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      Arsenal 4 Tottenham 0: Spurs new-girl Alex Morgan forced to watch Lisa Evans-inspired Gunners run riot from stands

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      AMERICAN superstar Alex Morgan was forced to watch as Lisa Evans hit a hat-trick to fire rampant Arsenal into the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
      Jordan Nobbs broke the deadlock with a superb chip on 73 minutes.

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      Lisa Evans’ hat-trick inspired Arsenal to a 4-0 win over Tottenham in the FA Cup quarter-finals

      Evans doubled the lead one minute later and the Scottish international wrapped it up with two more to continue the Gunners’ bid for a record 15th FA Cup.
      Spurs’ statement signing Morgan, who has won two World Cups, a Champions League and an Olympic gold medal, spent the afternoon wrapped up in the stands.
      Morgan has been out of action for over a year due to injury and giving birth to her daughter, Charlie, just four months ago.
      Spurs boss Karen Hills said: “Alex has been incredible. She’s come out of her comfort zone and wants to come to England and try something different.

      “We felt it was important for her to be part of matchday preparations and to get her in shorts and socks and get her in a matchday environment.
      “She’s nervous and hasn’t been in that situation for the past year.

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      Jordan Nobbs opened the scoring with an audacious chip from outside the box

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      Four goals in the final 20 minutes booked Arsenal’s ticket to the semis

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      Evans’ goals rounded out a derby win for the Gunners

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      New Spurs signing Alex Morgan watched the game from the stands
      “She is a great leader and has fantastic experience.
      “Having someone like that around the changing room is fantastic, but it was just not meant to be today.

      “She’s working really hard, growing day by day and physically is in great shape.”
      Her Orlando Pride pals, Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy, made the starting XI, having also penned short-term deals.
      Spurs started brightly and Arsenal stopper Manuela Zinsberger came close to gifting them the opener after she was almost caught out playing out from the back.
      Kennedy lofted a header agonizingly close to the far post in the second half.

      But the Gunners have had a player hit a hat-trick in their last three games  and boss Joe Montemurro joked: “We draw straws over who gets a hat-trick and we pick a player!
      “I was very pleased with the second-half when we came out and stepped it up a gear.”
      Hat-trick hero Evans added: “We didn’t want to go to extra time and penalties so we had to get it done in 90 minutes.” 

      Tottenham signing Alex Morgan shows off her skills on the training pitch More

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      Leicester Women’s ace Holly Morgan aims for FA Cup upset against Man City

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      HOLLY MORGAN is part of a unique family set-up at Leicester City Women’s football club.
      The Foxes ace is the only captain of a Women’s Championship side managed by a head coach who is also her brother.

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      Holly Morgan says Leicester are aiming to ‘put on a show’ against Man City in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      On Sunday Morgan, 27, will skipper a group of Leicester players attempting to pull off a quarter-final shock in the Women’s FA Cup.
      And the centre-back, who shares her surname with her famous counterpart in Brendan Rodgers’ team, is aiming to defeat one of the Women’s Super League big guns.
      The Foxes captain and her team-mates, who include former Reading ace Remi Allen, will take on Manchester City for a place in the FA Cup’s semis.

      And the centre-back, who has been with Leicester since age 11, was in a bullish mood before the clash with a side which includes two World Cup winners.
      Morgan said: “Man City are solid team and that was before the signings they’ve made.
      “With the new signings, they’ve only got stronger and better. But at the end of the day, we’re excited about the fixture.
      “We’re there to compete and we’re there to show that we’re not just making up the numbers.

      “We’re there to progress further into FA Cup and we’re ready to put on a show.”

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      Morgan (right) and her Foxes team-mates are currently second in the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Leicester have strengthened their squad with former Reading midfielder Remi Allen (left) joining their ranks this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      2020 has been a year of big changes for Leicester, who are currently second in the Women’s Championship and aiming for WSL promotion.
      Foxes icon Emile Heskey, 42, was appointed the team’s football ambassador.
      And the squad became a professional outfit this term after being acquired by the King Power owners of Leicester’s Prem side.

      We have a very good working dynamic and there is a lot of trust in Holly as captain
      Jonathan Morgan – Leicester City Women’s Manager

      The Morgan family have been at the heart of these transformations with Holly’s father Rohan as the club chair, her sister Jade working as general manager, and her brother Jonathan as team boss.

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      Jonathan Morgan’s Leicester players beat Reading to claim their place in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the former Hinckley United player has no qualms about managing a side captained by his sister.
      But the Foxes manager reckons it can sometimes be “an easy Achilles heel”.
      Jonathan said: “I’ve been doing it (coaching Holly) for six years now with lots of positives and a couple of negatives. 

