Brooke Chaplen calls time on her professional career on medical advice Back Reading captain announces retirement Brooke Chaplen calls time on her professional career on medical advice Neil Graham 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Reading midfielder Brooke Chaplen is set to retire at the end of the season. Rather aptly considered as Royals royalty, the 33-year-old has made 96 appearances for the club and scored 26 goals since joining in 2017. Earlier this year, Chaplen announced that a bone tumour had been found in her leg which required treatment and rehabilitation. Following the success of the operation, Chaplen has taken medical advice and will not return to professional football. News

Rehanne Skinner speaks to the press ahead of Tottenham's tie against Reading Back Skinner calls for consistency ahead of Reading clash Rehanne Skinner speaks to the press ahead of Tottenham's tie against Reading Tottenham Hotspur FC 2 December 2022 By Finley Chung Spurs boss, Rehanne Skinner has laid out the need for consistency from her side, as they look to build on a big 5-1 win over Coventry United in the League Cup last weekend, with a trip to Reading in the league on Sunday. “Winning breeds winning, with getting into a fluid run of results” , said Skinner who has seen her side not win back to back league matches yet this season, but will be looking to notch a 2nd win in a row after Spurs’ cup exploits, defeating Coventry United last weekend. Spurs’ last league encounter, was a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea infront of a WSL record crowd at Stamford Bridge, with Skinner labelling the amount of possession had against Chelsea, was certainly a positive and something to build on, with the total had in the game at Stamford Bridge 43% the highest they’ve achieved against the side from West London since they’ve been in the WSL. One thing Spurs have been excellent at in the last outings that have been wins, is scoring goals, hitting five in the cup and eight in the league against Brighton at the end of October with at least five different goalscorers, with Skinner adding “ everybody has been really proactive in-front of goal, we’ve done it very well at points, but it’s about doing it more on a consistent basis.” With the rise of long term injures in the game becoming a bigger issue, which Spurs themselves have been affected by, with Kyah Simon and Ellie Brazil both sustaining season ending injuries, it can impact clubs recruitment strategy but Rehanne added, “we had a similar situation earlier this season, having different players coming back at different times, Kerys Harrop and Syo-hun Cho for example, but ultimately we recruited a slightly bigger squad in the summer, to cope with that but we do need to re asses and make sure we have the depth in the squad to keep competing.” Readings last league encounter, was a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool. Rehanne herself was at the game and said, “I was at the game and if it’d carried on for another twenty minutes, it could’ve been even higher scoring! It was very transitional at the end between both sides, which made an interesting game for a neutral and exciting for the two sets of fans.” Finally, Rehanne touched on the Broxbounre and Beyond, which launched on SPURSPLAY, the clubs in house media platform, two weeks ago charting the rise of the team, from the grassroots level of the Women’s game to the upper reaches of the Women’s Super League. “The documentary was a fantastic way of celebrating the people who have moved the club to where it is now, and I feel honoured and proud to have been and to still be a part of it. The guys did such a fantastic job of putting it together and I’m just glad to be a part of it.” News

Selhurst Park was rocking as Palace thrashed Watford 3-0 Back Match Report The Eagles soar in front of Selhurst Park record crowd Selhurst Park was rocking as Palace thrashed Watford 3-0 Crystal Palace Women 26 March 2024 By Paul Donegan Molly-Mae Sharpe, Ria Percival and Annabel Blanchard scored the goals as Crystal Palace beat Watford 3-0 in the Women’s Championship on Sunday afternoon. The attendance at Selhurst Park of 5,566 was a new club record for the Eagles. The win saw Laura Kaminski’s side bounce back after last weekend’s defeat to Sheffield United, and they remain a point behind leaders Sunderland with a game in hand. The Hornets are six points from safety at the bottom with four games