Women’s Super League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘It doesn’t matter who we get’, says Willie Kirk after Leicester’s trouncing of Birmingham in Women’s FA Cup

      by

      WILLIE KIRK  insists Leicester are up for a quarter-final battle with any of the FA Cup’s big guns after trouncing Birmingham 6-2 on Saturday.Shannon O’Brien netted twice as the Foxes filled their boots in the contest’s fifth round.
      Five different players netted for Leicester in their FA Cup fifth-round defeat of Birmingham CityCredit: Getty
      Saori Takarada, Yuka Momiki, and Shannon O’Brien impressed for the FoxesCredit: Getty
      Willie Kirk hopes Leicester will continue having a mix of Foxes names on the scoresheet in gamesCredit: Getty
      Five different players were on the scoresheet for Leicester who were ruthless after going 1-0 behind.
      Japanese pair Saori Takarada and Yuka Momiki shone for Kirk’s side with Takarada among the hosts’ scorers at Pirelli Stadium.
      When asked if this was the highest-ever scoring win for Leicester in the Cup’s fifth round, Kirk said: “We don’t like to look too far back in terms of records.
      “We want to keep focus on creating our own history. 

      “And that’s been a big thing this year – we’ve achieved a lot of firsts, and we’ll continue to try to do that. 
      “We’re a young club still with a young history. The thing that pleased me most is the five different goal scorers for the six goals.
      “That’s been a feature for us this season.  I think our highest goal scorer might have only five (goals), but we’ve had double figures in terms of the different players who’ve scored. 
      “It’s important this continues and that we’re unpredictable in terms of where goals come from. 
      Most read in Football
      “You would hate it if someone bagged four goals and you’re always relying on that single (number) nine.”
      Arsenal, Manchester City, holders Chelsea and last year’s beaten finalists Man United, are among the WSL giants targeting a place in the contest’s last eight.
      The Gunners and City will go head-to-head on Sunday lunchtime with Chelsea facing Crystal Palace and United up against Southampton.
      And Kirk has no qualms about Leicester facing a top tier rival including those fighting it out for the league crown. 
      The Foxes chief added: “At this stage of the competition you would take anybody (on).
      “I look at the last time I went to an FA Cup final (when I was managing Everton) and we got Chelsea in the quarter-finals.
      “I’ll make sure I say to the players that it doesn’t matter who we get. If those big teams are going to lose a game, it’s normally a quarter or a semi-final.”
      The hosts found themselves behind after two minutes Birmingham captain Ellie Mason’s free-kick bouncing in off Missy Goodwin’s head for an own-goal. 
      And after Momiki and Takorada tested Birmingham stopper Lucy Thomas, Janice Cayman levelled from close range in the 19th minute.
      The hosts took a 2-1 lead four minutes later through O’Brien’s top corner finish before Blues’ Libby Smith levelled with a stylish chip. 
      O’Brien’s slotted close-range strike restored the lead close to half-time. 
      Leicester took things up a notch in the second half bagging three more goals. 
      Takorada headed them 4-2 in front before subs Deanne Rose and Aileen Whelan got in on scoring to wrap up the win. 
      Following their exit Birmingham’s focus will be back on their fight to return to the top tier with five Championship teams in promotion contention. 
      The team are sat fifth in the second tier but just four points off leaders Charlton with a game in hand.
      Birmingham City face promotion rivals Southampton next in the Women’s ChampionshipCredit: Getty
      Brum boss Darren Carter said: “I love this competition (the FA Cup) and I’m gutted (we’re out but) everyone knows our aim this year.
      “That’s to go and challenge and get this team back to the WSL.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “We’ve got eight games to go now, and everyone is going to be huge. The players will be hungry, and they’ll be focused and ready.”
      –  More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea women’s clash with Sunderland STOPPED after assistant referee goes down with injury as fans left concerned

      by

      CHELSEA’S clash with Sunderland was temporarily suspended tonight after an injury to assistant referee Ceri Williams.The Blues were taking on the Black Cats in the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup when the incident occurred.
      Assistant Referee Ceri Williams went down in agony during Chelsea’s clash with SunderlandCredit: Getty
      Play was temporarily halted while medics rushed to treat herCredit: Rex
      Williams suffered the injury just after the ten minute mark of the quarter final at Kingsmeadow.
      In worrying scenes, the Welsh official was spotted laid flat on her back as the referee called for medical assistance.
      Play was stopped as Williams received treatment, before she was eventually replaced by the fourth official while appearing to support her left arm as she left the pitch.
      “I hope it’s nothing serious,” wrote one concerned viewer.
      READ MORE ON WSL
      While another echoed those sentiments by stating they too “hope the problem is not serious”.
      The 28-year-old began refereeing in her hometown of Swansea.

