Women’s Super League

LEAH WILLIAMSON reckons England have a cheat code in Lauren James following her efforts during their 4-0 defeat of South Korea. The forward was among the standout performers in their Arnold Clark Cup match with the team facing Italy at the CBS Arena on Sunday. 
Leah Williamson reckons Lauren James’ performance is a perfect example of England’s hard-working mentality on the pitchCredit: Getty
James netted her first senior international goal for the Euros winners in their 4-0 defeat of South KoreaCredit: Getty
Sarina Wiegman named the Chelsea ace in her starting 11 at Stadium MK on Thursday evening with skipper Williamson playing in a deep midfield role. 
And the England starlet was a menace causing South Korea problems with her smart wing play and drives into the box. 
James’ performance was capped by netting the fourth goal for Wiegman’s side as they got their World Cup warm-up off to a winning start. 
England captain Williamson said: “I think she’s a cheat code.
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“I enjoy being on the same team as her, when we come here. 
“We have a squad that’s obviously got standards and non negotiables.
“Sarina has touched on it before about this real English mentality about how we’ve all been brought up to work hard. 
“She’s trying to bring out the best of us as well and make sure that we bring the best of ourselves in the game – and somebody like Lauren is a perfect example of that. 
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“The girl is incredible, so give her as much support as we can.”
The build-up to James’ 70th-minute finish was preceded by Ella Toone driving from midfield and passing to Lucy Bronze who set up the forward. 
The full-back’s assist was among the high points of a night that saw her celebrated for becoming an England centurion after making 101 appearances.  
Reflecting on playing on the flank with James, Bronze said: “Everyone knows the quality that LJ’s got. 
“Technically on the ball she’s probably one of the best there is. 
“It’s fun for me to play with her because I know she’s always going to get the ball in the right place. 
“I like linking up with her. It’s crazy that she’s so young now because this is the player that everyone has been talking about for five years now. 
“For the past five years everyone has been waiting for this superstar and it’s exciting to be here now at the start of her England career. 
“I’m sure she’ll score plenty more goals, win plenty more player of the matches and win more games for England in the future.” 
The Lionesses upcoming clash with Italy in Coventry, which kicks-off at 3:15pm on Sunday, could see Wiegman experiment with her line-up.
The England chief said: “I want to try out things. I think this tournament is really a big step in our preparation for the World Cup. 
“We need to see where we are as a team and where individuals are at this moment.
The depth of England’s squad could see Sarina Wiegman make some changes for their game against ItalyCredit: Reuters
“We will figure out more things and do some changes.
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“The squad has lots of depth. We have some centre-backs who can play as full-backs and (in) those positions up front is lots of competition. I can’t complain about the depth of this team.
England vs Italy in the Arnold Clark Cup can be watched live on ITV1 from 3:15pm on Sunday 19 February More

LEAH WILLIAMSON insists the Lionesses will “never shy away from showing their commitment to equality. The England skipper was speaking after praising Czech Republic player Jakub Jankto, 27, who bravely came out this week.
Leah Williamson says England will wear OneLove armbands during the Arnold Clark CupCredit: AP
The Lionesses captain says the Euros winners are squad committed to promoting equality and inclusivityCredit: Getty
The England skipper, 25, who hailed the midfielder’s bravery, says the Euros winners will wear OneLove armbands at the Arnold Clark Cup. 
Designed as a symbol of equality and opposition to discrimination, they have been been worn in the past by Sarina Wiegman’s side. 
And Williamson and her team-mates will pull them on again when they take on the Korea Republic, Italy and Belgium in the Arnold Clark Cup. 
The first of their matches in the four-team tournament takes place on Thursday evening when England face the Korea Republic at the MK Stadium.
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It comes three days after Jankto, currently on loan at Getafe from Sparta Prague, revealed he is gay in a powerful video message shared via Twitter.
Speaking to reporters, the Lionesses captain said: “You’ve just seen another men’s player step out and be as brave as they can be and potentially change their whole life.
“So for us to stand also in solidarity with him is important to us.
“It’s something we’ve always done, it’s something we’ll continue to do.
