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      Jonas Eidevall unconcerned by ‘nice selection headache’ with Arsenal unbeaten in ten WSL games since January

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      JONAS EIDEVALL believes Frida Maanum has given him a nice selection headache with Arsenal eager to keep winning after hammering Lyon.The Gunners boss is determined to stay grounded following his side’s victory in the Champions League ahead of their duel with Liverpool.
      Frida Maanum impressed for the Gunners during her first start in the Champions League this seasonCredit: Getty
      Arsenal have gone ten games unbeaten in the WSL since losing 2-0 to Birmingham in JanuaryCredit: Getty
      Maanum, 23, who made 21 appearances last season, impressed on Wednesday night, netting Arsenal’s second goal in France.
      The midfielder started ahead of Vivianne Miedema with the Gunners’ all-time record scorer entering the game later as a second-half substitute.
      And the Norway ace has been given a spot in the Gunners’ starting 11 today against Liverpool in a number ten role.

      Eidevall, 39, said: “You have an obligation as a manager all the time to look at performances, in practice and when we are playing games.
      “There is no team that can write itself.
      “There is no player that is guaranteed to play, so it is a nice headache when we have a lot of players who are playing well.
      “I much rather have it that way than the other way around. We all know that competition is very important to drive us to the next level.”
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      Arsenal take on a Liverpool side eager to make their mark since their return to the WSL under Matt Beard.
      The former Chelsea and West Ham boss led the Reds to their first Women’s Super League crown in 2013 with the club retaining the title a year later.
      They did so in dramatic fashion on the last day of the season in 2014 leaping from third to top spot above the Blues and Birmingham City.
      Liverpool are yet to beat the Gunners in the WSL with Arsenal the victor in the six WSL encounters between the sides.
      The last match between the teams ended with Eidevall’s title-chasers claiming a 4-0 win in a last 16 Women’s FA Cup clash at Prenton Park in February.
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      However, he believes the scoreline was “flattering” for his side.
      And in Liverpool, he sees a well-structured team blossoming under their gaffer.
      The Arsenal boss added: “You could clearly see last season that were a very good side in the Championship.
      “They came up with a clear identity and are well organised. They have players and a coach that know what level will be expected from them.
      “We all saw in the opening weekend against Chelsea what the team is capable of.
      Liverpool are currently ninth after one win from their first three WSL games this termCredit: Getty More

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      Reaching the Champions League is Tottenham’s ‘number one’ ambition, says Rehanne Skinner

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      REHANNE SKINNER did not hold back when asked where the dream of playing in the Champions League ranks for Tottenham.It is the “No 1” ambition for the Spurs chief, who led her side to fifth spot last term, their highest finish in the WSL.
      Rehanne Skinner says competing in Europe is a goal Tottenham one day hopes to achieveCredit: Getty
      Skinner’s players are looking to pick up their second home win of the season at Brisbane RoadCredit: Getty
      Skinner was speaking a day after Chelsea inflicted a 1-0 home defeat on Paris Saint-Germain in their opening group encounter.
      That result came one night on from Arsenal humbling record eight-time winners and champions Lyon 5-1.
      Skinner, whose team host Manchester City in the WSL today, said: “Ultimately that’s where we want to get to.
      “It’s where a club the size of Tottenham should be. It’s the No 1 ambition.
      “We want to be equal in the things that the men’s team are doing to promote the overall club.
      “It’s really important our ambitions are really high.
      “We’re working incredibly hard behind the scenes to get all of the pieces of the jigsaw together, including evolving the squads over transfer windows.”
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      This year, Skinner and her staff have been working to move closer to their goal of a top-three finish.
      A tough ask with Chelsea, Arsenal and City dominating the Champions League spots for the past seven years.
      The additions of seven new players, including ex-Brighton forward Ellie Brazil, 23, and seasoned WSL stars Drew Spence, 29, and Angharad James, 28, have contributed to a positive start
      One that has seen the club win three of their four games played so far this term.
      Skinner is also keen to see Brisbane Road their new ground-share home with Leyton Orient become a fortress for her side.
      She added: “It definitely feels like a real stadium.
      “There’s been loads of work done that has made it Tottenham-branded inside, more so than outside.
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      “We’re trying to grow the fanbase and engage the community off the back of the Euros.”
      The pitch at Tottenham’s former home (The Hive) was described as “probably the worst surface in the league” by Chelsea boss Emma Hayes in April.
      Skinner added: “For us, the quality of the new pitch is superb and it’s helping us to be able to perform.”
      For Gareth Taylor, Brisbane Road is a stadium that he has fond memories of from his club and country playing days.
      It is a ground where the City manager, 49, once made an appearance for a star-studded Wales team in 1996.
      He said: “Bobby Gould had this mad idea of playing Leyton Orient when he was manager. I can remember Chris Coleman playing left wing.”
      On Tottenham’s new home, Taylor added: “There were issues with (with the pitch) with the Hive.
      Gareth Taylor’s Man City have a 100% away win rate against TottenhamCredit: Getty
      “It took a lot of hits because there were a lot of teams that played there each week.
      “But I think that the pitches (in the WSL) have improved a lot.
      “When we went to Dagenham (to play West Ham) towards the end of last season, the difference in the pitch showed.
      “They’ve invested quite a lot into the pitch. Hopefully, the standard will be the same (for the surface) for this game.” More

