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

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Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said Saturday's 1-1 draw with Manchester United is an experience his players can learn from going forward: "We started off slowly. That sense of belonging on this stage against a very good opponent and the possibility to go top of the WSL if we want – it’s a good learning curve for us.

"Once we settled down, got into our game and did what we wanted to do we matched them and we created a lot of problems. It was a great game. I had a lot of fun as well.

"We know that there's still lots of improvement in the squad, but we're taking the right steps."

On what he changed at half-time: "We needed something a little bit different, to be more aggressive. We saw that there was space in behind, so we had that threat as well. I thought we were a bit more brave and we played quicker.

"We started to get into the spaces quicker and caused them numerous issues. It's a good one to learn from."


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Manchester United boss Marc Skinner was disappointed his side conceded their first goal in the Women's Super League but was pleased with the performance overall: "It was a really good game from both teams. We had a couple of big chances which we have to be more ruthless with and then we get a goal. It’s a fantastic goal. Start of the second half we let off the pace a little bit and then we let a goal in which we won’t be happy with. But it happens.

"I thought we were exceptional for most of the game. The second part of the second half we took the game to them again and all of a sudden we could have won the game. To go and want to win the game at the end shows a great mindset. We are in a really good space and long may it continue."

On the penalty shout for the foul on Celin Bizet: "In my opinion it’s an absolute stonewall penalty. It’s a clumsy challenge and she goes over and it’s in the penalty area. Not even a foul is given. You will hopefully get them in games but it is a big moment.

On Maya Le Tissier breaking the record for the youngest player to have started 100 WSL games: "She is brilliant. She has come back to her old stomping ground. She is hugely important to what we do and she is a credit to our captaincy."

Women's Super League - Result - Venue: St Helens Stadium - Attendance: 3,007

Sunday 20th October 2024

Liverpool 1 (Kapocs 37) Crystal Palace 1 (Stengel 14)

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Katie Stengel of Crystal Palace puts her team ahead at Liverpool.

Match report by Charlotte Coates, BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Matt Beard criticised his side's work-rate after a disappointing home draw with Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League.

The Reds fell behind in the 14th minute after their former striker Katie Stengel opened her goal account for Palace, before Cornelia Kapocs levelled with a lovely finish.

With the visitors looking the most likely to find a winner, Beard did not hold back in his post-match assessment as Liverpool go into the international break with just one WSL win.

"We were lucky to get that point to be honest," said Beard to BBC Radio 5 Live. "I'm disappointed with the whole performance. I think our DNA is work-rate, being aggressive and we were so passive today with and without the ball.

"I thought Palace wanted it more than us, pulling out of tackles. On that front, we need to get to the bottom of why that is because it's super frustrating."

Stengel, who left the Reds in 2023 after scoring 17 times in 33 games, gave the visitors the lead after prodding home from close range as the home defence failed to clear.

Liverpool pulled themselves level 23 minutes later when Kapocs picked up the ball on the left-hand side of the area and powered in a lovely finish.

Early in the second half, Gemma Bonner denied Palace when she put her body on the line with a brilliant piece of defending as she threw herself in front of Stengel's goal-bound strike.

Liverpool's record signing, Olivia Smith, thought she had won it for the Reds late on but her superb strike from 25 yards struck the foot of the post.

Liverpool visit Aston Villa on 3rd November after the international break, while Palace next host Manchester City on the same day.

Women's Super League - Result - Venue: Chigwell Construction Stadium

Sunday 20th October 2024

West Ham United 0 Arsenal 2 (Caldentey 71 pen, Kafaji 89)

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Alessia Russo of Arsenal heads goalward under pressure from Amber Tysiak of West Ham.

Match report by Emma Smith, BBC Sport journalist

Mariona Caldentey's penalty and Rosa Kafaji's first Arsenal goal earned victory over West Ham in their first Women's Super League match since Jonas Eidevall resigned as manager.