left. It only took Crystal Palace 4 minutes to open the scoring. Blanchard’s cross from the left side found Elise Hughes whose effort was kept out by Watford’s goalkeeper Bethany Howard but Sharpe was there to finish from close range. Poppy Wilson had Watford’s first attempt at goal but this went over. In the 9 th minute, Hughes’ low shot for the hosts from the edge of the area was gathered by Howard. Tottenham loanee Percival made it 2-0 to Palace in the 11 th minute when from just outside the area she fired the ball low into the corner of the net to score her first goal for the club. Abbie Lafayette put the ball narrowly wide of her own goal after an inswinging corner from the home side. Blanchard’s header took a deflection on its way over in the 33 rd minute as the Eagles looked to increase their lead further. A few minutes before the break, Carly Johns was played in for Watford but was forced wide and chance was gone. As five minutes of stoppage time were announced, Lucia Leon’s low strike from the edge of the area was saved by Demi Lambourne as the visitors ended the half well. The home side had the first opportunities of the second half. Alexia Potter’s curling shot was caught by Howard, then in the 51 st minute after a quick attack, Hughes’ cross from the right found the Isibeal Atkinson free in the middle but she shot straight at the Watford goalkeeper. A minute later, Blanchard’s long-range effort for Palace was stopped by Howard, before Shanade Hopcroft put the ball over from 6-yards out after a good cross from Sharpe had found her. The Eagles did score their third goal in the 58 th minute when Hughes’ header over the Watford goalkeeper was cleared off the line by Leon but Blanchard was there to nod the ball in from very close range. The home side came close to scoring a fourth in the 74 th minute when Hughes headed over the outrushing Howard but the Hornets captain Harley Bennett got back to make a brilliant clearance off line. Watford had a rare second half chance late in the game but Bianca Baptiste headed wide. In additional time, a Palace corner was tipped over, and not long after the final whistle was blown as they ran out comfortable winners and continued their push to win the league. Line-ups Crystal Palace: Lambourne, Gibbons (Reilly 76’), Everett (c), Sharpe (Watson 76’), Hughes, Blanchard (Filbey 84’), Nolan, Potter (Arthur 84’), Percival, Hopcroft, Atkinson (Larkin 68’) Unused substitutes: Negri, Johnson, Guyatt, Dennis Goals – Sharpe 4’, Percival 11’, Blanchard 58’ Watford: Howard, Leon (Fyfe 62’), Lafayette, Fleming (Rossiter 46’), Meiwald, McLean, Johns, Bennett (c) (Chandler 78’), Georgiou, Harbert (Baptiste 72’), Wilson Unused substitutes: Harris, Davison, Head, Palisch Referee – Ella Broad Attendance – 5,566

Information on the fan festivals that will be taking place across the UK. Euro's Information and News Women's Euro's: Fan Festivals Action Images By Paul Donegan 4 July 2022 All host cities will be holding free fan festivals during the tournament, although events vary between location, when they open and exactly what they will offer. Things you can expect at the festivals include music and entertainment, food and drink, football taster sessions, exhibitions and even a giant deckchair in Brighton & Hove! Below is a list of each fan festival and their opening times. Brighton & Hove Location: Victoria Gardens Open - Saturday 9th July to Monday 11th July (midday to 6pm) Friday 15th July to Sunday 17th July (midday to 6pm) Wednesday 20th July (midday to 6pm) London Location: Trafalgar Square Open - Saturday 23rd July to Sunday 31st July (11am to 6pm and also after the final whistle on 31st) Manchester Location: Piccadilly Gardens Open - Wednesday 6th July to Sunday 31st July (11am to 4pm) Milton Keynes Location: Station Square Open - Friday 8th July (midday to 5pm) Tuesday 12th July (midday to 5pm) Saturday 16th July (midday to 8pm) Wednesday 27th July (midday to 8pm) Rotherham Location: Town centre Open - Sunday 10th July (midday to 6pm) Thursday 14th and Monday 18th July (2pm to 6pm) Saturday 23rd July (midday to 6pm) Sheffield Location: Devonshire Green Open - Saturday 9th July (3pm to 9pm) Wednesday 13th July (2pm to 4pm) Sunday 17th July (2pm - 4pm) Tuesday 26th July (2pm to 7pm) Southampton Palmerston Park Open - Thursday 7th July (midday - 6pm) Monday 11th July (midday - 6pm) Friday 15th July (midday to 6pm) Trafford Location: Old Trafford Open - Wednesday 6th July (ticket holders only) Wigan & Leigh Location: Leigh Civic Square Open - Saturday 9th July (midday to 4pm) Wednesday 13th July (2pm to 6:30pm) Sunday 17th July (midday to 4pm) Friday 22nd July (2pm to 6:30pm)

