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      ‘It’s a problem that not every game has the same level of technology’, says Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall

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      JONAS EIDEVALL criticised the irregular use of goal line technology in the Women’s Champions League after Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich.The Gunners saw some solid calls for penalties dismissed in the first leg of their quarter-final clash with the German giants. 
      Jonas Eidevall said Arsenal had two “clear and obvious penalty situations” in their match against Bayern at the Allianz ArenaCredit: Getty
      The visitors saw a couple of efforts cleared off the line in their clash with German clubCredit: Getty
      The Gunners hope to bounce back at the Emirates in the second leg of their quarters clashCredit: Getty
      Video assistant referees are deployed in the contest at this stage, but the choice to use goal line technology is optional. 
      And Eidevall, whose Gunners play Bayern at the Emirates next Wednesday says goal line technology was not in use in the match at the Allianz Arena. 
      The Arsenal boss said: “When we look at this competition and we’re thinking about taking the next step for it, it highlights a couple of issues. 
      “One is that VAR is only introduced in the quarter-finals.
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      “I don’t know if that VAR referee (for this game) has ever used VAR before. 
      “Secondly, goal line technology is something you can use at this stage of the competition just like the group stages, but it’s not compulsory.”
      Lea Schuller’s goal proved to be the decisive finish in the game.
      A towering 39th-minute header from the German side’s top scorer sealed a win that saw them maintain unbeaten run at home this term.
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      However the Gunners saw their spot-kick appeals in both halves come to nothing. 
      The first occurred after Caitlin Foord’s eighth-minute shot struck the arm of Bayern defender Glodis Perla Viggosdottir. 
      The visitors had two further appeals for a potential 63rd-minute shirt pull on Rafaelle Souza and goalkeeper Maria-Luisa Grohs picking up a back pass from a team-mate.
      And there were questions concerning no deployment of goal line technology in the match with Stina Blackstenius’ second-half header cleared off the line.
      Eidevall added: “Part of me is proud because the performance was really strong coming here to Allianz Arena. 
      “Part of me is disappointed with the result that we couldn’t be more efficient with our chances. 
      “And part of me is angry because VAR was not working in the Arena tonight as there were clear and obvious penalty situations – two of them – and I think that’s unacceptable.
      “Tonight goal line technology was not in use. 
      “When we go to the Emirates next week, Arsenal choose to pay for goal line technology because we think that’s the right thing to do to ensure a fair competition. 
      “I think it’s a problem for the competition that not every game has the same level of technology in helping officials take the right decisions.”
      Arsenal were unfortunate to come away goalless from the game in Munich. 
      After their hosts had the upper hand in the first half, the visitors dominated the game’s second spell.
      Among their closest chances was a 55th-minute rifled Foord effort prompting a diving save from Grohs. 
      Frida Maanum came close to scoring in the second half with a late strike hitting the side of the netCredit: EPA
      Eidevall added: “The players were brilliant. they were really brave on the ball and displayed Arsenal in a really good way in the second half.
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      “We should be proud of that, but we are disappointed with the result
      “We’re going to try and do everything in our power to turn this result around next week.” More

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      Eriksson opens up on Nordic Euros hope and hunger for a trophy treble with Chelsea after Conti Cup loss