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“We’re not just impacting football, we’re trying to have a positive impact on society.
“That’s one of the ways we can do that. We’re never shy in saying what we stand for.
“We’re a squad that promotes inclusivity and equality.
“We obviously have a number of people that feel very strongly about it. I think it’s not even a question for us really.” 
Williamson’s comments come two months after the Three Lions were among a host of teams threatened with Fifa sanctions in response to their plans to wear OneLove armbands at the World Cup in Qatar. 
This summer’s Women’s World Cup has come under the spotlight in recent days following Fifa’s decision to award contest sponsorship to Saudi Arabia’s state tourist authority. 
The news was greeted with concern by a number of influential figures within the game including USA forward Alex Morgan.
This is due to Saudi Arabia’s record around the rights of women and individuals within the LGBTQ community. 
When asked if the Lionesses will continue wearing armbands in support of equality during the World Cup, Williamson added: “You hope it’s not a last-minute call once we get there.
“But it’s something we want to do all year round, that we’ve done previously.
“And I think the statement that was made at the Euros last summer with every team participating, that’s incredible. 
“Every picture we have with a trophy lift there’s a rainbow armband in there.
“I think it’s a great stage and a great time to promote those values that we believe in so much, so I hope it’s the same.
“As players, especially in the women’s game, I’ve seen what the American players have said, we’re not shy to stand up for what we believe in
“We make clear statements constantly about the society we want to live in and having a positive impact on the world. 
England are aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in the lead-up the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summerCredit: Getty
“We’ll always make our opinions heard.
“That is the nature of the game but ultimately those things are hopefully resolved in a positive way by Fifa and Australia and New Zealand.
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“There’s a time and a place for a player to speak out, but it’s not in our hands.
“Hopefully the best decision is made in the best interests of the game.” More

EMILY RAMSEY would love to be part of the England squad Sarina Wiegman selects to compete for this year’s World Cup. But with competition for three goalkeeper spots in the 23-player group being fierce, the newest member of Wiegman’s Lionesses is taking anything for granted. 
Emily Ramsey is hoping to make her mark for England when they compete in the Arnold Clark Cup this monthCredit: Alamy
The Man United stopper, who is on loan at Everton this season, is currently uncappedCredit: Getty
Ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup which starts on Thursday, Ramsey received her first call-up to the senior national squad 
Her call-up follows her standout performances for Everton who are currently sixth in the WSL after six wins and a draw in 12 games. 
In recent seasons Ramsey, who is 22 and was born in Salford, has put in some eye-catching shifts between the sticks on loan at the Toffees 
The shot-stopper, regarded as an up and coming star at her parent club Manchester United, has kept three clean sheets.
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An effort that has seen the uncapped WSL shot stopper make the transition from England’s Under-23s. 
Reflecting the moment she received the news of her call-up, Ramsey said: “I was at home.
“I’d finished training and I was literally sitting on my sofa, and I saw it was Sarina’s number that called me and I was like ‘oh my God’. 
“She said she’d be really glad to have me in on camp, and I was just buzzing.
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“It feels great. I’m really, really enjoying it so far.”
Among Ramsey’s team-mates is England’s number one Mary Earps who was part of the squad that made history last summer becoming the first Lionesses side to win the Euros. 
Since then the Man United star, who has made 29 senior international appearances, went on to become the first shot stopper to keep 50 clean sheets in the WSL. 
It was a feat she achieved during the Red Devils 6-0 defeat of Liverpool in January. 
And Ramsey says she enjoys the dynamic of training alongside her goalkeeper team-mates including Earps.
In January the United number one was named one of three players shortlisted for the 2022 Best Fifa Women’s Goalkeeper Award.
The other two contenders are Chelsea ace Ann-Katrin Berger and Lyon’s Christine Endler. 
Ramsey added: “We have a good dynamic when we’re training together. 
“Mary is definitely someone that I look up to, with where she’s taken herself to in the last couple of years and the success that she’s had, as well as striving to compete with her. 
“We have a competitive environment, which I think is really important. 
“It’s not coming in and – yes, Mary is the number one, she is – but it’s that training, that competitive edge and me competing against her almost.