Back Millie Bright Club Chelsea Position Defender D.O.B 21/08/1993 Bio Chelsea defender Bright is a steadfast figure at the back and encompasses every quality one would hope to find in a centre-back. Typically wise in her defensive actions, Bright is shrewd with a tackle and makes substantial interceptive movements. She is successful in applying pressure to divert attacking plays and forcing opponents onto the wrong foot. Bright also carries with her an exceptional ability to accurately play long balls that can spin a game on its head in seconds. via Getty Images B3

Quick guide to the teams in Group , the "group of death" Euro's Information and News Get to know: Group B Girls on the Ball By Paul Donegan 7 July 2022 Spain Spain won qualifying Group D to reach the finals. This will be their fourth appearance in the finals, and their best performance was reaching the semi-finals in 1997. Spain have a broad scope of talent within their squad, including Barcelona titans Mapi Leon and Aitana Bonmati. FIFA Ranking – 7th Manager – Jorge Vilda Squad 1. Lola Gallardo (Atletico Madrid) 2. Ona Batlle (Manchester United) 3. Laia Aleixandri (Manchester City) 4. Irene Paredes (Barcelona) 5. Ivana Andres (Real Madrid) 6. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona) 7. Irene Guerrero (Atletico Madrid) 8. Mariona Caldentey (Barcelona) 9. Esther Gonzalez (Real Madrid) 10. Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid) 11. Marta Cardona (Real Madrid) 12. Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona) 13. Sandra Panos (Barcelona) 14. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona) (out with injury) 15. Leila Ouahabi (Manchester City) 16. Maria Pilar Leon (Barcelona) 17. Lucia Garcia (Athletic Club) 18. Teresa Abelleira (Real Madrid) 19. Olga Carmona (Real Madrid) 20. Andrea Pereira (Barcelona) 21. Sheila Garcia (Atletico Madrid) 22. Claudia Pina (Barcelona) 23. Misa Rodriguez (Real Madrid) Denmark Denmark were runners-up last time, which was their best performance. This is going to be their 10th appearance in the finals. They qualified as a group winner with 9 wins and 1 draw from their 10 games. FIFA Ranking – 15th Manager – Lars Sondergaard Squad 1. Lene Christensen (Rosenborg) 2. Sara Thrige (Milan) 3. Stine Ballisager (Valerenga) 4. Rikke Sevecke (Everton) 5. Simone Boye (Arsenal) 6. Karen Holmgaard (Turbine Potsdam) 7. Sanne Troelsgaard (Reading) 8. Sara Holmgaard (Turbine Potsdam) 9. Nadia Nadim (Racing Louisville) 10. Pernille Harder (Chelsea) 11. Katrine Veje (Rosengard) 12. Stine Larsen (BK Hacken) 13. Sofie Junge Pedersen (Juventus) 14. Sofie Bredgaard (Rosengard) 15. Kathrine Kuhl (FC Nordsjaelland) 16. Katrine Svane (AGF) 17. Rikke Marie Madsen (Madrid CFF) 18. Luna Gevitz (BK Hacken) 19. Janni Thomsen (Valerenga) 20. Signe Bruun (Lyon) 21. Mille Geji (BK Hacken) 22. Laura Worsoe (Odense Q) 23. Sofie Svava (Real Madrid) Germany The most successful side in the Euros having won it eight times, including six in a row between 1995 and 2013. They qualified for this year’s finals as a group winner in which they had a perfect 8 out of 8 wins. FIFA Ranking – 5th Manager – Martina Voss-Tecklenburg Squad 1. Merle Frohms (Eintracht Frankfurt) 2. Sophia Kleinherne (Eintracht Frankfurt) 3. Kathrin Hendrich (VfL Wolfsburg) 4. Lena Lattwein (VfL Wolfsburg) 5. Marina Hegering (Bayern Munich) 6. Lena Oberdorf (VfL Wolfsburg) 7. Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich) 8. Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich) 9. Svenja Huth (VfL Wolfsburg) 10. Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt) 11. Alexandra Popp (VfL Wolfsburg) 12. Almuth Schult (VfL Wolfsburg) 13. Sara Dabritz (Paris Saint-Germain) 14. Nicole Anyomi (Eintracht Frankfurt) 15. Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich) 16. Linda Dallmann (Bayern Munich) 17. Felicitas Rauch (VfL Wolfsburg) 18. Tabea Wassmuth (VfL Wolfsburg) 19. Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich) 20. Lina Magull (Bayern Munich) 21. Ann-Katrin Berger (Chelsea) 22. Jule Brand (1899 Hoffenheim) 23. Sara Doorsoun (Eintracht Frankfurt) Finland Finland won their qualifying group to reach England. This is going to be their fourth appearance in the finals with their best performance being in 2005 when they reached the semi-finals. FIFA Ranking – 29th Manager – Anna Signeul Squad 1. Katriina Talaslahti (FC Fleury 91) 2. Elli Pikkujamsa (KIF Orebro DFF) 3. Tuija Hyyrynen (Juventus) 4. Ria Oling (Rosengard) 5. Emma Koivisto (Brighton & Hove Albion) 6. Anna Auvinen (Sampdoria) 7. Adelina Engman (Hammarby) 8. Olga Ahtinen (Linkopings FC) 9. Juliette Kemppi (IFK Kalmar) 10. Emmi Alanen (Kristianstads DFF) 11. Nora Heroum (Lazio) 12. Anna Tamminen (Hammarby) 13. Jenny Danielsson (AIK) 14. Heidi Kollanen (KIF Orebro DFF) 15. Natalia Kuikka (Portland Thorns) 16. Anna Westerlund (Aland United) 17. Sanni Franssi (Real Sociedad) 18. Linda Sallstrom (Vittsjo GIK) 19. Essi Sainio (HJK) 20. Eveliina Summanen (Tottenham Hotspur) 21. Amanda Rantanen (KIF Orebro DFF) 22. Jutta Rantala (Vittsjo GIK) 23. Tinja-Riikka Korpela (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Eagles pinch a win in their last home game of the season. Back Match Report FAWC: Crystal Palace v Watford The Eagles pinch a win in their last home game of the season. Paul Donegan 25 April 2022 By Paul Donegan Crystal Palace won 2-1 against relegation threatened Watford on Sunday at Hayes Lane. Watford’s loss along with Coventry United’s win over Lewes means that the FA Women’s Championship relegation place will be decided on the final day when the bottom two play each other. Watford had a few early corners, one of which was eventually scrambled wide. Palace’s first chance in the 17th minute was a long range shot from Siobhan Wilson that was easily saved. Two minutes later, Palace took the lead when Molly Sharpe collected a long ball forward and saw her lob from an angle go over the goalkeeper and in off the post. A couple of minutes later, Sharpe had an opportunity to double the lead but headed wide. In the 27th minute, Millie Farrow shot well wide as Palace continued to look the more threatening of the sides in the opening half hour. Watford’s best chance of the half came in the 34th minute when Andria Georgiou sent a lob from the edge of the penalty area just over and onto the roof of the net. Shortly after, Amber-Keegan Stobbs sent another shot over for the visitors. The hosts made it 2-0 in the 39th minute when Sharpe got her second as she got onto a long ball first and lobbed the ball over Watford keeper again and into the net. Watford became a bit sloppy just before half time and Sharpe had a couple of opportunities to score again but both were blocked by Watford defenders. The final chance of the half saw Gracie Pearse head a corner wide for the home side. Watford had a few chances early in the second half with a Corinne Henson shooting wide and then Georgiou’s shot from the edge of the area going straight at the Palace keeper. Palace almost scored a third in the 53rd minute when another long ball found Farrow but she saw her shot bounce back off the post and into the goalies hands. Watford did have the ball in the net in the 60th minute but Helen Ward’s effort was ruled out for offside. Stobbs then sent a long range shot well over as Watford looked to get back into the game. Palace had an opportunity of their own to increase their lead as well with Sharpe sending a powerful shot wide in the 70th minute. Watford had two chances in quick succession to get a goal back when in the 76th minute Chiara Meola put an effort just wide, and a minute later Jenna Legg saw her shot from outside the area also go wide. The visitors did score in the 81st minute when from a corner, the ball fell to Gemma Davison whose low shot from about 6 yards found the corner of the net. It was Palace who had the next couple of opportunities as Bianca Baptiste shot wide in the 82nd minute and then Wilson sent a dinked effort inches wide five minutes later. Watford had the last chances of the game as they went looking for an equaliser with Davison seeing her cross land on the roof of the net and Georgiou sending her shot go into the hands of the Palace goalkeeper. The win leaves Crystal Palace fourth in the Championship but with a chance of finishing second still. Watford and Coventry United are now only separated by two points at the bottom of the league with one game left. They face each other next Sunday in what will be a huge match at Vicarage Road. Line ups: Crystal Palace: Orman (GK), Johnson (c), Everett, Pearse, Sibley (Nichol 74’), Haines, Wilson, Waldie, McClean (Clifford 74’), Farrow (Baptiste 74’), Sharpe (Hennessy 84’) Unused substitutes: Smith, Churchill, Coombs Goals – Sharpe 19’, 39’ Booking – Farrow Watford: Ferguson (GK), Stobbs (c), Chandler, Meiwald, Henson, Ali (Legg 67’), Georgiou, Kmita, Ward (Meola 67’), Fatuga-Dada, Fyfe (Davison 46’) Unused substitutes: Smith, Vyse, Hector, Wiltshire, Vassell, Rogers Goal – Davison 81’ Referee – Jade Wardle Attendance - 464

Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall speaks to the press ahead of this weekend's game against Everton Back Eidevall confirms Rafaelle and Williamson are fit to play Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall speaks to the press ahead of this weekend's game against Everton Arseblog 2 December 2022 By Paul Donegan Jonas Eidevall confirmed that Leah Williamson and Rafaelle are in the matchday squad for the Everton match. Eidevall said “it is pleasing for us, starting to get players back from injuries and improving numbers in the squad” . When asked if they would start, he said “they are in the matchday squad, so starting eleven everyone will know tomorrow” . Added it “helps a lot having two more players of very high quality into our environment and that it would boost any team”. Said that Leah is “very motivated about getting back onto the pitch, helping the team to achieve things”. Also said that players coming back from injury work hard to get back into the team and help them. As well as getting players back fit, they have also prioritised a mental break, have some time off and some more freedom. Eidevall said Lina Hurtig and Kim Little are progressing well but not ready for matchday squad. Said Hurtig will hopefully be back before Christmas but no date given for Little's return. When asked about recalling Gio from Everton, Jonas said “they will evaluate where Gio is at and what will be the best place for her to continue her development when the transfer window opens up” . Added they have all possibilities open still and “[it's] almost certain we will need to replace Beth Mead this season, but we will have to wait to see what that replacement looks like”. On Everton, Eidevall said they “have a very good team” but not having expectations on them this season, he thinks, has helped their performances. On facing Brian Sorensen, Eidevall said “he is trying to build something long-term, they are consistent in how they are doing things almost regardless of opponents they have been playing”. Added they have asked some interesting tactical questions to sides they have faced. About going back to Meadow Park. Eidevall said he “really enjoy when we play at the Emirates, I also really enjoy playing and being near and seeing us play in front of the fans at Meadow Park”. With not having a game for 10 days, Eidevall said they had last weekend off “which was the right thing to do”. Said they have had some good quality training sessions during the week. When asked about players having time off during the season if they ask for it, Jonas said it is individual and about the support system. He added “it is important in any job, even if you love it and it is your passion, no one of us doesn’t have any vacation, because we know we need that, it is a human thing where you need to switch off and reconnect”. On team moral with playing in front of record crowds but then the injuries. “I think moral is great” Eidevall answered, “they are working so well together, they are engaged, they work hard on the pitch, we look at the games and see where we can develop no matter what the result” he continued. News

FA Women's Technical Director addresses the Lionesses talent pathway England Talent Pathway Discussion with Kay Cossington Back FA Women's Technical Director addresses the Lionesses talent pathway Adam Mitten Tuesday, 16 July 2024 By Aimee Logan The media were briefed by Kay Cossington on how the talent pathway is being shaped so that the future of the Lionesses is brighter for the future. She highlighted the key aims of the pathway directors, to protect player identities, compete for trophies and develop even more home-grown players that can progress to the highest level of women’s football in England. Cossington reflected that since the boom in the popularity of Women’s football, the number of young girls wanting to be a Lioness in the future has surged. Because of the work from the talent development team in England, the number of emerging talent centres has increased from 39 to 73 nationally making space for three times the number of players in the selection pools. Another