Women’s Super League

MARC SKINNER hit out at the officiating that saw two Manchester United penalty appeals waved away during their 1-0 loss to Chelsea. Sam Kerr and Lauren James combined to deadly effect as the Blues dented the Red Devils’ title chase. 
Lauren James delivered an inch perfect pass for Sam Kerr to net Chelsea’s winnerCredit: Getty
Manchester United’s second loss in top tier this term saw them drop to second spotCredit: Alamy
Marc Skinner believes United could have had a two penalties during the gameCredit: Getty
A stunning James assist for Kerr’s stylish dinked finish sealed the win ending the Red Devils’ unbeaten run on the road this term 
But Skinner reckons his side had cases for two spot-kicks following Kadeisha Buchanan’s and Jess Carter’s challenges on Nikita Parris and Ona Batlle.
The  United boss said: “They’re two big decisions. That’s the reality in big games. 
“We’ve come here, we’ve had 63% possession and we’ve dominated the ball

“We’ve moved Chelsea into only being able to counter attack and yet we’ve come away having got into the box twice and there were two penalties. 
“Two penalties in a game like this are massive.
“When I look over the balance of the last few games, Chelsea get a goal that’s offside the other day, so these are decisions that will make and break where you finish in the table.
“And we say ‘it balances out’, well, I’m hopeful that we see it, but the reality is in the game we should have had two penalties.”
Most read in Football
James’ pinpoint assist for Kerr saw Chelsea exploit Man United’s high line with a ball punted over their defence. 
Of the goal, Skinner added: “It’s a switch-off moment from us. Sam is really good at invading the backline.
“It’s all we’ve spoken about all week. It’s something we won’t be happy with when we look at it.
“There are different ways to deal with that. If you don’t play a high line at that moment, then they just play in front of you and then go through you anyway.
“The reality is one long ball should be dealt with, and that’s something we have to learn from.”
For the first time a WSL match aired live on the BBC did not feature any BBC Sport presenters or punditry.
The organisation are battling with the fallout of suspending Gary Lineker from Match of the Day following his criticism of the government’s Illegal Immigration Bill.
After the visitors’ early pressure Chelsea got into their stride in attack.
Kerr forced a classy save from Mary Earps in the 11th minute after giving Millie Turner the slip following Melanie Leupolz’s pass forward. 
The deadlock was broken 12 minutes later when the Blues hotshot latched onto James’ inch perfect long delivery before lofting the ball over Earps. 
United’s attempts to draw level saw them make some drives into the box 
Their first spot-kick appeal was waved away by referee Cheryl Foster in the 32nd minute with Buchanan making contact with Parris.  
And Batlle went down in the box moments later after a mid-air challenge with Jess Carter before Alessia Russo prompted a save from Ann-Katrin Berger. 
The second spell saw Kerr and James fire efforts wide of the post before Skinner brought on Martha Thomas and Rachel Williams for Leah Galton and Ella Toone in the 72nd minute. 
This preceded Russo seeing a shot dealt with before the hosts shut up shop shifting to a back five with Magda Eriksson subbed on for Jessie Fleming. 
The title holders, who had just six subs on their bench, wrapped up the win without the services of Guro Reiten and Erin Cuthbert.
The duo are sidelined by illness and a hamstring injury with Chelsea also without Fran Kirby, Pernillle Harder and Katerina Svitkova. 
Boss Emma Hayes, who was in the dugout following a viral bug, said: “Sometimes other teams get a hall pass for injured players.
“We’ve been without Fran Kirby and Pernille Harder (injured) for almost the entirety of the season. 
“This team deserves huge credit as a whole.
“That’s our third game in a week, it’s three points, we’ve done it and we’ve had illness and  injuries in the squad.
“To perform like that, is exactly what I’ve said every week about why the squad matters.
“Players have come into the team and delivered. 
Emma Hayes praised her players for shutting Man United out at KingsmeadowCredit: Getty
“We kept a clean sheet today after an underwhelming performance last weekend against Arsenal
“Erin had a tight hamstring and was not ready for today, Guro was chucking her guts up at home and Jelena was not fit to start. 