“It’s a fun environment to be in but, also, it pushes everyone.”
In recent months a few Lionesses Under-23s talents, managed by Mo Marley, have made the move into the senior side. 
In addition to Ramsey they include Man United defender Maya Le Tissier and Brighton forward Katie Robinson.
Both made their senior debuts for England during a 1-1 friendly draw with Norway last November.
And Chelsea forward Lauren James made hers during England’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier win against Austria last September. 
Having a group of players rising through the ranks together from Marley’s group into Wiegman’s is something Ramsey sees as beneficial. 
Ramsey said: “It’s great for all of us to be honest and all of the younger players have each other to look to or get advice from. 
“The first person I texted was Lauren Hemp.
“I’ve been mithering her a little bit before camp asking ‘what should I bring?’.
“But it’s nice when you’ve got that support around you and people that are in the same situation and feeling the same things that you’re feeling.”
On if she has given much thought to the possibility of claiming a World Cup squad spot, Ramsey added: “I think it’s something you’d be silly not to think about – it is there.
“But, for me, my focus all season has just been club and trying to cement myself and play games and play against the best teams in the league. 
“That, to be honest, has been my main focus and it’s obviously those games that have taken me to this point here. 
“Away from camp, I will still continue to focus on that.
Ramsey says her focus is on cementing spot in Everton’s starting 11 with the player impressing for the Toffees this seasonCredit: Getty
“There’s four goalkeepers in this camp and three will be in the squad for the World Cup. 
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“It’s a competition, realistically. I would love to be there but nothing can be taken for granted.
“Going away and playing in the WSL is the only thing that’s going to ultimately push everyone to that level.” More

BEING called back into the Lionesses’ fold after almost three years has come as a shock to Laura Coombs. The Manchester City star, 32, thought her moment with England had passed before receiving a call from head coach Sarina Wiegman. 
Laura Coombs is focused on bedding in and getting down to work with her England team-matesCredit: Reuters
The Lionesses are due to compete in the Arnold Clark Cup tournament which starts on Thursday (February 16)Credit: Getty
This Thursday could see the experienced WSL player, whose performances have earned her a new City contract, make her first senior Lionesses appearance since 2015. 
The midfield star is part of Sarina Wiegman’s 26-strong squad for the Arnold Clark Cup with England seeking to win the four-team tournament for the second year in a row. 
The Lionesses will face the Korea Republic at Stadium MK at 7:45 pm on that day.
The match will be the first of their three games in the contest followed by duels with Italy and Belgium. 
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Coombs revealed she was the middle of having an ice bath with her City club team-mate Khadija Shaw when she received the news of her call-up for England duty
And she admits a return to international football was the furthest thought from her mind.
Coombs said: “I was surprised because it’s been so long.
“I haven’t been thinking about the international stage anymore.
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“I was thinking I was going to get a break over the international period.
“I am really happy to be here. It was a shock but now I’m here, I’m ready to get to work. 
“I was surprised because it’s been so long.”
This season Coombs, who joined Man City in 2019 after a two-year Liverpool spell, has been among the standout performers for Gareth Taylor’s Citizens.
The Kent-born footballer, who began her senior career at Arsenal in 2007,  has made 13 top-flight appearances for City so far this term notching up four goals and three assists
 And the club are now 14 games unbeaten at home and third in the league.
The midfielder, who made her international debut in October 2015 as a substitute during the Lionesses’ 2-1 loss to China, currently has two senior caps. 
Her last involvement with the squad came in November 2020 when she was called up to join an international camp during Phil Neville’s reign as head coach.
Coombs added: “At the time Phil was taking a look at me and I didn’t come back.  
“It’s a really weird feeling, getting that call (from Sarina) because I wasn’t expecting it and that was the honest truth.
“Now I’m here, I’m really happy to be here.
“It’s a really positive place coming off the back of the Euros (and the team winning the tournament). 
“It’s an amazing group to be a part of and you just feel lucky when you’re training that the level is so high and you’re tested every day.”