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      TO lift a Euros trophy on home soil would be a ‘dream come true’ for Magda Eriksson. The Chelsea captain and Sweden centre-back is backing a bid that could see her country make history as one of four co-hosts of the tournament in 2025.
      Magda Eriksson is championing a bid for Sweden to co-host the 2025 Women’s Euros along with Denmark, Finland and NorwayCredit: Getty
      The Chelsea captain says the Blues are hungry to triumph in Europe in addition to the WSL and FA Cup this termCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes’ side will face Lyon in a Champions League quarter-final tie on WednesdayCredit: PA
      Along with Blues and Denmark ace Pernille Harder, Eriksson is supporting a push for the Euros to be held in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden.
      The bid is being backed football chiefs and governments representing the four countries.
      If successful it would see the Euros take place in four countries for the first time ever in two years’ time.  
      Eriksson told SunSport: “On a personal level I would love to experience (playing in a home Euros).
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      “I didn’t get the chance to play last time (when Sweden hosted in 2013) as I was too young.
      “To play in a joint one hosted by Scandinavian nations would be an amazing opportunity.
      “It would also be a cool statement because there are some great shared values that we have and Pernille and I of course represent Sweden and Denmark in this way.
      “It feels really natural and nice for us to be able to help out.”
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      Sweden, who won the first Women’s Euros back in 1984, have been a force on the international stage for almost four decades.
      In that time they have reached a World Cup final, four European Championship finals and won silver medals at two Olympics games.
      Last summer Eriksson and her team-mates reached the Euros semis where they were beaten by the Lionesses who went on to lift the trophy at Wembley.  
      The WSL star, who has 93 senior international caps, admits to feeling envious of England’s experience of winning the contest on home soil.
      She added: “We all felt the joy of the Lionesses.
      “We all felt a bit jealous of it, because it must be an amazing feeling winning a Euros and doing it on home ground in front of your home fans.
      “It would be a dream come true and definitely something that would motivate me to work even harder to be as fit and sharp as possible.”
      At club level, Eriksson and Chelsea return to action in Europe tomorrow facing Lyon in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
      Ada Hegerberg returned to training for Lyon this month after being sidelined by a leg injuryCredit: AP
      The match comes three months after the Blues brushed Paris Saint-Germain aside in a 3-0 group stage win at Stamford Bridge.
      Their trip to the Groupama Stadium will see them play Lyon for the first time in the tournament since losing a semis duel in April 2019.
      It also comes six months after the French league leaders, who were hit by a swathe of injuries early this term, fell to a 5-1 group stage loss to Arsenal.
      Eriksson added: “We’re hungrier now especially after losing the Conti Cup final.
      “We’re really hungry for all three (trophies) left and that is where our mindset is.
      “Lyon are a powerhouse. I think we sometimes forget how much they have achieved as a club because of the focus on Barcelona in recent years.
      “They have a hugely experienced team with really good players. It’s going to be an extremely tough game across the two legs.”
      While Lyon are without midfield aces Amandine Henry and Catarina Macario and centre-back Griedge Mbock they have been boosted by the return of defender Ellie Carpenter.
      And star striker Ada Hegerberg returned to training earlier this month being sidelined following a leg knock last September.
      Eriksson said: “We’re going to have to be on it and I feel we’ve learned a lot this year.
      “I’m hoping we can take every learning we’ve had from playing PSG and losing to Arsenal recently and apply them in this period we’re going into now
      “It’s going to be an extremely hectic period with a lot of tough games.
      “I feel like we’re really prepared for it and we can use the experience that we have.
      “It’s not like Lyon are the only experienced team nowadays. 
      “We’ve also gained a lot of experience over the years which I hope we can apply.”
      Champions League aside, Eriksson hopes players in the women’s game will continue to use their platform to battle for equality on and off the pitch.
      This month 150 national team players signed a letter which Fifpro sent to Fifa calling for equal prize money for the Women’s World Cup.
      Last week Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the prize pot for the 2027 tournament would match the money awarded in the men’s contest.
      Eriksson added: “It’s a huge step in the right direction.  
      “I hope we can have the same dialogue with Uefa for the future, especially considering how successful the Euros in England were.
      Sonia Bompastor hopes to guide Lyon to a ninth Champions League trophy following their tournament win last yearCredit: Getty
      “I hope we keep driving standards and pushing for issues we feel are important for us and using our platforms the way we have been.
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      “I really hope that’s something that won’t go away.
      “It’s is part of the DNA of women’s football that makes it unique.” More

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      Eidevall says Arsenal should not fear Bayern Munich’s solid home record as Gunners eye Champions League semis spot

