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      Jonas Eidevall hopes Arsenal can get job done against Bayern Munich and Chelsea after Everton clinch draw

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      JONAS EIDEVALL wants Arsenal to move past the disappointment of their 0-0 draw with Everton, with clashes with Bayern Munich and Chelsea to come.The Toffees withstood a barrage before thwarting the Gunners’ attempts to claim their first win in the league at the Emirates on Sunday. Arsenal were frustrated by Everton with the Toffees putting in a gritty defensive shift at the EmiratesCredit: GettyCourtney Brosnan pulled off several saves as the hosts piled on the pressure against EvertonCredit: GettyEverton shot stopper Courtney Brosnan put in a player of the match shift as her side found themselves hemmed into their own half for large spells.The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper made several impressive saves including a close-range injury-time stop of Stina Blackstenius’s attempted tap-in.The stalemate resulted in Arsenal falling two points behind Manchester City ahead of two of their biggest games of the season in Europe and the WSL.The Cityzens leapt to top spot following their 2-0 home win against West Ham with moving to Liverpool fifth and one place above Eidevall’s side on goal difference.Read More FootballThe Arsenal boss, whose side will face Bayern in their Champions League group stage opener in Munich on Wednesday, said: “First half we played with too little intent and moved the ball too slow.”We had quite a bit of control in that half, but here at home at the Emirates we should have much higher demands and standards for ourselves and our attacking game.”When we don’t move the ball quick enough then it’s really hard to break down a side like Everton.”They defend with so many players behind the ball and are really dedicated in their defendingMost read in Football”We’re disappointed with the result and the performance. “But we need to look forward to two really exciting, tough, challenging games.”With the games coming up, playing away against Munich and at home against Chelsea, we don’t need any more fuel or motivation.”Those games and those opponents are fuel enough. “We now need to look forward because no matter how disappointed we are with the draw, we still have a job to do.”The Gunners’ scoreless draw with the Toffees was the first of three games they will play in the space of seven days.Eidevall added: “It’s a quick turnaround so we can’t put a foot wrong with recovery and preparation so that needs to be the focus, but no about it we’re disappointed.”Arsenal were handed a fitness boost with defenders Leah Williamson and Steph Catley making their returns from injury.Catley came on in the 77th minute with England skipper Williamson entering the fray 13 minutes earlier having missed Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Man City, and wins against BK Hacken and Leicester with StephOf their return to action, Eidevall said: “It’s really important for us. We’ve been playing a lot of minutes with the same players.”When we look at our back four and given we have five games within 15 days here. “It would not have been sustainable to keep on piling on the minutes for those players so it’s really important to have them back.”Arsenal’s Emily Fox almost broke the deadlock with her floated 10th-minute delivery into the box hitting the crossbar.At the other end a loose pass from Gunners keeper Daphne van Domselaar, in the 18-yard almost handed a scoring chance to the visitors moments later.Brosnan made a perfectly-timed diving stop to keep out Mariona Caldentey’s shot from distance before Veatriki Sarri prompted Van Domselaar to tip the ball against the crossbar close to half-time.The second spell saw Everton and Arsenal shuffle their decks with Blackstenius and Caitlin Foord amongst the subs coming on.And Foord went close with a half-volleyed 90th-minute strike before Brosnan denied Blackstenius in injury time. The scoreless draw resulted in Everton ending their winless run in the top tier and picking up their first point of the season.And Brian Sorensen’s side will hope to register their first victory in the league this term when they host West Ham next Sunday (13 October).Leah Williamson returned to match action for Arsenal having missed their last two league games due to injuryCredit: AlamyThe Toffees boss said: “We were strong defensively and I don’t think they had big, big chances. The plan was good and the girls were even better executing it.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What pleased me most? The resilience, the togetherness, the willingness to fight for each other, the coolness, the calmness. I’m super proud.”This result is only going to build our confidence.” More

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      Arsenal Women’s boss Jonas Eidevall slams ‘amateurish’ handling of Chelsea and Man United fixture problem