Since her first England appearance almost eight years ago at club level, Coombs has helped Man City win an FA Cup and last season’s Continental Tyres trophy 
And Taylor’s faith in her abilities have seen her start in 12 of the 13 WSL games City have played so far this term
A stark contrast to the midfielder making six top tier starts for the club last season.
Her most recent appearance saw her play a key role in the Citizens’ battling 2-1 defeat of Arsenal in the WSL on Saturday.
A result that saw City avenge their Conti Cup semis lost to the Gunners last Thursday. 
Coombs said: “It feels really comfortable at club. I’m being pushed by the people around me and the manager every day in training. 
“I feel really valued by the team and obviously, you can play and train a lot better when you’re in that headspace.
“When I’m on a good roll, I’ve just been trying to keep that going.”
With the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand commencing little over five months from now, Coombs could see in contention for a spot in Wiegman’s 23-strong squad.
Coombs added: “We’ve only had one training session so far.
“But I am excited to see what Sarina will be like in sessions going forward.
“She seems really approachable and in a manager that’s what you (as a player) want, someone you feel comfortable speaking to.
She has told me the type of player she sees me as so I have got a good idea of how she wants me to play. 
Coombs’ form has seen her make 13 top-flight appearances this season as well as signing a new two-year contract with the club this monthCredit: Getty
“It’s more of a case of just bedding into how the team is and how the team wants me to play.”
When asked what it would mean to her if she were to be included in England’s World Cup squad, Coombs said: “It would be incredible, knowing that my last cap was eight years ago.
“I just think that’s a really unique journey.
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“Not many players have that time between call-ups.
“It’s something I thought had passed, so it’d be even more special.” More

MARC SKINNER criticised Eveliina Summanen’s reaction to Ella Toone’s foul after the forward saw red during Tottenham’s loss to Manchester United. Toone was given her marching orders as the Red Devils claimed a title-boosting 2-1 win with Spurs enduring own goal heartbreak.
Ella Toone was sent off in the 80th minute of Man United’s defeat of TottenhamCredit: Getty
The Red Devils forward received a red card after shoving Eveliina Summanen on the shoulderCredit: Getty
United took a 1-0 lead in the second half with Leah Galton netting for the visitorsCredit: Alamy
Bethany England levelled for the hosts before Mollie Bartrip’s own goal restored United’s leadCredit: Getty
Leah Galton gave the visitors a second-half lead before Bethany England replied with an ice cold leveller at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But disaster struck for the hosts when Molly Bartrip’s mis-kick cancelled out England’s equaliser, with the game becoming fiery in its latter stages.
This included the moment involving Toone and Summanen vying for for the ball.
Following the duo getting tangled, with both on the turf, Toone appeared to shove Summanen on the shoulder with both hands.
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The Spurs player was seen clutching her face moments later. 
Shortly after, referee Amy Fearn showed the Man United ace a red card.
This means she could face a three-match ban which could see her miss the Red Devils’ clash with Chelsea. 
When asked for his thoughts on the incident that preceded the sending off, Skinner said: “Maybe play-acting is a tough word
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“But actually the reality is there’s no need to roll around holding your face.  
“Part of our growth, as fans and players, is you want to see passion for your club.
“Look it’s a foul and it’s probably a yellow card – with the tackle from Tooney – but there’s a tangle of legs and there’s maybe a little bit of frustration. 
“We have to be accountable for our actions of course and we’ll assess that within (the team). We’ll deal with that internally. 
“But you don’t need to roll around holding your face. 
“That’s part of the sport I don’t want to come into our game because it’s a clear push on her shoulder. It’s just not a good sign. 
“There’s no doubt Tooney will bounce back. The thing we all love about Tooney is she is very real. 
“Once we’re all calm, we’ll assess what happens and assess our part and own our part.
“But the reality is we shouldn’t scold someone for showing commitment and passion.”
When asked for her view Skinner added: “It’s the referee’s job to manage those sorts of situations.
“Other than that, there’s nothing from my side to say on it.”
The 2-1 result saw Tottenham fall to a seventh straight loss in the WSL since their 8-0 trouncing of Brighton last October. 
It leaves United top of the table before a March 5 league clash with Leicester after the international break.