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      JONAS EIDEVALL insists Arsenal must not fear Bayern Munich’s formidable home form in their Champions League duel. The head coach, 40, feels the Gunners are in ‘a good place’ following recent wins including their Conti Cup triumph against Chelsea.
      Jonas Eidevall hopes to guide Arsenal to Champions League semi-finals this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Gunners face a stern test in their clash with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena at 5:45 pm on TuesdayCredit: Getty
      Their opponents are second in Germany’s top-flight after winning 13 of the 15 games they have played so far this termCredit: Reuters
      Tuesday evening sees Arsenal back in action in Europe when they visit Bayern in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash.
      The German side have been in scintillating form with 12 wins from their last 13 matches across all competitions.
      Results include a 3-1 group stage home defeat of Barcelona last December.
      The Gunners chief said: “Our performance against Liverpool and Reading has shown that we’re a team in a good place right now.
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      “With the preparation here for Bayern Munich and the preparation lately, I have had a feeling of sharing less information with the players because I’m more assured that we know what to do in those situations.
      “Let’s hope that it’s a good sign or not sign a false security, but I choose to believe in the first.”
      On Saturday Eidevall watched Bayern in action in Germany’s top tier when the team visited Koln who are second from bottom.
      Alexander Straus’s aces thrashed their opponents 5-0 with all their goals scored in the first half and winger Klara Buhl netting twice in 15 minutes.
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      Eidevall, whose side whose side clinched an away win and draw against Lyon and Juventus, added: “They were very dominant and they won very well deservedly. 
      “It’s never easy to be that dominant against an opponent so we know we’re going to play against a good team, but we’re also a good team. 
      “There are a lot of similarities in the way that both teams play so I think it’s an exciting match-up from that perspective as well.
      “We have respect for that (in terms of Bayern’s home record) but we shouldn’t fear it.
      “We’ve been playing teams that have had great home records this season in the Champions League to be fair.
      “Lyon and Juventus, are two teams that have excellent home records in the Champions League.
      “We managed to draw in Turin and we won against Lyon.”
      Arsenal’s duel with Bayern at the Allianz Arena comes four days after the club sealed a surprise swoop for Jodie Taylor.
      The veteran striker has joined the WSL side until the end of this season following her spell as a Gunner from March 2016 to November 2017.
      The club have also triggered their option to extend Manuela Zinsberger’s contract.
      The goalkeeper, 27, who joined the club in 2019 after a five-year Bayern spell, will remain with the side until the end of next season.
      The Gunners hope to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since March 2013.
      Manuela Zinsberger says winning the Champions League with Arsenal would mean the world to herCredit: Getty
      Triumph in the tournament would see them become the first English club to win the trophy twice.
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      The Austria shot stopper said: “If we could win the Champions League, it would mean the world.
      “I guess I would be speechless and just happy.” More

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      Skinner hopes Manchester United can avoid a ‘banana skin’ moment in their FA Cup clash with Lewes