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      Emile Heskey became Leicester City’s women’s football ambassador this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “There’s obviously not being too soft on her so people think, ‘oh, why are you being soft on her?’
      “It’s an easy get out of jail card for people sometimes and it is an easy Achilles heel because she’s my sister.
      “But we have a very good working dynamic and there is a lot of trust in Holly as captain.”

      Jamie Vardy signs new Leicester deal until 2023 keeping him at Foxes until he is 36 More

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      Karen Hills says Alex Morgan’s Orlando Pride team-mates helped Tottenham pull off shock transfer

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      KAREN HILLS revealed Alex Morgan’s Orlando Pride pals helped tempt the American superstar to sign with Tottenham.  
      The USA World Cup winner, 31, is set to make her debut against Arsenal in the FA Cup tomorrow, having recently signed for the North Londoners on a sensational loan-deal.

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      Alex Morgan’s former Orlando Pride team-mates played a role in her move to SpursCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Pride ace Shelina Zadorsky signed a short-term loan deal with the North Londoners in AugustCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      She has joined the familiar faces of her Pride team-mates Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy who also penned short-term deals with the club ahead of this season.
      Spurs boss, Hills, said: “Speaking to Alex, there’s a connection with the club anyway. She’s got friends from Orlando in Shelina and Alanna.
      “Obviously, she’d spoken to them. There were a lot of positives around the club and the vibe, I think she got a really nice feel to that.
      “She was over here with the USA World Cup winning team and they trained here, there was a connection already with Tottenham.

      “We’re an up and coming team. It fitted for her at this moment in time. And coming here shows the ambition of Alex to take herself out her comfort zone,
      “And to come to another country to give herself the opportunity to again state that she’s one of the best forwards in the world.”
      Morgan agreed terms with Spurs in less than 48 hours and has been training with the North Londoners for the past week.
      If the strike sensation features against the Gunners, it would be her first competitive match in over a year, having given birth to her first child four months ago.

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      She is in search of regular minutes in a bid to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
      Hills added: “I think it’s a big statement for Alex, it obviously goes to show her mentality and how she’s been able to transfer from having the baby to getting herself back into amazing shape,
      “To then travel to London, and become part of what we’re doing at the moment. It all seemed to fit at the right moment for her.”
      Arsenal’s aces are relishing the chance of going toe to toe with Morgan as the prepare to host Spurs at Borehamwood.
      Boss Joe Montemurro said: “We get to play against top players so from our perspective it only adds to the growth and the great league that the WSL is.
      “From our perspective there’s no player that has been singled out or anything, we’re going to go about it our way and play our football and see if these players adhere to the level that we bring out to them.”

      Tottenham signing Alex Morgan shows off her skills on the training pitch More

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      Emile Heskey revels in new role ahead of Leicester’s clash with Man City

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      EMILE HESKEY says he is loving the “family” vibe of being back at Leicester.
      And the Foxes icon paid tribute to the club this week after sharing his delight at becoming their first women’s football ambassador.

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      Emile Heskey, who is Leicester City’s women’s football ambassador, says he has always ‘gravitated’ back to the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The former Liverpool star said: “I represented a lot of clubs but I always gravitated back to Leicester.
      “I was born and raised here, I played here and when I left to play for other clubs, they never really had the same feeling in terms of a family environment.
      “We did everything together and you saw that with the men’s team — and you are seeing that with the women, too.

      “About 15 years ago, my friend was a coach and asked me to talk to the women’s team. I gave a speech and fast forward to now and I’m back.”
      Heskey, 42, enjoyed a stellar 18-year career in the Premier League making 516 appearances including 124 at Leicester.

      “Women’s football has always been there, but it hasn’t really been pushed
      Emile Heskey

      The former Anfield frontman, who played in this year’s Soccer Aid alongside ex-Arsenal ace Kelly Smith, says he has been a long-term admirer of the women’s game.
      And while the Leicester-born forward praised Ian Wright for encouraging more fans to follow the sport, he believes Smith and figures like Brighton boss Hope Powell, should get more recognition.

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      Emile Heskey will be mentoring members of Leicester City’s women’s team as part of his new role at the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Heskey added: “Women’s football has always been there, but it hasn’t really been pushed.
      ‘’I remember Doncaster Belles and I played in Soccer Aid with Kelly Smith and you realise how good they actually are.
      “It’s great to have Ian Wright and myself helping, but there are a lot of people who have done far more than we have.

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      Heskey believes players like ex-England playmaker Kelly Smith deserve greater recognition for their contribution to women’s footballCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “Hope Powell is one of the reasons I started watching the national team.”
      In his new role, the 62-cap Three Lions striker, 43, will offer coaching advice to the Foxes’ women’s squad as well as mentoring their players.
      Leicester, second in the Championship, face WSL juggernauts Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

      Jamie Vardy signs new Leicester deal until 2023 keeping him at Foxes until he is 36 More

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      Tottenham bosses say Alex Morgan transfer is ‘dream come true’ as ace prepares for debut in Arsenal FA Cup clash

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      TOTTENHAM’S bosses admit Alex Morgan’s transfer is a “dream come true” for the club that used to play in the fifth-tier of women’s football.
      Karen Hills first took charge of Spurs in 2007, when the set-up was so undeveloped that she was asked to drive the minibus and players took their own kit home to wash each week.