      Williams worked her way up through Welsh grassroots football before then pushing ahead in her career as an assistant referee which has led to her being listed by Fifa.
      She has refereed at international level and also appeared on the line in the Uefa Women’s Champions League.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Williams was the first Welsh woman to officiate in a Uefa men’s competition when Celtic took on Real Madrid in the Uefa Youth League last season.
      And she also recently officiated in the Uefa Women’s U19 European Championship Final.
      BBC suffer huge technical error just seconds into Chelsea vs Man Utd as already-limited coverage descends into farce
      No update or confirmation of her issue tonight has yet been announced.
      Williams was spotted holding and supporting her left arm as she left the actionCredit: Rex
      The Welsh official made history last season in the Uefa Youth LeagueCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chloe Kelly lined up for stunning transfer that would see her become the highest-paid women’s player in Europe

      by

      CHLOE KELLY has emerged as a summer transfer target for Paris Saint-Germain.The French giants are said to want to make the England and Manchester City ace the highest-paid female player in Europe.
      Kelly could become the highest-paid player in Europe if she joins PSGCredit: Getty
      Their interest, reported by Mail Sport, comes two years on from Kelly signing a three-year contract extension with City which expires next February.
      The winger currently earns £933,500-a-year.
      The WSL ace has flourished for club and country since scoring the match-winning strike that helped the Lionesses win the Euros in 2022.
      This season the London-born forward has helped her side keep pace with Chelsea in the league title race, notching up five goals and four assists in 13 games.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      The team, who visit Arsenal on Sunday, are currently second in the WSL and chasing their first top-flight crown since 2016.
      The Citizens are just three points off the league leaders and will be hoping to keep the pressure on Emma Hayes’ side going into the business end of the season.
      But, victory for Arsenal would see them move level with City, albeit behind on goal difference.
      The Daily Mail claims City hope Kelly will pen a new deal with the club before the final year of her contract.
      Most read in Football
      However, the Lioness is thought to be pausing discussions concerning her future until the end of this season.
      PSG’s reported interest would see Kelly become the highest paid female footballer in Europe – only out-earned by stars playing in the USA.
      England’s Chloe Kelly joins in with Sweet Caroline after they’re crowned Women’s Euro 2022 champions
      The Mail also claim that other European clubs could be tempted to outbid PSG should it become clear that Kelly is set on leaving Manchester City. More

    • 175 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      England Lionesses star Rachel Daly slapped with three-match BAN for elbowing opponent in face

      by

      RACHEL DALY has been hit with a three-match ban following an incident during Aston Villa’s clash with Bristol City on Saturday. Video footage shows the Villans striker appearing to elbow Robins captain Megan Connolly in the face during the WSL duel. 
      Rachel Daly’s three-match ban follows the Aston Villa ace being penalised for violent conductCredit: Getty
      Daly appeared to elbow Bristol defender Megan Connolly in the face during Villa’s clash with the RobinsCredit: Getty
      The incident, which occurred in the 39th minute of the match, was not initially spotted by the referee.
      But it was captured on camera during the encounter which ended as a 2-2 draw with the FA deciding that it constituted violent conduct.
      Daly, who has made 13 appearances for Villa this term, has admitted to the FA’s charge and will serve the suspension.
      The ban means the player will miss her side’s Conti Cup quarter-final duel against Brighton this evening.
      Read More Football Stories
      She will also be absent from their next two WSL games against Tottenham and Liverpool.
      An FA statement on the incident said: “Her behaviour during the 39th-minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on camera.
      “The FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.
      “Rachel Daly has subsequently admitted this charge and accepted the automatic penalty for violent conduct.”
      Most read in Football
      Last term Daly was awarded the WSL’s Golden Boot after finishing the season as top scorer with 22 goals in 22 games.
      Carla Ward’s side will face Brighton in the Conti Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters
      Her efforts helped Villa achieve their highest finish in the top-flight to date with the team claiming fifth spot.
      This season has seen them initially struggle in the league losing eight of their 13 matches played.
      However, Carla Ward’s side have picked up two wins and a draw from their last four WSL games. More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Frank Lampard tipped to become new Chelsea women’s manager just eight months after leaving Stamford Bridge

