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      Women’s FA Cup seals record sponsorship deal with Vitality with prize fund set for review and Alex Scott as ambassador

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      THE Women’s FA Cup has sealed a record three-year sponsorship deal with Vitality ahead of the postponed quarter-finals of the 2019-20 competition.
      Kelly Simmons, the FA’s director of the Women’s Game, revealed there has been a “significant investment” from the health and life insurance company.

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      Man City won the last Women’s FA Cup with a 3-0 win over West HamCredit: Peter Tarry – The Sunday Times

      And while she wasn’t able to disclose the exact figure, she confirmed the prize-fund will also be reviewed.
      The winners of the women’s competition currently receive £25,000, whereas the winning men’s team will rake in an eye-watering £1.8MILLION next term.
      The men’s prize money was slashed in half from the £3.6m Arsenal received for beating Chelsea in August, due to the financial implications of Covid-19.
      Simmons said: “This is obviously day one of a brand-new partnership so we need to look at where we can take this investment,

      “And deliver the best value in terms of our aspirations around building and developing the women’s FA Cup. The prize fund will be part of that review.
      “Bringing a major brand in like Vitality at this moment demonstrates the power of women’s football and where the game is, and that brands and other partners want to get involved.
      “It’s been well documented we’ve had a lot of commercial interest in the WSL as well.
      “So, I think it says strongly really where women’s football is at. It’s on a big growth trajectory.”

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      Alex Scott (left) lifted the trophy with Kelly Smith (right) at Wembley with Arsenal in 2016Credit: PA:Press Association

      Arsenal and England legend Alex Scott, was announced as Vitality’s new ambassador this week.
      The former right-back has won seven FA Cups with the Gunners and recalls lifting the trophy at Wembley after beating Chelsea in 2016.
      She said: “I think the last time I won it with Arsenal I remember crying like a baby.
      “It was that emotional for me and I knew I was coming towards the end of my career.
      “So, to finally be able to play in the FA Cup, about seven times, and to finally get the showpiece game at Wembley now for the women,
      “For me to walk those stairs and lift the trophy was really the highlight of my career.
      “It’s just that moment is what you dream of as a young kid to be able to play at Wembley in an FA Cup final.
      “Even from my early days at Arsenal, we always knew that was a goal,
      “You want to get to the FA Cup final because it always has been and always will be the showpiece event in women’s football.”
      A peak audience of 2.2m watched Manchester City power to victory over West Ham in the 2019 final of the competition – with over 43,000 watching at Wembley.

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

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      Alex Morgan’s transfer move to Spurs is a real coup for the WSL and shows America is not THE place for stars to play

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      MOST England fans will remember Alex Morgan for trolling the entire English nation after she celebrated by “sipping the tea” in their World Cup semi-final clash.
      But as the striker, 31, prepares to embark on a short-term loan deal with Spurs until January 2021 – I can assure you, that you can expect SO much more from her.

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      Alex Morgan is a popular figure in the women’s game and one of the latest big names to make the move to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: © 2019 SOPA Img

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      Morgan, 31, made headlines last year with her famous tea-sipping celebration during the USA’s World Cup semi-final win against EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association

      Her signing is a huge coup for the WSL and it’s huge for the North Londoners to land a player of that caliber, as they look to push on in only their second season in the top division.
      Morgan is one of the most high-profile names in world football, a two-time World Cup winner and 2012 Olympic gold medalist.
      Not to mention, she has 9.2MILLION followers on Instagram – more than Spurs’ official account – which shows just how huge this signing is for the club.

      She 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 headed for rivals United last week.
      One of the main reasons Morgan has signed for Spurs on a short-term deal, is to increase her game time as she tries to win a place in the US squad for the delayed Tokyo Olympics.

      Which seems a shame, as I would love for her and the other players on loan to be invested in helping raise the standard of our league more longer term then short term.

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      Alex Morgan made headlines last week after Tottenham announced their signing of the World Cup winner Credit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Morgan will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely FOUR months after giving birthCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription
      And I’m obviously gutted she decided to join Spurs and not Arsenal!
      In August, Morgan made her return to action after the birth of her daughter Charlie on 7 May, but she left the pitch after a heavy collision.
      And the strike sensation will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely FOUR months after giving birth.

      I am buzzing to see so many World Cup winners now playing on our doorstep because during my playing days America was the place to be

      Not that fitness has been a problem for her, if the clips on social media of her doing grueling workouts while nine months pregnant are anything to go by.
      The videos even drew the attention of popstar Justin Timberlake who was one of Morgan’s many admirers and called her a “beast.”
      On a more serious note, the American league set up a Fall Series tournament consisting of four matches until October 17, but the lack of a regular season has led to many players moving to Europe.
      The Series hasn’t done a very good job of keeping players around – with many stars from Megan Rapinoe to Julie Ertz opting out.

