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      Vivianne Miedema’s double helps Arsenal star equal Nikita Parris’s WSL top scorer record

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      VIVIANNE MIEDEMA equalled the all-time WSL top-scorer record as Arsenal clinically snuffed out Brighton.
      Her brace helped the Gunners leapfrog Manchester United at the top of the table.

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      Vivianne Miedema, right, is now one goal away from becoming the Women’s Super League’s all-time top scorerCredit: Rex Features

      Dutch ace Miedema, 24, reached a staggering tally of 49 goals in 49 games to share the record with England forward Nikita Parris.
      Joe Montemurro’s side were ruthless in attack for much of the game netting five times against the home side.
      And the Arsenal boss was full of praise for Miedema, who also delivered a deadly cross for Lotte Wubben-Moy to score on her Gunners debut.

      Montemurro said: “It’s an absolute privilege to coach her as player.
      “I’m so proud to be part of her development and we can always tick off the box in terms of her finishing and scoring goals.
      “But the amount of work she does off the ball and knowing when to trigger the press is a true mark of a great player.”
      “She is a phenomenal girl and we are all proud of her as the family we are at Arsenal.

      “I urge people – if they get the opportunity to come and see our games in future – to watch the work she does off the ball.”

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      Miedema’s brace helped Arsenal move back to pole position in the leagueCredit: PA:Press Association
      Brighton began confidently with Denise O’Sullivan curving an effort narrowly wide.
      But Arsenal opened in the tenth minute, with Miedema beating Megan Walsh with a low shot.
      Goals from Danielle van de Donk and Jen Beattie saw the visitors extend their lead.
      And a header from Wubben-Moy and the second Miedema strike wrapped up the 5-0 win for the Gunners who maintained their hundred per cent win record.

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      Miedema, left, also set up a debut goal for Arsenal’s newest signing Lotte Wubben-MoyCredit: PA:Press Association

      But it was Arsenal who opened the scoring in the tenth minute with Miedema beating Megan Walsh with a low at the near post.
      Goals from Danielle Van de Donk and Jen Beattie in the 36th and 48th minutes saw the Gunners extend their lead.
      And second Miedema strike and header from Wubben-Moy wrapped up the win for the league leaders.

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      Chelsea 3 Man City 1: Mjelde, Kerr and Kirby on target as reigning champs make statement to WSL rivals

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      EMMA HAYES hailed ‘hound-dog’ Erin Cuthbert for silencing former Lyon superstar Lucy Bronze in a three-goal blast over Manchester City.
      The high-flying Blues equalled their longest ever unbeaten run of 25 top-flight games, thanks to goals from Maren Mjelde, Sam Kerr and Fran Kirby, to remind their rivals why they are holding the WSL crown.

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      Sam Kerr scored her third goal in four games

      Scottish international Cuthbert was the star of the show after making Bronze look like a bust at right-back as she repeatedly broke free to set up chances – including Kirby’s cool tap in.
      Hayes said: “You tell me another footballer in the world like Erin, 
      “I don’t know what she eats for breakfast but she’s like a hound dog, a permanent pest, constantly driving her heels – and we’re talking about a world class player in Lucy Bronze. 
      “What a performance from our little Scot. I love that human, I love that player because she’s prepared to do all the s****y jobs and she does it at the top level. ”

      The hosts breakthrough came after referee Rebecca Welch pointed to the spot as the ball appeared to have struck a leaping Demi Stokes on the top of the arm.
      Yet it came in a storm of controversy as the replay showed the ball actually hit her hip.
      Cue mayhem on the Citizens’ bench – as Ellen White was also wrongly booked before Stokes was handed a yellow.
      Ice-cool Norwegian midfielder Mjelde stepped up and made no mistake as she hammered home her 36th minute penalty.

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      Maren Mjelde opened the scoring from the penalty spot

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      Fran Kirby restored the Blues’ advantage in the 79th minute
      It was Hayes’ side who again carved out the best chances after the break. 
      Kirby broke free and whipped in an inch-perfect cross to Kerr who rose highest – but tipped a header just over the bar.
      It was only a matter of time before the Australian strike sensation got her breakthrough as she kept a cool head to slot home on 57 minutes thanks to another peach of a pass from Kirby.
      It was Kerr’s third goal in four league games, as she delivered the best possible riposte to the Twitter trolls who had been claiming she had been firing blanks since her high-profile transfer last November.
      But against the odds City were handed a desperate lifeline when Caroline Weir’s cross struck Millie Bright’s arm – with Welch pointing to the spot again.
      England winger Chloe Kelly stepped up and slammed it in with 15 minutes to go.
      But the hosts instantly hit back with Cuthbert causing a major headache for the normally pristine Bronze down the right flank.
      The Scottish international set up Kirby with a cute through ball and the England striker’s twinkle toes twisted inside and out before tucking home to wrap things up.