      by

      FRANK LAMPARD has been tipped to become the next Chelsea women’s manager.Legendary boss Emma Hayes will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season to take over as USA women’s head coach.
      Frank Lampard has been tipped to return to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Lampard has been tipped to replace Chelsea women’s boss Emma HayesCredit: Rex
      Chelsea are rigorously looking for a new women’s managerCredit: Rex
      Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidateCredit: Getty
      That will cap off a glittering 12-year stint for Hayes who won a staggering six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups, the Spring Series and the Community Shield.
      The Blues are now rigorously searching for the 47-year-old’s replacement, who will surely have some massive boots to fill.
      However, former England international Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidate.
      That is because the men’s team’s record goalscorer knows the club inside out and his character would lead to a smooth transition to a new and prosperous era.
      Read More on Chelsea
      Christiansen told Live Score: “I do have a name in mind but I’ve never heard anyone throw it out there… Frank Lampard.
      “He’s somebody who knows the club inside out. From my experiences at Everton, listening to him speak, he’s the right type of character.
      “His level of communication and knowledge of the game could be really effective and I think you’ve got someone well accustomed with what it means to be Chelsea.
      “I don’t have any knowledge on whether he’d want it or not but it makes sense to me.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “To be honest, I sit in a party where it doesn’t have to be a female, doesn’t have to be a male — it just needs to be the right person for the job.
      “There’s no gain in Chelsea going, ‘Right, let’s pigeonhole this, it has to be a female’.
      Frank Lampard reveals who is blocking Mason Mount from thriving at Man Utd and slams club for lack of plan
      “If they want to continue or attempt to continue the dominance they’ve had domestically, it has to be the correct appointment.”
      That would mark Lampard’s third return to Stamford Bridge after his stunning 13-year playing career came to an end in 2014.
      The legendary midfielder first came back as manager in 2019 and enjoyed a successful debut season as the Blues finished fourth despite a transfer embargo.
      However, the 45-year-old tactician’s second season was marred by poor results and he was swiftly replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who went on to win the Champions League.
      Lampard returned as caretaker boss in April for an abysmal second stint that saw him losing eight out of 11 matches, of which he won only one before his departure in June. More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Emma Hayes left shocked by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips and shares thoughts on Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool

      by

      EMMA HAYES was stunned by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips after less than ten months managing their women’s side. The Chelsea chief also empathised with Jurgen Klopp’s reasons for standing down as Liverpool boss and leaving at the end of this term. 
      Emma Hayes reckons Brighton’s decision to end Melissa Phillips’ reign as head coach was a “little bit quick”Credit: Getty
      The USA-born coach was relieved of her duties just two days before the Seagulls’ league duel with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 47, was speaking to reporters on Friday less than 24 hours after the Seagulls announced the departure of Phillips. 
      The American head coach’s exit came five days on from Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat of Albion.
      It follows a run of seven losses in 12 WSL games this term with the Seagulls sitting second from bottom. 
      Brighton say their decision was “vital for the progress” they want to see the team make in the WSL with the club harbouring top three ambitions. 
      Read More Football Stories
      Hayes, whose team host Everton next, said: “The manager has only been in place since last April, she’s just brought players in the window this January. 
      “I thought they were a very organised team when we played them last week, but there are a lot of young players in there that take a while (to develop). 
      “Getting into the top three is tough for anyone.
      “We’ve since the challenges it has posed for Manchester United and they’ve developed a much more experienced squad than Brighton. 
      Most read in Football
      “I was shocked by that decision to be honest. 
      “Yes the game is going that way but no one is being paid a million pounds here (in women’s football) to make that decision. It seemed a little bit quick.”
      Hayes’ side are currently top after 10 wins from 12 league duels so far this term. 
      And they hope to win a seventh WSL title under their boss who will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the US Women’s team. 
      Hayes’ departure after 14 trophy-laden years in the Blues’ hot seat will coincide with Klopp bidding farewell to Liverpool later this year . 
      The German, 56, leaves at the end of this season after nine successful years in which he led the Reds to seven major trophy wins including Champions League and Prem titles. 
      And “running out of energy” was among the reasons Klopp gave for his decision to leave the club he loves. 
      Of his motivations to stand down from his role, Hayes said: “I related to everything he said, and I don’t think maybe enough attention and time is put on the mental health and wellbeing of staff in football. 
      “Everybody expects the most from us (manager). 
      “Players expect everything from us, clubs expect everything, everyone expects everything. But the volume of hours you have to commit to this job is unsustainable.”
      Hayes admits she can relate to the reasons by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool after nine years in chargeCredit: Alamy
      On Klopp’s candid explanation, Hayes added: “He articulated it better than me. 
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “He articulated it really, really well. I don’t have his luxury though, that’s the difference
      “Nonetheless, I also get to go to an Olympics and a World Cup (with the USA) so I just have to maybe reflect on that or keep myself as fresh as possible.” More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi seals short-term Arsenal move

      by

      ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeper options by adding Sarah Bouhaddi to their ranks on a short-term deal.The ex-Lyon ace 37, who won the Women’s Champions League eight times with the French giants, has joined the WSL side as a free agent.