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      Manchester City’s Sam Mewis is among the NWSL stars who have made loan switches to the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And one player even pointed directly at the handling of Covid-19 in America as to why she’s pursuing football overseas.
      I am buzzing to see so many World Cup winners now playing on our doorstep because during my playing days America was the place to be.
      The tables have clearly turned and Alex Morgan’s decision to play in OUR league is the cherry on the cake.

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      Fran Kirby scores on her return from the brink as Blues smash nine past hapless Bristol City in WSL thrashing

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      FRAN KIRBY hit her first league goal in 16 months after being told she may never play football again.
      The England striker was one of nine different scorers as rampant Chelsea ripped the Robins to shreds.

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      Fran Kirby scored her first WSL goal in 16 months as Chelsea thrashed Bristol City at home Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Kirby was diagnosed with pericarditis – and inflammation of the tissue that surrounds the heart – in November.
      Blues boss Emma Hayes said: “Fran has been unbelievable on and off the pitch. Watching her come through this year has given me as much joy as anything.
      “I don’t even think it’s about Fran being back, she is just at another level already and I think she doesn’t have to carry everything on her shoulders as she did a few years ago.
      “She’s a joy to coach, she’s come out the other side and I think she’s showing her class and I’m thoroughly enjoying what she’s doing on the pitch.”

      “I’ve been here a long time and I care about these people, all of them, they all have highs and lows. That’s my job to make sure they’re most supported in their difficult times.”
      Kirby showed she was back to her best when she got the breakthrough on 15 minutes.
      She fired straight at City keeper Sophie Baggaley, who clumsily let the ball squirm through her grip.

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      Fran Kirby (centre) was one of nine different Chelsea stars to net for the BluesCredit: Rex Features
      And the nightmare had only just begun as the hosts were awarded a penalty after Ji So-Yun was mowed down by Yana Daniels in the box.

      Maren Mjelde converted on the half-hour mark, before Melanie Leupolz, Erin Cuthbert and Millie Bright all found the net within SIX minutes of each other.
      After the break the goal fest continued and it was Beth England tucking in this time.
      The Lionesses star pounced on a kamikaze clearance from Baggaley and volleyed into the roof of the net in the 66th minute.

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      Chelsea’s win against Bristol has seen move into third in the table behind leaders Arsenal and EvertonCredit: Rex Features

      Three minutes later substitute Niamh Charles bagged her first goal in a Blues shirt, only moments after coming off the bench.
      Kingsmeadow newbie Pernille Harder replaced England and lived up to her record £250,000 transfer fee, with a cool back-heel into the net beyond Baggaley.
      And misfiring Kerr finally got her breakthrough as she linked up with Harder and nipped beyond the Robins defence to slot home and make it a rout on the 85th minute.

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard thinks that new signing Kai Havertz can play in any position More

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      Erin Cuthbert reflect on ‘bittersweet’ Chelsea century as Blues prepare for clash with Bristol

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says she never dreamed she would join Chelsea’s 100 club.
      But the Scotland forward faces Bristol City today having joined Blues icons on  a century of appearances for the  Londoners in last week’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United. 

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      Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert joins a host of Blues icons who made 100 appearances for the championsCredit: Rex Features

      And she and the Women’s Super League champions will be looking for maximum points today. 
      Cuthbert, 22, admitted: “It felt a bit bittersweet reaching the milestone against United because we drew that game.
      “I could never have imagined I’d make 100 appearances because that achievement is up there with the legends like Claire Rafferty, Katie Chapman, Ji So-Yun, Fran Kirby and Eni Aluko.
      “It is a really big honour. It’s been nearly four years since I’ve been here, so if you divide 100 by that, it’s quite a lot of games per year.” 

      Emma Hayes’ team host a City side keen to bounce back from a 4-0 opening-day pasting to Everton. 
      The Bristol team, who avoided a drop to the Women’s Championship last term, have three tough opening Women’s Super League fixtures this season. 
      A daunting trip to Arsenal, who thumped West Ham 9-1 on Saturday awaits the Twerton Park side following their Chelsea visit.
      But Robins boss Tanya Oxtoby feels her players  can rise to the challenge of playing the champions. 

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      Tanya Oxtoby’s Bristol City will have their hands full with Chelsea who will be looking for maximum points todayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Oxtoby, 38, said: “We’ve responded in terms of the performances in training. 
      “And there is no tougher test than to go to one of the best teams in Europe.   
      “When we are on form and we put in a 90-minute performance to the best of our abilities, we can go toe-to-toe with anyone.” 