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      Jonas Eidevall hit out at Women’s Super League chiefs for “having no plan B” for Champions League and WSL fixture congestion.The Arsenal chief criticised the “amateurish” scheduling that led to Chelsea having a top-flight game pencilled in two days before a match Europe.Jonas Eidevall wants authorities in charge of scheduling WSL games to be more proactive around planning for possible fixture clashesCredit: GettyThe Arsenal boss was sharing his thoughts about Chelsea having a league game postponed due to concerns with it being two days before their Champions League fixtureCredit: GettyEidevall was reflecting on scenario that led to the Blues’ home duel with the Red Devils, initially scheduled for Sunday, being shelved with just seven days’ notice.This was down to player welfare worries with the title-holders having a Champions League clash with Real Madrid just two days after their United game. The calling off of the match by Women’s Professional League Limited, who took over running the WSL at the start of the season, has been criticised by fans including the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group.Earlier this week Man United boss Marc Skinner said the Red Devils had sold all their away tickets for the clash.Read More Football StoriesHowever some fans were also sympathetic to the Blues situation and the club looking out for players’ wellbeing, given the tight turnaround between the games.Eidevall, whose Arsenal team host Everton on the WSL on Sunday, said: “The fans are the backbone to what we’re trying to build.”Getting postponed games as supporters – this time it doesn’t concern Arsenal fans – but it does concern fans of other clubs in the league.”It is simply unacceptable to have people’s money and time being treated in that way beforehand and it’s simply not good enough from the league.Most read in Football”The three English teams (competing in the Champions League) were all scheduled to play (WSL games) on Sunday with each having a 50% chance to play their (European) game on Tuesday. “That has been the information that’s been there for months.”That we have a lead organisation that doesn’t act proactively on these matters – it’s damaging for the fans.”The problem is the proactiveness about what you do and to have a plan for when different scenarios come about. “There was a risk or chance to be playing on Tuesday, which would rule out the possibility to play your game on Sunday.”Now, if you have that new planning scenario, of course now you need to have a plan B. What happens if you play on Tuesday? “And if you don’t have a clear answer to that, you have a problem.”Last Sunday in their game postponement statement, the WPLL said they wished to put “player welfare first” with the WSL leaders playing a Champions League game next Tuesday.Last Saturday Uefa confirmed the date for the Blues’ opening group stage game (against Real Madrid) would be Tuesday 8 October.Amid concern over players having to contest two matches in 48 hours, Chelsea and the WPLL asked Uefa if the fixture could be pushed back.The approach to Champion’s League football and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters has to change.Jonas EidevallHowever the European football authority explained its calendar for the contest had been published more than a year ago.Eidevall added: “Do the league want the English club teams to be successful at European level?”I would hope the answer to that is ‘yes’, but the action shows differently. “It shows that this is not one of their priorities to have the club teams to be successful.”That is very negative for English women’s club football because it’s very important that this is the first time in the group stage that three teams reach the group stage. “That should be something that we celebrate.”Because of this amateurish behaviour – with not having a proactive plan and taking away a game like Chelsea’s and postponing that – it now puts us in a situation where we play Sunday.“Then we play Wednesday away against Bayern Munich. “They do not play (this) Sunday because they of course play (on) Saturday because they have a league organisation that sees the value of getting their top teams in better positions in the Champions League. “Then we return to playing Saturday against Chelsea at the Emirates and we have considerably less preparations than the opponents.”We’ll be handling this sporting disadvantage in two huge games for us.”But we’re not a team that’s going to lie down and give up just because situations are tough.“We’re going to dig deeper than we have ever done before and we’re going to try and fuel a lot of performances from that. READ MORE SUN STORIESArsenal will take on Bayern Munich away in the Champions League three days after their WSL home game against EvertonCredit: Getty”But what needs to change?”I think the approach to Champion’s League football, and the proactiveness with the respect to the supporters, this has to change.”It’s not good enough to blame it on Uefa because everyone across Europe has had the same information for so long. “The only one that hasn’t acted on that information is the WSL.” More

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      Man Utd Women’s boss says WSL game postponement is ‘right decision’ whilst sympathising with fans

