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Thoughts on: Danielle Carter Thoughts on: Danielle Carter Carter Back 13 September 2020 By Charlotte Stacey Once a Gunner... Ben Hoskins As Arsenal’s longest serving player, Danielle Carter’s announcement that she will be leaving the club has come as a bit of a shock. With injuries having kept her off the pitch, it is safe to say it has been a frustrating couple of years for the striker. Torn ACL’s are the Achilles heel of women’s sport. The knee injury is not just a tear to the joint, it is a tear from one’s livelihood. Typically requiring surgery, followed by extensive physiotherapy, the recovery to full fitness is not for the faint hearted. Simply, they are physically and emotionally agonising. So suffering two in as many years is unimaginable. Many would have likely thrown in the towel after enduring such devastation, but not in this case. Dan Carter is made of strong stuff. Despite having missed most of the last two seasons, Carter has very much remained at the heart of Arsenal. This speaks volumes as to not only her importance as a player, but also to her character, both as a team member and as an individual. Carter’s positive outlook on the pitch seems to be reflected off of it, and certainly, she will be missed as her eleven-year tenure at Meadow Park comes to an end. What Carter leaves behind is more than just a legacy. She wraps up her time with the Gunners having scored sixty goals in 184 appearances. A mammoth three league titles, five Conti Cups and four FA Cups under her belt. Taking a look back at Carter’s Arsenal career, it is clear to see that she has been instrumental in their success over the past decade. Danielle Carter Carter is a fine dribbler of the ball. With complete control, she twists and turns, dips and dodges, sending defenders into all sorts of frenzies as she goes. Her movement is spellbinding; a delight for the viewer, a nightmare for the opposition. Impossibly quick footwork means she outwits defensive lines with ease, routinely taking risks and creating chances to put the Gunners ahead. Her accuracy is spot on. When she is on goal, you can bet she is hitting the target. She is intelligent in her positioning, and her runs often see her on the end of a cross or a through ball. Yet Carter’s immense finish means she does not need to be in the box to sink one past the keeper. When it comes to long range shots, Carter fires them like a cannon. In fact, her two hat tricks in four appearances for England tells you all you need to know about Carter’s goalscoring abilities. A striker of Carter’s quality should be playing, and playing regularly; and herein lies the problem. Coming back into an Arsenal side and competing for a place against decidedly esteemed forwards is a tall order, but even more so after such a prolonged period off the field. Overcoming two years of anguish, Carter deserves game time, but unfortunately, this is no longer a guarantee at Arsenal. Is Carter’s departure gutting? Undoubtably so. But is it a wise move? Absolutely. Having not had the opportunity to play out a final game, this is a bittersweet goodbye. However, although it may not have ended with a bang, her influence will certainly not fizzle. What she has achieved, but more importantly what she has given, will not be forgotten, and she leaves with her head held high. As the saying goes, once a Gunner always a Gunner. At 27, Carter has plenty more to give, and plenty more time to shine once again. And one thing is for certain, whichever team Carter finds herself at next, will have landed themselves someone rather special. *Carter has since joined Reading.