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      Paris Saint-Germain 0 Chelsea 1: Green hails might of Bright and the WSL after Blues beat PSG

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      PAUL GREEN praised Millie Bright for volleying Chelsea to victory as they got their Champions League trophy chase off to a flier.Her effort helped the Blues seal a gritty 1-0 win against Paris Saint-Germain with another French giant beaten by an English side.
      Millie Bright scored her second of the season across all competitions during Chelsea’s win against Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
      The Blues are currently second in Group A ahead of their match against VllazniaCredit: Getty
      Blues general manager Green, who was Doncaster Rovers Belles director during Bright’s 2009 to 2014 spell at the club, said: “Millie used to be a striker when we were together at Doncaster.
      “She must have been remembering that time when the ball came to her at the back-post.
      “It was a fantastic finish, and I thought her overall performance as part of that defensive unit was really solid.
      “She’s a top player and she certainly put in a top performance.”
      The WSL title-holders’ Group A opening victory comes a day after Arsenal fired five goals past Lyon on Wednesday night.
      The French champions were run ragged as the Gunners turned on the style to claim a memorable win.
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      Goals in both spells saw Jonas Eidevall’s side dispatch the 15-time French champions.
      The club currently have several senior stars injured including Ada Hegerberg, Catarina Macario and Greidge Mbock.
      Green believes wins for the Gunners and the Blues show the strength of the Women’s Super League with both sides laying down markers for their European rivals.
      He added: “It shows how far the English league has come that ourselves and Arsenal have come to the top two teams in France and got two victories.
      “Lyon have a lot of injuries at the moment so I’m sure they’ll be back.
      “PSG are still a very strong team and they’re both very respected in Europe.
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      “Yes, the English teams have won over the last couple of evenings but there’s a long way to go in the group and a long way to go in the competition.
      “It’s a really positive thing for the English league and does show how far it’s come.
      “In years gone by it was probably unthinkable that teams would come to France and win games like this.
      “Maybe five or six years ago the English teams wouldn’t have been in that position.
      “It’s full credit to ourselves and Arsenal for the two performances.”
      Sam Kerr came close to giving the Blues an early lead in the 15th minuteCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes, who is recovering from a hysterectomy, may not have been present on the touchline for her side’s first Champions League fixture this term.
      But it was business as usual for her aces whose efforts were watched by Neymar at the Stade Jean Bouin.  
      Bright got the ball rolling in the first-half firing Chelsea ahead in the 27th minute after Sam Kerr tested Sarah Bouhaddi with a close-range effort in the first quarter.
      The hosts were missing the services of star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto who is recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
      Kadeisha Buchanan put in a solid shift in defence for the visitorsCredit: Getty
      They looked to hit back in the second spell with Laurine Fazer firing a volley over the bar.
      They began to pressure Chelsea in the final third with former Lyon defender Kadeisha Buchanan intercepting a 65th-minute cross from Kadidiatou Diani.
      But the visitors held out to claim a gritty win and second spot in Group A. More

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      West Ham slam ‘hateful’ online racist abuse aimed at Hawa Cissoko as Irons star calls out trolls

