Women’s Super League

FROM a few surprise managerial departures to Chelsea making Naomi Girma the WSL’s first million dollar signing, this season has been eventful. While the battle for the title and top-flight survival have been settled, today could see champions Chelsea go unbeaten. Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide her side to their 19th win in 22 games thisCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to round off their march to a sixth straight title win by going this termCredit: GettyAhead of the 12:30pm kick-off of the final six games that will wrap up this season, here is a brief look at how teams have fared this term.Chelsea While Champions League glory has eluded them, domestically Chelsea have been almost unstoppable this term. A home win or draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge today would see Sonia Bompastor’s side achieve their goal of an invincible run.  The team, who will be given a guard of honour from their visitors, would also become the first to complete 22 games without defeat in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesFor Bompastor the opportunity to create history in her first season at the Blues’ helm would be one of the highlights of her stellar career. Ahead of today’s game the Blues boss said: “It means a lot because probably it will be the only time in my career to be in that situation. “In the women’s or men’s game when the team is able to achieve that, they stay in history as I already said. “I’m thinking about Arsenal, the men’s team, when they have been invincible. People always talk about it.Most read in Football”When you have this opportunity being that close to make history, you just need to make sure you do that because it will stay forever. “I think even for your kids later to have this history to tell to some other people, it would be nice.”While Chelsea could end this term with 60 points than they did last season, not all their displays have been completely flawless. West Ham fought from 2-0 down to claim an away draw the champions with Brighton and Leicester also bagging points.However the champions have been very more tenacious in their capturing of silverware with a league and title double achieved. And they hope to make it a treble when they face Man United in this year’s Women’s FA Cup Renee Slegers’ players will be eager to bounce back from two losses in a row by beating Man UnitedCredit: GettyArsenalFollowing early season wobbles and Jonas Eidevall’s standing down as Gunners boss last October, Arsenal have been mostly impressive under Renee Slegers. With Slegers at the helm the team went on a 13-game unbeaten run earlier this term that was halted by 1-0 loss to Chelsea at the end of January. In the Champions League they have been comeback queens overcoming two and one-goal deficits to knock out Real Madrid and Lyon in the quarters and semi-finals. While Arsenal will battle in the final for the first time in 18 years, the team with the most FA Cup and League Cup wins bowed out of both contests this term. For the first time in three years a Women’s League Cup decider did not feature the Gunners.And surprise losses to Aston Villa and Brighton included them shipping nine goals in their last two WSL games.Against Manchester United at the Emirates today in their final league match this season they will be keen to prove those results  were a blip. Victory today would seal a second spot for Arsenal and their highest finish in the league since the 2021-22 campaign.  A Man United win against Arsenal would see them end their WSL season in second place before their FA Cup final clash with ChelseaCredit: ReutersManchester UnitedFollowing the disappointment of missing out Champions League action this season, Man United have achieved their target of claiming a place in next term’s contest. Defeat of Arsenal at the Emirates today would see the Red Devils end this term second in the top tier for the second time in their history. It would also be a considerable improvement on the fifth place finish that led to Marc Skinner facing criticism from some United supporters. His side have one of the best defensive records in the league this term with Phallon Tullis-Joyce shining in goal. Ahead of United’s Arsenal visit the USA shot stopper has kept 13 clean sheets in 21 top-flight games. Having missed out on a Champions League spot Man City are a targeting an end-of-season hope win before competing in the World Sevens tournament this monthCredit: GettyManchester City Injury struggles derailed Man City’s trophy chase this season with star striker Khadija Shaw among the players currently sidelined.The team pipped to last term’s title on goal difference was among the favourites to push Chelsea all the way. They are currently the only team to have beaten Barcelona in Europe this term. However the high of that 2-0 group stage October win has been followed by some