City are Spurs’ kryptonite once again as a 2-0 win helps them keep pace with Chelsea Back Match Report Spurs fall at the feet of Manchester City City are Spurs’ kryptonite once again as a 2-0 win helps them keep pace with Chelsea Spurs Women 30 January 2024 By Finley Chung An own goal from Amy Turner and Bunny Shaw’s 13th goal of the season eased Manchester City to a 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Brisbane Road. Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn made two changes from the crazy 4-3 win over West Ham, with Charli Grant and Amanda Nilden coming in for full WSL starts, at the expense of Kit Graham and Ramona Petzelberger. Manchester City only changed one from their last encounter, with Jill Roord, who sadly obtained an ACL injury in the week, replaced by Laura Coombes. Hosts Tottenham Hotspur got the game underway, but it was the visitors who had the first chance, with Alex Greenwood striking a brilliant free kick which dipped goal wards, but Barbora Votikova in the Spurs goal kept the effort out. City definitely started the stronger and got the lead they deserved thanks to an own goal from Amy Turner, who diverted the loose ball past Votikova and gave the Cityzens the lead inside ten minutes. City almost had a second immediately, when a heavy touch from Votikova almost put Bunny Shaw through, but the striker was unable to made any goalward contact. Some more body on the line defending from Spurs prevented City doubling their lead, with Molly Bartrip throwing herself infront of a Laura Coombes effort, taking the full whack of the sweetly struck volley. Controversy surrounded referee, Melissa Burgin, as she didn’t give City an indirect free kick for a seemingly obvious back pass by Molly Bartrip which was picked up by Votikova, however the referee was unmoved, despite numerous protests. The hosts then managed to snuffle out their first chance, with Martha Thomas racing through from a Grace Clinton through ball, but skewing her effort wide under pressure from Greenwood. City then displayed their quality with Khiara Keating playing a superb ball out from the back over Amanda Nilden, which Chloe Kelly took down and fed into the box, but Coombes couldn’t get any sort of good connection on her effort, seeing it blocked before Yui Hasegawa fired the loose ball over. Spurs thought they had the leveller when Martha Thomas calmly slotted past Keating after a nice Evelina Summanen through pass, but the assistant referee’s flag cut any celebrations short from the winger. City were spraying the ball around nicely and came close to a second when Lauren Hemp tricked her way past he marker, stood up a cross which was met by Bunny Shaw, but her header was straight at Votikova in the Spurs goal. Evelina Summanen was the first name in the referee’s notebook following a cynical foul on Bunny Shaw when the attacker was breaking away in the last action of the half. Half Time - Spurs 0-1 Man City Filippa Angeldahl had the first chance of the second 45, getting on the end of a knockdown but lashing her right footed effort wide of Votikova’s post. City’s dominance paid dividends five minutes after half time as Lauren Hemp pounced on a loose ball and slid through Bunny Shaw, who on her 50th WSL appearance smashed the ball high into the top corner past a flat footed Votikoiva and double the visitors lead. Charli Grant then got a vital toe in to deny Shaw a clean chance at a second goal for herself, before Robert Vilahamn rolled the dice, bringing off Martha Thomas and Grace Clinton in place of Jessica Naz and Shuang Wang, the latter for her WSL and Tottenham debut. Those two changes were introduced to create a bit of speed and directness into the Spurs squad, which worked for five or so minutes, but they both fell into the City trap of being able to stifle Tottenham. Charli Grant was then replaced by Ramona Patzelberger for Tottenham as we entered the final 15 minutes, with Gareth Taylor then making a double change, with Mary Fowler and Jess Park replacing goalscorer Shaw, and Laura Coombes. The first two Spurs changes almost combined to drag them back into the game as Naz got on the end of Wang’s pass, but the former’s effort flew over the bar, Spurs registered another late chance, with Bethany England racing through and slamming a left footed effort goalward, with the effort being held by Kheating, Spurs brought on more fresh legs in added time, as Rosella Ayanne and Matilda Vinberg replaced Bethany England and Celin Bizet. The referee blew the full time whistle to confirm a professional performance for the visitors, seeing them move three points behind Chelsea on the same amount of games. This result also kept Spurs in 6th, with a visit to Prenton Park next weekend. Full Time - Spurs 0-2 Man City Turner (OG), 9’, Shaw 50’

Reading v Southampton Conti Cup Photographer Ryan Asman On a chilly Conti Cup evening, it was a late goal from Lexi Lloyd-Smith finally put Southampton ahead after a dominant display from the visitors.

