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      Arsenal and Chelsea ready for Emirates clash with Brighton set for first game under Jens Scheuer as WSL action returns

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      THE Women’s Super League returned with a bang with Aston Villa getting off to a flier start to the year with a 2-1 defeat of Tottenham. Today’s fixtures will see ten sides in action including Arsenal and title rivals Chelsea in one of the biggest games of the weekend. 
      Jonas Eidevall’s Gunners will be targeting their first win against Arsenal in the league since September 2021Credit: Getty
      Chelsea hope to extend their lead at the top of the league to six points with a first win against the Gunners at the Emirates this yearCredit: Getty
      Here is a look at all the fixtures taking place today with the Gunners and the Blues kicking off proceedings this lunchtime.
      Arsenal vs Chelsea 
      Kick-off time: 12 midday
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main/Sky Sports Football 
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      As far as Jonas Eidevall, 39, and Emma Hayes, 46, are concerned, every match their teams play in the top tier are just as important as today’s one at the Emirates.  
      But for many WSL followers this fixture could potentially be among the most decisive in terms of this term’s title.
      The league leading Blues are chasing a fourth consecutive top-flight crown
      And Gunners after their first since finishing at the WSL’s summit  in 2019 under former gaffer Joe Montemorro. 
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      Arsenal, who are currently three points behind their visitors, are chasing their first major silverware win under Eidevall following his appointment in June 2021. 
      And they have a game in hand on the Blues who have played 10 fixtures to date.  
      Should every one of the 45,000 fans who have bought tickets flock to today’s match, it will be the second-highest attended clash in the WSL.
      Emma Hayes is hoping for lively fan atmosphere away from home with Arsenal having sold 45,000 tickets to today’s gameCredit: PA
      Hayes said “I’ve done this (job) for 10 years and I don’t even know how many times we have faced Arsenal.
      “We’re probably in the double digits over this length of time.
      “I love that we’re playing in a big stadium. That for me is the special piece.
       “That’s something we are excited about (playing in front of big crowd).
      “We’re going to play with that noise and that volume and we’re looking forward to it.”
      The Gunners have been busy in the January transfer window following ACL injuries to Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. 
      In addition to signing Canada goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo they also reinforced their attacking depth. 
      Before today’s game Arsenal signed midfielder Victoria Pelova, 23, from Ajax along with 19-year-old Denmark attacking midfielder Katherine Kuhl from Danish outfit FC Nordsjaelland.
      And their opponents have added forward and Japan Under-20s starlet Maika Hamano to their ranks. 
      The player, who joined from INAC Kobe Leonessa, is spending the rest of this season on loan at Swedish side Hammarby IF. 
      Today’s match will be the Gunners’ first game following Beth Mead sadly revealing her mother June had passed away following her battle with ovarian cancer
      And her team-mates are set to wear black armbands in honour of the Arsenal ace’s mum at today’s match. 
      Eidevall said: “It’s been difficult for the team, and I want to send my condolences to Beth Mead and her family for the loss of her mother. 
      “That’s obviously something that has been taking a lot of energy for us as a team to have a teammate that goes through that.
      “The players have asked to play with black armbands to honour that, and that we are going to do.
      Hayes added: “What an extremely tough time Beth is going through. 
      “While her absence on the pitch will be greatly missed on the pitch by her team this is about the team and (the football) community being around her.”
      Arsenal player’s are set to pay tribute to Beth Mead’s mother June who passed away earlier this month.Credit: PA
      Everton vs Reading 
      Kick-off time: 1:00 pm 
      TV channel: The FA Player 
      Kelly Chambers’ Reading have won three of their last four games across all competitions 
      The ninth placed Royals came close to clinching a draw against Chelsea before falling to a 3-2 loss in their last fixture before the festive break. 
      Chambers, 37, said: “Before Christmas we had good momentum and were picking up results 
      “As much as we didn’t pick up a result against Chelsea, our performance was outstanding.
      “Minus a refereeing decision we could have potentially taken a point.”
      Everton, who host their rivals at Walton Hall Park this afternoon, have won four of their past five games against Reading. 
      Their league form so far this season has been mixed with the team registering four wins and five losses from their first nine games. 
      The Toffees dropped down to seventh after being leapfrogged by Aston Villa who clinched a win against Tottenham in the first WSL game of this year. 
      Should the Royals win today and Liverpool lose against Manchester United, Chambers’ side could move up to eighth in the table above Spurs. 
      Kelly Chambers’ Royals are aiming to pick up their third win of the season when they visit EvertonCredit: Getty