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      MARC SKINNER insists postponing Chelsea’s WSL clash with Manchester United was the right move in terms of player welfare.However, the Red Devils chief also sympathised with fans who planned to attend the match with United thought to have sold all their away tickets.Chelsea’s next WSL game will be against Arsenal on October 12 with their game against Man United postponedCredit: AlamyMan United take on Liverpool in a Women’s League Cup fixture on October 2 before hosting Tottenham in the WSL 11 days laterCredit: GettySkinner, whose team host Liverpool tomorrow in a Women’s League Cup group stage game, was reflecting on his side’s top-flight away clash with the Blues being temporarily shelved.The highly anticipated fixture was due to take place on Sunday October 6, but was postponed by the Women’s Professional League Limited last Sunday.The decision was motivated by Chelsea’s opening Women’s Champions League group game being pencilled in two nights later, with the team having 48 hours between the duels.And the WPLL (previously known as NewCo), which runs the top two tiers of the women’s domestic game, stated they were putting “player welfare first”.Read More Football Stories This follows concern across the sport, particularly from elite footballers themselves, around match congestion, its effect on player loads and the potential for increased risk of injury.Man United boss Skinner said: “For me most importantly it’s affected the fans, which is something we clearly don’t want to happen.”But I think from a playing perspective, for both Chelsea welfare and our welfare players-wise, it’s the right decision, because the game is not going to be moved from the Champions League.”We don’t want any more injuries. We’ve seen Everton potentially take an injury again at the weekend.Most read in Football”We don’t want that. So I think from a player welfare (perspective), it’s the right thing.”According to BBC Sport, the WPLL had asked that no English sides had their Women’s Champions Leagues arranged for Tuesday 8 October.However, the organisation’s request was unsuccessful.And Uefa are said to have made their schedule for tournament fixtures available to clubs over a year ago.Following the WSL game postponement ahead of their side’s first European match this term, a Blues fan association said the club had to protect its players.The Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group also sympathised with fans who had forked out on travel and hotel bookings ahead of the Kingsmeadow clash.In a post shared via its X account, the Group wrote: “We feel for all the supporters who have lost money on transport and hotels. “It shouldn’t have got to this situation.”The Manchester United Women’s Supporters Club says it is currently “in dialogue in regard to next course of action” with Red Devils officials in regard to costs incurred by away fans.Skinner said: “Wherever we fit the game in, let’s make sure it’s accessible to the fans and that they are well looked-after. That’s the most important thing.”I think it was sold out, our end, the away end. So we just need to make sure it favours them as well, I think that’s really key.“But the reality is, for the quick turnaround, which would have been for us or for Chelsea.”It would have put the players at risk and I don’t think we need to do that this early in the season.”United’s League Cup duel with Liverpool tomorrow will see them begin their quest to win the contest a season on from lifting the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.And Skinner says the competition is a top priority for the Red Devils who missed out on a knockout spot last season.This was due to their group stage rival Aston Villa being docked points which were awarded to Sunderland.The Man United boss added: “I felt last year, we were very, very unfortunate to not progress to the knockout stages. Liverpool have drawn their first two WSL games this season ahead of their League Cup group stage duel with Man UnitedCredit: Getty”Not only did we have a very difficult group, we were then unfortunate that a decision is made elsewhere that affects us and we can’t go through. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s a priority for us, it’s an opportunity to win a cup, but it’s also an opportunity for players to show and claim their stake for starting.”We need a competitive game, a competitive team, a competitive environment.” More

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      Haley hopeful Brighton and Spain ace Bruna can help Seagulls soar in points battle with WSL rivals