Red Devils boss Skinner said: “We just need to keep accruing points
“The reality is we had to win, that’s the pressure we set ourselves.
“We don’t think we’re going to get anything, we have to earn it.
“It’s good being top of the table, but they are are many twists to happen yet.”
United saw a goal disallowed in the 23rd minute with a Galton’s header from Ona Batlle’s ruled as offside. 
And England blazed an effort over the bar minutes later after being put through by Ashleigh Neville. 
Later Mana Iwabuchi looked to be through on goal following a neat Spence and England move before being flagged offside.
Galton broke the deadlock in the second spell, smashing the ball into the net at close range in the 67th minute. 
But the hosts hit back 13 minutes later with England netting her third goal in four appearances for Spurs.
However that leveller was overshadowed when Bartrip fired the ball into her own net with an attempted clearance going awry. 
Rehanne Skinner says Bartrip’s team-mates will rally round her with Spurs aiming to bounce back from their loss in their upcoming gamesCredit: Getty
Spurs are now three points above Leicester – who are bottom – after three wins in 12 WSL games.
A duel with Man City on March 5 awaits them after the international break and their FA Cup clash with Reading on February 26. 
Tottenham chief Rehanne Skinner said: “As a team we have to start get pieces of the jigsaw together properly.
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“We’ve had two great transfers in the window that have helped us to move forward.
“That’s something that as a as a club and as a team we want to keep building on.” More

LAUREN HEMP reckons Manchester City’s aggressiveness gave them an edge as they dented Arsenal’s title chase and turbocharged their own.The forward was relentless alongside Khadija Shaw and Chloe Kelly, grabbing her 50th City goal during a 2-1 win.
Lauren Hemp netted for Man City as they avenged their loss to Arsenal in the Conti Cup by beating the Gunners in the WSLCredit: Getty
The 2-1 win for Gareth Taylor’s side saw them leapfrog Arsenal to go thirdCredit: Getty
The Gunners pulled a goal back with Rafaelle’s second-half headerCredit: Alamy
The result saw Jonas Eidevall’s aces drop points for the second weekend in a row.
And it saw the Citizens avenge their midweek league cup loss moving up to third before the international break.
They also went level on points with Manchester United, who are second, and just two points behind leaders Chelsea.
Their neighbours are set to face Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at midday on Sunday.
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After the game Hemp said: “We were really aggressive which is important.
“We carried that out throughout the game, not just in the first time half like we did on Wednesday (in the league cup).
“We had the upper hand and we wanted it more than them.
“We fought more than them and sometimes it comes down to that especially in the last few minutes.
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“We played 120 odd minutes on Wednesday, so a lot of us are still recovering from that.
“But I think it’s that fight that takes us to the end of the game and we had that more than them.
“There’s still a long way to go, we know that and there’s so many more games.
“We need to make sure we win every single one to keep us in contention for the league (title) but that result put us in a really good position
“We want to show teams that we’re not here for a laugh, we’re here because we want to win.”
The hosts looked a completely different side to the one shut out by Arsenal during their 1-0 Continental Tyres trophy last four defeat on the road in midweek.
Steph Houghton and Laura Coombs started in place of Alanna Kennedy and Deyna Castellanos with Yui Hasegawa playing in a slightly deeper role.
It proved to be a tactical trump card with the trio putting in a solid shift and making some key interceptions.
Arsenal got on the attack early with Frida Maanum firing narrowly wide at the near post in the third minute.
But they were caught on the counter with Kelly’s cross teeing up Hemp’s tap-in.
After Roebuck caught Kim Little’s 11th minute shot, it was City who had the best attacking moments in the first spell.
And they exploited space on the flanks with the Gunners opting to play a back three.
The hosts threatened with Shaw’s header hitting the crossbar moments after Hemp’s opener.
They eventually doubled their lead with Shaw harrying Arsenal’s defence, winning possession and squaring for Kelly to score in the 43rd minute.
Eidevall shuffled his deck in the second spell with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Caitlin Foord replaced by Lia Walti and Katie McCabe.
The visitors pulled a goal back with Rafaelle heading Maanum’s free-kick beyond City keeper Ellie Roebuck.