tumultuous moments. These include Chloe Kelly’s loan transfer to Arsenal and the sacking of boss Gareth Taylor Having suffered Champions League and FA Cup heartbreak, the Cityzens are eager to end this term with a home win against Crystal Palace.This month along with Man United they will be competing in the megabucks inaugural seven-a-side tournament World Sevens. Brighton are on course to claim fifth spot which would be their highest finish so far in the WSLCredit: GettyBrightonUNDER Dario Vidosic Brighton look set to achieve their highest ever finish in the league.The head coach, who has previously spoken of his admiration of the playing style of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona sides, has revamped Brighton.The team’s expansive style has earned them plaudits with Fran Kirby, Nikita Parris, Vicky Losada, Marisa Olislagers among the players who have impressedMichelle Agyemang, on loan from Arsenal and midfielder Maisie Symonds have also shone for the Seagulls. Albion have at times been punished playing out from the back, with their heaviest loss this term occurring at Arsenal last November when they were beaten However this week saw Albion get revenge with their 4-2 defeat of the Gunners in their final home game this term. Their first defeat of Arsenal in the WSL has put them on course for their highest finish with the team in fifth spot. Canada forward Olivia Smith has been one of Liverpool’s most impressive players this seasonCredit: GettyLiverpoolMATT BEARD’s March exit from the Reds’ helm came as a surprise to some WSL observers. Before being axed from his job the ex-Liverpool gaffer had expressed concerns in regard to investment and budget for the team. Interim women’s team boss Amber Whiteley has been doing a solid job overseeing the side who hope to end a run of three losses. Highlights this season include their solid 3-1 defeat of Man United at Anfield in March.Gifted Canada forward Olivia Smith was among their best performers in that game scoring twice. Away from WSL action they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup and gave Chelsea a run for their money in the semi-finals before falling to a narrow 2-1 defeat. Having finished fourth last term, the Reds hope to drop no lower than sixth this season.Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had some solid results in the second half of the season including a 2-2 draw away at ChelseaCredit: AlamyWest Ham Rehanne Skinner’s Irons have had a stunning turnaround to their season. Their upturn in form has been followed by the experienced head coach signing a one-year contract extension last month. In late March West Ham were in a relegation scrap and second from bottom following a 2-0 home loss to Chelsea. Since then the Irons resurgence has been remarkable with the team sitting seventh and unbeaten in six of their last eight games. The signing of Shekiera Martinez last July from Freiburg has proved to be a masterstroke.The Germany Under-23 striker has scored 10 goals in 11 WSL appearances.  Defeat of Leicester, if Chelsea beat Liverpool, would see the Irons claim sixth spot, their highest league finish in three years.  Everton hope to build on their impressive 2-0 defeat of Liverpool at Anfield by beating Tottenham at home todayCredit: GettyEvertonTHE Toffees have struggled with injuries at times this term with seven players including experienced midfielder Maren Mjelde currently sidelined. Fitness concerns aside Brian Sorensen’s players have impressed in the second half of this season. Standout results include a 2-1 home defeat of Man City last December and a derby triumph over Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday. Twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard have been among their side’s most impressive performers in this campaignHigh points include Sara providing Karen with an assist during Everton’s 2-1 draw with City last month. Aston Villa have scored eight goals in their last two games ahead of their end-of-season clash with BrightonCredit: GettyAston Villa Natalia Arroyo’s side look set for a strong finish after a topsy turvy season which included a managerial sacking.The Villans parted company with head coach Robert de Pauw last December following a  tough run of one win in nine games The team faced a fierce fight for WSL after a run of seven winless games from January 25 to March 23.However the team have been on a roll since then with four straight victories and Arroyo winning April’s WSL manager of the month award. Their dramatic recovery was capped by a 5-2 trouncing of Arsenal last month. With Villa bidding farewell to Rachel Corsie, Jordan Nobbs, Danielle Turner and Maz Pacheco, they will be keen to end this season with a home win against Brighton.Tottenham will be keen to avoid an end-of-season loss away against Everton having been narrowly beaten Chelsea last time outCredit: PATottenham Compared