the first player to become a mum whilst still playing, so I know it is possible. 
      “Sophie Bradley-Auckland at Liverpool had a baby, I’m sure she had a few sleepless nights but returned to playing elite football and is still a great player.”
      Ex-England defender Fern retired from Hope Powell’s side, having been plagued with knee and ankle injuries for some time. 

      And Aileen admitted it was emotional watching her time on the pitch come to an end. 

      She added: “It was the end of an era for Fern. Football had been her livelihood for most of her life so for her to have to say goodbye to that was very difficult for her.”
      Aileen was Brighton’s top scorer last season with five goals – and she has continued her scintillating form this term.
      But she is also a whiz with kids, as she juggles full-time football with a career in child therapy. 
      The striker continued: “I still run a child play therapy company and work part time with my own clients. 
      “I have four other wonderful therapists that work very hard to support children across Sussex and in the Midlands. 
      “I started working in a nursery when I was around 16 and I was also on the Special Educational Needs team there. 
      “I’ve always wanted to work with children, they are so inspiring in what they can do and learn. 
      “I took particular interest in children with emotional, behavioural, social and cognitive difficulties who struggled to reach their potential. 
      “That led me to study further into becoming a Certified Play Therapist.”

      Brighton turn their attention to facing high-flying Chelsea this weekend, and Aileen is confident the club can claw their way up the table from ninth.
      She said: “We set our standards high and aim to always progress year on year.
      “With our new signings, Ellie Brazil returning from injury and the experience we have in the team we should be aiming for a comfortable finish in mid table.
      “I always want to win every game I play. I’ve played in many cup finals for Notts County, but we always came runners-up, so I still want to push on to achieve that winners medal. 
      “I want to help push Brighton to be a club that people recognise as challenging for the league title and cup success.
      “The drive and passion is innate, and I want to see others around me succeed.”

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      Leah Galton seals three-year Manchester United deal ahead of title-chasers’ clash with Reading

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      LEAH GALTON has given Man United a boost by signing a new contract with the WSL giants.
      The deal will see the midfield maestro remain a Red Devil until June 2024 with the option to extend for another year. 

      Leah Galton’s new Manchester United contract will run until June 2024 with an option to exendCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Galton, 26, who joined Man United from Bayern Munich, has been in fine form for the club this term, netting six times in 13 league appearances. 
      And the Harrogate-born player has scored 14 times in 51 games played across all competitions since her move to Casey Stoney’s side in July 2018.
      Galton said: “It’s a massive honour for me to sign a new long-term deal with the club. 
      “Since being here, I feel like I’ve developed in so many ways on and off the pitch and I’m especially grateful to Casey for her belief in me from the very start. 

      “I have to give a special mention to my team-mates who are like family to me, we are building something really special here and there is nowhere else I would want to be playing my football.” 
      Galton, who began her senior playing career at Leeds United at the age of 16, has started in every WSL game for the Red Devils so far this season. 
      And the versatile star has also played in wing-back positions for her side this term.

      Man United boss Stoney added: “Leah is hardworking and leaves it all out on the pitch every training session and every matchday, and she fully deserves to be signing a new contract with the club.

      “I have always said that I see her as one of the best wingers in this country, and her performances throughout this season just prove that. 
      “From a head coach perspective, I’m so pleased that we have Leah committing her future to us, she will be a key player over the next few seasons.”

      Galton has been on target six times in 13 games for Man UnitedCredit: Rex Features
      Man United, who are bidding to capture the WSL crown from champions Chelsea, are due to face Reading next in the league. 
      Stoney’s side, who are second and joint on points with Emma Hayes’ Blues, have been defeated just once in 13 games this term. 
      And their league form has seen the Red Devils boss and Ella Toone nominated for Barclays WSL manager and player of the month awards for February. 

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      Riise and England aces to take on Northern Ireland and Canada in Euro 2022 warm-up

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      ENGLAND WOMEN will take on Northern Ireland and Canada in their first friendlies since Phil Neville’s departure.
      The matches will be the first internationals for the Lionesses since March 2020 and the first under new assistant coach Hege Riise. 