Arsenal v Manchester City Photographer Ryan Asman The Arsenal clinch all three points with 2-1 victory over fellow title contenders Manchester City in front of a rocking Meadow Park. 3, 982 spectators packed into the sell-out fixture and were not disappointed by the fiery clash between the two titans. City took an early lead through a bullet header from Bunny Shaw before the Gunners made a strong comeback in the second half. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum drew the sides level before Katie McCabe unleashed a rocket to seal the deal for the home side. Our photographer Ryan Asman was on hand to capture the big moments. Words by Charlotte Stacey

Johanna Rytting Kanyerd's effort was all that seperated the two sides Back Match Report Chelsea earn first points of the WSL season with slim win over Aston Villa Johanna Rytting Kanyerd's effort was all that seperated the two sides Chelsea FC Women 22 September 2024 By Paul Donegan Chelsea started the defence of their Women’s Super League title with a 1-0 win over Aston Villa on Friday evening. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored the only goal of the game in the first half but the Blues have Hannah Hampton to thank for the win after she made two good saves during second half stoppage time to deny Villa an equaliser. It was the start of a new era at Chelsea with Sonia Bompastor in charge of a competitive match for the first time after Emma Hayes left at the end of last season after 12 years at the club. Aston Villa were also under new management with Robert de Pauw replacing Carla Ward over the summer. Kingsmeadow was sold out for the first match of the WSL season, and Gruo Reiten had the first chance of it for the Blues within the first two minutes but put her shot wide. Sjoeke Nusken then met a free kick at the far post but her cross back across goal was just missed by Millie Bright’s head as the hosts made a good start Reiten had the home sides next chance when after turning on the edge of the area she again put her shot wide in the 9th minute. Villa had a good opportunity to go ahead in the 13th minute when Chasity Grant’s low cross was put over by Missy Bo Kearns in front of goal. Chelsea immediately went up the other end and debutant Lucy Bronze saw her cross from the right-side not finding any of her teammates in the area. The home side had more chances with Bronze seeing her header from a corner saved then Reiten missing the target. Jordan Nobbs tested Hampton on the half-hour mark but her long-range effort for the away side was easily claimed by the England goalkeeper. In the 35th minute, Sandy Baltimore’s cross was punched away by Sabrina D’Angelo before Villa cleared the ball. A minute later Chelsea took the lead when Rytting Kaneryd picked the ball up, run across the area, turned then sent a shot from 18-yards into the corner of the net with her left foot. Five minutes before the break, Nusken’s shot was saved by the Villa goalkeeper. As the match entered first half stoppage time, Bright glanced a header wide. The Villans had the first chance of the second half but Hampton claimed the ball after it had bounced around the 6-yard box. Rachel Daly’s looping header then hit the top of the crossbar as the visitors looked for an equaliser at the start of the second half. A shot into the side netting and a header onto the roof of the net were as close as the Blues had come to scoring in the second half until Erin Cuthbert sent an effort narrowly over in the 58th minute. At the other end, Kadeisha Buchanan made a great tackle to stop half time substitute Kirsty Hanson getting a cross in. D’Angelo kept out Cuthbert’s shot for the home side in the 67th minute. Villa’s defence did well to stop Aggie Beever-Jones getting a shot away before they blocked Cuthbert’s effort in the 75th minute then the visitors goalkeeper prevented an own goal from Lucy Parker. Ebony Salmon came on for Parker with five minutes left in a very attacking move from Villa at the same time Lauren James replaced goalscorer Rytting Kaneryd for the Blues as they looked for a bit of creativity to seal the match. Summer signing Katie Robinson’s cross fizzed across goal for the visitors in the final minute of the 90. Hampton made a good save to deny Daly late in stoppage time. D’Angelo, who had come up for the late set-pieces, then saw her header superbly tipped over by the Chelsea goalie even deeper into additional time. These proved to be the final chances as the Blues held on to claim the three points. Even though they lost, there was a lot for the Villa to be positive about based on this performance. Line ups Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Hampton, Lawrence, Bright (c), Buchanan, Bronze, Nusken, Cuthbert, Reiten (Bjorn 90’+4), Baltimore (Hamano 66’), Rytting Kaneryd (James 85’), Ramirez (Beever-Jones 67’) Unused substitutes: Musovic, Macario, Perisset, Kaptein, Mpome, Goal – Rytting Kaneryd 36’ Booked - Hamano Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo, Tomas, Parker (Salmon 85’), Patten, Maritz, Staniforth (Hanson 46’), Nobbs, Dali (Robinson 66’), Kearns, Grant (Leon 66’), Daly (c) Unused substitutes: Poor, Mayling, Corsie, Turner, Pacheco Booked - Staniforth Referee – Kirsty Dowle Attendance – 4,337