      Manchester United vs Liverpool 
      Kick-off time: 2:05 pm 
      TV channel: BBC One/BBC iPlayer 
      Manchester United are set to take Liverpool in the WSL for the second time in the league’s history. 
      Marc Skinner’s Red Devils, who are third, are chasing a top three finish with the club targeting a place in the Champions League for the first time in their history. 
      And they are considered as potential dark horses for the title with the team currently six points behind leaders Chelsea with a game in hand. 
      Liverpool, who made their return to the top tier last summer after winning promotion from the Championship, hope to pick up their third match win this season.
      They will take on United at the Red Devils’ Leigh Sports Village base which has become something of a fortress for Skinner’s side who have won 10 of their last 11 home fixtures.
      Matt Beard’s side, who are ninth, have taken just one point from their away games against United and Manchester City since June 2016. 
      A Reds win would see them leapfrog Tottenham to move up to eighth. 
      Should Man United win and Arsenal and Chelsea draw today, Skinner’s side will move to within three points of the league leaders. 
      Manchester United hope to maintain their formidable home form by registering an eleventh win from their twelfth home game this termCredit: Getty
      Leicester City vs Brighton 
      Kick off time: 3:00 pm 
      TV channel: The FA Player 
      Willie Kirk’s Leicester, who are bottom of the league, host a Brighton team playing their first game under their new boss Jens Scheuer. 
      The former Bayern Munich chief has become the first German-born head coach to take charge of a WSL team following his appointment last December. 
      Since hiring Scheuer Brighton have been busy in the transfer window.  
      The Seagulls have brought in experienced talent from the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League and Women’s Professional Soccer division as well as top divisions in Europe. 
      Albion’s newest additions include Norway centre-back Guro Bergsvand, 28, and Serbia midfielder Dejana Stefanovic who is 25.
      And the club have added Brianna Visalli, 27, and Zoe Morse, 24, to their ranks with the midfielder and defender joining from Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars
      Jens Scheuer is targeting maximum points for Brighton from his first WSL game since taking charge of AlbionCredit: Getty
      Today’s game could potentially be one of the most pivotal matches for both sides with Albion currently second from bottom.  
      The Foxes are yet to pick up a point this term having lost their first nine games this term.
      They will hope to register a win that could see them cut the gap between themselves and their opponents to four points. 
      And the team come into this match off the back of a 5-0 trouncing of Championship side Sunderland in the Continental Cup on Wednesday.
      Today’s match at the King Power Stadium could feature two of Leicester’s January signings. 
      The club have acquired Bayern Munich goalkeeper Janina Leitzig on loan for the rest of this term and Australia striker Remy Siemsen from Sydney FC. 
      However they will be without the services of experienced defender Abbie McManus
      The Foxes player fractured her leg during the defeat of Sunderland. 
      Remy Siemsen could be in line to make her first appearance for the Foxes since her switch from Sydney FC this monthCredit: Getty
      West Ham vs Manchester City 
      Kick off time: 6:45 pm 
      TV channel: Sky Sports Football/Premier League
      Paul Konchesky’s West Ham side are sitting fifth in the WSL after a mixed start of five wins and five losses in the league. 
      The Irons have been beaten in six of their last seven duels with Manchester City with Gareth Taylor’s side fourth and currently four points in front of their rivals. 
      However Konchesky says his side have no intention of parking the bus when they face a Citizens team which includes Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw. 
      The Jamaica striker, who is the second highest scorer in the league this term, has bagged eight goals in nine WSL games to date. 
      Paul Konchesky says West Ham have a plan to nullify Khadija Shaw’s scoring threatCredit: PA
      Of the City striker’s form, Konchesky, 41, said: “Shaw is probably one of their main threats.
      “When you play against someone of her stature, it’s always difficult to defend.
      “With our game plan we will try and stop her.
      ” If we starve the service (to her) then she can’t score.”
      City have won their last three away games against West Ham in the league scoring six times and conceding just once
      The game will see Citizens forward Yui Hasegawa go up against her former club 
      with the Japan ace having scored once in seven games for City. 
      Irons chief Konchesky said: “We respect Manchester City but I think if you respect them too much that’s when they can get on top of you. We won’t be a team that sits back.
      A home win for the Irons will see move just one behind Man CityCredit: Getty
      “I don’t want my team to play like that, I want us to play on the front foot. 
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      “We know Man City are good, but we’re good as well so we’re playing the team who’s fourth and we’re fifth.
      “We’re up there for a reason so we’re going to go for it. We want to start this year on the front foot.” More