      On the controversial penalty, City boss Gareth Taylor said: “I didn’t see much of the penalty, I’ve heard it’s a shocker.
      “It is what it is, the yellow card for Ellen White is frustrating, the Chelsea player was already on a yellow when they gave away the penalty but didn’t get a second.
      “We just need to focus on ourselves and not make excuses. The frustration is there. This won’t define our season.” 
      Hayes added: “This is football you can’t lift your arms, and we don’t know how to teach defenders how to defend!
      “I thought the officials were excellent today, they stayed with the pace of the game, the people in the middle had a great game.”

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      Hope Powell expects Brighton to face fully-firing Arsenal despite talk of Gunners form dip

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      HOPE POWELL brushed off suggestions of a dip in form for Arsenal ahead of Brighton’s WSL clash with the North London side today.
      And the Seagulls boss warned her players are in for a “tough game” against the Gunners, who were clobbered 4-1 by Chelsea in a league cup match on Wednesday.

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      Hope Powell reckons Brighton will be up against a lethal Arsenal side Credit: Rex Features

      Arsenal and Brighton face off for the first time this term with the North London club having won three previous league encounters with the Seagulls by 4-0 margins.
      And Powell, 53, wants her players switched on to their opponents’ “lethal” tactics as they hunt for their first WSL win against them.
      The Brighton coach said: “They move the ball very, very quickly and it’s in those minutes when you switch off that they are lethal.

      “From minute one to minute 90 we have to make sure the players are focused and working for each other.
      “I think the result against Man City proved that if everybody does their job and they’re equal to the challenge, it gives us a real chance.”
      Powell, whose players snatched a point from Manchester City earlier this season was named September’s Barclays WSL Manager of the Month with Arsenal’s Jill Roord collecting the player’s prize.
      And the Seagulls gaffer – who picked up four points from her first three fixtures this term – praised her staff and players for her accolade.

      Powell added: “I think it highlights the progression we’ve made. The fact that we are starting to compete against those so-called bigger clubs is a bit of a confidence booster for everybody.”
      Meanwhile, Gunners chief Joe Montemurro expects his team to face “a difficult game” this afternoon.

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      The Gunners will be without the services of in-form striker Jill Roord who is currently injured Credit: Rex Features

      His side dropped to second in the women’s top-flight following Manchester United’s 1-0 win against Tottenham on Saturday.
      The Arsenal boss said: “Brighton have always been very well organised and have some moments that can unlock you.
      “We hope to be ready for them in the best way possible.”

      Mesut Ozil continues incredible charity work as Arsenal star launches own footwear range and donates profits to kids More

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      Spurs 0 Man Utd 1: Millie Turner’s header sends Red Devils to top of WSL for first time EVER as Alex Morgan watches on

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      MANCHESTER UNITED won ugly over Tottenham thanks to a decisive header by Millie Turner to send the Red Devils to the top of the WSL for the first time in their history.
      Of course they have played one more game than their rivals, but Casey Stoney has only had TWO-years to build a title-chasing side since the club was reformed after a 13-year hiatus.

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      Millie Turner’s header helped Man United reach the WSL’s top spot for the first time in their historyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      They had to wait 67-minutes to get the breakthrough in north London – but it was enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign.
      Spurs stay rooted in mid-table as star-signing Alex Morgan was again forced to wait for her long-awaited debut.
      United lost 3-1 to Liverpool in the League Cup last time out and perfectionist boss Stoney said: “I’m never satisfied, I want to win more comfortably, with better performances, we’re still building.

      “It has been a tough week emotionally and physically, the players aren’t even allowed out, so that takes its toll,
      “But I’ve put a ban on my players from watching football now so they can refresh on their time off!
      “I’m pleased for Millie, she knows better than anyone she was poor last time out against Liverpool, but she reacted brilliantly.”
      The visitors had the first sniff when Christen Press provided an inch-perfect cross to her USA compatriot Tobin Heath who flashed a header agonisingly wide of the left-post.

      But the hosts hit back strongly and Rosella Ayane broke free twice in front of Mary Earps’ goal, unleashing a fierce drive inches from the post on both occasions.

