A huge 4-2 victory for Liverpool means the Reds secure promotion to the Women's Super League! Back Match Report FAWC: Bristol City v Liverpool A huge 4-2 victory for Liverpool means the Reds secure promotion to the Women's Super League! Hana Basir 4 April 2022 By Paul Donegan The top two in the Championship played each other at Ashton Gate on Sunday with Liverpool knowing that if they avoided defeat then they will be crowned champions and with it promotion to the WSL. Liverpool started brightly and Leanne Kiernan had the first chance in the 4th minute when her shot from the edge of the penalty area was easily saved. A Megan Campbell long throw was headed just over by Kiernan in the 8th minute. Liverpool did take the lead in the 13th minute when another long throw from Campbell bounced around in the penalty area before falling to Niamh Fahey who scored from about 6 yards out. Bristol City equalised straight away when Aggie Beever-Jones scored from an angle with the ball looping over the Liverpool goalkeeper and into the net. Liverpool went close to regaining the lead in the 20th minute when Rachel Furness smashed a shot just wide. Campbell then saw her free kick saved. Bristol City had a chance at the other end five minutes later when Beever-Jones saw her low shot saved by the legs of Rachael Laws with Liverpool then being stopped by a good tackle as they broke quickly. Furness had another effort for Liverpool that went over. Liverpool went back ahead in the 39th minute when Jasmine Matthews scored against her former club from inside the area after a free kick had not been cleared. Liverpool saw another opportunity go high and wide in first half injury time as they went into the break ahead. It was Liverpool who had the first efforts in the second half with Furness seeing her shot tipped over by Fran Bentley then they saw another shot go wide. A misplaced pass from Liverpool was picked up by Abi Harrison but Laws rushed out and gathered as Bristol City went looking for an equaliser. It was Liverpool though who scored the next goal when in the 59th minute, a Campbell long throw was flicked on and finished from close range by Katie Stengel to make it 3-1. In the 69th minute, Bristol City got a goal back when Harrison’s shot found the corner of the net from about 12 yards for her 15th league goal of the season. It was 4-2 in the 79th minute when Missy Bo Kearns finished a low cross from Stengel from close range. Liverpool went looking for more goals and in the 86th minute, Carla Humphrey rounded the Bristol City goalie but saw her shot blocked. From the resulting corner Jade Bailey headed over. In injury time, Liverpool saw a shot go over and Bristol City had the final opportunity of the afternoon when a long range effort from Jasmine Bull was tipped over. As the final whistle went, Liverpool started the celebrations on the pitch having secured the title and promotion back to the WSL after two seasons away. All of this in front of a Bristol City and Championship record attendance of 5.752. Teams: Bristol City: Bentley, Cataldo (J. Bull 59’), Layzell, Aspin (Wilde 83’), Murray, Allen (Powell 59’), Davies, Beever-Jones, C.Bull, Morgan, Harrison Unused substitutes: Whitehouse, Kuyken, Jhamat, Collis, Cook, Woolley Goals – Beever-Jones 14’, Harrison 69’ Booked – Wilde Liverpool: Laws, Roberts, Fahey, Matthews, Campbell (Wardlaw 67’), Hinds, Holland (Kearns 73’), Furness (Bailey 84’), Lawley (Humphrey 84’), Stengel, Kiernan (Daniels 67’) Unused substitutes: Clarke, Hodson, Moore, Silcock Goals – Fahey 13’, Matthews 39’, Stengel 59’, Kearns 79’ Referee – Lisa Benn Attendance – 5,752

The Arsenal come from one behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 in front of a sell-out crowd at Meadow Park Back Match Report WSL: Arsenal v Manchester City The Arsenal come from one behind to beat Manchester City 2-1 in front of a sell-out crowd at Meadow Park Ryan Asman 3 April 2023 By Charlotte Stacey The visitors seized the first advantage, breathing down the necks of the Gunners and pressing intensely early doors. Bunny Shaw’s bullet header earned City the lead within five minutes of kick-off following a passage of rather lovely build-up play between Lauren Hemp, Laura Coombs and Chloe Kelly. Shaw had another opportunity open up a few minutes later and, although the chances were not falling thick and fast, the scales were tipping in City’s favour throughout the first half. The makers of City’s midfield, Yui Hasegawa, Laura Coombs and Filipa Angeldahl, held control in the middle third, as well as offering a higher quality on the ball and in their passing. Arsenal found Hasegawa in particular difficult to deal with throughout. But with the addition of fullbacks Esme Morgan and Laia Aleixandri cutting inside, the visitors were able to overload Arsenal in the midfield whilst leaving Hemp and Kelly high and wide. Yet, as is becoming something of a theme, Jonas Eidevall’s gameplan began to take shape and the