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      American superstar Alex Morgan has signed for Tottenham on a short-term loanCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Tottenham bosses Juan Amoros and Karen Hills say Morgan’s transfer is a ‘dream come true’Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Now the club has pulled off a huge coup in attracting the most high-profile footballer in the women’s game to North London on a short-term loan.
      Morgan, 31, is well known for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping the tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash.
      The USA World Cup winner has 9.2MILLION followers on Instagram – more than Spurs’ official account and just shy of Harry Kane’s 9.8million.
      Hills said: “The growth of Spurs Women over the last five years has been an exceptional journey.

      “Some of our players have been with us for the past five seasons, coming from semi-professional, and now they are training and playing alongside a World Cup winner.
      “I think it just shows the hard work we’ve put in. We’re now reaping the rewards.
      “We’ve worked exceptionally hard to achieve what we have and we deserve it.
      “If you look back 13 seasons from where we started to where we are today, with the quality of players we’ve got, it’s exciting.

      “But it doesn’t stop here. We want to keep pushing forward.”

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      The Orlando Pride forward has penned a deal until the end of the year in a bid for regular game time ahead of the delayed Tokyo Olympics.
      Juan Amoros, who joined Hills as head coach in 2011, added: “We’ve been here for so long and have been developing this club for such a long period.
      “For us to have a player of that caliber – a World Cup winner, an Olympic Gold medalist – a few years back that was only a dream.
      “It’s obviously a no-brainer. When they ask if you want to sign Alex Morgan, obviously the answer is yes.
      “We met her online first, as we do with all the players because we need to make sure they fit in with the group. She was outstanding as a person.”
      Morgan is set to make her Spurs debut in the postponed FA Cup quarter-final clash against Arsenal on Saturday.
      It would be her first competitive match in over a year, having given birth to her first child four months ago.
      Morgan’s husband is Fort Lauderdale player and former LA Galaxy star Servando Carrasco, who still lives in the US.

      View this post on Instagram

      The Fam
      A post shared by Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) on Sep 10, 2020 at 1:10pm PDT

      Orlando boss Marc Skinner is keen for Morgan to return from her contract in time to join the Pride next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.
      But Amoros hopes Tottenham can tie the World Cup winner down on a longer deal.
      He continued: “We can’t forget that she only landed last week and she’s been training with us for a week.
      “But she is one of our players and as with everyone else she can be selected to play because all the paper work has been done so I think we will have to wait almost until the last minute to know.
      “The contract of Alex is for a season, obviously at the same time we know the world we live in these days is a very difficult world.
      “She has recently become a mum so the husband is still in America, so there is a lot of things that can influence the next steps,
      “We have to go step by step in this case obviously to see how they adapt to London but our main aim is that she feels part of the Spurs family.
      “A player of that calibre we want to keep her for as long as we can so we will see that one.”

      Tottenham signing Alex Morgan shows off her skills on the training pitch More

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      United’s Tobin Heath ready for ‘crazy competitive’ Women’s Super League and race for third Champions League spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Tobin Heath expects the women’s top-flight to be “crazy competitive” with a third Champion’s League spot up for grabs this term.
      And the World Cup-winning USA star admitted to “nerding out” the first time she set foot on the club’s Old Trafford turf.

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      Tobin Heath admitted to getting’the feels’ the first time she stepped on the pitch at Old Trafford Credit: USA TODAY Sports

      Heath, 32, is among the big-name US stars who made high-profile moves to the Women’s Super League this month.
      The last time the American ace set foot on United’s pitch was during the 2012 Olympics.
      Her international side beat Canada to seal their place in the tournament’s finals.
      Heath said: “Any footballer’s dream would be to play for Manchester United and to play at Old Trafford.

      “I had all the feels when going back there. I was nerding out before and during the Olympics when we played there.
      “I think in our first game, there was a group stage match and then we played that epic, semi-final against Canada.
      “The pitch just has this iconic feeling about it and it’s just such an iconic venue for any footballer.”
      Heath will be part of Casey Stoney’s United squad following a one-year deal she signed with the team this month.

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      Two-time World Cup winner Heath signed a one-year deal with Man United this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Other big-name US arrivals who made temporary WSL moves include Tottenham’s Alex Morgan and Manchester City’s Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle.
      Heath hopes her performances for Stoney’s side, who are currently fourth in the table, will help the team challenge for major trophies.