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      England’s Lioness hero and SPOTY winner Beth Mead left heartbroken after beloved mum dies of ovarian cancer

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      ARSENAL and England star Beth Mead has revealed the devastating news that her mum has passed away from ovarian cancer.June Mead was diagnosed with the illness in 2021 and endured a lengthy battle with the disease.
      Beth Mead, centre left, alongside her mum, centre right after winning the Euros
      Mead’s mum, June, passed away after a long battle with cancer
      Mead won the Sports Personality of the Year award last monthCredit: PA
      She won the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards at the EurosCredit: Getty
      Beth has been left heartbroken by her mum’s passingCredit: Instagram
      Now she has heartbreakingly passed away, with Sports Personality of the Year winner Mead, 27, confirming the tragedy on Friday afternoon.
      Speaking in an Instagram post alongside several family pictures, she said: “Thought long and hard about what to write but there will never be any words that will do justice.
      “At 1am on the 7th of Jan, our beautiful, kind, funny Mum & Wife passed away after a long & brave battle against Ovarian Cancer 💔.
      “She was surrounded by myself, my brother & dad as she passed away peacefully.
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      Mead, centre left, shared the devastating news on social mediaCredit: Instagram
      June, right, inspired Mead throughout her successful career to dateCredit: Instagram
      “Our hearts are broken, there will be a piece missing forever but heaven has now gained a special angel 😇.
      “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever. I’m sad that you are gone, but I’m more grateful for the time we had together ❤️.
      “Our family would appreciate some privacy during this difficult time. We love you lots, forever & always. RIP Mama 💫 ❤️.”
      In response to the post, Aston Villa midfielder Lucy Staniforth said: “Sending love to you all Meado ❤️.”
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      While Southampton defender Laura Rafferty replied with a host of heart emojis.
      Mead was a talismanic figure in England’s Euros triumph last summer.
      The Lioness claimed both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards for her sensational displays.
      In December, the Arsenal forward then went on to win the Sports Personality of the Year honour ahead of Ben Stokes and Eve Muirhead.
      Speaking after winning the award, she said: “I’m incredibly honoured to win this award.
      “I wouldn’t have done it without those girls, who backed me.
      “Yes, I did my job and scored a few goals but I wouldn’t have done it without them, my mum, dad and all of my family.
      “This is for women’s sport and for it heading in the right direction. So, let’s keep pushing the girls and keep doing the right things.
      “The girls are like a family away from home and when things at home haven’t been great, they supported me so well.”
      Mead is one of the best players in the world but has been ruled out for a lengthy period of time with an ACL injuryCredit: PA More

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      Liverpool ace Gilly Flaherty retires from football bringing curtain down on 22-year playing career

