W.S.L - Results, England and Other Related Women's News

Wednesday 14th December

Tottenham 0 (Neville sent off 90) Everton 3 (Snoeijs 8, Park 36, Queiroz Costa 90'+5)

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Katja Snoeijs scored Everton's first goal in London in eight attempts - the last time they scored in the capital was also in victory at Tottenham (3-2 in February 2021)

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Everton ended a three-game losing streak with a comfortable win over Tottenham in the final Women's Super League game of the calendar year.

Katja Snoeijs opened the scoring before Jess Park capitalised on an awful error by home keeper Becky Spencer to double the lead.

Ashleigh Neville was sent off in injury time for a high challenge on Everton sub Giovana, who added a fine third.

This result meant Spurs closed out 2022 with four straight defeats.

The form table suggested these sides were in freefall with three consecutive losses apiece, but Everton's came against title hopefuls Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United.

They had intensity from the first whistle and it took just seven minutes to carve Spurs open. Sorensen found space down the right and her low cross was turned in first time by Dutch forward Snoeijs.

Spurs struggled to respond and looked leggy on a frozen pitch, while Everton were comfortable and perhaps strengthened by a weekend off after their game at Brighton was postponed.

They might have extended their lead before a horrible mistake gifted them a second in the 36th minute.

There was little danger when Spencer received a backpass but, under pressure from Park, she hesitated, gave up possession and was helpless as the 21-year-old England forward tapped in.

It has not been the start to the season Spurs had anticipated after finishing fifth last year and having made a raft of summer signings.

Head coach Rehanne Skinner made three changes to the team that lost at home to West Ham on Sunday, but Everton had complete control from the start.

The Toffees are the league's second-lowest scorers but did not have to work hard for their goals and were rugged at the back. They would have had another, only for sub Aggie Beever-Jones to be flagged offside after finishing neatly.

Despite having more possession than their visitors, Spurs barely threatened in a pedestrian display and their misery was compounded when Neville saw red for a late lunge on substitute Giovana.

The Brazil forward then took advantage of the hosts being a player down in added time as she fired a powerful shot into the top corner and sealed Everton's rise to sixth place.

With their next WSL fixture not until Saturday, 14 January, Skinner's side are eighth and she has much to ponder.


THAT'S IT FOR 2022 IN THE WSL UNTIL SATURDAY 14TH JANUARY 2023.

Leah Williamson: England captain says Endometriosis led to Euros fears

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Captain Leah Williamson has admitted she feared missing games during England's successful Euro 2022 campaign because of her endometriosis.

The 25-year-old was diagnosed with the condition last year.

Williamson said she was concerned about it flaring up before England's semi-final against Sweden, which they went on to win 4-0.

"I was like, 'it cannot happen'. I actually won't be able to play," Williamson said.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere.

In an interview with Women's Health magazine she added: "Before the Euros I had a concussion, which they say can really impact your next period, and it was bad.

"You know when you're on the bathroom floor and literally like: 'I can't move.' When it's too late to take the tablets because I'm, like, in it now."

She added that having an endometriosis flare-up "is a big fear when you get to a tournament not injured".

When asked how she has dealt with the difficult periods that characterise the condition, the Arsenal defender said: "I'm a professional athlete, I've always been like, 'let's get on with it'.

"But you get to a certain age when you actually say: 'this is a really big problem'. I'm pretty sure if men had periods we would have figured out a way to stop them by now without doing any damage."

Aston Villa: Arsenal legend Jordan Nobbs joins fellow WSL club in 18-month deal..

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England midfielder Jordan Nobbs has signed an 18-month deal with the option to extend for Women's Super League club Aston Villa.

The 30-year-old joins from Arsenal with whom she spent 12 years, winning 12 trophies including three WSL titles.

She scored 81 goals over 270 appearances for the London club.

"This is a big signing for us and Jordan is one of the country's most decorated footballers," Villa manager Carla Ward said.

"She's a winner and will bring a wealth of experience that her new teammates will thrive off."