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      MADISON HALEY reckons the dynamic Bruna Vilamala will keep the Seagulls soaring.Brighton forward Haley thinks a top-four spot could be a realistic target for the club who have had a flying start to the Women’s Super League season.Madison Haley believes Bruna’s instensity and versatility on the pitch can make Brighton more dynamic in attackCredit: AlamyThe Spain forward made her WSL debut for Albion when they beat Everton 4-0 in their season-opener on September 21Credit: AlamyHaley and her Seagulls team-mates will be hoping to continue their strong start when they visit Manchester CityCredit: GettyAlbion face a tricky early-season test at highly fancied Manchester City this afternoon.The eagerly awaited contest, which kicks off at 12:30pm comes on the back of their 4-0 opening-day thrashing of Everton last Saturday when Kiko Seike ran riot with a historic debut WSL hat-trick.Now American Haley (right), 25, is backing another summer signing in Bruna to make a big impact.Striker Bruna, 22, who has joined on loan from Barcelona, scored four goals in ten top-flight starts for the Catalan club last season.Read More Football Stories She made her senior international debut for Spain in June.And Haley revealed: “People have been asking me who’s the one to watch. Bruna was one of the players I said.”With her coming from Barcelona, the technical ability is there in abundance.”She gives us some really good quality in possession as well as out.Most read in Football”She can play multiple positions and I guess it makes us a bit more dynamic as a team.”Her intensity, the distance she covers and effort that she puts in is there. She can also keep the opposition on their toes.”That makes us more flexible as a team, because you can have people swapping positions live in the game.”It just gives us a bit more flexibility and makes us more dynamic as a team, which I think is something maybe we didn’t have last season as much.”This summer has seen Brighton undergo a massive overhaul with the departure of 13 players and 12 new arrivals.Among those coming in were England forwards Fran Kirby and Nikita Parris.And along with striker Michelle Agyemang, 18, from Arsenal, Bruna is one of two promising young players to have joined the club on a season’s loan.The Seagulls have also undergone a transformation in playing style with the team more front-footed in attack under new boss Dario Vidosic.The Brighton gaffer, 37, was appointed in July.He took over from interim chief Mikey Harris, who guided the south coast team to a ninthplace finish last term.Following all the chopping and changing in the dugout, former Melbourne City Women’s boss Vidosic is the fifth manager to take charge of Albion since December 2022.And Haley believes the WSL side are making progress under their new boss who is a big admirer of Pep Guardiola’s early coaching success with Barcelona’s B team.The Texas-born player added: “With Dario coming in with his new approach, we’re moving in the right direction most definitely. We’re in a good place overall.”All the small tweaks and tactical things, of course, that’s going to be different from manager to manager.”But Brighton’s philosophy has stayed true throughout with the changes.”For the most part, it’s been a pretty easy transition.”We want to be pushing as high as we can in the table. With the new additions, we can definitely do that.Manchester City aim to get their first win in the WSL this season when they take on Brighton at the Joie StadiumCredit: Alamy”The expectations are the same, from the club’s perspective. We want to be a top-four team. “We’ve added a lot of big players and having an overarching goal is good.”But then it’s also about being a bit realistic as well.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s no doubt that the sky’s the limit for this team.”Manchester City vs Brighton can be watched live at 12:30pm today on BBC Two. More

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      Kaminski says Crystal Palace must not to be overhelmed by ‘season of firsts’ in the Women’s Super League

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      LAURA KAMINSKI wants Crystal Palace to avoid being overwhelmed by their top-flight status following their WSL debut.And the Eagles boss reckons her side will show their top-flight pedigree when they host Chelsea tonight.Crystal Palace’s will host Chelsea in their first WSL outing at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyLaura Kaminksi says her players are prepared for the challenge they will face from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Blues aim to maintain their unbeaten run under Sonia BompastorCredit: GettyPalace welcome the title-holders to Selhurst Park in their first London derby clash at the stadium in the Women’s Super League. The match will see Chelsea take on the South London side for the first time in the division.And the Eagles hope to take flight in the race for points after their 4-0 loss away to Tottenham last time out.Kaminski, whose side will visit Leicester next Sunday, said: “It’s a big opportunity and a big moment but it’s important that it doesn’t overwhelm the squad or me.Read More Football Stories”We’ve done so well to get into this position. “We need to remember this is what we want to do for many years to come.”Although there are many firsts this season, we need to make sure those moments don’t overwhelm us. “We’re there to play and to compete.Most read in Football“We’re expecting a lot of people and it will be great for the players to experience a night-time game. That will be a little bit new for us.“Our schedule looks different this season with fixtures timings.”Chelsea are a great side in terms of the players they have got. “We have looked at them at length so I know their threats and strengths. We will be prepared for them.”Palace’s rise to the top division in England comes just 14 months after Kaminski’s appointment as head coach.The Eagles boss took on the job following her role as a first-team assistant at Charlton Women and as a Spurs assistant for three years before then.Like Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor, 44, Kaminski is one of three female managers who are new to being head coaches in the WSL.And the Palace chief believes her side will have a point to prove when they face Bompastor’s Blues.  Kaminski adds: “It’s a new manager so a change for them and will bring differences to their squad and tactics no doubt.”It’s only the second game of the season so it’s a tough start for us but that’s what we wanted and expected.”We want to showcase ourselves against one of the best teams in the world. “Sonia is a very respectable manager and she has achieved loads in her career as well as the players on the pitch.”But we have a lot of points to prove as well. We want to be here to stay. We want to make this club proud of our performance.”One key Palace player currently out of action due to an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury is striker Elise Hughes. The Wales ace, who won last term’s Women’s Championship’s Golden Boot, is making good progress in her journey back to fitness. Kaminski said: “Elise in a good place and we need to make sure that we’re doing everything right in the final stages of her rehabilitation.”She’s in a pivotal stage of rehabilitation. She’s moved from inside the condition of the gym to outside in terms of running. “She gets to see the green stuff again and that’s a big turning point for her.”Meanwhile Bompastor has no intention of taking the WSL’s newest contenders lightly despite their limited experience in the league. Bompastor says Chelsea will treat Palace with respect in their derby duelCredit: GettyThe Blues boss, who guided her side to a 1-0 season-opening win, said: “From my experience as a coach, but also as a former, we need to respect everyone.”A lot of teams play differently when they play Chelsea. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I expect them to be at their best level and we have to be prepared for that.”Crystal Palace vs Chelsea can be watched live on Sky Showcase and Sky Sports Premier League at 7:30pm tonight More