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      GILLY FLAHERTY has called time on her spell as a footballer following a playing career spanning just over two decades. The Liverpool centre-back, 31, made her decision after a chat with loved ones following the passing of her father shortly before Christmas.
      Gilly Flaherty made 177 appearances in the WSL playing for Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Flaherty made history when she became the first player to score a goal in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The WSL veteran was part of a Chelsea team that won the Blues’ first trophy double with their FA Cup and WSL title wins in 2015Credit: Getty
      Flaherty’s news comes three days before Matt Beard’s Reds take on Manchester United away.
      The match is one of six games taking place this weekend with the return Women’s Super League action. 
      The former England centre-back, who began her journey as a player at the age of nine in Millwall Lionesses’ youth team, says her decision was one that had not been taken easily. 
      The London-born WSL star currently holds the record for highest number of appearances as a player in the league having featured in 177 games. 
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      Flaherty told Liverpool’s website: “It isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly but one I’ve reached after speaking with those closest to me.
      “Losing my dad just before Christmas has left me heartbroken – for 22 years we shared our love of football and playing-wise I don’t want to carry on without him by my side.
      “Playing-wise, I know the right decision is for me to call it a day. The time is right for me to be around my family and to be nearest to those closest to me.
      “I want to thank Liverpool, especially Beardy (Matt Beard) and Russ (Fraser) for bringing me to the club.
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      “I’d also like to thank the Liverpool fans for supporting me and taking me in.
      “Even though it has not been a finished journey I’d like to think the fans saw commitment and dedication to the badge from me and I gave 110 per cent in every game.
      “I also wish to thank the players for being there for me throughout my time at the club and I wish them nothing but success for the rest of the season.
      “And to all the former teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to share a field with and the professionals I’ve played against on a weekly basis.
      “I’m grateful to have been part of an era before we turned pro, where we had to work as well as play football.”
      Flaherty began her senior career at Arsenal in 2006, a club with whom she would win 17 trophies during a seven-year stint with the side. 
      Silverware wins include five FA Cups and a Champions League winners medal with the Gunners
      And the defender also won four WSL titles during her playing career.
      In 2011 Flaherty became first player to score a goal in the Women’s Super League with her firing home from a Kim Little corner kick to seal Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Chelsea in April that year. 
      She would later join the Blues in January 2014 going on to win two of her four WSL titles with the team before a 2018 move to a West Ham side then coached by Beard. 
      And in July last year Flaherty would be reunited with Beard when she joined his Liverpool team following their promotion and return to the top tier. 
      Beard, 45, said: “She has achieved everything there is to achieve in the domestic game.
      “We just wish her every success in all her future endeavours.”
      Flaherty appeared in her last game when the ninth-placed Reds beat West Ham 2-0 at home in December. 
      Flaherty joined Liverpool in July 2022 and played her final game for the club last DecemberCredit: Getty
      A win against United could see the team move up to eighth spot should Aston Villa draw or defeat Tottenham on Saturday.
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      Flaherty added: “It’s been an honour to have been there from the very beginning, to have committed my whole career to English football and to the WSL for the past 11 or 12 years.
      “To have witnessed the growth and be a part of that has been truly special.” More

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      Tickets sell out for Finalissma clash between England and Brazil with rivals set for pre-World Cup test

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      TICKETS for the Lionesses’ clash with Brazil at Wembley have sold out with the match set to attract a huge crowd.The Euros winners will take on the eight-time Copa America champions in April in the first-ever Women’s Finalissima.   
      Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will test themselves against Copa America Feminina champions Brazil in AprilCredit: PA
      Brazil are currently ranked the ninth best international side in the worldCredit: AFP
      The contest between England and Brazil on April 6 will see the two sides go head to head three months before they compete in this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      The game could see Arsenal centre-backs Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza play against each other in an international fixture for the first time since the Brazil ace’s Gunners move last January. 
      Last July Sarina Wiegman’s stars set a new record for a crowd turnout at a Euros final when they beat Germany 2-1.
      A total of 87,192 fans flocked to Wembley for that clash – the highest attendance at a European Championship final to date in the women’s and men’s game. 
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      And England’s friendly against the United States at the stadium was the highest attended friendly match in US women’s football history.
      A crowd of 76,893 turned out to watch Wiegman’s side beat the USA 2-1 last October.
      Tickets for the game sold out less than 24 hours after going on sale.  
      The Women’s Finalissima will take place three months after the first title tussle in the WSL between Arsenal and league leaders Chelsea. 
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      And the Gunners could be on course to set a new record they for the largest crowd turnout at a WSL fixture. 
      Arsenal’s WSL game against Chelsea at the Emirates on January 15 could see crowd turnout of at least 40,000Credit: Getty
      Arsenal have so far sold 40,000 tickets for their derby clash with the Blues at the Emirates this Sunday at midday. 
      The record for the highest number of fans attending a Women’s Super League game stands at 47,367.
      This was set when the Gunners beat Tottenham 4-0 at the stadium last September. More

