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      Kirby set for Chelsea return and Green hails ‘mentally tough’ goalkeeper Berger ahead of Blues’ clash with Vllaznia

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      FRAN KIRBY has given Chelsea a major fitness boost with the forward set to return to action following a spell out with illness.The Blues star could be in line to feature for the team in their Champions League duel with Vllaznia.
      Fran Kirby could be set to make her first appearance for Chelsea since their 3-1 defeat of West Ham in SeptemberCredit: Getty
      Kirby and her Blues team-mates will play Vllaznia in their second Champions League group stage gameCredit: Getty
      Chelsea will face the Albanian champions at Kingsmeadow tomorrow night in their first home match in this year’s tournament.
      While the Blues will be without Jelena Cankovic, with the midfielder missing their last three games due to injury, Kirby is likely to be included in the club’s squad.
      The club’s all-time leading goal scorer has made three top-tier appearances so far this term netting three times for the WSL champs.
      General manager Paul Green said: “Jelena’s injury hasn’t settled down as quickly as we’d hoped so she won’t be available.
      ” Fran has been back in training for the last couple of days, so she’ll be one addition to the squad. 
      “She is a quality player and to have her back is fantastic and gives everybody a boost.
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      “She has been out with illness, but we’re delighted she’s now available.
      “We look forward to seeing her on Wednesday night and hopefully staying healthy for the whole season.”
      Chelsea’s second Group A game is likely to see Blues goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger make her sixth appearance across all competitions this term.
      Green hailed the German international’s recent displays between the sticks two months on from her announcing the recurrence of thyroid cancer.
      Since then, Berger has kept three clean sheets in five games.
      He added: “The way she’s handled herself in this period and such difficult circumstances is a real credit to her.
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      “She’s immensely mentally tough to cope with the cancer.
      “She’s a real inspiration to all her team-mates and somebody to really look up to with the way that she has gone about her business at such a difficult time.
      “We’re delighted with her coming back to full health and fitness on the pitch.
      “She has shown that in her performances since going back in the goal.”
      Chelsea’s game against Vllaznia’s comes six days after the nine-time Albanian National Women’s Champions fell to a 2-0 away loss to Real Madrid.
      Their visitors, who are playing the Champions League for the first time in their 12-year history have five American players in their squad.
      And the team are underdogs in a group that includes Paris Saint-Germain in addition to Madrid and the title winners of England.
      Green expects Chelsea will face a side prepared to sit deep.
      Chelsea first home Champions League game comes six days after their away win at Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty
      He said: “We can’t take anything for granted.
      We need to perform at our best level to be able to break down their block and get the goals that are ultimately going to win us the game.
      “They’re in the competition on their own merits and we’ve got to get the job done.
      Should the Blues progress to knockout the phase they.
      Chelsea vs Vllaznia can be watched live from 8:00 pm on DAZN’S Uefa Women’s Champions League channel on Wednesday 26 October More

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      Liverpool 0 Arsenal 2: Walti and Maanum net as Gunners defeat Reds on the road and equal WSL match win record

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      SOME headaches normally cause people to look for medicine.But in Jonas Eidevall’s case, this particular headache is a selection one – and a pleasant one to have with Arsenal beating Liverpool 2-0.
      Frida Maanum netted her second goal for Arsenal this term in their win against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      Lia Walti opened her WSL goal account for this season to give the Gunners the lead at Prenton ParkCredit: Alamy
      The Gunners are firing on all cylinders with a solid performance at the home of the Merseyside giants
      The result saw them nab their 12th victory in a row in the top tier.
      A win that sees them equal the league record set by themselves and Manchester City.
      To top it off, Eidevall’s high-fliers also kept their 10th clean sheet, a feat that saw them go 1003 minutes without conceding a goal.
      Among the performers who impressed for the visitors was Frida Maanum.
      The Gunners’ ace was a midfield menace alongside Kim Little and Lia Walti as Arsenal made it winning business as usual dominating the game for large spells.
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      Any hopes of the Reds stunning another WSL title chaser were snuffed out with Maanum – among today’s scorers – justifying why she is in Eidevall’s starting 11.
      The WSL ace helped Arsenal maintain winning business as usual after their 5-1 defeat of Lyon with Eidevall keeping the same line-up.
      On retaining Maanum in his side, the Arsenal chief told BBC Sport: “It’s a pleasant headache, isn’t it?
      “It’s also a really good sign for any player looking to see what you do when you don’t get opportunities.
      “People remember when you play, they don’t remember when you’re not playing so make it stick.”
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      The result saw the Gunners, with Caitlin Foord delivering a player of the match performance, in action for the third time in seven days.
      Eidevall added: “It was tricky, it is tough to play a third away game within a week. I like the heart we put on the pitch today.
      “We work extremely hard for each other.
      “We showed we matched them and we were very good at expressing ourselves on the ball. That’s the difference.”
      Gunners forward Foord said: “We had a short turnaround and a bit of travel.
      “We definitely felt it towards the end and it was a grind to see the game out.
      Caitlin Foord reckons Arsenal could won have won by a bigger marginCredit: Getty
      “But in saying that, we had plenty of chances as well and could have gone a bit ahead.”
      Matt Beard’s aces began strongly at Prenton Park refusing to be overawed.
      But the visitors got get into their groove with captain Little, Foord and Lia Walti among the players pulling the strings.
      Walti got Arsenal off the mark powering home their 15th-minute opener from the edge of the box.
      The visitors soon doubled their lead eight minutes later with Foord teeing up Maanum who netted after some nifty footwork.
      Liverpool attempted to battle their way back with some threatening corner kicks and deliveries into the box.
      They caused some problems in the visitors’ box in the second half’s opening stages and looked for a handball after Emma Koivisto’s shot struck Foord.
      Niamh Fahey sent a shot wide for Liverpool late on in the gameCredit: Reuters
      And they came close to pulling one back with Niamh Fahey firing wide of the far post before Beth Mead walloped an injury-time effort over the bar.
      The result saw Arsenal go top before Manchester United’s trip to Leicester.
      It also left Liverpool hunting for their second win of the season with a Conti Cup clash with Leicester next before a league trip to Man City.
      The Reds are currently ninth after three straight losses following their opening-day defeat of Chelsea. More

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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