The hosts weathered some pressure and came close to netting a third with Hasegawa’s shot hitting the crossbar in the 59th minute.
And they held out to seal a win to turn up the heat on their title rivals.
City chief Gareth Taylor said: “We were on it from minute one.
“It’s a testament to the girls to take it to another level from the game the other day.
“We should’ve been four or five up at half time. The mistakes we forced, it was impressive.
“When a team plays a back three, there are subtle changes to Bunny’s (Khadija) role, but the top end players created a lot of havoc without the ball.”
On this side moving into the WSL’s top three, Taylor added: “We’ve put ourselves in a good position but we’re not getting carried away.
“We have to play Man Utd again, Arsenal and Chelsea.”
The Gunners next’s league encounter will be a March 5th duel with Liverpool after a fifth round FA Cup duel with the Blues.
Jonas Eidevall’s players will face Liverpool in the league next month following an FA Cup clash with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
Of their loss to City, Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “It is one hundred per cent my responsibility that we do not win, so I take that and that’s why I need to look at the game.
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“We have enough players in the squad.
“We have to all believe in the way that we want to play and then we can create great things together.” More

EMMA HAYES wants Chelsea to remain serial winners after they fired a Conti Cup final warning to Arsenal. Her side bagged four goals in 46 minutes with Sam Kerr netting four on Thursday in a 7-0 dismantling of West Ham.
Emma Hayes’ side have won two of the last three league cup finals dating back to 2020Credit: Getty
Sam Kerr netted a first-half hat-trick before netting a fourth goal against West Ham with Chelsea reaching their fourth Conti Cup finalCredit: Getty
Fran Kirby got on the scoresheet before coming off shortly before half-time following a knee impingementCredit: PA
At times the WSL striker looked unstoppable with her team-mates at their clinical best away from home at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. 
Fran Kirby, Lauren James and Guro Reiten got in on the scoring with the Blues set to face Arsenal in the final at Selhurst Park on Sunday 5 March. 
On Kerr’s performance, Hayes said: “You know my opinion on Sam, she is the best without a shadow of a doubt.
“It’s not just for the work she does in possession, it’s what she does out of possession and she’s relentless with it. 
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“Her team behaviours and team actions are second to none
 “All the other things around the box speak for itself.
“Because of the person she is and the work she gives every day to the team, for me that’s what sets her apart from anyone else.”
The match saw Hayes rejig her line-up with Ann-Katrin Berger back in goal. 
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Eve Perriset and Magda Eriksson were back in defence and with Kirby also back in their starting 11.
Kerr opened the scoring in the fourth minute for the WSL leaders poking home Guro Reiten’s free-kick after evading her marker. 
Kirby doubled the lead six minutes later, slotting home following a pass from Lauren James.
Kerr took advantage of a loose pass from the Irons defence to wallop the ball past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with Chelsea 3-0 up in 23 minutes. 
That lead became 4-0 when some nervy Irons defending ended with Kerr notching her hat-trick with a close range effort. 
Three second-half goals including Kerr’s fourth and James’ thumping finish saw the visitors race to a 7-0 lead with 25 minutes of normal time left.
On Chelsea’s display and result, Hayes added: “We’ve shown that through this block we can develop players.
“We’ve done that and we’ve given a lot of younger players opportunities to play. 
“We know everything about our seniors and you can see that from this performance. 
“But I believe in serial-winning and to be a serial winner I don’t want to get stuck with just one team all of the time. 
“I have to keep evolving them.
“This has been about evolving us and developing more players to play at the top level. 
“We want to keep winning and for me it doesn’t matter who you play in the final and it’s always a top game. 
“We know at the last Continental Cup final we performed poorly. 
“The expectations on the return will be that we’ve got to be fully prepared to face an in-form Arsenal team.”
An injury to West Ham defender Lucy Parker saw her shift come to an end in the 58th minute
And Kirby made a late first half departure moments after she was seen clutching her knee. 
Hayes said: “It’s just a little bit of an impingement in her knee
“I think she will be alright. It might take a few days to settle down but I don’t know anymore than that.
“The doctor has to analyse it.”