to their achievements last term, including an FA Cup final debut, Tottenham have had it tough at times this season. A difficult run from February 2 this year has left Robert Vilahamn’s side on the verge of going winless in 10 games. These results have also left his side tenth – four places lower than their sixth-place finish last term. Vilahamn will want Spurs to avoid an unwanted milestone when they visit Everton today.They hope to avoid losing on the last day of the season for the first time in their WSL history. Leicester City could end their season in tenth spot if Tottenham are beaten by EvertonCredit: GettyLeicester CityGritty performances against their rivals in the bottom half of the table helped Leicester survive their battle to avoid the dropThe team are currently seven points above relegated Crystal Palace who they drew with last time out. While they struggled earlier this term, going winless in their first six games, they gathered a bit of momentum in the season’s second half. Among their players who have impressed are skipper Janice Cayman and Wales forward Hannah Cain. High points for their team include them claiming a draw last December against eventual champions Chelsea. A result that led to the Foxes ending the champions’ 13-game winning run at that stage of the season. Crystal Palace face a toughduel with Man City in their final game as a WSL side Women’s Championship nextCredit: GettyCrystal Palace While their two opening WSL encounters ended in brutal 4-0 and 7-0 losses (to Tottenham and Chelsea), Palace occasionally showed they could hold their own The now-relegated Eagles, guided to the top tier by Laura Kaminski, were seen as strong favourites for the drop. However a defeat of Leicester last October followed by draws with Liverpool and Everton suggested they could be a threat to rivals in the lower half of the table Read More on The SunThe sacking of head coach Kaminski in late February was followed by the Eagles picking up one win and a draw from their next seven games. Under boss Leif Smerud the team were unable to build on an impressive March defeat of Aston Villa losing their next five matches.  More

IZZY GOODWIN says her promotional-winning goal left her buzzing after London City Lionesses clinched a draw with Birmingham and a place in the WSL. The forward’s fiercely struck shot helped her side make the leap into the Women’s Super League for the first time in their history. Skipper Kosovare Asllani and her London City Lionesses team-mates will compete in the WSL for the first time next seasonCredit: GettyIzzy Goodwin netted the second goal that sealed an away draw with Birmingham City and the point required to ensure her team’s promotionCredit: GettyLondon City owner Michele Kang says the team have been structured with the aim of them functioning as a mid-table top-flight sideCredit: GettyLondon City’s promotion win means the WSL will have a women’s team, not affiliated with a men’s club, battling it out for points in the division next season. Their second tier triumph marks a highpoint for a side that has undergone considerable change since being acquired by American businesswoman and sports investor Michelle Kang. Goodwin, who finished this season as the second tier’s highest scorer, told Sky Sports: “I don’t think I’ve ever scored a goal like that in my life. “I put everything into it. I’m absolutely buzzing and happy I could help the team.Read More Football Stories “By the end I was so tired, I’m so happy we could get over the line.”London City winning the Women’s Championship title comes a year after they finished eighth in the second year last term. Since Kang’s December 2023 takeover, with London City becoming the third side purchased through her women’s sports organisation Kynsica, their squad has undergone an overhaul. The club signed 17 players between last summer and the end of this January including Kosovare Asllani and Sofia Jakobsson with the Sweden players joining from AC Milan and San Diego Wave.Most read in FootballKang, who also owns eight-time Champions League winners Lyon and US outfit Washington Spirit, insists rebuilding has been done with the purpose of London City evolving into a mid-tier WSL side. The Kynsica Sports owner told Sky Sports: “We’ve been actually building the team to be a minimum, from day one, mid-tier WSL side. “It remains to be seen, but we’ve seen so many clubs go up (to the WSL) and then come down, so we’ve been, on purpose, building the team to be somewhere in mid-tier, but who knows?”We’re very excited. When I first came here a lot of people were concerned for me that as an independent team. “They asked how could you do this, because you don’t have a men’s team from which you can draw the equity, brand power and the fanbase. “For us, as an independent team to accomplish this in one year, this is proof that with the proper investment and the resources, anything is