Coventry United travel home with all three points after taking advantage of 10 player Crystal Palace Back Match Report FAWC: Crystal Palace v Coventry United Coventry United travel home with all three points after taking advantage of 10 player Crystal Palace via Coventry United 6 March 2022 By Charlotte Stacey In a first half plagued with stoppages neither side managed to break the deadlock despite a healthy amount of pressure from the home side. A heavy collision halted play early on when Crystal Palace goalkeeper Chloe Morgan came out to clear the ball before the oncoming Anna Wilcox made contact. The pair came together awkwardly and both required treatment from physios before returning to their feet. Morgan and Wilcox were both substituted off later in the game as a result of this encounter. The Eagles were then hit with another stoppage when Charley Clifford went down off the ball. The midfielder was in visible pain and clearly unable to continue. Kirsty Barton was brought on to replace Clifford 12 minutes in. Four minutes later the hosts had their first chance of the match after Elisha N’Dow passed back a loose ball to goalkeeper Lucy Thomas to collect. Sophie McLean was able to pounce on the opportunity and fired a shot on the edge of the six-yard box forcing Thomas to drop to the ground to make the save. At the 20-minute mark Palace again had the chance to take the lead. Molly Sharpe met Gracie Pearse’s lob and sent in a low effort that was subsequently blocked by Thomas. McLean was there to collect the loose ball but sent her rebound shot over the bar keeping the score level. Coventry were able to regroup and force the hosts into a few hairy moments. Captain Katie Wilkinson in particular made herself a nuisance in the 25-yard box yet was not able to connect with anything cleanly enough to cause Morgan much trouble. The second half started eventfully as Crystal Palace centre back Grace Coombs earned a straight red card after challenging Charlie Estcourt on the edge of the box, denying a goalscoring opportunity in the official’s opinion. Mollie Green’s free-kick did not go further than Palace’s wall. The Eagles managed to maintain a spell of momentum in spite of being down to ten players with Alex Hennessy and Sharpe proving difficult for Coventry’s defence to keep hold of. However, one opportunity is all it takes to swing the odds in your favour and the visitors made good on an opening. A switch of play on the counter was picked up by Olivia Fergusson on the left-hand side. Fergusson whipped in a pinpoint early cross that Wilkinson was able to meet with a bullet header to put the visitors ahead at 67 minutes. The Eagles largely struggled to contain Coventry and the visitors saw the game out with the upper hand. Their final chance of the match came 82 minutes in after Katy Morris was played in on goal by Wilkinson. Morris was able to get in behind makeshift centre back pairing of Barton and Annabel Johnson, yet was unable to get a clear shot away from Wilkinson’s heavy pass. Coventry clinched the hugely important victory and hit the road with three points. --- Crystal Palace: Morgan (GK) (45’), Johnson (C), Coombs (RC), Pearse, Clifford (12’), Sibley, Cowan (78’), Everett, McLean (68’), Sharpe, Hennessy (68’) Substitutes: Orman (GK) (45’), Farrow (78’), Wilson (68’), Baptiste, Churchill (68’), Nicol, Haines, Waldie, Barton (12’) Coventry United: L Thomas (GK), N’Dow, Wilcox (19’), Green, Morris, Orthodoxou, Johnson, Estcourt, F Thomas, Mann, Wilkinson (C) Substitutes: Clark, Colville( , Fergusson (19’), Hartley, Riglar, McGrother Goals: Wilkinson 67’

New five-a-side football centre offers innovative, immersive experience to players with cutting edge technology and industry leading innovation Fives Soccer Centres launch next-generation football centre at TraffordCity Saturday, 5 November 2022 Fives Soccer New five-a-side football centre offers innovative, immersive experience to players with cutting edge technology and industry leading innovation Fives Soccer Fives Soccer Centres are proud to launch their revolutionary football centre in the heart of Manchester, offering an unrivalled small-sided football experience for the local community. The venue has been equipped with state-of-the-art, industry-leading technology and world class facilities with eight larger than standard small-sided football pitches, which are the first in the UK to be approved by the FA. Each pitch offers individual player tracking, allowing everyone to analyse and log their performance stats after a game, as well as video match replays and highlights so players can show off their cat-like reflexes or top corner goals to all their friends, all powered