Arsenal began to get more of a foothold towards the end of the half. When they concede, the Gunners are not impulsively reactive. Rather than dropping their heads or panicking, they allow themselves to settle which is definitive of a collective culture developing. There was concern for Arsenal as Caitlin Foord was replaced by Laura Wienroither 35 minutes into the first half after suffering a knock. The Gunners will have everything crossed that nothing substantial is afoot after captain Kim Little became the latest name on their growing injury list last week. City had their chances in the second half and will be disappointed not to have netted at least one of them with the space Arsenal repeatedly gifted at the far post. Eidevall’s side dodged a bullet more than once in leaving Hemp unmarked when City’s whipping crosses came in and it is an area they will need to tighten up on. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum managed to poke the ball though the mountain of bodies in the area to score the equaliser just after the hour mark. Arguably City still had greater control of the ball up to this point, yet this served as somewhat of a catalyst for Arsenal to take the upper hand. Eidevall’s decision to shift his formation just minutes later further contributed to this mentality. Centre-back Jen Beattie was brought on and the Arsenal switched to a back three. This was clever for two reasons. One - to add another body into midfield and neutralise City’s overload, and two - to have a single central figure to occupy Bunny Shaw. Shaw is quite simply an exceptional striker. She has the movement, she has the finish, but what makes her truly brilliant is her intelligence and hold-up play. As she has done all season, Shaw had repeatedly dropped deep, earned possession and held-up the ball to allow teammates to flood forward. By introducing Beattie, Shaw was more closely pressed, limiting her allocation to retrieve the ball. Katie McCabe then went on to seal the deal for the Gunners with a rocket of a shot that defied numerous bodies, as well as Ellie Roebuck, to thump the back of the net. In a move that has clearly been rehearsed, McCabe received the short corner, nudged it into enough space to create an opening and unleashed a beauty that sent Meadow Park into orbit. City couldn’t bag themselves an equaliser and Arsenal ultimately earned the precious three points. Neither side outplayed the other, yet the Arsenal recognised and adjusted to the themes of the game more quickly and more sufficiently than their visitors. City, along with their uncharacteristically poor finishing, perhaps left it a little too late to respond to Arsenal’s tactical changes and fell just short of the mark. Line-ups Arsenal (4-2-3-1): D’Angelo (GK), Raffaele, Wubben-Moy, McCabe, Maritz (67’), Williamson (C), Leonhardsen Maanum, Wälti, Foord (35’), Pelova (67’), Blackstenius (67’) Substitutes: Zinsberger (GK), Marckese (GK), Beattie (67’), Gio, Kühl (67’), Wienroither (35’), Taylor (67’), Reid Goals – Leonhardsen Maanum 61’, McCabe 74’ Yellow – McCabe, Wälti Manchester City (4-3-3): Roebuck (GK), Aleiandri (81’), Greenwood, Houghton (C), Morgan, Coombs (81’), Angeldahl (87’), Hasegawa Kelly (79’), Hemp, Shaw Substitutes: MacIver (GK), Casparij (81’), Fowler (87’), Castellanos (81’), Raso (79’), Ouahabi, Dahou Goals – Shaw 4’ Attendance - 3, 982 Referee – Abigail Byrne

Review of the Lionesses double header against France England versus France: 2025 Euro's Qualifiers Back Review of the Lionesses double header against France Lionesses Sunday, 9 June 2024 By Paul Donegan England faced a tough double-header against France in UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying over the last week or so. The meetings between the sides second and third in the world rankings resulted in a win apiece with the visitors being victorious 2-1 on both occasions. Here is a look back and some thoughts on the matches. The first game took place at St James’ Park in Newcastle on Friday evening. This was the first time the Lionesses had played there and it was also Sarina Wiegman’s 50th match in charge. Wiegman decided to pair captain Leah Williamson and Millie Bright together in defence for the first time in over a year after both had suffered injuries during that time. Alex Greenwood can maybe feel a bit unfortunate to miss out after having a great season with Manchester City. Mary Earps won her 50th cap but within the first minute picked up a hip injury and had to be replaced by Hannah Hampton shortly after. England looked a bit shacky at the back in the early stages, maybe not surprising considering how long it was since Bright and Williamson last played together. It was Williamson’s long pass forward that started the move that led to the Lionesses taking the lead on the half-hour mark with Beth Mead finishing Lauren Hemp’s low ball across the area. Hampton made a good save to stop Maelle Lakrar’s header four minutes later as