Read More on The Sun
“There’s players inside the dressing room that are hanging on, there might be a bit of a bug. 
“The difference for me is the squad game. Because even if we had three or four subs available the players on the pitch did the job.” More

MARC SKINNER wants Manchester United to show their “mental capacity” in their bid to thwart their title rivals.And the Red Devils chief, 39, praised the form of Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle before United’s clash with Chelsea on Sunday. 
Marc Skinner’s side aim to maintain their unbeaten WSL away run when they visit ChelseaCredit: Getty
A win against the Blues will see Alessia Russo and her team-mates extend their lead to four points at the top of the tableCredit: Getty
The last WSL clash between the sides saw Chelsea seal a 3-1 win at Leigh Sports VillageCredit: PA
Skinner’s league leaders face last term’s champions at Kingsmeadow in what could be a pivotal encounter in this season’s title chase. 
And his players are targeting a first win against the Blues in the top tier, having drawn one and lost five of their previous six WSL duels.
Skinner, whose team crushed Leicester 5-1 last Sunday, said: “This game won’t define the title (race).
“But what it will do (for us) is we have to show that we have the mental capacity to go into these games and not fear an opponent. 
Read More Football Stories
“When we played them at home (in November) I felt it took us far too long (to get into the game). 
“Both teams weren’t very good in the first half, but when we got into the second half we didn’t maximise our opportunities and potential.
“We’ve shown a lot of resilience and a lot of growth and I want to see that again in this game.
“We have been to this rodeo before. Their team will be fired up coming into this so we have to match that and if not go above it.”
Most read in Football
Skinner’s starting 11 is likely to feature Russo and Batlle with both impressing in Man United’s rout of the Foxes last weekend. 
Russo was on target in both halves becoming the first United player to net a WSL hat-trick. 
The United boss added: “They are massive for us.
“Ona is especially so and Alessia is a huge part of what we do, so if they’re selected it will be a massive help for us.
“We can’t leave anything on the field so we need to make sure we have to put everything into this fixture.”
So far United remain the only side unbeaten on the road in the top tier this term.
The team have won six of their seven games away from home including a memorable 3-2 defeat of Arsenal last November.
They face a Chelsea side who could potentially be without Emma Hayes in the dugout.
The Kingsmeadow chief is recovering from a viral illness that saw her absent from her Friday afternoon press conference.
Blues general manager Paul Green said: “There will be regular communication if Emma wasn’t to make it as we did earlier in the season.
“She will have a direct ear-piece to (assistant manager) Denise (Reddy) on the side-line. We’re hoping she’ll be back.”
The Red Devils have scored 14 goals in their last five games across all competitions and with seven different goal scorers.
This season has seen Leah Galton score six times in 12 WSL games with Russo netting eight goals over the same number of fixtures.
Green added: “We know he’s a very talented player.
“She’s done very well for them and of course she’s going to be a threat, but I don’t think Manchester United are just down to one threat.
Paul Green wants Chelsea to keep Alessia Russo quiet in their clash with United at KingsmeadowCredit: PA
“They’ve got threats all over the pitch, similarly to what we have.
Read More on The Sun
“As a team we’re going to have to defend well across the whole unit, from front to back.”
“That’s what we’ll be looking to do to keep Alessia quiet and the rest of the United squad.” More

REHANNE SKINNER insists her focus is moving Tottenham “in the right direction” following a string of defeats.Spurs head to Liverpool on Sunday having lost eight WSL games since the November 20th. 
Rehanne Skinner is hoping for another defeat of the Reds following Tottenham’s win against Liverpool last NovemberCredit: Reuters
Tottenham are targeting a return to winning ways with the team yet to pick up three points in the WSL this yearCredit: Getty
Recent results have seen Skinner’s side drawn into the battle to avoid the drop.
The team tenth and three points ahead of bottom-placed Leicester. 
On whether a defeat could affect her position, Skinner, 43, said: “My job is to just keep preparing players in the best way I can. 
“The belief and confidence in the group is high and we have been evolving. 
Read More Football Stories
“We have played some really tough teams in the run we’ve had.