from the dedicated Fives mobile app. The new app also allows players to check pitch availability at the Trafford venue, confirm and split payments for bookings, access their pitch and after they’re done, watch and share their game footage. The pitches also feature digital scoreboards, with floodlight control and gate and pitch access available through the app with a unique QR code. Fives held a ‘Festival of Football’ on Tuesday 1st November to launch the venue with footballers, celebrities, and media all in attendance. Manchester United Women’s captain, Katie Zelem said: “It was a fantastic event to launch the new Fives Trafford venue. They are leading the way in offering a professional experience to all players, and I really feel like the future of football is safe hands.” Of the launch, Scott Penman, CEO of Fives Soccer Centres said: “We have a clear plan to revolutionise the small side football market using digital technology to modernise the customer experience, remove significant operational cost as well as the use of modern technology to dramatically improve and professionalise the at venue player experience. “We hope that, as a brand, Fives can change the shape of 5-a-side football over the coming years and encourage a more diverse and inclusive customer base into the sport we all love.” The venue has opened in TraffordCity and is easily accessible for all budding footballers in the local area. James Whittaker, Peel L&P’s Executive Director of Development said: “The launch of Fives Soccer Centre marks another exciting milestone for TraffordCity. We are committed at Peel L&P to creating new opportunities for our local community, and by working in partnership with Fives we can offer a new, innovative space to exercise, socialise and support the health and wellbeing of the local community.” The facility is open to the public and individual pitches and leagues can be booked via the Football Fives mobile app, available to download from the App Store and Google Play. For more information as well as event bookings visit www.football5s.com/ . Follow on Instagram: @football_fives

An open letter to Jen Beattie. To Jen Beattie Saturday, 12 December 2020 By Charlotte Stacey An open letter to Jen Beattie. via The Morning Star Today, Saturday 12th December 2020, Arsenal and Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A sequence of letters that one naturally assumed would never leave their fingertips when writing about athletes at the top of their game, yet, here we are. This marks the first piece of work I have written in the first person. However, I must admit, I briefly considered taking an altogether different approach. I toyed with the idea of tackling the subject with my typical, almost academically natured dictation, yet such thoughts were very quickly dismissed. This is a piece that needs to come from a place much closer to home. I realised this as I sat at my laptop unravelling the words before me. A small window of time, in which, I am unashamed to say, the prickling sensation of welling tears threatened to derail my composure. I cannot tell you why the cold, nauseating feeling of upset hit me as hard as it did. Blindsided, maybe. Shock, probably. Guilt, even. You see, it struck me rather viciously, that in a year in which we have all been caught up with personal demons, it has become somewhat easier to forget that life goes on outside of our own four walls. That, sometimes, it can take horrifically sobering news to bring you crashing back down to Earth. Today, Saturday 12th December 2020, Arsenal and Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. A sequence of letters that one naturally assumed would never leave their fingertips when writing about athletes at the top of their game, yet, here we are. This marks the first piece of work I have written in the first person. However, I must admit, I briefly considered taking an altogether different approach. I toyed with the idea of tackling the subject with my typical, almost academically natured dictation, yet such thoughts were very quickly dismissed. This is a piece that needs to come from a place much closer to home. I realised this as I sat at my laptop unravelling the words before me. A small window of time, in which, I am unashamed to say, the prickling sensation of welling tears threatened to derail my composure. I cannot tell you why the cold, nauseating feeling of upset hit me as hard as it did. Blindsided, maybe. Shock, probably. Guilt, even. You see, it struck me rather viciously, that in a year in which we have all been caught up with personal demons, it has become somewhat easier to forget that life goes on outside of our own four walls. That, sometimes, it can take horrifically sobering news to bring you crashing back down to Earth. To clarify, I do not know Jen Beattie, I have never met her. But she is a part of something I hold dearly and so, the news of her diagnosis, perhaps a little unexpectedly, caught me off guard. Jen