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      MARC SKINNER insists Manchester United need to be at their best to avoid a ‘banana skin’ moment against Lewes later. The Red Devils visit the Dripping Pan this lunchtime for a quarter-final clash with Scott Booth’s side who are seventh in the second tier. 
      Marc Skinner says Lewes can expect Man United to be at ‘their very best’ in their FA Cup quarters clashCredit: Getty
      The second tier Rooks are the lowest ranked side left in the competitionCredit: Getty
      Skinner said: “From watching their players play back (you can see) they’re trying to play some really effective football,
      “If we’re not at the very best of our game, then the banana skin potential comes up.
      “We won’t take them lightly and they should expect the very best of us.
      “For us it’s about avoiding that by being very good at what we do.”
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      Lewes’ home clash with the Red Devils comes five days after the Championship outfit’s call for equal FA Cup prize money. 
      Their players signed an open letter addressed to Karen Carney who is leading a government-backed review of the women’s game.
      So far their women’s side have received £45,000 for their cup progress.
      Men’s sides who reach this stage receive £450,000. 
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      And it has been reported the club will receive no fees for their game being broadcast by the BBC.
      This in contrast to the £200,000 paid to men’s teams when their quarter-final games are shown on TV. 
      Of Lewes’ equal pay call Skinner said: “I think we can never change anything unless we raise the issues that we’re going through. 
      “I don’t honestly know the funding mechanisms (for broadcast fees) and why those decisions are made, so it would be foolish of me to say anything on that.
      “I support the growth of women’s football and Lewes’ message in terms of how we can continue to grow and the speed at which we’re growing. 
      “I commend all of the women at Lewes and everybody who is fighting hard behind the scenes to work for equality and equity because we’re part of that 
      “I feel we’re growing but we should always keep looking at that. 
      Scott Booth’s players will face Sheffield United in the Championship next following their clash with the Red DevilsCredit: Getty
      “Are there ways we can add more money and are there ways we can add more funding to it?”
      Skinner’s side will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Chelsea last time out by progressing to the FA Cup’s semi-finals stage. 
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      The United boss added: “The players are already hungry and waiting to pounce on any opportunity they get. The energy they have is really good.”
      Lewes vs Manchester United in the Women’s FA Cup can be watched live on BBC iPlayer at 12:30pm today More

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      ‘It was huge for us’, says Bethany England after pivotal Tottenham win before derby clash with Arsenal

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      BETHANY ENGLAND admits it was a relief to deliver “a bit of magic” to help Tottenham end a run of nine losses on the bounce. The hotshot’s wonder strike saw her side claim maximum points with a 1-0 defeat of Leicester ten days before their duel with Arsenal. 
      Bethany England’s stunning strike proved be decisive for Tottenham as they sealed their first win in the WSL this yearCredit: Getty
      Vicky Jepson and her players leapfrogged Reading to go tenth before their home clash with ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Spurs 1-0 win saw them claim their first win in the top tier since their 8-0 defeat of Brighton on October 30Credit: Getty
      It also led Spurs, with interim gaffer Vicky Jepson in charge, to pick up a first win in the league since October 30 and following the sacking of Rehanne Skinner on Monday.
      And the morale-boosting victory on Wednesday saw the Londoners open up a five point gap on the rock-bottom Foxes who play Aston Villa next.
      England admitted: “I wouldn’t say it was the best goal I’ve scored but I would say it is one of the most important.
      “It was huge for us as we needed a bit of magic and I am so proud I was able to bring that.
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      “I honestly wouldn’t have cared how that ball went into the back of the net because we just needed it so badly.
      “There was composure once we did go ahead  to settle the game. We handled that very well. 
      “I could not be prouder of the team and also the fans who got behind us and turned up in the rubbish weather because we needed that after the last few days that we’ve had.”
      Before the match, Jepson spoke of her players wanting to put things right following a string of losses dating back 
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      The Foxes threatened early in a scrappy opening half, with Hannah Cain’s cross claimed by keeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela.
      From then on, the most of the best attacking chances fell to the hosts, with Rosella Ayane impressing on the flank.
      The forward whipped in a dangerous cross that fizzed past the post near the half-hour mark.
      And Drew Spence almost put England through but the striker was offside, before Eveliina Summanen headed wide on the stroke of half-time.
      Leicester will hope to bounce back from a second loss in their past four games when they visit Aston Villa on March 26Credit: Getty
      Leicester went close to scoring with loan ace Ruby Mace striking the woodwork shortly moments before England’s opener. 
      But the deadlock was broken in the 65th minute as Ayane teed up the striker  to curl in a superb top corner shot from 18 yards out.
      The result saw Tottenham leapfrog Reading to go ninth ahead of the north London derby next weekend. More

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      ‘We’ve just lost our manager and that’s not easy to take. The girls want to put it right’, says Jepson