      Chelsea boss Frank Lampard thinks that new signing Kai Havertz can play in any position More

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      Lucy Bronze enjoying being ‘back home’ as support staff welcome Man City superstar after return  

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      LUCY BRONZE claimed “there’s no place like home” as she was welcomed back to Manchester City by the cleaners, canteen staff and receptionists.
      The England star, 28, returned to her old club after nabbing a third consecutive Champions League trophy with Lyon.

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      Lucy Bronze could be set to make an appearance for Manchester City on Sunday for the first time in three yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And Bronze, who played for City between 2014-2017, admits it was like she never left. 
      She told SunSport: “It would have been a lot more difficult to go to any other club and settle into a new environment, meet new people, new facilities, everything.
      “Whereas with City it just felt like being back home. 

      “One of things I forgot about was the staff, not just football staff, but all the people behind the scenes, who said, ‘Nice to see you again, Lucy,  welcome back’.
      “To see all those familiar faces that  remember me and having a nice chat with them definitely helped me feel settled in just from the offset.

      I want the team to win more silverware, be more consistent, get back to winning the league, push to make the Champions League final and just go to the next level
      Lucy Bronze

      “My aunty and nan are so excited I’m home now.
      “And the rest of my family are really happy that I’m in the country and close to them. They still think of me as their little girl.”

      Right-back Bronze arrived at the Academy Stadium with Lyon pal and England team-mate Alex Greenwood, who   she helped settle in at the shiny Etihad training complex. 

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      Lucy Bronze (right) who triumphed with Lyon in last season’s Champion’s League, hopes to win the trophy with Man CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the pair are hoping their experience on the European stage will help them break City’s Champions League trophy drought this season.
      Bronze said: “Myself and Alex were announced the day after each other.
      “We did our pictures together in the stadium and the staff were explaining, ‘Your kit’s here, you do this and that’ and I was like, ‘Yeah, no problem, I know where it is’.
      “Alex on the first day of training was like, ‘Lucy, I haven’t got a clue where I’m going, I’m lost’.
      “I helped her out, so it was nice that I knew where  everything was and it was just kind of fitting back into place and picking up where I left off.

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      Alex Greenwood and Lucy Bronze could be set to make their WSL debuts for Man City against Brighton on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “I want the team to win more silverware, be more consistent, get back to winning the league, push to make the Champions League final and just go to the next level.”
       Both Bronze and left-back Greenwood  are set to make their debuts today as  City  host Brighton in the WSL. 
      But forward Lauren Hemp is still out with a hamstring injury.

      17-year-old Man City wonder kid Charlie McNeill shows off his talents on the pitch More

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      West Ham 1 Arsenal 9: Roord smashes second hat-trick in two games as Gunners smash 10-woman rivals

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      JILL ROORD hit her second hat-trick in two games as rampant Arsenal demolished ten-woman West Ham.
      Roord put the Gunners ahead only for Kenza Dali to level on 27 minutes in the first WSL game with fans since the start of the Covid crisis.

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      Jill Roord was on fire for Arsenal netting her second hat-trick of the seasonCredit: Rex Features

      Striker Vivianne Miedema’s rocket into the roof of the net quickly put the visitors back ahead.
      Things then hotted up when Hammers skipper Gilly Flaherty was sent off  on her 50th appearance — for a second yellow for dissent on 37 minutes.
      As she marched off, Flaherty roared into the stands: “Please look at the ref’s decisions,” having rightly protested about an offside in the build-up to Miedema’s strike.
       Miedema hit the woodwork before Kim Little and Beth Mead found the net within two minutes of each other.
      After the break, Roord slotted home on 52 minutes before Miedema cracked in another a minute later.
      The craziness continued as unstoppable Roord lashed a low drive to claim her hat-trick.
      Leah Williamson  kept a cool head to slot home the Gunners’ eighth goal, before a tap-in from Caitlin Foord.

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      Vivianne Miedema (right) nabbed a brace as Arsenal thumped West HamCredit: PA:Press Association

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      West Ham skipper Gilly Flaherty’s sending off was a controversial moment in the gameCredit: PA:Press Association
      Dutch midfielder Roord said: “It was a great win. The red card killed the game a bit but it’s a great start.
      “We want to end the season as high as possible and fight for first place.”
      West Ham boss Matt Beard said: “Gilly wears her heart on her sleeve.

      “She was frustrated with decision after decision going against us — the referee’s decisions have changed the game. 
      “That scoreline can’t happen, regardless, but this can’t continue. 
      “Ultimately they are going to cost people their jobs.”