Beattie, is a steadfast, resolute player. Experienced and reliable in any given situation, she is every bit a resourceful defender, who at 29, is in the prime of her career. Beattie emits a stout winning mentality; she has won four FA titles, plus several other league titles with Arsenal, and with former club, Manchester City. A mentality that she, quite evidently, carries with her elsewhere. Here, even when dealing with such devastating personal news, Beattie’s robust mindset has prevailed. Not only is she sharing her ongoing experience, something she is by no means obliged to do, she is also personally urging us to look after ourselves. When no one could accuse self-care as egotistical, Beattie is, rather admirably, bringing visibility to a subject that is infrequently discussed. This unselfish deed becomes even more commendable when considering the restrictions that Covid-19 has placed upon Beattie, in what no doubt continues to be, the scariest months of her life. As Beattie has opted to continue to play football, she has been unable to fully feel the support of her family in Scotland. So begins a moment of reflection. As I re-watch the now, poignant, moment Beattie scored against Brighton in October, I recognise Lia Walti’s comforting kiss on the cheek, Leah Williamson’s literal interpretation of having one’s back. I understand the gravity of Arsenal’s eleven standing shoulder to shoulder surrounding their number 5, a protective huddle encasing the dignity of one of their own. Yet, I believe, this is a protective huddle that reaches beyond the borders of Arsenals touchlines. It is a huddle that assembles far and wide, cascading a with widespread watchful eye. Because when someone, anyone, who is a part of our community suffers such a blow, we find common ground. We push our rivalries, our differences, our opinions, aside, and we stand together. As I reach the end of this “open article”, I appreciate that some may some may feel it is too much. Some may feel, perhaps, it is not my place to write such pouring a piece. Yet, my intention is not to gush, my intention is to thank. I thank you, Jen Beattie, for sharing your experience. I thank you for bringing attention to a somewhat taboo topic. I thank you for reminding us that we are all guilty of neglecting ourselves from time to time. But most of all, I thank you for being honest. As tomorrow rolls round and Arsenal and Manchester City meet, the Academy stadium, though physically empty, will be overflowing in spirit with support, respect and admiration. We are with you Jen, all the way.

Hosts Charlton pull a 3-0 victory over recently relegated Birmingham City Back Match Report WC: Charlton Athletic v Birmingham City Hosts Charlton pull a 3-0 victory over recently relegated Birmingham City via CAFC 19 September 2022 By Paul Donegan Charlton Athletic beat Birmingham City 3-0 at The Valley on Sunday. The goals came from Ella Rutherford, Angela Addison and a Lucy Thomas own goal. Charlton made two changes from their last match three weeks ago when they lost to London City Lionesses with Elisha N’Dow and Rutherford coming in for Heidi Logan and Mia Ross. Birmingham also made two changes from the side that won their last match against Sunderland with Martha Harris and Tara Bourne dropping out and replacing them were Mollie Green and debutant Charlie Estcourt. Before the match started, there was a minute’s silence and the National Anthem was played in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Birmingham had the first opportunity when Harriet Scott’s low shot was saved by Sian Rogers. Charlton took the lead in the 4th minute when Emma Follis played the ball back to Rutherford who finished first time from the edge of the area into the corner of the net. Both sides had chances with Follis, Addison, and Melissa Johnson having efforts for Charlton, and Jade Pennock, Jamie Finn, Green, Jade Pennock and Charlie Devlin having opportunities for Birmingham. There was a long injury delay whilst Charlton’s Hannah Godfrey received treatment and was stretchered off. Hopefully Hannah will make a quick and full recovery. Charlton extended their lead in the 40th minute when Addison scored her first goal for the club when she finished from close range after a corner had found its way to her. Both sides had further chances before half time with Pennock and Louise Quinn having efforts for the away side and Rutherford for The Addicks. Charlton went close to scoring a third when Ross, who had come on as a substitute, saw her header hit the crossbar. Birmingham’s Green saw a free kick deflected wide four minutes into the second half. Charlton made it 3-0 in the 50th minute when Rutherford saw her shot from 25-yards out hit the post and go in off Birmingham’s goalkeeper Thomas. Birmingham were still having chances despite being three goals behind with Devlin and Siobhan Wilson both having efforts off target. At the other end, Johnson saw her shot saved. In the final 10 