Nobbs has 70 caps for England and has scored eight goals.



Bethany England: Tottenham sign Chelsea forward on three-and-a-half year deal..

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Tottenham have signed forward Bethany England from Chelsea on a three-and-a-half year deal until June 2026.

England, 28, joined Chelsea from Doncaster Belles in 2016 and went on to score 74 goals in 164 appearances.

The England international was part of the Lionesses' Euro 2022 winning squad and has scored 11 goals in 21 games.

In a post on Twitter, England said: "It has been the biggest honour to play for this amazing club that has been my home for the past seven years.

"Everyone knows how much I love Chelsea, and the club will always hold a special place in my heart."

Blues manager Emma Hayes paid tribute saying: "Beth has given tremendous service to the club. She leaves a winner and a Chelsea legend."


Guro Bergsvand: WSL side Brighton sign Norway defender..

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Women's Super League side Brighton have signed Norway defender Guro Bergsvand from Brann.

The 28-year-old has signed a contract until June 2025 and the move is subject to international clearance.

Brighton are second-bottom in the WSL with just two wins from eight games and they have conceded 29 goals, which is the most this season.

"I am sure she will help us stabilise the defence," said Brighton head coach Jens Scheuer.

"She has a lot of experience domestically in Norway as well as with her national team so it's a really good signing for us.

"We are convinced by her quality, so I have no doubt that she won't need long to adapt to the league."

Kathrine Kuhl: Arsenal sign teenage Denmark midfielder..

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Arsenal have signed Denmark midfielder Kathrine Kuhl from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland.

The 19-year-old has scored two goals and assisted four in 12 appearances for the Elitedivisionen club this season.

Kuhl helped the side win the Danish Women's Cup in 2020 before making her international debut in April 2021.

"I'm very excited, it's a big step for me," said Kuhl, who is Arsenal's second midfield signing in two days after Victoria Pelova joined on Friday.

Kuhl has so far earned 21 caps for her country and played at Euro 2022.

"I feel like there are so many great things around the club, all the fans and the community, it's like a sisterhood in some way," she added.

Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall described Kuhl as "one of the brightest talents in Europe".

"She will bring added creativity to our midfield and I'm sure she will benefit from working closely with some of our experienced players," he continued.

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Melanie Leupolz: Chelsea midfielder extends contract upon return from maternity leave..

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Chelsea midfielder Melanie Leupolz has extended her contract after returning to the squad following maternity leave.

The 28-year-old Germany international, who gave birth to her first child in October 2022, will stay with the Blues until the summer of 2026.

Leupolz joined Chelsea from Bayern Munich in 2020, reaching the Champions League final in her first season.

"I played the first one and a half years and it feels like I'm not done here," she said.

"I want more games with the team, more chances to win titles and one big ambition is to win the Champions League."

Leupolz scored against former club Bayern in the Champions League semi-final first leg to help Emma Hayes' team secure their first continental final place.

Chelsea were well beaten by Barcelona in the 2021 final, but have since reached the Champions League quarter-finals and will now have Leupolz available as they push for European success.

Leupolz made 34 appearances and scored nine goals during her first season at the club - including one on her home debut against Bristol.

She also helped Chelsea to win the Women's Super League and League Cup in her opening campaign.

"When I was leaving Bayern, Chelsea was my favourite club and I wanted to join. I was really lucky that it worked out and my time here has been so special," added Leupolz.

Blues general manager Paul Green said: "We are delighted that Melanie has extended her contract after returning from her maternity leave.

"Melly played a key part in our success in her first 18 months at the club and will almost be like a new signing coming back in to the squad this month."

Sofie Lundgaard: Liverpool sign young Danish midfielder from Fortuna Hjorring..

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Liverpool have signed Denmark youth international Sofie Lundgaard from Fortuna Hjorring.

The midfielder, 20, made her top division debut aged 17 and has played more than 100 senior games.

Lundgaard, who has represented her country at Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 levels, will wear number 15 for the Reds.