Arsenal were underwhelming for long periods under interim boss Renee Slegers, but found the breakthrough when Amber Tysiak brought down Stina Blackstenius in the box with 20 minutes to play and Caledentey tucked away the spot-kick.

Balckstenius' cross was then finished first time by summer signing Kafaji to earn Slegers her second win from two games in temporary charge following Eidevall's departure last week.

For long periods, amid awful weather conditions in London, there was no immediate evidence of a new manager bounce.

Arsenal came closest in the first half when Alessia Russo shot across the face of goal on 20 minutes before West Ham keeper Kinga Szemik saved with her legs from Emily Fox shortly after.

Blackstenius was denied brilliantly by Szemik after 62 minutes, before the decisive penalty followed by Kafaji's late strike.

West Ham are one of three WSL sides yet to win this season, with just two points from their first five games.

Women's Super League - Upcoming Fixtures

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Sunday 3rd November 2024

Manchester United v Arsenal - 12.30pm

Brighton & Hove Albion v Leicester City - 2pm

Crystal Palace v Manchester City - 2pm

Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United - 2pm

Aston Villa v Liverpool - 4.30pm

Everton v Chelsea - 6.45pm



Current WSL Table
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/womens-super-league/table

Friday 25th October 2024 - Friendlies Women - Friendlies 1

England 3 (Stanway 33 pen, 36, Bronze 81) Germany 4 (Gwinn 4 pen, 11, Buhl 29, Dabritz 72 pen)

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Giulia Gwinn scored twice as Germany raced into a 3-0 lead in the first half of the friendly

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Georgia Stanway kept her cool to score from the spot after England's nightmare start

Match report by Emma Sanders, BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Wembley Stadium

England suffered defeat by Germany as the teams that contested the Euro 2022 final at Wembley returned to the same stage and delivered a seven-goal friendly thriller.

It was a chaotic evening in north London as England failed to control the game and fell 3-0 down within half an hour.

Germany captain Giulia Gwinn scored twice, once from the penalty spot, before Klara Buhl added a third, stunning the Lionesses on home soil.

But Sarina Wiegman's side responded when Georgia Stanway's quick-fire double narrowed the deficit, and they could have added more with Alessia Russo striking the outside of the post and having a goal disallowed for offside in the build-up.

However, there could be no serious complaints with the scoreline at half-time as England's defence was carved apart countless times and duly punished.

Germany were equally as poor in defence but England were not able to capitalise as they conceded a fourth goal in the second half, when Russo was harshly penalised for a challenge in her own area and Sara Dabritz scored from the resulting spot-kick.

Lucy Bronze was able to poke in a third for England after goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger spilled a free-kick delivery.

However, the home side - dramatic 2-1 winners in that final two years ago - could not find a late equaliser.

The woodwork was hit twice and there were three disallowed goals in total - two for England, one for Germany - as fans were treated to an immense spectacle.

However, it was a match which exposed England's weaknesses, confirming they have a lot of work to do if they want to defend their European crown next summer.



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England manager Sarina Wiegman speaking to ITV:

"A game that was of a very high level, two teams that are equal and want to attack, so it was open. For me it was a little too open - we wanted to press the ball but if you don't get that right at moments then they are really dangerous when they go forward. We had moments when we lost the ball, unforced errors, and then they are gone."

On defensive concerns: "Losing the ball at moments that we should not lose the ball. Germany challenged us but if we had taken out more of those unforced errors then they can't counter attack.

"There were moments that they challenged us tactically - we wanted to press higher but we needed to find out the triggers. When do we stay compact and wait, versus when do we go?"

On the final penalty decision: "I haven't seen it back but from how I saw it, I found it very, very unlucky."

On work to do: "That is why we play those games. Top level games where you get challenged and if you don't get the things right then you get exploited. That is what we want; to see where we are at, get as much information as possible and get players minutes to build connections. That is what we want to build preparations for the Euros."

Alex Scott poses for her 40th birthday shoot discusses rejection and causing controversy choice by wearing OneLove armband in Qatar..by Kirsten Murray

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Alex Scott looked sensational as she posed up a storm for her sexiest shoot yet as she celebrated turning 40 this month.