possible.”Goodwin, who joined the club from Sheffield United last July, added: “We all love Michelle and what she has done for this club.”To play top teams like that week in, week out, is what you dream of. I can’t wait.”London broke the deadlock in the second half at St Andrews with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scoring their openerCredit: GettyGoodwin broke the deadlock two minutes into second-half yesterday with a powerful right-footed effort. Read More on The SunChantelle Boye Hlorkah made it 2-0 for the visitors in the 59th minute before Birmingham struck back with goals from Emily van Egmond and Cho So-Hyun. The visitors held on to seal the win that earned them a place in the top tier six years on from them becoming a standalone side after their breakaway from Millwall.  More

AMY MERRICKS will urge Birmingham to give it everything in today’s promotion decider with London City Lionesses.And Brum boss Merricks reckons the women’s second tier deserves far more attention than it currently gets.Amy Merricks has guided Birmingham City to 12 wins and four draws in 19 games in the Women’s Championship this seasonCredit: GettyLondon City Lionesses will be out to deny Blues a home win in order to claim the point they need for promotion in the WSLCredit: GettyBirmingham City are expecting approximately a crowd 7,000 for their pivotal clash with London City at St AndrewsCredit: GettyCity must win at St Andrew’s to deny London the Championship title and a place in the WSL for the first time.Blues whose club’s co-owners include NFL legend Tom Brady are bidding to return to the league they helped establish 15 years ago.Ex-Lionesses Under-19 boss Merricks, who took charge of Birmingham City last April, said: “This club was one of the founding members of the WSL and to take it back there would be amazing.”But we have to focus first and foremost on the process to get there. The performance is that process and we’re taking nothing for granted.”Read More Football StoriesToday’s 2:15pm showdown is the first Women’s Championship game to be shown live on Sky Sports.Brum have already sold more than 7,000 tickets but Merrick hopes TV coverage will help attract even more fans to the second tier.She added: “My squad are ready to give everything. I’m really excited and what a great showcase for the Championship.”This is a league that deserves so much more attention. We have so much talent here and we are focused on showcasing the best of ourselves.”Most read in FootballAn away win for London City would see them become the only standalone women’s team competing in the WSL next season. The club, who share their Hayes Lane home ground with League Two men’s side Bromley, have been a force to be reckoned with this term after finishing eighth last term. Since being purchased by USA-born Michelle Kang, the club that was following a May 2019 breakaway from Millwall has undergone an overhaul in recent years. Her December 2023 takeover has been followed by a revamp of London City’s squad. A team whose players include senior internationals such as Sweden veteran Kosovare Asllani, 35, and rising young stars such as defender Teyah Goldie currently on loan from Arsenal. And last June the club appointed France-born Jocelyn Precheur as head coach following his one-season stint as Paris Saint-Germain during which he led the team to a Women’s French Cup win. Among the younger players who have helped London City register 13 victories and three draws from 19 games is England Under-23s player Isobel Goodwin. The forward 22, is set to win the Women’s Championship Golden Boot for this term after scoring 15 goals so far during the campaign. Isobel Goodwin has been in fine form in front of goal for London City Lionesses following her transfer from Sheffield United last SeptemberCredit: GettyGoodwin said:”The Championship is such a big league now and the growth in it each year is getting better and better. Read More on The Sun“Being in the promotion race, it’s just so exciting and this is probably one of the biggest games of my career knowing that we could possibly lift that trophy. “It’s every girl’s dream is to play in the WSL and get promoted. So hopefully we can do that.” More