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      VICKY JEPSON admits seeing Rehanne Skinner leave Tottenham was a “tough pill to swallow” after the axe was dropped on her reign.  And the interim Spurs Women’s manager says her players are ready for a WSL survival fight with the team facing Leicester tomorrow.
      Tottenham face Leicester City at home on tomorrow evening in their first game following Rehanne Skinner’s departureCredit: Alamy
      Interim Spurs Women’s chief Vicky Jepson says her players will be “ready for the fight” for a first win since NovemberCredit: Getty
      Tottenham face a Leicester side who have picked up five points from their last seven WSL gamesCredit: Getty
      Jepson was speaking earlier today, a day after the club announced Skinner, 43, had been “relieved of her duties”.
      The sacking followed the team slipping to a ninth consecutive WSL match loss since November 20 with Spurs beaten 2-1 by Liverpool on Sunday. 
      The run has seen them drop to third from bottom after collecting the fewest points at home in the league this term, before their duel with the Foxes. 
      Jepson, 36, told reporters: “It has been difficult and emotional for myself, the staff and the players because we all did love Rehanne. 

      “To see her exit the building yesterday was a tough pill to swallow.
      “But every single one of us will be so grateful and will never forget the great things she did and the foundations she built. 
      “When results aren’t going your way, there’s consequences and it’s always the manager that gets hit with those consequences. 
      Reflecting on the emotions of the last 24 hours, Jepson added: “Once we addressed those emotions we had to get our game faces on because the show doesn’t stop in football so that’s our focus.
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      “We’ve just lost our manager. That’s not easy to take. The girls are feeling responsible for that and want to put it right.
      The intensity on the grass today was through the roof and the positivity around the building was better than I’ve ever seen. 
      “I know the players will turn up ready for the fight because it’s an important game for us.
      “As soon as I found out the news yesterday I had to address my emotions because I am human too.
      “I have a lot of respect for Rehanne. 
      “I had to make sure I turned up today with a positive attitude and then we had to focus on the game plan and how we get those three points. That’s been my process until this point.”
      Tottenham have been the victors in their past three WSL clashes with Leicester City. 
      Results include a 2-1 defeat of the Foxes in their first game of the season.
      However the team have dropped nine points from winning positions in top tier games this term and suffered a dip since their 8-0 drubbing of Brighton in November.   
      While Jepson is backing her side to bounce back against Willie Kirk’s side, she believes the result of tomorrow’s game will not be a ‘make or break moment’ for Spurs’ season. 
      The interim Tottenham gaffer added: “It will be tough. Willie Kirk has done a great job but we’re ready.
      “We’ve regrouped and we’re ready to fight for this club together.
      “It won’t make or break us because we have enough in our group. 
      “It’s an important game but every match is important and none are easy.
      “If we get the right result tomorrow then we can regroup from there.”
      The Foxes, who are bottom and two points behind Tottenham, have picked up seven points from their last five WSL games. 
      They have also kept three clean sheets in five top-flight games played this year. 
      Of Leicester’s resurgence, team boss Kirk, 44, said: “Two months ago we had a massive gap between us and the rest of the league.
      Willie Kirk says his side are performing like a mid-table team following two wins a draw from their past five league gameCredit: Getty
      “But we’ve done so well to close the gap, it’s a credit to the players.
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      “We want to be the hunter, not the hunted, that will be our mentality. This season we have always been the hunted.
      “If the league started in January we’d be seventh. We’re playing like a mid-table team. We’re in good form.” More

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      Wales’ women side set to face World Cup holders USA in glamour friendly Stateside