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      Kathrine Kuhl unveiled as Arsenal’s second January signing while Brighton bring in ex-Houston Dash ace Brianna Visalli

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      ARSENAL have added another attacking midfielder to their ranks with Kathrine Kuhl joining on a permanent deal. The addition of the rising Denmark star, 19, comes a day after the Gunners signed ex-Ajax ace Victoria Pelova.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall described Kathrine Kuhl as one of Europe’s brightest talentsCredit: Getty
      Kuhl has become the second attacking midfielder to join the club following their acquisition of Victoria PelovaCredit: Getty
      The WSL title chasers are eager to strengthen in this year’s January transfer window following injuries to Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. 
      Both forwards are currently out of action after sustaining knee ligament injuries towards the end of last year. 
      Kuhl’s switch to Arsenal, currently second in the league, comes after her three-season spell at Danish top-flight side FC Nordsjælland. 
      The precise length of her contract has not been publicly disclosed by the club who take on Chelsea in the WSL at the Emirates at 12:00 pm on January 15. 
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      This term the central midfielder notched up two goals and four assists in 12 appearances for her former club. 
      And the Denmark starlet is relishing the chance to help the push for silverware within a side she sees as a “sisterhood”. 
      Kuhl, who has 21 international caps, told the Gunners’ website: “I feel like there are so many great things around the club; all the fans and the community.
      “It’s like a sisterhood in some ways so I’m looking forward to being a part of that.
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      “It’s a big step for me. I’m very excited and looking forward to playing for Arsenal.”
      Kuhl, who began her senior career at Nordsjælland, was part of the Denmark squad that competed in last year’s Euros.
      Their group, which was some fans dubbed a group of death, featured Finland, Spain and tournament finalists Germany. 
      The team, skippered by Chelsea star Pernille Harder, claimed one win from their three Group E games (a 1-0 defeat of Finland) before exiting the contest due to losses to Spain and Germany.
      At club level Kuhl helped her former side to Danish Women’s Cup triumph in 2020. 
      And Jonas Eidevall sees the starlet as one of Europe’s most promising young players. 
      The Gunners head coach, 39, said: “Kathrine is one of the brightest talents in Europe so we’re delighted to have brought her to Arsenal.
      “She will bring added creativity to our midfield and I’m sure she will benefit from working closely with some of our experienced players. 
      “I’m looking forward to working with her here at Arsenal moving forward.”
      Elsewhere Brighton have been busily bolstering their ranks with the team eager to climb the table and widen the gap between themselves and the WSL’s drop zone. 
      The Seagulls, who take on bottom-placed Leicester City in their first game under new boss Jens Scheuer, have signed Brianna Visalli from Houston Dash. 
      Former Birmingham and Houston Dash midfielder Brianna Visalli has become Brighton’s third signing this month
      The USA-born midfielder, 27, who switched to Albion after two seasons with the National Women’s Soccer League side who were skipped by England ace Rachel Daly. 
      Both players helped the team to lift the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2020 with Daly, now at Aston Villa, winning the tournament’s Golden Boot in July. 
      Visalli spent 2018-19 playing for Albion’s WSL rivals West Ham helping them reach the 2019 FA Cup final.
      And she featured as a second half substitute during their 3-0 loss to Manchester City at Wembley.
      The experienced midfielder spent the following season at Birmingham City playing in nine games for the former WSL side.
      Visalli, who made 35 appearances over two terms for Houston, has become the third new player to sign for Albion in the January transfer window.
      Brighton will take on Leicester City away in their first game under new boss Jens ScheuerCredit: Reuters
      Her switch follows the Seagulls acquiring Norway centre-back Guro Bergsvand, 28, and Serbia midfielder Dejana Stefanovic who is 25.
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      Of Visalli’s prowess on the pitch, Scheuer said:  “She’s a midfielder with a real turn of pace. “She’s a very intelligent player and she gives us a lot of options in the midfield.
      “It’s a good move for the club and her. She’s got good experience both in the WSL and in America.” More