"I'm looking forward to meeting all the girls, getting started and winning some football games," she said.

"I've heard a lot of times that this group is a good group and this is a club with ambitions and I'm looking forward to being a part of it.

"I'm a powerful player, I like to play football, can also defend, get good possession and make a lot of goals."

Lundgaard becomes Liverpool's second January window signing, following the return of former captain Gemma Bonner.

Manager Matt Beard said: "Sofie is an exciting young talent who we've been monitoring for the past six months or so.

"We've been really impressed with her progress so far and are looking forward to seeing how that continues in the future."

Manchester United v Liverpool: Women's teams can 'build history' of rivalry in WSL..

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Manchester United must "build the history" of a rivalry with Liverpool, says manager Marc Skinner.

United host Liverpool in the Women's Super League on Sunday, their first fixture following the winter break.

The game does not yet have the stakes of the men's fixture - however they are growing and being driven by fans, according to Skinner.

"This could be a huge fixture, the more experience you have against each other builds history," he said.

"Liverpool are a really good team, and going forward I think it will be like the men's rivalry. Our job is to put in the performances to maintain the standards of this game."

This will be the first league meeting between the sides since September 2019, following Liverpool's relegation from the WSL.

Under manager Matt Beard Liverpool returned to the top flight this season and Skinner feels there is now the chance to establish the fixture as a key game for the clubs and supporters.

"For us it is exciting, the type of game we want to be at," he said in his pre-match press conference.

"We will be super focused and super charged, the way our fans treat it is how we treat it. It will take time to build the history the men's game has, but Liverpool will be playing with the same intensity as us.

"They're always the biggest part. Our fans make the rivalry as well as performances on the field. We have to make it a cauldron and give Liverpool nothing. We've all played in front of empty stadiums and they're no fun."

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Alessia Russo is currently free to speak to other clubs as her contract ends this summer

United enjoyed a superb first half of the season, winning seven and losing just one of their first nine WSL games to put themselves in the title race.

However they could face a tricky transfer window, with several key players including Euro 2022 winners Alessia Russo and Mary Earps approaching the end of their contracts.

They have also lost experienced midfielder Lucy Staniforth, who has moved to Aston Villa having had just six months left on her deal.

Skinner said his side are looking for midfield enforcements, as well as other transfer options.

He said of Staniforth: "With the work we are doing her time was becoming less and less so we decided that was the best option for the player. There was no issue for us, we wish her all the very best. Our job is to look at what we do in this window."

On England forward Russo now being able to speak to other clubs, with her contract expiring this summer, Skinner said: "It complicates things, the reality is that these conversations have probably gone on for a while."

He also confirmed they are in negotiations with first-choice goalkeeper Earps over a new deal.

Third-placed United have the chance to close in on top two Arsenal and Chelsea on Sunday, as the London sides face off at Emirates Stadium.

Skinner said: "There are points to be dropped, but in the end we don't care what they do, we would be foolish to be distracted. We have to focus on this very difficult task in Liverpool."

Gilly Flaherty: England and Liverpool defender announces retirement..

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Liverpool and England defender Gilly Flaherty has announced her retirement from football.

The 31-year-old is the record appearance holder in the history of the Women's Super League, with 177 appearances.

Flaherty started her career at Arsenal in 2006 and also played for Chelsea and West Ham, before joining Liverpool in July 2022.

She retires having won four WSL titles, seven Women's FA Cup's and a UEFA Cup.

Flaherty, who scored the first goal in WSL history against Chelsea in 2011, has chosen to retire for family reasons.

"I've taken the decision to retire from professional football. It isn't a decision I've taken lightly but one I've reached after speaking with those closest to me," said Flaherty.

"Losing my dad just before Christmas has left me heartbroken - for 22 years we shared our love of football and playing wise I don't want to carry on without him by my side.

"Playing-wise I know the right decision is for me to call it a day. The time is right for me to be around my family and to be nearest to those closest to me."

The former West Ham captain signed for Liverpool last summer after four years at the East London club.