      Sarah Bouhaddi’s Arsenal move follows the club signing United States defender Emily Fox earlier this month
      Bouhaddi’s move follows her one-year spell playing for Lyon’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain up until the end of last season.
      The arrival of the Cannes-born player also comes two weeks after Arsenal number one Manuela Zinsberger signed a new contract with the club.
      The side, currently third in the Women’s Super League, have been previously linked with Manchester United ace Mary Earps.
      Of her move to the Gunners who face West Ham in the top-flight on Sunday, Bouhaddi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arsenal and to become part of this great club,”
      Read More Football Stories
      “Arsenal has so much history across both the men’s and women’s teams and I’ve always admired the club.
      “I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in a league that is going from strength to strength.
      “I want to bring my experience to help the rest of the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
      Bouhaddi’s temporary switch until the end of this season will see her provide cover for Sabrina D’Angelo.
      Most read in Football
      The Gunners shot stopper is due to compete for Canada in the Gold Cup next month.
      Prior to signing for the WSL title-chasers the highly-rated veteran goalkeeper’s career included a trophy-laden 13-year with Lyon.
      She joined the French top-tier outfit in 2009 following spells at Toulouse and Juvisy from 2002 until that year.
      Whilst at Lyon Bouhaddi established herself as one of top shot stoppers in the world helping the club to win 11 top-flight titles and eight French Cups.
      Her performances for one of the most successful sides in women’s club football in European also helped her win Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award back in 2020.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has.
      “We’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
      Bouhaddi won eight Champions League trophies with Lyon

      Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley added: “She has a proven track record at the highest level of the game and we believe she is the perfect player to come in for this period.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Bouhaddi, who began her senior club career with CNFE Clairefontaine in 2002, has made 149 appearances for France.
      Three years after helping her Les Bleues win the SheBelieves Cup in 2017, Bouhaddi decided to take a break from international duty. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Manchester United knocked out of Conti Cup after Aston Villa are penalised for fielding an ‘ineligible player’

      by

      ASTON VILLA have kept their place in the Conti Cup’s quarter-finals despite fielding an ineligible player following an independent tribunal decision.The outcome has led to Manchester United being eliminated from the contest with the club describing decision as “disappointing”.
      Aston Villa have had the three points from their Conti Cup group stage defeat of Sunderland deductedCredit: Reuters
      The points deduction follows Villa fielding Noelle Maritz in the game despite the defender being ineligible to playCredit: PA
      Last Wednesday Villa emerged victorious from their final group stage fixture beating Sunderland 7-0 to finish top of group A.
      However, the WSL side brought on Noelle Maritz as a second-half substitute when they were leading 3-0.
      This was despite the defender, who sealed a January move from Arsenal, being cup-tied having played for the Gunners in the competition earlier this term.
      Maritz featured in three Conti Cup matches for the North London club prior to sealing a temporary switch to Villa during the winter transfer window.
      Read More Football Stories
      Her appearance during Villa’s win last Wednesday breached Conti Cup rules prompting an FA investigation with the matter later referred to an independent tribunal.
      This afternoon the Football Association released a written statement on the outcome.
      It read: “An independent tribunal have deducted three points from Aston Villa for fielding an ineligible player during their League Cup group stage fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
      “The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this game, as she had previously featured in the competition for her former club, which constitutes a breach of Cup Rule 8.19.
      Most read in Football
      “Aston Villa admitted this charge and acknowledged the breach had occurred.
      “The independent tribunal ordered that the points deducted from Aston Villa be awarded to their opponents Sunderland, while the 7-0 scoreline is to be expunged from the record.
      “As a result, Sunderland will finish as Group A winners, with Aston Villa progressing to the quarter-finals as one of the two best-placed runners-up alongside Tottenham Hotspur.”
      The tribunal’s decision followed the Midlands side admitting the charge of fielding an ineligible player and acknowledging a breach had occurred.
      Before this Sunderland had finished second in Group A.
      But the team are now top with Villa reaching the Conti Cup quarters as one of best runners-up with a better goal difference than Man United’s.
      After their 2-0 group B loss to Man City last Wednesday the Red Devils had a goal difference of nine.
      Man United fell to a 2-0 loss to Man City in their final Conti Cup stage gameCredit: Getty
      This afternoon Man United questioned the rationale of the tribunal’s decision.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      In a club statement they said: “We are very disappointed with this outcome, and do not understand its rationale.
      “We feel that it undermines the integrity of the competition, and of the women’s game.” More