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      HAWA CISSOKO hit back at trolls who sent her racist abuse online after she was sent off during West Ham’s win at Aston Villa.The Hammers confirmed the Irons defender received “racist and abusive messages” following an altercation with Villa player Sarah Mayling.
      Hawa Cissoko received racially abusive messages following West Ham’s defeat of Aston Villa in a WSL match on October 15Credit: Getty
      The Irons defender was targeted by social media accounts sending derogatory messages after she was sent off during the game at Bescot StadiumCredit: Rex
      And the France centre-back, 25, took to Twitter to share details of horrific posts sent from online accounts after the incident last Saturday.
      Language included the use of the N-word and derogatory references to her skin colour.
      In a written statement West Ham said they were “disgusted by the hateful content”.
      The club, whose WSL side face Reading at home on Sunday, have since passed the abusive posts to the police. 
      The Irons also reported accounts that targeted Cissoko to “the relevant” social media firms.
      In their statement, West Ham said: “We can confirm that we have reported a number of racist and abusive messages directed at our player following Saturday’s Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Aston Villa.
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      “The defender received a red card for clashing with an opponent in the closing stages of the Hammers’ battling 2-1 victory at the Bescot Stadium. 
      “While we in no way condone Hawa’s actions on the pitch, for which she has apologised, everyone at the club is disgusted by the hateful content of the online messages subsequently sent to her. 
      “They have been passed directly to the police and reported to the relevant social media companies.”
      The club added: “There is no place for this in society and we condemn it unreservedly.
      “Hawa continues to receive the full support of everyone at the Club, including through our dedicated Employee Assistance Programme, which provides care and protection for the wellbeing of all staff.
      “West Ham United continues to be unequivocal in its stance – we have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discrimination.
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      “We urge social media platforms and regulatory authorities to strengthen their measures to prevent this abhorrent behaviour.”
      “Today Cissoko published a written apology to Mayling, West Ham fans and her team-mates following the red card incident. 
      The defender was sent off following a physical spat with the Villa defender in the late stages of the Villans’ home clash with the Irons.
      Cissoko, who has made 35 WSL appearances since her 2020 Hammers move, tweeted: ‘There was no excuse for my reaction especially as I am considered to be a role model to others. 
      “I would like to apologise to my opponent, my team-mates and our supporters.
      “In contrast to those finding pleasure in sending me abusive and hateful messages, a massive thank you to those who have sent me words of support.”
      Hammers players including Lucy Parker tweeted words of support for Cissoko.

      And Villa boss Carla Ward hit out at abuse aimed at the defender and Mayling following her team’s narrow loss last weekend.
      Ward, whose team visit Everton on Sunday, said: “They were involved in an altercation which happened in a highly-charged and emotional game.
      “I’m sure they are both very sorry for the incident that happened but neither of them deserves to have to go through that.”
      Carla Ward criticised online abuse directed at Cissoko and MaylingCredit: PA
      This afternoon the FA denounced racially hateful posts sent to players via social media. 
      In a tweeted statement, the FA said: “This is yet another example of vile racist abuse being directed towards players in English football.
      “We strongly condemn this and we continue to be clear that perpetrators of online abuse must face real-life consequences for their actions.” More

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      Eriksson is relishing tough Champions League challenge with Chelsea facing Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid tests

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      MAGDA ERIKSSON loves to see Chelsea challenged with the team set to take on two of the most formidable sides in Europe. The WSL champs will battle Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in what has been dubbed a Champions League group of death.
      Chelsea take on Paris Saint-Germain in the first of their Champions League Group A fixturesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea hope to finish top of their Champions League group which also contains Spanish outfit Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The first of Chelsea’s Group A duels takes place tonight at 8:00 pm when they face PSG in France’s capital.
      The Blues will then play Albanian side Vllaznia at home next Thursday.
      And the Kingsmeadow side are eager to finish top of their group following their surprise exit before last season’s knockout phase.
      The Blues skipper, 29, said: “I love to be challenged in these kinds of games.
      “As a team, you really grow when you are challenged so I see it as something positive to have a tough group.
      “We’re going to be so prepared once we get out of the group stage and go into the knockout stages.
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      “That’s the way you can look at it, being positive and imagining how much more experience we’re going to get as a team, especially our younger players.
      “But coming out on the top of the group – that’s our goal.
      “That’s what we strive for. It’s going to be tough, but that’s what we hope to do.”
      The group stage opener will see the Blues play their first match in Europe this season without boss Emma Hayes on the touchline.
      The popular Chelsea chief, 45, is currently recuperating after undergoing an emergency hysterectomy this month.
      Assistant manager Denise Reddy and general manager Paul Green will oversee her players for the second time this term.
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      However, Hayes, who had a direct line to the dugout for the Blues’ win against Everton last time out, will have input remotely.
      Eriksson added: “We miss Emma a lot, she is a special character.
      “We know that we’re going to have to find ways to handle this period without her.
      “Team-wise, I don’t really have to do anything more as captain because we have great people around the team.
      “We have great people in the team, so everyone has stepped up and taken more responsibility.
      “We have an amazing staff that’s looking out for us and we have Emma looking on from home.
      “She’s going to stay in close contact with all of us from there. Paul and Denise are relaying her messages.”
      Denise Reddy will be overseeing Chelsea from the touchline in their first game in Europe this termCredit: PA
      The last Champions League battle between PSG and Chelsea saw the Blues knock the French side out at the quarter-finals in 2019.
      And PSG reached the semi-final stage last season where they were defeated by tournament winners Lyon.
      Eriksson sees the Paris club, who finished second to Lyon in France’s top tier last term, as contenders for the Champions League crown.
      The Sweden star said: “There are a lot of teams that can do it.
      “I count PSG as one of those teams that can do it.
      Kadidiatou Diani was one of France’s standout performers at the Euros this summerCredit: Getty
      “They have really, really good players for example France forward Kadidiatou Diane.
      “She’s an amazing player and she showed that throughout the Euros
      “She’s going to be a big threat that we have to find ways to stop.” More