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      Man Utd women’s team bus in drama after road COLLAPSES beneath it while on way to friendly match in Malta

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      A BUS taking the Manchester United women’s team to a game in Malta became stranded after the road COLLAPSED beneath it. United were due to take on Maltese side Birkirkara in a friendly when the road caved in.
      Man Utd women are in Malta for a training campCredit: Getty
      But they suffered some difficulties on their way to a match in MaltaCredit: Getty
      Marc Skinner has guided the team to third in the WSLCredit: Getty
      The Malta Independent reported that one of the wheels at the back of the bus was broken by a large pothole, leaving the bus stranded.
      The clash against Birkirkara in Paola was scheduled to kick off at 5pm GMT.
      Fortunately the game still started on time, with United winning 10-0.
      A pair of braces from Alessia Russo and Vilde Boe Risa were added to by Lucia Garcia and Grace Clinton to give Marc Skinner’s side a six goal lead before the break.
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      After 11 changes at the interval, United added four more thanks to Jade Moore, Nikita Parris, Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas.
      The Women’s Super League is currently having a winter break.
      And the Red Devils took the opportunity to enjoy a warm-weather training camp.
      United’s most recent fixture in the division saw them draw 1-1 with neighbours Manchester City.
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      Their next game on January 15 will also see them take on a huge rival in the form of Liverpool.
      With a win they can move within two points of league leaders Chelsea, provided they drop points against title rivals Arsenal. More

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      Arsenal strengthen attacking ranks with Victoria Pelova becoming the WSL side’s first signing of 2023

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      VICTORIA PELOVA has swapped Ajax for Arsenal – ending speculation linking her with a winter transfer to the WSL side. The club have confirmed the attacking midfielder’s move on a permanent deal, although the length of her contract has not been disclosed. 
      Victoria Pelova could be in line to make her Gunners debut when Arsenal play Chelsea in their first league game of this yearCredit: Getty
      Pelova had been linked with a Gunners move prior to the club confirming her switch todayCredit: Getty
      And Arsenal, who play league leaders Chelsea at the Emirates on January 15, say the deal is subject to the “completion of regulatory processes”. 
      Of her switch to the Gunners, the Netherlands player, who began her professional career at Dutch side ADO Den Haag in 2016, said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Arsenal.
      “I’ve always admired this club and dreamt of following in the footsteps of some of the great Dutch players who have worn the shirt. 
      “I can’t wait to get going and start contributing to the team.”
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      Pelova’s arrival comes just under a month after Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described this year’s January transfer window as “a very important one” for this title-chasing team. 
      Earlier this season the club suffered fitness blows within their attacking ranks.
      Forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema both sustained anterior cruciate ligament injuries in November and December.
      Both Gunners stars played significant roles in last term’s hotly contested title battle, with Arsenal finishing just one point behind league champions Chelsea. 
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      Miedema netted 14 goals in 22 top tier games for the North London giants last term.
      Last March she became the first WSL player to reach 100 goal contributions in the league.
      Meanwhile, Mead netted 11 goals and eight assists in 22 top-flight matches for the club last season. 
      In Pelova the Gunners have signed a forward who has netted three goals and two assists in eight appearances in the Netherlands’ top-flight this campaign. 
      The player, who has 31 senior international caps, was also part of the Dutch squad that reached the 2019 Women’s World Cup finals – won by the United States 
      And last year she helped her national side reach the Euro quarter-finals, coming on as a substitute in three matches and starting in the Netherlands’ exit to France. 
      At club level she has scored 11 goals in 66 appearances for Ajax, helping them to two KNVB trophy wins in 2019 and last year.
      They also won the Eredivisie Cup trophy in 2021. 
      Arsenal gaffer Eidevall said: “Victoria is one of the most exciting young players in the game.
      Arsenal are strengthening their attacking depth following injuries to star forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Getty
      “She will bring added dynamism and energy to our midfield. 
      “I’m looking forward to working with her and I think our supporters are going to love watching her in an Arsenal shirt.”
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      Gunners head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added:  “Victoria is one of the best young talents in European football and someone we have been tracking for some time. 
      “She will be an exciting addition to our squad and I look forward to watching her link up with her team-mates soon.” More