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      Euros winner Giorgio Chiellini teams up with Eni Aluko as retired footballers invest in exciting business venture

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      GIORGIO CHIELLINI is embarking on a new career venture after hanging up his boots. The Juventus legend has invested in women’s multi-club ownership group Mercury/13. Giorgio Chiellini is investing in women’s football after hanging up his bootsCredit: GettyHe has joined up with Mercury/13, who have former Lionesses star Eni Aluko on the booksCredit: RexNo-nonsense centre-back Chiellini enjoyed an illustrious career for both club and country.He won the Euros with Italy in 2021 and was a nine-time Serie A champion with The Old Lady. Chiellini retired last year after spending his final season in the US with Los Angeles FC.His experience over the pond helped demonstrate the “potential” of women’s football to the 40-year-old.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLChiellini announced his partnership with the consortium on Wednesday. He wrote on his Instagram page: “I’m really excited to share that I’ve joined Mercury/13 as an investor.”It’s a multi-club ownership group focused on supporting and growing women’s football globally.”After spending time in the USA, I saw the incredible strides women’s football is making there and how much potential it still has to unlock in Europe.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”That experience inspired me, and I’m proud to be part of a project that’s all about creating new opportunities for female athletes and taking the sport to the next level internationally.”Mercury/13 has pledged to invest more than £80 million into transforming women’s clubs around the world.Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria Former Lionesses star Eni Aluko is among those already partnered with the project.The group recently acquired Como Women, a mid-table team in Italy’s Serie A Femminile.They also describe investing in England and the Women’s Super League as an “absolute priority”.Mario Malave, Mercury/13’s co-chief executive said: “I would say there’s no higher potential than women’s football today.”If you give women’s football dedicated management, dedicated capital, and nurture it, it’s going to grow and blossom tremendously and become that sustainable business.”It’s nonsensical to expect it to be that today, if no-one’s invested in it over the last 100 years.” More

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      Manuela Zinsberger urges Arsenal to overcome ‘hard hit’ in Women’s Champions League battle with BK Hacken

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      MANUELA ZINSBERGER wants Arsenal to avoid dwelling on past Champions League results ahead of their decisive push for a group stage spot. However the Gunners will be without Leah Williamson with the defender ruled out of their clash with BK Hacken tomorrow. Manuela Zinsberger says Arsenal’s expectation is to get beyond the Women’s Champions League group stageCredit: GettyArsenal are aiming to beat BK Hacken in their decisive second round qualifier clashCredit: GettyThe England skipper, 27, was placed in concussion protocol before her club’s WSL season-opening draw with City on Sunday.Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall explained she sustained concussion during an incident in training.The head coach said: “I don’t have a timeframe on Leah’s injury at the moment. It’s guided by our medical team.””When I have something more concrete to communicate, I will do that.”Read More Football StoriesArsenal host Swedish outfit Hacken at Meadow Park tomorrow evening in a second-leg clash in the Women’s Champions League second round qualifiers.Eidevall’s players require a win by two goals or more in order to reach the contest’s group stage, with their rivals having a 1-0 first-leg win advantage. And much is riding on the result with club chiefs planning to host the team’s remaining duels in the contest at the Emirates this season.Arsenal shot stopper Zinsberger, 28, said: “The Champions League should be motivation enough no matter what happened last season.Most read in Football”I’m not a fan of talking about the past. “I’m more a fan of looking forward and our motivation is as high as last season – I would say even higher.”Our expectation is (reaching) the group stage or (going) even further, but taking it step-by-step.”The motivation is high to win the game and turn it around and finally get to the group stages.”Zinsberger, who made 18 top-flight appearances last term, was part of the Arsenal team beaten on penalties by Paris FC in the Champions League qualifying stage last September.  And she hopes to help her side see off Hacken in their battle for a group stage spot following the Gunners’ loss last Wednesday.The Austria No1 added: “It’s important to learn (from that) and it was definitely a hard hit for us.”We all hadn’t expected that one, but it definitely hit us the way it shouldn’t, but it was a big learning that you have to take every chance as it would be your last.”With Hacken, we haven’t underestimated them, we’ve seen how good they are.”But I don’t want to talk about them, for us we’ve got to perform and we have to be at our best.”Tomorrow’s game comes three days before Jonas Eidevall’s side’s league trip to Leicester, having nabbed a point against Manchester City in their season opener. With club chiefs committing to making the Emirates their main home for WSL and European fixtures this term, Eidevall is eager to see them progress.  The Arsenal boss adds: “It’s that pressure we put on ourselves that we need to get into the group stage, and that’s what we should do.”Lotte Wubben-Moy is expected to start alongside Laia Codina in Arsenal’s central defenceCredit: GettyTomorrow’s match is likely to see Lotte Wubben-Moy and Laia Codina in central defence in the absence of Williamson.READ MORE SUN STORIESEidevall said: “Leah is a fantastic player and she would be missed by any team, but the strength of our squad is we have players like Manuela. “We have Lotte and Codi (Codina) playing phenomenally well together.” More