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      Lyon 1 Arsenal 5: Mead, Maanum and Foord strike as Gunners thrash record Champions League winners in six-goal thriller

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      JONAS EIDEVALL hailed a ‘special night’ that saw Arsenal cause Lyon mayhem and fire a warning to their Champions League rivals.Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord bagged braces with Frida Maanum also on target in a blistering 5-1 Group C thrashing of their opponents.
      Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum were on target as Arsenal brushed Lyon asideCredit: Getty
      Foord was on target in both halves as the Champions League title-holders were trounced at homeCredit: Getty
      Eidevall was expecting a reality check from the contest’s reigning champs.
      But his rampaging Gunners served one themselves in an enthralling group stage opener at the Groupama Stadium.
      The result saw the injury-ravaged French giants beaten by four goals for the first time since 2006.
      It also saw the side who have several aces crocked – including star striker Ada Hegerberg – suffer their first defeat on home turf since last April.
      The Arsenal chief said: “Of course, it’s a special night and we know that we were effective. 
      “Our win was well deserved but 5-1 is an unexpected result against a very, very strong team so I’m pretty happy about that. 
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      “I’ve spoken before about doing the right things. It’s not all the time you get rewarded for that.
      “But in this game, we got rewarded and that I think will increase the likelihood of us doing the right things again in the future.” 
      The match saw Maanum find the back of the net with the midfielder given a starting spot ahead of Vivianne Miedema in a bold move by Eidevall.
      The Gunners gaffer added: “Frida was brilliant both off the ball and on it. 
      “She carried out a role that required an extreme amount of running because you basically have to defend against two players all the time.
      “Frida is one of our players with the strongest running ability.”
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      For much of the past 11 years, Sonia Bompastor’s Lyon have carried an aura of invincibility in the Champions League.
      This is the tournament they have dominated with eight trophies wins since 2011.
      But their group-stage qualification bid took an early blow as the Gunners deployed their counter-attacking flair to deadly effect.
      Maanum saw a tame early effort claimed by goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
      But Foord got the Gunners off the mark smashing in a 13th-minute opener following Kim Little’s classy long ball and a pass from Mead.
      Wendi Renard came close to bagging a leveller with the Gunners forced to clear her header.
      Mead bagged a brace for the Gunners who play Swiss side Zurich next in the tournamentCredit: Getty
      But the visitors later doubled their lead with Maanum firing home in the 22nd minute after pouncing on a rebound after Stina Blackstenius shot.
      The hosts pulled one back with Melvine Malard leaping high to nod home near the half-hour mark.
      But a brilliant free-kick rocket from Mead saw Arsenal’s two-goal lead restored.
      The second spell’s early stages saw Manuela Zinsberger comfortably save Eugenie Le Sommer’s header.
      Maanum impressed in attack doubling the Gunners’ lead against Lyon in the first halfCredit: Getty
      But then her Gunners pals cranked up the pressure with Foord’s walloped wonder goal from distance after a mishit from Renard.
      Mead slotted home Arsenal’s fifth in the 69th minute to wrap up the hefty victory.
      The result saw the Gunners go top of their group before their Emirates clash with Zurich next Thursday. More

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      Jonas Eidevall expects a ‘reality check’ for Arsenal in clash with record Champions League winners Lyon