minutes, Johnson, Emily Simpkins, Tegan McGowan, Logan and Addison all had chances for the hosts, and Pennock, Quinn and Estcourt all saw efforts blocked for Birmingham. The win sees Charlton move into third place in the league with six points. Their next game is away to Sunderland on Sunday. Birmingham are in fifth position with four points, and they have a West Midlands derby on Sunday when they play Coventry United at home. Line ups Charlton Athletic (4-1-4-1): Rogers, Roe, Godfrey (Ross 36’), N’Dow, O’Rourke, Skeels, Follis (Logan 17’), Rutherford, Simpkins (c) (Ayisi 85’), Addison, Johnson (McGowan 85’) Unused substitutes: Soper, Bashford, Henson Goals – Rutherford 4’, Addison 40’, Thomas (og) 50’ Booked – Roe (90’) Birmingham City (3-4-1-2): Thomas, Green (Lawley 74’), Quinn, Scott, Finn, Murray, Estcourt, Wilson (Worsey 90’+4’), Devlin (Cole 74’), Pennock, Smith (Ryan-Doyle 65’) Unused substitutes: Jones, Simkin, Jenner, Cowie Referee – Aimee Keir Attendance - 446

Arsenal reign victorious at Selhurst Park as Chelsea’s numerous changes fall short Back Match Report Conti Cup Final: Arsenal v Chelsea Arsenal reign victorious at Selhurst Park as Chelsea’s numerous changes fall short Edward Payne 6 March 2023 By Charlotte Stacey The Gunners earned their first silverware in four years despite Sam Kerr’s 90 second goal and Chelsea’s early exposure of Arsenal’s right-hand side. It was the perfect start for Chelsea as Australian marvel Kerr inflicted early damage by nodding in Guro Reiten’s lofted delivery. Yet, even with the early lead, it felt as if Arsenal were in the driving seat from the off; comfortable on the ball, comfortable with each of their individual tasks and comfortable in their collective plan. Stina Blackstenius netted the equaliser fifteen minutes later, finishing off a lovely piece of weaving build-up play from Frida Maanum. Blackstenius, who has struggled in front of goal recently, kept utterly cool and slunk a low strike past Ann-Katrin Berger. The Gunners went ahead after Sophie Ingle left a leg out and brought down Katie McCabe in the eighteen-yard box. Up stepped captain and resolute penalty taker Kim Little who made little mistake in hitting the back of the net. Emma Hayes then made an early change, replacing Jelena Cankovic with the more athletically driven Kadiesha Buchanan in attempt to contain Arsenal’s forward troupe. This shifted Chelsea to a playing a back three of Buchanan, Millie Bright and Madga Eriksson, which probably would not have been a bad move in the long run had Hayes not then gone on to flit between several more formation changes throughout the match. Unfortunately for the Blues, this first tactical turnover was not enough to stop the Gunners getting a third before the break as Niamh Charles headed a corner into her own after Berger failed to take the control in the closing minutes of added time. Another substitution for Chelsea at half time meant more movement on the pitch with Melanie Leupolz on for Charles. Clearly, this was an attempt to gain some control over the midfield which had been dominated by Arsenal trio Frida Maanum, Kim Little and Lia Walti. The latter two, in particular, played a spotless game. The addition of Leupolz pushed Erin Cuthbert into a higher midfield role and pulled Lauren James in centrally to support Sam Kerr, almost as a second striker. You can see the though in it. Lauren James is typically a demon of a dribbler, weaving her way in and out of opponents with total ease. But the watchful eye of Walti and brilliance of Little neutralised James’ trickery before it left the gate. This move also meant that Chelsea’s most dangerous looking threat, Reiten, was now pulled exceptionally wide and saw little of the ball. Photo: Edward Payne Throwing the kitchen sink at it by this point, Chelsea once again made substitutions, this time to overload with attacking players to stretch Arsenal defensively and use any which way to get the ball through to Kerr. This “hammer and tongs” attacking style usually works for Chelsea, especially in English competitions, but on this day could not match immaculate defending of Rafaelle Souza and Leah Williamson. The pair constantly scanned and marked to minimise space which nullified Kerr for large portions of the game. Essentially, Hayes’ flurry of in-game tactical changes did little to settle Chelsea and instead culminated in a rather convoluted attacking load and a sparse defensive line. Opting for a whole host of formations that meant no player, minus Berger, ever really had a clear idea of what was expected of them. In contrast, Arsenal were clear in what they wanted to achieve and they were clear in how they were going to do it. Jonas Eidevall was well prepared and ensured his players were too, the plan was well executed without a single weak link. Arsenal held their nerve and got it right from start to finish, and were probably helped along nicely by the hoards of Gooners whose chants bellowed beyond the rafters. Dust off the cabinet, the Arsenal are back in business. Line-ups Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK), Souza, Williamson, Catley, Little (C), Maanum, Walti, McCabe (57’), Maritiz (70’), Foord, Blackstenius (87’) Substitutes: Marckese, Wubben-Moy, Beattie (87’), Hurtig, Pelova (57’), Kuhl, Wienroither (70’) Goals: Blackstenius 16’, Little (p) 24’, Charles (og) 45+5’ Yellows: McCabe, Foord Chelsea: Berger (GK), Bright, Ingle (63’), James, Reiten, Perisset, Eriksson (C) (77’), Kerr, Charles (45’), Cuthbert, Cankovic (38’) Substitutes: Musovic, Carter, Leupolz (45’), Fleming (77’), Mjelde, Rytting Kaneryd (63’), Buchanan (38’), Abdullina Goals: Kerr 2’ Yellows: Leupolz, James