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      Women’s football chief says banking giant doubling investment in top two divisions is a ‘landmark moment’

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      NIKKI DOUCET says a new deal with Barclays to double its sponsorship of the WSL and Women’s Championship is a “historic” moment for the game.The English women’s football chief was sharing her thoughts on the new multi-year agreement thought to be worth £45million.Barclays has doubled its sponsorship of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyWPPL chief Nikki Doucet described the new agreement as a landmark moment for women’s footballThe deal, announced today, is claimed to be double the value of the bank’s previous investment as a title sponsor of the WSL and Women’s Championship.It is thought to be around £15m annually over three years. It is the first multimillion sponsorship agreement to be sealed by the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited’s (WPLL) since its takeover of the top two tiers of the game. WPLL chief Nikki Doucet told Sky Sports: “This is a landmark historic moment for women’s football.Read More Football Stories “No one can question Barclay’s commitment. They’ve been a long-term partner. “They’ve seen their investment and what’s happening with all the growth in the women’s game and their belief in the growth going forward.“It’s incredible to see them double their investment and to continue to partner with us.”When Barclays commenced its title sponsorship of the WSL in 2019, the deal was the largest investment into women’s sport in the UK made by a brand.Most read in FootballIn the past five years the league has become the most followed women’s domestic sports division.Average attendances at games are claimed to have risen by 283 per cent since the 2021-22 season.Doucet adds: “The aim is for us to continue to grow and to put on the best football competition we possibly can and continue to watch exciting football.”Barclays partnership with the FA has also been extended for another four years.The banking firm intends to use it to focus on improving equality on and off the pitch through a girls’ football partnerships with schools.The announcement comes four days after respondents to a Sky Sports study said watching female athletes on television inspires young women to take part in sport.Findings from the research, which explored increased visibility of sportswomen, were released before the start of the 2024-25 WSL season which kicked off last Friday (September 20).According to Sky, 70 per cent of the 2,000 18 to 29-year-olds questioned see professional athletes as the most influential role models in sport for young women.And more than three quarters (78%) believe female footballers are becoming more prominent in both celebrity culture and fashion. Last weekend’s WSL season-openers saw Chelsea, Brighton, Manchester United and Tottenham pick up wins from their first games of this campaign. And last term’s title runners-up Manchester City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates while Leicester also claimed a point on the road drawing 1-1 with Liverpool.Meanwhile in the Women’s Championship Charlton are currently top of the table and unbeaten after three games. Doucet is hopeful this term’s Women’s Championship and WSL contests will be most the competitive yetCredit: GettyAnd their promotion chasing rivals Birmingham and London City are on seven points each and with Durham, who are fourth, on six.READ MORE SUN STORIESWPLL boss Doucet said: “You’re going to see probably the most competitive WSL season yet. This past weekend showed a lot of that.”I think the Championship is going to be equally incredibly competitive”. More