      Watch Arsenal ace Vivianne Miedema score incredible goal against Reading More

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      Arsenal’s Leah Williamson reflects on ‘risky centre-half’ days ahead of first league match in front of fans

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons she used to be “a risky centre-half” who gave her team-mates the jitters in her early Arsenal days.
      But now the defender, whose team face West Ham in the first competitive game to be attended by fans since lockdown, has become a rock in the Gunners back-four. 

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      Leah Williamson and her team-mates will take on West Ham in the first competitive football to be played in front of fans since the lockdownCredit: Getty

      Arsenal, who announced the signing of newly-capped England defender Lotte Wubben-Moy, are set for a trip across the capital to their rivals’ turf on Sunday. 
      The clash will be the first competitive fixture a select number of fans are being allowed to watch in person in England since March. 
      One of the last big football games to be played in front of supporters on English soil was Liverpool’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at Anfield six months ago.  
      The WSL encounter between West Ham and Arsenal is due to be part of the government’s test run of allowing spectators to attend sporting events. 
      It will also be an opportunity for supporters at the game to observe the skills that have seen Williamson evolve from being a “risky defender”  to a commanding figure in the Gunners rearguard. 
      Williamson, 23, said: “I was a risky centre-half and used to probably make everybody’s hearts jump out of their chest three or four times a game! 
      “So to have matured as a player, maybe it’s sort of naturally led on to me maturing in terms of leading. 

      “I don’t feel pressure but I do acknowledge that I have made myself a person in the team that needs to have a good game now, and they expect that of me.

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      England international Williamson has developed into a solid defender for Arsenal following her ‘risky centre-back’ days Credit: Getty
      Williamson was part of an Arsenal squad who finished behind Manchester City and champions Chelsea in the Women Super League last term. 
      And the third spot result for Joe Montemurro’s side means they miss out on a Champions League spot this season – a competition they reached the semi-finals of in August. 

      It is different and we can’t wait to have everyone back, we just want to make sure that it is done properly and done for the safety of everyone
      Joe Montemurro

      Williamson added: “Not having to contend with the Champions League, it’s definitely not necessarily a benefit, because you get better playing against the best teams and those games will make the best teams.
      “But at the same time, you can really make it work in your favour because of the lack of congestion you have when you’re not in the Champions League.”
      West Ham’s clash against the Gunners is due to be attended by a maximum crowd of 1,000 Hammers season ticket holders at the grounds of Dagenham and Redbridge.

      And Hammers owner Jack Sullivan, and Arsenal boss Montemurro spoke of their pride in having supporters see their teams play for the first time since Spring. 
      Gunners coach Montemurro, 50, said: “We hope that it’s the start of something going forward not just for the WSL but all sports. 
      “It is different and we can’t wait to have everyone back, we just want to make sure that it is done properly and done for the safety of everyone.” 

      Gilly Flaherty brands West Ham aces ‘prima donnas’ in explosive behind-the-scenes footage from Squad Goals documentary More

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      Alex Morgan joins Tottenham in loan transfer – the fifth USA star to head for WSL

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      US WOMEN’S star Alex Morgan has reportedly signed for Tottenham on a short-term loan.
      The Athletic reports Orlando Pride forward Morgan has penned a deal to play in the Women’s Super League until the end of the year.

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      Alex Morgan is a vastly experienced USA internationalCredit: Getty – Contributor

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      Alex Morgan gave birth to baby Charlie in MayCredit: Instagram

      Morgan, 31, becomes the fifth high-profile US star to make the move across the pond.
      Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle joined Manchester City, while Christen Press and Tobin Heath joined Manchester United.
      As the USA struggles with the Covid-19 pandemic, players have looked abroad for some guaranteed gametime.
      The National Women’s Soccer League organised a Fall Series that offers players just four matches.

      Whereas the WSL has started with Covid-19 protocols in place.
      World Cup winner Morgan has not played a game since August 2019.
      She announced her pregnancy in October last year before giving birth to daughter Charlie on May 7.
      Morgan had anticipated a rush to make the Olympic team this summer but will benefit from the extra time afforded by the Games being pushed back a year.

      View this post on Instagram

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

      And there will be some familiar faces in the Spurs squad after Pride team-mates Shelina Zadorsky and Alanna Kennedy made similar loan moves in August.
      Morgan has had to make do with largely training individually over the Covid-hit summer.
      Her signing is a huge coup for the league and Morgan will look to make her debut for Tottenham barely four months after giving birth.

      Gilly Flaherty brands West Ham aces ‘prima donnas’ in explosive behind-the-scenes footage from Squad Goals documentary More