Norwich City’s HerGameToo Advocates on their upcoming historic game at Carrow Road “To see the women's team at a big stadium will inspire others to believe they can do it too” Sunday, 9 April 2023 By Finley Chung Norwich City’s HerGameToo Advocates on their upcoming historic game at Carrow Road Norwich City Women At 10am on Monday (27th February), the news broke that Norwich City will be playing their final home game of the season, against Ashford Town in the FA Women’s National League Division One at Carrow Road! This is a historic move for the team, which will see them play at the men’s stadium for the first time in the clubs history. This news was greeted with glee by various City fans, but none more so than Nicol and Jess, The Canaries two HerGameToo advocates, who are relishing the chance to see their beloved Norwich, take to the Carrow Road pitch. “Honestly, I jumped up in the air when I saw the news, which made my work colleagues question me a bit! I'm absolutely elated for the team that they'll finally get the chance to play at Carrow Road. I personally think that the chance itself has been long overdue, but I'm so glad that it has finally come”, said an elated Jess! The team itself are pulling up trees in the FA Women’s National League, currently sitting 4th in the Division One South East table with just three defeats all season and only one at home. Nicol touches on the Yellows home form being the key to a great season so far. "This season has been extremely successful for the Women's team. With the exception of our home game to Hashtag United (a 7-1 defeat), NCWFC are undefeated at home in the FAWNL .They are also awaiting a semi final match in the County Cup in a few weeks time. Whatever the result the team battles hard every game and fans are always incredibly entertained with several nail biting heart pounding moments so far this season”. Natasha Snelling is certainly one to watch for any fan making the trip the either The Nest or Carrow Road for the remainder of the season, having scored 12 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions this season, whilst Megan Todd is another ‘ones to watch’, having struck 7 goals in 16 appearances this season. As with every team or course, there are players that perhaps don’t get the credit they deserve, with Jess adding, "players like Katie Knights, Eloise Morran and Alice Parker never get the credit they should do.” News of this Carrow Road date will no doubt be shining the spotlight on Women’s Football in Norwich, and as Jess and Nicol both elude too, the move is not only set to inspire, but it will also give the Yellows a chance to ‘get on the map’. England winger and former Norwich City player, Lauren Hemp. Photo:Getty "I feel as if this fixture at Carrow Road could bring a very real engagement in women's football to Norwich. Before, we've only had one player we've produced of note, that being European Champion, Lauren Hemp, but aside from that, women's football in Norwich has never really made it to the mainstream” , said Jess. Nicol added, "I think the game at Carrow Road will be an incredible platform to showcase the women's team to a much larger fan base. It will have a big impact on local young girls who may (like myself in the past) have been told that football is for boys. To see a women's team at a big stadium will inspire them to believe they can do it too. "The attendances at The Nest have been increasing throughout the season however some fans may not have been aware of the women's team but after this game they certainly will be which hopefully will increase attendances for future fixtures”. Whatever the result is on April 16th and the outcome of their season, it is clear to see the Canaries have caught the attention in Norfolk, and their date with destiny at Carrow Road, is set to enhance the evergrowing reputation for the Women’s game.

Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur Conti Cup Photographer Ryan Asman It was goals galore at Borehamwood in the first of the week's North London Derbies. Stina Blackstenius, Frida Maanum and an own goal from Amy Turner earned the Gunners their three goals; Martha Thomas and a brace from Jess Naz totted up Spurs' three. Arsenal eventually earned the extra point after a close 4-3 penalty shootout.