The footballer-turned-broadcaster flashed her toned abs as in a strapless black bralette and smart suit trousers in a series of stunning snaps.

And while the sports star said she is now 'in the best place' she admitted it hasn't always been easy as she detailed her struggles with rejection.

Speaking to Hunger magazine she explained: 'Sometimes people just see the end process, but not what it took.

'The rejection, the people not thinking that I was good enough because of my accent and so forth.

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'That constant drive to prove people wrong has always been there from that young girl in Poplar.'

Reflecting back on her younger self she added: 'that young Alex in the cage, she had dreams.
She wanted to see the world. She could see there was a bigger picture and she didn't want to be stuck in that football cage and think that was her life.'

Alex signed with Arsenal when she was only eight years old and later went on to become their captain.

After appearing in the Women's Super League 140 times, the star retired from football in September 2017.
She began putting her expertise to good use from the presenting chair on BBC Sport landing jobs at the Women's World Cup.

She added: 'No one could ever say that I didn't work hard.'

Meanwhile Alex also opened up about her controversial decision to wear the OneLove Armband at the Qatar World Cup back in 2022.

Alex, who is in a relationship with singer Jess Glynne, wore the armband which was intended as a protest against all forms of discrimination at the tournament in Qatar.

Alex confessed: 'I didn't even know I was going to do that an hour before.

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'It just came from a place of love. I wanted people to know that they belong and that I stand with everybody.'

The star also opened up about turning 40 and feeling content as she added: 'I'm in a great place, a really good spot.

'Obviously, everyone keeps reminding me about my big Birthday. I went into this birthday feeling comfortable in my own skin.

'There's been too many points in my life where I've kind of been that person who wants [their birthday] to go under the radar.

'Now, I'm like, let's celebrate it. You just don't know what's going to happen.'

The shoot comes after Alex hit the town to celebrate her 40th birthday in style on last week with her friends and family.

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Alex is in a relationship with Jess Glynne (35) after the pair were first spotted together at Wimbledon in 2023
Alex and Jess both share birthdays in October, the 14th and 20th.

Tuesday 29th October 2024 - Friendlies 1 - Venue: The Coventry Building Society Arena

England 2 (Williamson 12, Clinton 23) South Africa 1 (Kgatlana 55)

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Leah Williamson of England scores her team’s first goal against South Africa.

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Grace Clinton of England heads hwer side into a 2-0 lead against South Africa.

Match report by Emma Sanders, BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at CBS Arena

England captain Leah Williamson scored but also made an error that led to a South Africa goal in a friendly victory in Coventry.

It was an important win for England, who were beaten 4-3 by Germany on Friday, but defensive errors remained.

Williamson, who only returned from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in January, has struggled for form this season and was under scrutiny.

She was one of three players who kept her place in Sarina Wiegman's side, and gave the perfect response when she opened the scoring in the first half.

But it was a mixed evening for the Lionesses' captain as it was her loose pass to midfielder Georgia Stanway which set up Thembi Kgatlana's goal in the second half for South Africa.

It was a moment that made England's night a little less comfortable, having gone 2-0 up when Grace Clinton headed in Maya le Tissier's cross.

However, Wiegman's much-changed side showed plenty of creativity and confidence going forward, despite ongoing difficulties at the back.

Tottenham's Jess Naz - making her first England start - got an assist, while Manchester City's Jess Park was busy and assured.

Chloe Kelly, struggling for game time at City this season, showed her desire to regain her place in the starting XI and hit the crossbar in the second half.

On the whole it was a disjointed performance given all the changes, but will give Wiegman food for thought, and highlighted further that England must improve defensively before next summer's Euro 2025 tournament in Switzerland.

BBC Sport signs new WSL rights deal until 2030..by BBC Sport

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BBC Sport has agreed a new five-year deal to continue broadcasting the Women's Super League.