In November 2022, she made her 176th WSL appearance against Brighton and Hove Albion Women and broke Lioness Jill Scott's previous record.

"I'd like to thank all the managers I've played under, from beginning at Millwall, through Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and now Liverpool," added Flaherty.

"I'm grateful to have been part of an era before we turned pro, where we had to work as well as play football.

"It's been an honour to have been there from the very beginning, to have committed my whole career to English football and to the WSL for the past 11 or 12 years. To have witnessed the growth and be a part of that has been truly special.

"Hopefully I've had a positive effect on many of those I've met in the dressing rooms, training pitches and stadiums along this wonderful journey."

Emma Mukandi criticises FA & Reading maternity policy..

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Emma Mukandi (right) returned for Reading at the start of this season

Reading captain Emma Mukandi has criticised the Football Association's maternity policy, saying it must have been drawn up by a man.

Mukandi gave birth in November 2021 before returning for Scotland in August 2022 and for Reading when the WSL season started in September.

The current FA maternity policy gives new mothers 14 weeks of full pay.

"If I was to have a kid now, I don't think I'd be able to return 14 weeks after giving birth," Mukandi, 30, said.

An FA spokesperson said: "It is at the discretion of clubs, who directly employ the players, if they choose to go above and beyond the regulations set out within our policy."

Reading manager Kelly Chambers said: "There is stuff we can do better, but for us we gave Emma time to return, now she is in the best shape she has been in."

Mukandi told Off The Ball's COYGIG podcast: "The policy is you only get 14 weeks' full pay and then you've got to go back to your work.

"Bear in mind our body is our job, who even came up with that? Surely not someone who's played football and had a baby. Is that a man? It had to be a man. A man was definitely involved in that."

Mukandi said the FA policy - introduced before the start of this season and which all clubs in the top two divisions in women's football must adhere to - means new mothers at poorer clubs receive less support.

"If you've got loads of money at Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City, you've got loads of great facilities, having a baby there is not an issue at all," she said.

"But the lower down the leagues you go and then money comes into it and facilities, then it's easier for clubs and CEOs to be like, 'No, this isn't happening'.

Mukandi said Reading, who play in the WSL, have not allowed her to bring her daughter Innes into the training ground on days when she is not able to organise childcare.

She said they informed her via a general email that children were not allowed on grounds of "club policy". She is working with the Professional Footballers' Association to find a solution.

Mukandi said: "It's a bit of a cop-out because they know the men don't have to take their kids in because they're earning £10,000 a week, so their wife can just sit at home and watch the kids, or they can afford the nanny.

"Because it's probably never happened at a club like Reading, it's probably easier to be like, 'We just have this policy that there's no kids and that's the answer'.

"I was a wee bit more disappointed because they never even came and spoke to me. It was just this email that got put out - a general email - but which I felt was pretty directed at myself.

"If this is about me then why did we not have a conversation and let me explain why she's here and see if there was anything they could do to actually help rather than just shut the door on it?"

Mukandi revealed she faked an injury when eight weeks pregnant and did not inform Reading of the pregnancy until after the 12-week scan in case it "didn't go down well".

"That was pretty tough," she said. "I did then have to tell the coach because it was probably not right that I kept it for that long anyway.

"At the time there was nothing in the contracts to say if you were pregnant there was any support put in place."

Chambers said Reading effectively gave Mukandi a maternity package before FA rules came into place.

Speaking at her press conference on Thursday, Chambers said: "I don't think Emma said anything against the club. She wants to fight for footballers to be mums.

"Now it is how clubs can think about the women's game in that light. It's new for clubs, based at men's training grounds - it's a different culture spin.

"It's hard, you can go to most workplaces and it would be statutory pay. I'm becoming a mum again myself and that's what's on offer. 14 weeks doesn't mean you have to return to playing after 14 weeks, that needs to be clear to players.

"Emma wasn't ready to step on the pitch, we accepted that. There has to be more guidance for players. It's a step in the right direction. When Emma gave birth there was nothing."