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      WALES’ women side are set to play a glamour friendly against the USA before the World Cup.Gemma Grainger’s Dragons have been lined up to travel Stateside and face the World Cup holders, who will defend their title in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
      Jess Fishlock and her Wales team-mates could face World Cup holders USA in friendlyCredit: Getty
      FAW chief executive Mooney recently revealed the exciting friendly plansCredit: Getty
      SunSport understands a verbal agreement for the mouth-watering warm-up fixture, likely to be in June, has been reached but contracts have not yet been signed off.
      But Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney confirmed the friendly publicly during a visit to London earlier this month.
      Mooney attended a number of functions during the Wales Week in London event including a St David’s Day dinner in front of 500 guests at the Guildhall.
      USA faced Euro champions England last October, losing the friendly 2-1 at a sell-out Wembley.
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      The fixture was viewed as a huge success for women’s football.
      USA will also host Republic of Ireland, who have qualified for the global finals which will kick-off Down Under on July 20, twice for friendly matches in April.
      Wales did not reach the World Cup after losing to Switzerland in the playoffs last October.
      Grainger’s side beat Bosnia and then came close to reaching a first major tournament.
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      Georgia Stanway scored a penalty winner for England against USA last OctoberCredit: Alamy
      But Wales suffered heartbreak when Swiss substitute Fabienne Humm scored a winner as the second half of extra time moved into stoppage time.
      The Dragons have USA-based Jess Fishlock in their ranks.
      The 36-year-old midfielder, who is Wales’ most-capped female player with 134 caps, plays for OL Reign in Seattle. More

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      Tottenham sack Rehanne Skinner after ninth consecutive loss in the WSL and three wins in 14 top tier games this term

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      TOTTENHAM have dropped the axe on Rehanne Skinner’s reign as their WSL side’s boss with the team winless in the league so far this year. The club parted ways with the head coach today with the team just two points above the drop zone after a loss to Liverpool on Sunday. 
      Tottenham have parted ways with Rehanne Skinner with the team yet to pick up a win in the league this yearCredit: PA
      Spurs assistant Vicky Jepson is set to take charge of the team’s game against Leicester City on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Skinner’s departure follows Tottenham falling to their ninth successive loss in the WSL with the team beaten 3-1 by Liverpool on SundayCredit: Alamy
      The move sees Skinner become the second gaffer to depart from a WSL side this year with Brighton parting company Jens Scheuer earlier this month. 
      It comes just two days before Spurs’ pivotal clash with bottom-placed Leicester City who have seen their results improve under Willie Kirk since January. 
      Tottenham managing director Andy Roberts said: “Since joining us in 2020, Rehanne has played an integral role in our development in the women’s game, both on and off the field. 
      “She has carried out her duties with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail.
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      “We should like to thank her for everything she has done for us over the course of her tenure.”
      Tottenham assistant Vicky Jepson is set to take charge of the team in their home clash with the Foxes on Wednesday evening. 
      The club are hoping to reverse a streak that has seen them lose nine games since their 8-0 thrashing of Brighton on October 30th.
      Spurs are currently two points above Leicester and one ahead of Albion with the Seagulls having a game in hand.
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      The losing run has seen them pulled into a battle to avoid a drop into the Women’s Championship with the team currently tenth after 14 games. 
      This is in contrast to the form that saw them claim fifth spot behind Manchester United under Skinner’s guidance last term. 
      It was their highest finish in the league since their promotion to the WSL before the start of the 2019-20 season. 
      And the club also reached the semi-finals of last term’s Conti Cup before falling to a 3-0 loss to eventual contest winners Manchester City.  
      Skinner, who began her managerial career at Leicester City in 2006, joined Tottenham in November 2020 after the club sacked co-head coaches Karen Hills and Juan Amoros. 
      Her move to north London followed a spell working as England Women’s assistant manager. 
      In January Tottenham sealed a stunning swoop for Chelsea striker Bethany England and a loan move for Arsenal playmaker Mana Iwabuchi.
      England’s three-year move from the title-holders reportedly saw her become the most expensive British player in the WSL. 
      It is thought the club paid £250,000 to sign her.
      Ria Percival is among the key Tottenham players contending with an injury this seasonCredit: Getty
      England also became the second former Blue to join Tottenham in the space of a year following Drew Spence’s switch last June on a two-year deal. 
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      The team have faced issues with injuries this term with England out of action on Sunday and Ellie Brazil and Ria Percival sidelined by ACL issues. 
      And Iwabuchi came off in the second half of their loss to Liverpool after taking a knock. More