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      JONAS EIDEVALL is relishing the “reality check” awaiting Arsenal when they take on Lyon in their toughest Champions League test yet.And the Gunners chief, 39, hailed Beth Mead’s deadly finishing after the forward was narrowly pipped to a Women’s Ballon d’Or gong.
      Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal face a Lyon side who have won their opening five games in France’s top tier this termCredit: Getty
      Lyon are contending with injury issues with star striker Ada Hegerberg one of eight players crockedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      On Wednesday night Eidevall’s side will visit the Groupama Stadium in France for their first group-stage game in the contest.
      There they will face the French football juggernauts who are the Champions League record trophy winners with eight crowns to date.
      Eidevall said: “It’s a very good reality check to see where we are at the moment.
      “That is always very exciting to see we will know exactly where we are at and what we need to continue to improve on.
      “When you play in the Champions League, it is a little bit different when you’re playing really good teams like Lyon.
      “You can’t think that you will play a game where you will be in total control.
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      “We have to expect that we will be in control in some parts of the game but so will Lyon.
      “We need to deal with facing more shots on target than we have been doing recently, facing more set pieces than we have been doing recently.”
      April 2011 was the last time the Gunners faced the French giants in the tournament.
      Back then Lyon sealed a 3-2 semi-final victory over two legs against the WSL side that included current skipper Kim Little.
      Arsenal, currently second in the WSL, go into the game without crocked centre-backs Leah Williamson and Rafaelle.
      However, their hosts are battling with an injury crisis with several aces out of action. 
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      Players sidelined include star striker Ada Hegerberg and midfielder Catarina Macario who both netted in Lyon’s 3-1 Champion League final defeat of Barcelona last term.
      Despite their lengthy injury list Caitlin Foord reckons the French giants will pose a considerable threat.
      The Gunners forward, 27, said: “Regardless of injuries or not the squad they have is very strong and the starting eleven they put out will be a world-class team.
      “It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
      Arsenal’s Lyon trip comes two days after Beth Mead, 27, finished as a runner-up to Alexia Putellas in this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or.
      The player, who won the Golden Boot at this summer’s Euros, finished just one point behind the Barcelona star in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
      Beth Mead’s performances earned her a second-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or awardsCredit: Getty
      Eidevall added: “I know the goals and assists that Beth provides are absolutely world-class.
      “I also see other things in her as a person and as a player that are so valuable to us.
      “When you see her reactions when we lose the ball for me she is the fastest player that I ever had the privilege to coach in reacting to those situations and to be able to be first to those balls.”
      Arsenal will play Swiss side Zurich at the Emirates next Thursday in their second Champions League group-stage gameCredit: Getty More

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      Beth Mead laughs at caption describing her as Vivianne Miedema’s ‘guest’ after coming close to Women’s Ballon d’Or win

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      BETH MEAD saw the funny side of a photo caption describing her as a ‘guest’ of Vivianne Miedema at the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday. The stunning picture of the Arsenal stars was taken before the Euros winner was announced as runner-up to Alexia Putellas for this year’s prize.
      Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead were among four WSL stars nominated for this year’s Women’s Ballon d’Or gongCredit: Getty
      A picture of Miedema and Mead at the awards ceremony included a caption referring to Mead as the Dutch striker’s guestCredit: Getty
      The Barcelona ace, 28, claimed top spot in the Ballon d’Or’s rankings with Mead coming second following a standout season for club and country.
      Mead and Miedema were photographed together on the red carpet at the glitzy ceremony celebrating the feats of the world’s best players.
      A caption accompanying the picture, taken at Paris’s Theatre Du Chatelet, saw the forward described as a guest of her Arsenal team-mate much to the bemusement of fans on social media.
      However, Mead, 27, tweeted a light-hearted response with a thumbs up and laughing face with tears emojis and the LOL acronym for ‘laughing out loud’.

      And Netherland’s ace Miedema, 26, tweeted a reply of her own with a thumbs up emoji which read ‘happy I got to take my guest’.
      Mead reportedly finished just one point behind Putellas with the Barca skipper becoming the first player to retain the Women’s Ballon d’Or.
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      The Gunners heroine won the Euros Golden Boot after notching six goals as England played their way into the history books with their first major tournament win.
      The Yorkshire-born forward helped Arsenal take last season’s title battle to the wire with the team finishing a point behind league winners Chelsea.
      Mead, whose “Lioness: My Journey to Glory” book goes on sale in November, bagged 11 goals and eight assists in 22 top-tier matches for her club.
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      Her partner Miedema finished in 11th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or awards after ending last term as Arsenal’s top scorer with 14 goals.
      Tomorrow the WSL stars and their club play in their Champions League group stage game this term.
      The match will see them take on last term’s tournament winners Lyon who have the contest a record eight times in the past 11 years.
      Arsenal will play Lyon in the Champions League for the first time since 2011Credit: Getty More