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      Former Arsenal ace Jordan Nobbs vows to be the ‘best version’ of herself on the pitch after Aston Villa move

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      JORDAN NOBBS has pledged to give “110 per cent” for Aston Villa after ending her 12 year Arsenal career. The former Gunner, 30, was speaking after sealing a move to Villa Park on an 18-month deal for a reported fee of around £30,000 to £35,000.
      Jordan Nobbs says she hopes to play in as many games as possible for Aston Villa after joining the WSL side from ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Nobbs’ Villa switch follows a 12 year trophy-laden spell with the Gunners with whom she won three league title crowns and four FA CupsCredit: PA
      The transfer of the WSL star has seen her become the second high-profile England ace to join the club this season since Rachel Daly’s arrival in August. 
      With this year’s World Cup on the horizon, the Lionesses veteran is aiming to see more first-team action having started just twice in nine top tier appearances this season. 
      Nobbs, who made more than 200 appearances for the WSL title chasers, said: “I want to win games here.
      “I am a winner, so I will be doing everything possible to provide and help this team to get up the table and get as far as possible. 
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      “I think this next chapter is me playing and being the best version of Jordan Nobbs at Aston Villa and hopefully providing and helping the team.  
      “You’ve got to have a realistic goal here in terms of where Aston Villa are in the table, but we’re here to get further up that table and also just improve. 
      “Where you are, you can always improve as a player.
      “Hopefully I can learn a lot from this club and be a player that provides and hopefully score some goals.
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      “I want play lots of games and win as many as possible.”
      Nobbs’ Villa move comes after a glittering stint at Arsenal that saw her score 81 times in 270 appearances for the club. 
      The Sunderland-born player established herself as a firm fan favourite after helping the North London giants win three WSL titles, four FA Cups and five League Cup trophies.
      Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “Over the past 12 years, Jordan has written her name into the Arsenal history books and forged a deep connection with our loyal supporters. 
      “She has been a wonderful servant to Arsenal football club.”
      Arsenal head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Jordan embodies what it means to be a Gunner and will go down as a true Arsenal legend.
      “We wish her all the very best in this next chapter. 
      Nobbs is among a number of top-flight stars who will be battling for place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August. 
      The midfield ace, who has 69 senior international caps, had to withdraw from England’s November camp due to a minor injury. 
      Villa boss Ward, 39, said: “We’re delighted to secure Jordan’s signature.
      “We hope this move can help the football club as well as cement her place back in the international set-up.”
      “This is a big signing for us and Jordan is one of the country’s most decorated footballers.
      “She’s a winner and will bring a wealth of experience that her new teammates will thrive off.”
      Aston Villa sealed some astute transfer signings this season including swoops for Rachel Daly and Kenza Dali last AugustCredit: Reuters
      Villa, currently seventh in the top-flight, have won four of their first nine WSL games this term.
      Results including an impressive 4-3 defeat of Manchester City in their season opener. 
      Read More on The Sun
      The club are set to take on Tottenham on January 14 in the first WSL game of this year.
      The match may see Nobbs make her first-team debut against a Spurs side that could feature their new star striker Bethany England. More