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      Turner (left) and her team-mates battled their way to a win following a league cup match loss to Liverpool this weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Man United will face West Ham in their next WSL fixtureCredit: Rex Features
      After the break Becky Spencer shirked her duties and almost gifted United the lead when she scuppered her clearance – but no one was there to make the crucial touch.
      Slowly, surely, steadily, United first established a foothold, then a gradual dominance. They just needed another sniff of goal.
      That arrived when Heath drilled in a corner that brought a great reaction from Turner who was loitering in the area to bury a header for her first goal since April.

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      Tottenham’s star signing Alex Morgan (left) watched United defeat her team 3-1Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Siri Worm nearly clawed one back for Spurs after sending a free-kick curling and dipping just wide.
      Spurs boss Juan Amoros said: “I’m truly gutted for the players and the fans, we really deserved at least a point if we had taken those chances at the start.
      “The performances from us are very good, we are playing some of the top teams, we know they are very good and we need to be at our best.“At the moment we are not clinical enough but I’m very positive with this group of players.”

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      Sam Kerr quit ‘hostile’ social media while fans and pundits criticised performances since high-profile Chelsea transfer

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      SAM KERR confessed she quit “hostile” social media amid claims she has been firing blanks since joining Chelsea.
      The strike sensation, 27, paved the way for high-profile superstars ditching life in the sunny leagues overseas for England’s gruelling top-flight, when she joined the Blues in November.

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      Chelsea’s Sam Kerr has come in stick from critics for some of her performances in front of goal despite being in scintillating formCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She still boasts the all-time goal-scoring record in America’s NWSL (77) and Australia’s W-League (70) despite not playing in either division for almost a year.
      Kerr’s arrival at Kingsmeadow sparked a fan frenzy and huge expectation that the Aussie would drench the Blues with goals.
      But by August, Kerr was in the firing line when critics blasted her for failing to convert chances.

      Former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis described the striker’s performance in the Community Shield as “painfully bad”.

      But Kerr told SunSport: “Whenever I miss a chance, whether it’s a big chance or a little chance, I’m not going to sit here and cry about it.
      “I go back on the training field and get better for it.
      “The most pressure I feel is from myself, outside noise to me is just outside noise.
      “Social media can be quite hostile so I’ve actually been off it in the last few months, other than Instagram.”

      The Perth-born ace’s two-year deal in West London is said to be worth nearly £1million – making her one of the highest earners in the women’s game.  

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      Sam Kerr’s Chelsea’s transfer sparked sensation amongst fans and punditsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Her arrival in England was a huge coup for the WSL at the time, before the likes of Alex Morgan and Pernille Harder made the switch.
      She had broken records in the United States and Australia, made her international debut at just 15 and already captained her country at a World Cup.
      But off the pitch Kerr is just a regular girl who loves trips to her local coffee shop and riding her bike.
      So it’s no surprise that amid all the craziness surrounding her switch to Chelsea she just wanted to fade into the team without the fanfare.
      The Aussie added: “Don’t get me wrong, it was a really amazing thing to be a part of.
      “I don’t think there had been that much buzz around a signing before so I felt really proud that we had generated that much kind of interest.
      “But at the same time, I just wanted to kind of slip into the team and come in as my own person rather than this big superstar the media had made me out to be – which I’m really not.
      “Pernille and also Niamh Fahey coming in from Liverpool, it has been cool to support them because I went through it six months ago.
      “There’s no doubt when I first got here it was difficult, a new apartment, just getting settled into a new place.
      “I’d be lying if I said it was all smooth sailing, it’s been tough and there’s definitely cultural changes.
      “But that’s part of it and that’s why I came here, I came here to challenge myself.
      “And since we had a bit of a break I feel like now this is my home.”

      Kerr has been in scintillating form this term, already silencing the critics with two league goals in just three games while Chelsea continue their unbeaten run in the WSL.  
      The striker hails the club’s billionaire owner Roman Abramovich for plowing investment into shiny training facilities for the women alongside the men at the shared hub in Cobham.
      She added: “You can feel that just being in and around the club, what we have and what we’re provided with here is like no other.
      “I also think you know the club and the girls have really earned it so I definitely feel that we have the support from above.
      “But at the same time I think the girls definitely deserved that.”
      Chelsea host Manchester City on Sunday after the teams played out a crazy 3-3 draw in their most recent league clash.
      City boss Gareth Taylor said: “It was a great spectacle. A lot of goals and  excitement. Who knows what could happen this time?”