problem that was highlighted was the excessive time and costs that families have previously had to commit so that girls had the best opportunities to pursue a football career. Significantly, because of the opening of the talent centres, the travel time has decreased by 50% on average and the costs decreased from £50-£8 making these centres accessible for a wider range of the country, whether that being people of different ethnic groups or different incomes. A key example of this was Aston Villa’s relocation of their academy centre from the suburbs of Birmingham to an inner city that is now accessible by public transport links. The professional game academies are targeted towards girls aged 14-21yrs and have been created in order to highlight exceptional talent in the country. Cossington restated that it was still important that the girls played in grassroots teams and in mixed football. As the girls continued to grow and develop into senior players, playing alongside the boys is making those that are special stand out to the regional talent directors. Occasionally, the media report that girls playing with boys was a hindrance to girls who want to progress into the top leagues, but after discussion it was agreed that it will increase the quality of the talent coming through the system. ‘Discover My Talent’ was introduced in 2021 and since then over 5000 girls have been referred into the system, out of these 75% still have the opportunity to play in their local grassroots team. This programme along with the Regional Talent Programme aims to find more diverse players with different backgrounds and from different ends of the country. A player that was focused on in the briefing was Brooke Aspin who has recently been called up to the U19 camp for their Euros tournament in Lithuania. Aspin is now contracted with current WSL champions, Chelsea, which came from her success when playing for Bristol City previously. At only 19 she had an early opportunity for WSL minutes, and this helped accelerate her career. Overall, the briefing presented the many ways that the FA are looking to help the development of future Lionesses.

Back Fran Kirby Club Chelsea Position Forward D.O.B 29/06/1993 Bio Kirby is likely to be many supporters first choice to be seated on the plane. The Chelsea forward has returned from her lengthy absence with a vengeance, providing a mammoth thirteen assists and twenty-two goals across all competitions. Kirby has played in a wider position this season but is just as deadly playing centrally in what one would suggest is her most favoured role as a number ten. She is quick, conscious, intelligent and significantly unselfish, drawing in defenders leaving others to dart into optimal positions whilst lines are stretched. Girls on the Ball D4

The Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England by Carrie Dunn The Pride of the Lionesses The Pride of the Lionesses: The Changing Face of Women's Football in England by Carrie Dunn Is women's football in England actually growing - or is it just another slick PR campaign? The Pride of the Lionesses is a timely inside analysis of the UK’s fastest-growing sport from top sports writer, Carrie Dunn. The England Lionesses’ fighting spirit and skill has continued to capture the fascination of the entire country. So why is women’s football still so woefully underrepresented in sport? In Roar of the Lionesses, Carrie Dunn revealed what female footballers really thought about the future of women’s football, but this book takes this a step further, offering a unique insight into the drama and difficulties the sport has faced since the Lionesses’s performance at the 2019 World Cup. Available to buy: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pride-Lionesses-Changing-Football-England/dp/1785315412/ref=pd_bxgy_img_sccl_1/257-3022985-0041206?pd_rd_w=QDjCZ&content-id=amzn1.sym.40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_p=40f919ed-e530-4b1a-8d7e-39de6587208d&pf_rd_r=32Q5R8SCK2FW47TZY6RJ&pd_rd_wg=VwUe4&pd_rd_r=f9d026ba-7d09-43ea-a3fa-6a5ac63e4772&pd_rd_i=1785315412&psc=1

Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s performance against Manchester United was a “step in the right direction”. Back Eidevall Reflects on the Gunners Conti Cup Exit Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s performance against Manchester United was a “step in the right direction”. Roland Krivec 20 January 2022 By Josh Bunting Jonas Eidevall says Arsenal’s performance against Manchester United was a “step in the right direction” despite losing 1-0 and exiting the Continental Cup. Eidevall explained “It was a big step in the right direction, we pressed much better than we have done lately and we were much better with the ball in the build up phase. We attacked much better in the penalty area, unfortunately we didn’t convert the chances we created so we couldn’t win the game. For me, I have a totally different feeling than I did from the Birmingham game because we were the better team today and if we played this game again like this I think we’d win it, that wasn’t the case against Birmingham so it was a step in the right direction even though we are disappointed not to get the result. If there is any competition I can take a loss it would be the Conti Cup so we move on and try to build on this performance.” Arsenal dominated for the majority of the game but didn’t create all that many clear-cut openings with the Swede saying “I think there were a lot of times when passes were going between the players legs and not resulting in a shot so we need to convert those situations, into shots on target, if we do they are high percentage opportunities. It all starts with getting into the positions, if you don’t do that it’s impossible to score. Today we did that so we just need to work on the final touch or the final pass.” Arsenal looked to hit Manchester United in the wide areas instead of creating openings from centre midfield and on that the Gunners boss went on to add “I do think there are situations where we can do better especially in the second half,when we could have held onto the ball a bit more we got too transitional and the distances were too big. A team like United they work with a lot of their players central in the area and they overload in defence. If they are not moving then we need to attack on the sides but we can get better at moving central when their players move to the sides and try to create opportunities from there. It’s that balance and decision making and we try to perfect that and in the second half, we could’ve held onto the ball a little bit better because United get tired and we don’t need to force the decision making so much, especially when it just results in wide crosses.” Eidevall also addressed a run of five defeats in six games as he said “We need to work on our game, today was a big step in the right direction and that is where our focus needs to be even if it wasn’t the result we wanted. We need to attack the next game against Manchester City we know it’s going to be a tough game.” On preparing the side for the Manchester City game on Sunday he said “We need to remember who we are and not get carried away with the result today because we could have so easily won. Sometimes it doesn’t go your way but the performance was much better from us.” Leah Williamson and Tobin Heath returned to the bench and on that he said “We knew the game could have gone into extra time, and that would have affected their loading in a not ideal way so we started them on the bench but it was excellent to have them back and it will help us a lot in the next games.” Eidevall also went on to say about Williamson and her ability to play through the press “She is a great player because she has so many tools to play through these situations, she can dribble her way out but she also has the passing range to get out. Because of that she is a hard player to press.” Vivianne Miedema was starved off service and on that aspect of the Gunners game he said “Generally strikers have fewer touches because they play in the most dangerous position to score so most teams are compact in that area. It’s about finding her at the right time and that is always the case for a forward player, it’s about quality of actions. Of course we would like to always attack centrally and play into feet but that depends on how well you move the ball. We need to open up that space and sometimes that means going over to the sides. If we are good on the sides, they have to go out there and press and it opens up the centre. I think that’s just part of the game.” Lotte Wubben-Moy missed out and why that was Eidevall added “She had a minor injury. The weekend is a question mark, we don’t know yet if she will be available. It’s not certain either way.” Arsenal’s game with Manchester City kicks off at 6.45 on Sunday and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. News