West Ham hope to bounce back when they face Aston Villa in the fifth round of the FA Cup
Paul Konchesky is expecting a positive reaction from his players in that match on Sunday  26 February. 
The Irons boss said: “It’s disappointing the way we’ve gone out and lost.
“But I think it will bring us together and make us stronger for the rest of the season.”
Paul Konchesky wants to see West Ham bounce back from their loss when they face Aston Villa in the FA Cup after the international breakCredit: Getty
“The worst thing for me now is most of the team will go away on international break.
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“I won’t see them until two or three days before the FA Cup and a massive game against Aston Villa.
“We just have to dust ourselves down and get back to work on Monday with the girls staying behind and we will get working.” More

STINA BLACKSTENIUS broke Manchester City’s resistance as Arsenal bounced back from a 0-0 WSL draw to reach the Conti Cup final. The striker’s bundled effort thwarted City’s hopes of league cup glory in back-to-back seasons as her side sealed a 1-0 win. 
Stina Blackstenius broke the deadlock for Arsenal coming off the bench and scoring in extra timeCredit: Reuters
The Gunners nullified the threat posed by Khadija Shaw who is currently the WSL’s leading scorer this term with 10 goalsCredit: Getty
Sabrina D’Angelo put in a solid shift in goal for ArsenalCredit: PA
It saw Jonas Eidevall’s side reach their first cup final under the head coach with a chance of a first piece of silverware on the horizon this term.  
They clinched victory in the first duel of their double header with the Citizens with the teams set for battle in the WSL at the Academy Stadium on Saturday.    
A final at Selhurst Park with Chelsea or West Ham on Sunday 5 March awaits Arsenal who are the contest’s most successful side having won it five times. 
Tomorrow night will see the Irons take on Emma Hayes side who were beaten by the Citizens in last year’s final.
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Before tonight’s clash, City boss Gareth Taylor said reaching this term’s Conti cup decider could be a catalyst for the season. 
It appeared to be the case for his side as they pressed their hosts high early on. 
Gunners goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, who put in a solid performance, was  forced to push Chloe Kelly’s fourth minute cross away from goal. 
But Arsenal grew into the game quickly with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Rafaelle nullifying the scoring threat posed by Khadija Shaw 
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And Laura Wienroither tested Sandy MacIver after a swift counter following Kelly’s cross, forcing a reflex save from the Man City keeper. 
It was end-to-end stuff at times in the first half with Kelly’s low shot, after a cut inside, claimed,by D’Angelo.
In the 27th minute Shaw half-volleyed an effort wide after a Hemp cross.
Some lovely trickery saw Hemp whip the ball around Wienroither before teeing up Kelly who blazed it over the bar. 
And the City forward ended up picking the first of seven yellow cards shown to players by referee Abigail Byrne after clipping Katie McCabe’s heel.
Close to half-time Arsenal had one of their best chances of the first spell. 
This came in the 37th minute with Foord, slightly off balance hitting the woodwork after Kathrine Kuhl’s pass from the edge box.
And Kelly received some words of warning from the ref after catching McCabe on the shin with the duo vying for the ball. 
The second spell saw Arsenal up the ante in attack with Lina Hurtig and Stina Blackstenius coming on for Victoria Pelova and Kuhl in the 65th minute. 
It was a tactical change that proved decisive with Hurtig hitting the crossbar moments later and heading wide with 15 minutes of normal time left. 
Some injury-time chaos ensued when MacIver spilled the ball with City managing to clear before Blackstenius to get a toe on it 
But the striker eventually broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute.
She did so by forcing the ball over the line after Frida Maanum won possession with Hurtig later teeing up her Swedish compatriot.
A win against Arsenal in the league for Gareth Taylor and his players would see Man City move up to third in the WSL on SaturdayCredit: Getty
Extra time saw Taylor have a last throw of the dice bringing on Laura Coombs for Kerstin Casparij
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And Mary Fowler came on for Filippa Angeldahl after the Swede forced D’Angelo to tip her shot around the post. 
But the hosts held out to claim a result that could pave their way to their first Conti Cup win since 2018. More