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      Aston Villa forced to axe WSL fixtures with Bristol and Chelsea due to positive coronavirus test

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      ASTON VILLA have confirmed that an unnamed player in the women’s first team has tested positive for Covid-19.
      The shock test result has forced the West Midlanders to postpone their upcoming WSL clash with Bristol this Sunday and Chelsea on October 17.

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      Aston Villa manager Gemma Davies and her side will have to wait a month until their next fixture due to positive Covid-19 test in the squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      As reported on the Villan’s website, several other members of the squad have gone into self-isolation in accordance with Government guidelines.
      The club’s statement read: “Aston Villa Women can confirm that a member of our first-team squad has tested positive for COVID-19.
      “Several other members of the squad will also enter a period of self-isolation.
      “Due to these developments, we have since agreed with the FA to postpone our next two fixtures, against Bristol City (October 11th) and Chelsea (October 17th).

      “Aston Villa’s main priority is the health and safety of our players, staff, and opponents.”
      Since the coronavirus outbreak, the women’s side had been training separately from the men’s team.
      Gemma Davies’ newly-promoted side have lost all three of their matches so far this term and sit second from bottom in the WSL table.

      They were 1-0 winners over Sheffield United in the Women’s League Cup on Wednesday.

      It is understood the Blades’ upcoming games are still set to go ahead as planned.

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      How Man Utd women became a top four side in just TWO years with England legend Casey Stoney at the helm

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have come a long way since dreaming of Women’s Super League stardom when the club was built from scratch just TWO years ago.
      The Red Devils have enjoyed a meteoric rise – becoming the fourth best side in England in just their first top-flight season and attracting some of the biggest names in the game.

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      Manchester United women have become the fourth best side in England in just two seasonsCredit: Rex Features

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      Casey Stoney has been in the top job at the Red Devils since the women’s side was reformed in 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Former England and Arsenal legend Casey Stoney, 38, has been at the helm of the club since it was reformed in 2018 after a 13-year hiatus.

      She had just four weeks before pre-season to build a whole team, recruit her backroom staff and attract 21 players.
      But it didn’t take her long to capture the imagination of the fans and her squad when the club stormed to the Championship title in the 2018/19 season, with 18 wins in 20 games.
      United ace Lucy Staniforth, who played for Birmingham at the time, saw her ex-teammate and pal win the hearts and minds of Manchester in just weeks.

      The midfielder, 28, forged a reunion with Stoney after arriving at United this summer on a two-year deal.
      She said: “I thought United starting a women’s side was really intriguing because I’d had a few conversations with Casey at the time they started.
      “It definitely caught my attention and I thought wow what an exciting moment for women’s football – Manchester United being a part of it.
      “I think what also caught my attention last year was how well they performed.

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      Lucy Staniforth forged a reunion with her former teammate Casey Stoney after signing for United this summer Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I don’t think anyone expected them to finish as high as they did in the table when they first joined the league – it being there first season who would think that?
      “From the outside looking in you think yeah it’s a big club in England and the world but once you’re a part of it you realise how big it is.
      “So when they first got a team I thought wow this is going to be great but I didn’t realise how big it would be in years to come.”
      THE STONEY APPROACH
      Lionesses and Man City ace Alex Greenwood was among the exciting crop of youngsters recruited when the women’s team was formed.
      The defender was even willing to drop down a league to join the club, hailing Stoney as the main reason for her decision, just like Staniforth.
      The midfielder added: “Casey is someone that I hold in real high respect, I love her passion, I love the way she carries herself, everything she wants from her team she does herself.
      “I know her from playing with her beforehand so I guess that’s made it a bit easier to come in and work.
      “I thought she was a wonderful leader and I knew that she would probably step into that position when the time came.
      “With Casey what you see is what you get. The way she played is the way that she leads and manages.
      “She’s a great leader and a really strong person to be in charge of such a big football club.”
      The United boss was capped more than 100 times for the England women’s national football team after making her debut in 2000.