      The Lionesses are set to play their first international matches since the SheBelieves Cup in March 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The team, who have not played a competitive game since the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, will take on both their opponents behind closed doors. 
      The friendly fixtures have been organised as part of the squad’s preparation for the Euros in 2022.
      Their first game will be against Northern Ireland on February 23 at St George’s Park, with the second taking place against Canada on April 13.
      And the last clash between England and Northern Ireland, which took place in 2008, ended in a 2-0 win for the Lionesses. 

      Former Captain Faye White and Fara Williams, who currently holds the record as the team’s most capped player, were both on target in that encounter. 
      Northern Ireland have enjoyed recent success on the international stage winning their last four Euro qualifying games.
      And they made history by reaching the play-offs for the tournament for the first time ever in November.  
      A venue for England’s clash against Canada is yet to be confirmed. 

      The  match will see the Lionesses taken on a team currently led by Bev Priestman who is a former assistant of Phil Neville

      Hege Riise is set to lead the Lionesses in friendly games against Northern Ireland and CanadaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And the last encounter between the teams finished as a 1-0 win for Canada back in April 2019. 
      Both matches will be available to watch on BBC iPlayer. 
      And FA officials say they are continuing to work with the Government on safe return of fans to football grounds.

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      Robins loan ace Skeels says Bristol will give Conti Cup final their ‘best shot’ as Beard eyes West Ham clash

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      KIERA SKEELS says reaching her first-ever cup final is a ‘dream’ with Bristol City set to battle Chelsea for the Conti Tyres trophy.
      And the Robins loan star reckons the team’s success in the competition is a huge confidence boost as they battle to beat the drop.

      Kiera Skeels helped Bristol reach the Conti Cup finals for the first time in the club’s historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Skeels netted her first goal for the club arriving on loan from Reading in JanuaryCredit: Reuters

      Skeels sparked scenes of ecstatic celebrations at Twerton Park after heading her side into the finals and a 1-0 win against semis opponents Leicester City.
      And the England Under-19 centre-back has vowed to do her best to help the Robins, who are bottom, keep their spot in the women’s top-flight. 
      Skeels, 20, said: “Getting to a cup final is something I have always dreamed of. I can’t believe it’s actually happened. 
      “It’s massive and it’s something we are going to work really hard on. We obviously want to give it our best shot and see what happens. 

      “We know we needed to dig deep if we wanted to get to there and it’s something we have worked hard on in training 
      “I’m just so happy for this opportunity to come in and help the team as much as I can. They have been so supportive.”
      Skeels – on loan from Reading until the end of the season – is one of two January transfer deadline day signings acquired by interim Robins gaffer Matt Beard.  
      And the Twerton Park manager, who is standing-in for long-serving Bristol boss Tanya Oxtoby, praised the England starlet’s swift impact. 

      Matt Beard having Skeels at Bristol gives him the option to push Jasmine Matthews into midfieldCredit: Reuters

      Beard said: “She’s a lovely girl, a really good player and I am grateful we had the opportunity to bring her in as it allows us to push Jasmine Matthews into midfield.
      “We just have the ability now to tweak things here and there for certain games. 
      “We’re really pleased that the work we have been putting in over the last two or three weeks has been coming off.” 
      Former Irons gaffer Beard is set for a tantalising reunion with West Ham with the Robins due to play the Hammers next in the league. 
      The encounter will see the Bristol City chief will go head-to-head with his old side for the first time following his departure from the club in November. 

      Bristol are set to take on Matt Beard’s former club West Ham in the WSLCredit: Reuters
      And it’s one of three big games coming up for the Robins who are currently just two points behind the Irons who have a game in hand. 
      Beard said: “We have had two great wins but we have got a busy week with West Ham on Sunday and Tottenham on Wednesday. 
      “I’m the Bristol City manager now and my priority is keeping Bristol City in the division.” 

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