Under the deal, which runs until 2030, the BBC will show 21 top-flight matches every season.

From the 2025-26 season, there will be 14 exclusive matches on BBC television, with seven shared across BBC iPlayer and BBC digital platforms.

Selected matches will also be available on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds and on local BBC radio.

Goals and clips of every fixture will be available on the BBC Sport website, app and social channels.

The broadcast deal means matches will continue to be broadcast on Sky Sports.

Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport, said: "It's great to see the WSL growing and growing and I'm delighted that the BBC is carrying on as a partner on that journey.

"We remain the most-used sports broadcaster in the UK, providing unparalleled cross-platform coverage, so it's brilliant to be able to continue bringing the WSL to audiences as part of our free-to-air portfolio."

Women's Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) chief executive Nikki Doucet said: "Agreeing the next cycle of broadcast rights was a priority for us and we are very fortunate to have two premium broadcast partners in Sky Sports and the BBC who believe in the future and value of women's football as much as we do.

"The growth of the game is undeniable, and this deal is another step in the right direction and positive news for the fans, the players and the clubs."

WSL Results - Sunday 3rd November 2024

Manchester United 1 (Malard 82) Arsenal 1 (Russo 63)

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Alessia Russo

Match report by Emma Sanders, BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Leigh Sports Village

Manchester United substitute Melvine Malard scored a late equaliser to secure a point against Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village.

It cancelled out Alessia Russo's first goal of the Women's Super League season, which it looked would give the Gunners victory.

The England international has struggled in front of goal this season but looked sharp against her former club and eventually found the net in a dominant second-half display.

With England manager Sarina Wiegman watching, Russo drilled the ball past goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce minutes after team-mate Lia Walti struck the post.

But it was not enough to take Arsenal over the line as Marc Skinner's second-half substitutions had an impact and Malard's header bobbled over goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar's outstretched hand.

It denied the Gunners a third victory under interim manager Renee Slegers as they continue to regroup following the departure of Jonas Eidevall.

"You know against the top teams it will be important to win, especially from where we come from, and that's why the disappointment is so big," said Slegers.

"We did a lot of things well. We had lots of involvement from the players on what we wanted to achieve in this block of games and we did a lot of those things.

"Performance-wise there were a lot of positives, but then again the disappointment was only [gaining] one point."

United, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their opening five matches and this result keeps them within touching distance of league leaders Manchester City.



Brighton & Hove Albion 1 (Parris 20) Leicester City 0

Venue: Broadfield Stadium - Attendance: 2,082

Match report by Charlotte Coates, BBC Sport journalist

Brighton continued their impressive form as they moved up to third in the Women's Super League with a dominant performance against Leicester.

Nikita Parris maintained her purple patch in front of goal as she scored for the third game running for the first time since October 2018.

The 30-year-old showed her poacher's instinct in the 20th minute when she reacted first to head in Jorelyn Carabali's powerful cross.

Brighton boss Dario Vidosic praised his side after the game: "Even though I'm possession-based, we concentrate a lot defensively.

"We tried to attack with the ball and to also defend with the ball and then that way we were solid. I thought we looked really solid even when a lot was thrown at us.

"We're just learning, trying to evolve and get better, but we know we've got a tough test on Friday and I'm sure we're all looking forward to that one."

The Seagulls started the second half on the front foot too and Parris almost netted her second after fine interplay with talented midfielder Vicky Losada.

There was concern from the visitors' bench on the hour mark when midfielder Sam Tierney required a stretcher after injuring her ankle in a challenge with Poppy Pattinson.

Despite falling behind early on, Leicester, who remain eighth, failed to trouble Brighton keeper Sophie Baggaley and ended the match with just one effort on goal.

The success for the home side - who briefly went second but dropped a place after Chelsea's thumping win at Everton - capped a brilliant few days for Vidosic after he was named WSL Manager of the Month for October.

Next up for the Seagulls is a testing trip to Arsenal on Friday, 8 November, before Leicester visit winless West Ham two days later.