      The club’s transfer business had been fairly-modest amid their maiden WSL campaign, while Chelsea were snapping up the likes of last year’s record-signing Sam Kerr.
      But this summer Stoney’s side fired a huge warning shot to their rivals after landing USA back-to-back World Cup winners Christen Press and Tobin Heath.
      Heath said at the time of signing: “Any footballer’s dream would be to play for Manchester United.”
      The duo also have a huge impact off the pitch – with their shirts outselling EVERY player in the men’s squad in the first three days of their release.
      The shirts even outstripped the likes of Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.
      Boss Stoney said: “I think it says a lot about the women’s game, this football club and those players in terms of what they’ve achieved in the game,
      “And the fan base they’ve got across the US and how well known they are.
      “It’s massively positive because not only does it mean that people are putting female players’ names on the back of their shirts, it means that there’s revenue coming back in and that helps us as a club.”

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      Man Utd sold more shirts with Christen Press (pictured) and Tobin Heath on the back than ANY player in the men’s squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Tobin Heath has won back-to-back World Cups with the USACredit: Getty Images – Getty
      United have been in scintillating form this term, they are unbeaten in the league and drew with top dogs Chelsea on the opening weekend.
      Meanwhile, the men’s side were mauled by Spurs in a humiliating 6-1 loss at Old Trafford last time out.
      But Stoney’s side have a chance to salvage the club’s pride and turn the tables on Tottenham this Saturday.
      World Cup superstar Alex Morgan could make her long-awaited Spurs debut having recently signed for the North Londoners on a short-term deal.
      She is another American icon who is arguably bigger than the club, given her 9.2MILLION Instagram followers –  more than Spurs’ official account and just shy of Harry Kane’s 9.8million.
      Stoney continued: “I give credit to Karen and Juan (managers of Spurs) for what they’ve done at Tottenham, as a club are constantly pushing on every year, as we are.
      “In terms of the club itself we are one of the biggest clubs in the world. So everybody knows the brand, everyone knows the name.
      “For me, pressure is a privilege. If people aren’t talking about you, then you’re not doing the right thing.
      “It’s now down to us to get to those levels consistently every week.
      “We’ve got some learning to do from our League Cup loss to Liverpool because we need to realise that it doesn’t matter where we turn up, there’s a target on our back.”
      BARMY ARMY
      Staniforth reckons a lot of players are attracted to United for their die-hard supporters known as the “Barmy Army”.
      She said: “To be able to play in front of some of the best fans in England who will you on to do well is exactly why you play football.”
      United were attracting an average crowd of 2,000 in the Championship while most WSL sides were lucky to get just under 1,000.
      Before the coronavirus crisis the supporters followed the club up and down the country, carrying a songbook filled with chants tailored to each player.
      And they have even managed to get flags printed for new signings Press and Heath already put up in the women’s ground – the Leigh Sports Village.

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      Before the coronavirus crisis United were followed up and down the country by their die-hard supporters known as the “Barmy Army”Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      United’s first top-flight game saw the WSL’s attendance record smashed as 31,213 turned up at the Eithad for the first women’s Manchester derbyCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Christen Press and Tobin Heath shirts outsold EVERY Man Utd men’s player in the first three days

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      MANCHESTER UNITED sold more shirts with Christen Press and Tobin Heath on the back than ANY player in the men’s squad.
      Shirts for the USA World Cup Winners were so popular in the first three days of their release that they even outsold the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

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      Heath (pictured) and Press jerseys were the club’s most popular of any player, male or femaleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Christen Press chose the number 24 shirt as a touching tribute to the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant Credit: Getty Images – Getty

       The American superstars arrived at the Red Devils last month, in a major coup for the Women’s Super League.

      The pair have made a combined 306 appearances for their country and were both members of the 2015 and 2019 World Cup-winning squads.
      Los Angeles-born Press opted for the number 24 shirt in homage to late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
      She said: “I’m not someone that holds too much luck or significance to a number.

      “But when I wasn’t able to wear my normal number, I chose this with a little nod to Kobe, because I’m an LA girl.”
      Heath usually dons the number 17 but it was taken by Ona Batlle so she chose 77.
      United fans were left drooling when the duo made their highly-anticipated debuts last Sunday in the 3-0 win over Brighton on home soil.

      Heath even provided an inch-perfect cross to Jane Ross in the 90th minute for the Red Devil’s final goal.

      The 32-year-old is actually a huge Arsenal fan and would often watch the Premier League on TV when she was growing up.
      The forward said: “Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football.
      “When TV rights started becoming more prominent in the US with all the games, it was something as a football fan that was just a dream to be able to watch.”
      Other big-name US arrivals who have made a temporary switch to the WSL include Tottenham’s Alex Morgan and Manchester City’s Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
      United will face Spurs and possibly Morgan, who is yet to make her long-awaited debut, for their next WSL fixture on Saturday.

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