LUCY BRONZE wants an invincible end to Chelsea’s season after they won a sixth consecutive WSL title following their Champions League exit. The full-back’s towering header sealed a 1-0 defeat of Manchester United with her side celebrating more domestic glory.Chelsea clinched a WSL title win away at Manchester United for the second year in a rowCredit: GettyLucy Bronze’s headed goal sealed the visitors’ victory with the Blues becoming Women’s Super League champions for the eighth timeCredit: GettyTheir sixth consecutive WSL title triumph was also their first under head coach Sonia Bompastor following her appointment last yearCredit: GettyBefore their match kicked off on Wednesday evening second-placed Arsenal were trounced by Aston Villa. Their hefty 5-2 loss at Villa Park meant the Blues required a draw to clinch the title against Man United who have never beaten them in the league. And Bronze’s match-winning moment saw the unbeaten champions maintain their iron grip on the WSL crown following a tense encounter at Leigh Sports Village.The gritty victory sealed the visitors’ domestic trophy double win ahead of their FA Cup final showdown with United on May 18.  Read More Football StoriesChelsea’s eighth top-flight title win led to them becoming champions for the second successive year at the Red Devils home. And it came three days after their bow out of the Champions League following an 8-2 aggregate semi-final loss to Barcelona. It also capped the first top tier triumph of the Sonia Bompastor era, with the champions an cup final win away from a domestic trophy treble.   Bronze said: “We knew that a draw was good enough as well. We wanted to be unbeaten and keep a clean sheet. Most read in Football”But it’s really nice to have scored a goal and got the win as well. “It makes it feel better to celebrate being champions when you win a game. “The fortunate thing for us  this season is we’ve been unbeaten and there were two things to go for. “We knew before the game that Arsenal got beaten so we knew we needed to come in and get from this game. “But we wanted to win and we want to be unbeaten this season, so although we’ve won we’ve got two games left. “We want to win those games and be unbeaten this season.”United went close to scoring in the first half with efforts from Melvine Malard, Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet.Malard nearly gave the hosts a 16th-minute lead with Hannah Hampton parrying her shot away before Naomi Girma’s superb block on Clinton’s follow-up strike. Chelsea and Manchester United will go to battle in the Women’s FA Cup final on May 18Credit: GettyChelsea were forced to make a change later on in the half with Mayra Ramirez going off with a knee issue. And Leah Galton had a shot blocked shortly before Bizet headed wide close to halftime. Read More on The SunThe second half saw Tullis-Joyce pull off a stunning triple save including parrying Aggie Beever-Jones’ 57th-minute shot from distance away from danger. But the USA keeper was unable to stop Bronze’s 74th-minute winner with her flicked header finding the back of the net.  More

IAN WRIGHT has refused to accept Eni Aluko’s apology after the pundit claimed he risked blocking women from being given broadcast opportunities.Former England Women’s star Aluko aimed comments at Wright this week over his work as a pundit in the women’s game.Ian Wright says he cannot accept Eni Aluko’s apologyAluko suggested men need to be aware of blocking opportunities for female punditsCredit: GettyThe pundit later apologised for mentioning Wright’s nameCredit: PAAluko spoke about importance of making sure female pundits were not blocked by men, suggesting there is a “finite amount of opportunities” and “men need to be aware of that”.She since apologised to Wright after public backlash, but the former Arsenal star is unable to accept.He said in a video on Instagram: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”The pair have worked together for ITV in the past, including during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.He added: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.Most read in Football”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.’That doesn’t happen’ – Gary Lineker broke down in tears over Ian Wright’s public show of support over MOTD axing”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you”It’s something I do not take for granted.”Aluko, 38, apologised to Wright over her comments, admitting it was wrong for her to mention his name while making a broader point about the women’s game.She said: “In my interview with Woman’s Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football – whether that’s in coaching, broadcasting or commercial space – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.”But it was wrong for Ian’s name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise.”I’ve known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him.”Wright has been a big advocate of the women’s game for a number of years and shown his support in a number of ways.He made an incredible gesture to Stoke City defender Kayleigh McDonald after she suffered a ruptured ACL was forced to set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds when the club refused to pay for surgery.Stoke eventually backtracked – largely thanks to Wright, it has been revealed, as he paid for a sports lawyer to advocate for McDonald.Read More on The SunAnd when the club pulled funding for her rehab at the end of last year, Wright started paying for it out of his own pocket.The defender revealed that her rehab costs around £1,700-a-month. More