      Pretty much my whole footballing education and introduction was through English football
      Tobin Heath

      The USA star added: “It’s definitely a more unique set-up here. There are a lot more things to compete for.
      “There’s the big league title, the cup and also Champions League spots.
      “And having that third Champions League spot added this year is going to be crazy competitive”

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      Heath’s international team-mate Alex Morgan is among the US women’s football stars who have switched to the WSL Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Heath, who is a big Arsenal fan, says her introduction to the English game came from growing up watching the Premier League on TV.
      The USA international could be set to make her league debut when United take on Hope Powell’s Brighton side on October 4.
      And the Red Devils midfielder is excited about the prospect of taking on United’s WSL rivals under Stoney.

      I’m hoping she (Casey Stoney) can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well
      Tobin Heath

      Heath added: “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.

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      Heath (left) and her USA team-mates beat England in the 2019 Women’s World Cup semis before winning the tournament Credit: AP:Associated Press

      “I’ve had a few, a few training sessions to get to know Casey’s personality a bit.
      “She’s all business and she really cares about the players.
      “I’m hoping she can not only continue to propel this team to big things but for me as well.”

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      Alex Morgan refuses to rule out permanent Tottenham transfer after pregnancy as she hails ‘incredible’ club

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      ALEX MORGAN hasn’t ruled out staying at Tottenham on a permanent basis, despite only penning a short term deal until January 2021.
      The USA World Cup winner, 31, admits she is desperate for regular game time having not played a competitive game of football in over a year due to her pregnancy.

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      USA World Cup winner Alex Morgan signed for Tottenham Women on a short-term deal

      The coronavirus has heavily disrupted America’s National Women’s Soccer League, but provided an opportunity for England’s top-flight.
      The WSL is now the destination for many elite American players in search of regular minutes in a bid to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

      Morgan makes her return to playing, in the Women’s Super League only months after giving birth to her first child.

      The Orlando Pride superstar told Tottenham’s official website: “Everything happened really fast,
      “Obviously, I had to take into account my family, my daughter, who is four months old, and my husband who plays football in the US.
      “I also had to look at how I can get back after not playing for a good amount of time due to injury, also pregnancy and the pandemic,
      “So there’s a lot of things that played into this decision. Just to be a part of this organisation is pretty incredible,

      “You know, the rich history and the fact that the women’s team have continued to improve year after year, I’m really happy to take this next step in my career.”

      Orlando boss Marc Skinner reportedly hopes Morgan will return from her contract in England in time to join the Pride next spring for preseason ahead of the 2021 NWSL season.
      The American ace is one of the most high-profile names in world football, a two-time World Cup winner and 2012 Olympic gold medalist.
      She added: “I can’t think too much in the future without really sitting down for a long period of time,
      “And I didn’t have that time to make a drastic decision for my family so whether I’m here for three months, six months or even further, I’ll take it one step at a time right now.”
      The striker will join the familiar faces of her Orlando Pride team-mates Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy who are also on loan deals with the club.
      As well as FOUR fellow USA World Cup winners in the league who have decided to cross the pond as the country continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic.
      Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle signed for Manchester City, while Christen Press and Tobin Heath recently headed for rivals Manchester United.
      Morgan is well-known for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping on tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash when she scored the winner.

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      Manchester United skipper withdraws from England camp after positive Covid-19 test

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’s Katie Zelem has withdrawn from England’s training camp after testing positive for Covid-19.
      The Red Devils midfielder will now self-isolate for a ten-day period in line with FA and government protocols. 

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      Manchester United captain Katie Zelem is self-isolating after withdrawing from Phil Neville’s England camp Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The United captain, 24, had received her first England senior call-up earlier this month. 
      The FA say they have no plans to bring in another player to replace Zelem at this stage. 
      Training had been arranged as part of the Lionesses’ preparations for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
      England officials report Lucy Bronze has also had to withdraw from the week-long camp.

      The Manchester City full-back picked up a minor knock during her club’s scoreless draw against Brighton on Sunday. 
      Meanwhile, Everton’s Isobel Christiansen has been called up to Phil Neville’s 30-player squad today. 

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      Lucy Bronze has returned home from the England camp following a minor knock she received during Manchester City’s draw against BrightonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Toffees striker made her senior national debut in a Euro 2017 qualifier when she scored in England’s 8-0 win against Estonia.
      Christiansen, 28, received her last cap from Neville, 43, in March last year.

      The Macclesfield-born forward was part of the England squad that triumphed in the SheBelieves Cup that month. 

      However, an ankle injury and surgery led to Christiansen being ruled out of the Lionesses squad that reached the World Cup semis last summer. 
      The former Man City player returned to the women’s top-flight in England after playing for a season with reigning Champions League title holders Olympique Lyonnais. 
      And the forward signed an 18-month contract with the Toffees, who are currently second in the Women’s Super League behind Arsenal.

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