“I’ve got every belief and confidence in the players and what we’re achieving here. 
“We’re still moving forwards behind the scenes to keep moving the club in the right direction.
“That’s all I’m interested in and focusing on. 
Most read in Football
“The next game is the most important one. We know we need three points.
“That’s what you play for but the positives towards preparing for that have been really good of late. It’s just a matter of time really.”
On whether she has the backing from the board to turn results around, Skinner added: “Nothing has changed in terms of what we’re trying to achieve. It’s a long-term project. 
“That was how it was explained to me before I came into the role. It takes time to get consistency.
“We need to keep improving our performances.”
Last season Spurs enjoyed one their best top tier runs since promotion to the WSL in 2019. 
The team, considered potential dark horses for a top four finish, ended last term in fifth spot. 
However this term have contended with injuries with Ria Percival and Ellie Brazil out of action and Bethany England unavailable last Sunday due to a knock.
But they have been boosted by midfielder Kit Graham’s recent return to fitness and match action.  
Skinner added: “In September and October, we had six senior players unavailable for us, which is huge for anybody’s squad.
“That created some challenges for us in the early part of the season. Overall we’ve focused on trying to get everybody back on the pitch
“We’re coming out the other side of it and that’s a huge positive going into the remaining nine games of the season.”
Liverpool hope to pick their first win in the top tier since their defeat of West Ham in DecemberCredit: Reuters
Liverpool, who are eighth, hope to bounce back from back-to-back losses to Leicester and Arsenal. 
Read More on The Sun
Reds boss Matt Beard said: “Tottenham are on a run of form I guess they are desperate to put right. 
“All we can do is concentrate on ourselves and how we want to play.” More

FRANCE’S football chiefs are to commence their search for a new boss for the women’s national team after sacking Corinne Diacre.The 48-year-old was fired from her role as boss of France’s women’s team four months before their World Cup campaign. 
Corinne Diacre’s reign as France Women’s boss came to an end on Thursday with the coach sacked due to “a significant divide with executive players”Credit: Reuters
The sacking of Diacre comes nearly two weeks on from France captain Wendie Renard announcing her decision to stand down from international dutyCredit: AFP
Kadidiatou Diani (pictured with Aston Villa and France ace Kenza Dali) is one of three France aces who publicly stood down from playing for the national teamCredit: AFP
The French Football Federation’ took the decision to sack Diacre due to what they called “a very significant divide with executive players”. 
Their move comes after three of the team’s biggest stars, including skipper Wendie Renard, stood down from international duty amid concerns about working conditions for players.
Before the sacking Diacre issued a statement through her lawyers on Wednesday hitting out at what she described as “a smear campaign”.
However the FFF opted to end her six-year reign in a move backed by their executive committee. 
Read More Football Stories
In a written statement released on Thursday, the federation said: “The Executive Committee of the FFF, meeting this Thursday, March 9, received the conclusions of the commission commissioned by the interim president, Philippe Diallo, to draw up a report on the situation of the French Women’s team, following the various positions of several players.
“The numerous hearings carried out have made it possible to establish the observation of a very significant divide with executive players and to highlight a discrepancy with the requirements of the very high level.
“This fracture has reached a point of no return which harms the interests of the selection.
“If the FFF recognises the involvement and the seriousness of Corinne Diacre and her staff in the exercise of their mission, it appears that the malfunctions observed seem, in this context, irreversible.
Most read in Football
“In view of these elements, it was decided to put an end to the mission of Corinne Diacre as the head of the French women’s team. 
“This change of coach is part of a new global ambition led by the FFF in favour of the development of women’s football and the performance of the French team, which will have to achieve high objectives during the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.”
“Philippe Diallo asked the commission to audition, as soon as possible, the candidates for the post of coach and to formulate its recommendations.”
Diacre’s sacking comes four days after France star Kadidiatou Diani, 27, slammed the “lack of professionalism” in the national team in an interview with French TV outlet Telefoot. 
The striker, who has 82 senior international caps, revealed her team-mates could not take the current conditions anymore.
She said: “I find that we really lack professionalism in the France team, the staff is quite limited today.
“It is the coach who decides (training) there is no assistant coach or specific coach for the attackers when I would really like to work in the goal.
“It’s important to have something new because the girls can’t take it anymore,’ 
Diani’s interview followed her captain Renard taking to social media to announce her intent to step down from the national team. 
In a statement published via her official twitter account two weeks ago, the centre-back, 32, wrote: “I love France more than anything. 
“I am not perfect, far from it, but I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level.”
Diacre, 48, whose reign as boss began in August 2017 led the team to the 2019 World Cup quarter-finals where they were beaten by tournament winners the USA. 
And they reached the semis of last summer’s Euros where they lost to Germany at the Stadium MK last July. 
Diacre’s spell has been dogged by controversy with the coach reportedly falling out with some of the team’s senior stars. 
Amandine Henry was controversially left out of France’s Euros squad by Diacre last summerCredit: AFP or licensors
Midfielder Amandine Henry was left out of France’s 2022 Euros squad despite her standout Lyon shifts last year. 
Read More on The Sun
This includes a player of the match display in their Champions League triumph last term.  
It was reported Diacre had fallen out with the midfield star who captained France during the 2019 World Cup. More

JONAS EIDEVALL hopes Arsenal’s Conti Cup triumph has given them “inner calm” before their return to WSL action. But he warns the Gunners should not expect anything for free in their Wednesday evening clash with Liverpool.
Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners could move to within six points of league leaders Man United if they beat LiverpoolCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
Arsenal hope to pick up their first win in the top tier this month following their Conti Cup final victoryCredit: Getty
His team, who are fourth, face the Reds at home three days after consigning Chelsea to defeat in the league cup final. 
Eidevall’s aces are nine points behind leaders Manchester United.
But they have two games in hand with the Red Devils facing a huge test at Chelsea this Sunday. 
The Arsenal gaffer, 40, said: “Winning doesn’t give you anything for free. 
Read More Football Stories
“It doesn’t entitle you to anything in the next match you play. 
“If you talk about winning culture, it’s about making sure that you focus on the next game.
“Hopefully what it can give you when you’re winning a trophy is that sense of inner calm.
“You have shown people that you’re capable of something that you already know inside that you were, but now others also know it.”
Most read in Football
 “We’ve been playing a lot of games and they have not
“They obviously have had a lot of time to think about and to prepare on how to go about things in this game. 
“We need to focus on the key details in the way we play and be prepared for Liverpool
“We know they’re going to be very well organised, very physical. 
“We need to do all the basics right in order to have any chance of getting the results we want.”
Aside from Kim Little, Australia ace Caitlin Foord proved to be one of Arsenal’s biggest threats in their defeat of Chelsea.
The triumph saw them end a four-year spell without a silverware win. 
The Gunners forward was a handful in a match that saw Chelsea make defensive changes. 
And her performance in Arsenal’s 5-1 October thrashing of Lyon preceded the French giants making a substitution in the right-back position. 
Eidevall added: “Caitlin is a key player for us in all aspects of the game. 
“Of course, it’s a team effort, but she very much has a big role when we have been successful on our left side in those games.
“Whenever the transfer window closes, there’s no point discussing what you don’t have.
 “It’s more about discussing what you do have, and she’s definitely a player that deserves to be in the spotlight with the performances she delivers.” 
Liverpool, currently eighth, are looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 away loss to Leicester before the international break. 
But will have to do so without the services of Natasha Dowie with the striker sidelined by a hamstring injury, with Leanne Kiernan also crocked. 
Reds boss Matt Beard said: “It’s a massive blow for us. 
“We’ve had a few issues around injuries and we are going to give everyone as much time as possible to be fit for the game. 
Beard’s side are five points above the WSL’s drop zone. 
Liverpool will be without the services of Natasha Dowie and Leanne Kiernan when they visit Arsenal this eveningCredit: Getty
But they have a game in hand on Leicester City who are propping up the table. 
Read More on The Sun
Beard added: “At the start of the season, we identified a mini-league we would be in. We want to make sure we finish at the top of that. 
“Right now we are in a good position.” More