France looked for a quick equaliser. The visitors did level the score before half time when Elisa De Almeida’s stunning volley from a corner looped into the corner of the net. Not much England could do about that one. Pauline Peyraud-Magnin made a good save of her own in first half stoppage time when she stopped Mead’s curling effort. Marie-Antoinette Katoto put France ahead in the 68th minute with a low volley into the net. Though maybe she shouldn’t have had the chance in the first place as the Lionesses had numerous chances to clear the ball before it reached the unmarked Katoto. Apart from the early enforced goalkeeper substitution, Wiegman didn’t make any other changes until the 79th minute when Fran Kirby and Chloe Kelly came on. This was perhaps a bit surprising considering it was the end of a long season and changes could have been made slightly earlier with England being behind and hardly threatening during the second half. The two substitutes helped improve things with both looking lively, and it was Kelly who had the best chance to equalise but saw her long-range effort dip over the crossbar. So, it was a defeat for England, and another recent match where a side has marked Keira Walsh closely and the Lionesses have produced little. There really needs to be a plan B for occasions when performances aren’t great and key players aren’t being effective. Moving onto Tuesday in Saint-Etienne when France knew that if they won then they would qualify for the Euro finals in Switzerland next year whilst England couldn’t really afford to lose after Friday night. Wiegman only made one change from the first meeting with Hampton starting in goal in place of Earps whilst Toone won her 50th cap. More changes might have been expected after the disappointing performance four days previously with the likes of Greenwood, Kelly and Kirby coming in. Both sides had early chances with Russo having the best of the Lionesses. Maybe having a number 9 to finish some of the chances could be useful as not really had one since Ellen White retired in 2022. A great Georgia Stanway first time strike from just outside the area gave England the lead in the 21st minute after Hemp had passed to her. The Lionesses looked more threatening and attacking with Toone playing higher up the pitch. Russo headed in England’s second goal in the 34th minute, Hemp providing the cross this time for her third assist in two matches. Stanway had the Lionesses final chance of the first half before Katoto headed narrowly wide to send a warning to England that France weren’t out of it yet. Indeed, the hosts were better after the break but the Lionesses were defending well. France were pressing more in the second half, and on one occasion when the visitors were playing out from the back, they won the ball back and Grace Geyoro was brought down in the area by Williamson with the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Kadidiatou Diani stepped up and sent put the ball into the net to make it 2-1 in the 72nd minute. Wiegman left it late to make substitutes again, making the first in the 75th minute then another in the final minute of the match with Kelly and Kirby coming on again. In the 89th minute, Hampton made a fantastic one-handed match winning save when she got down and tipped Katoto’s close-range effort wide of the post. There were no further chances in what was a slightly nervy finish to the match as England moved level on points with Sweden and two points behind France with two games remaining. Personally, in what was a much better performance overall especially in the first half in Saint-Etienne, I thought Russo, Stanway, Hemp, Toone, Jess Carter and Hampton all had really good games. The final group games take place in July with the Lionesses facing the Republic of Ireland in Norwich before travelling to Gothenburg play Sweden

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Mary Earps Manchester United’s number one has asserted herself as Wiegman’s first choice between the sticks after being absent from the international stage for a couple of years. Wiegman trusts in Earps and after her outstanding display at the Euro’s, it is easy to see why. Here is a goalkeeper who does her homework, one who is exceptionally well prepared against individual opponents and knows exactly when to put her game face on. Earps is a capable shot-stopper and is unafraid to step out and take defensive work into her own hands. Known to be vocal, Earps ensures she is in constant communication with those around her. Her direct nature allows her to articulate exactly what she expects of her defensive line, which is a critical when defending set-pieces. Earps also demonstrates accuracy with passing and is comfortable to sit between centre-backs to allow fullbacks to stretch the pitch when playing out from the back. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Katie Zelem Manchester United captain Katie Zelem is becoming a common name on the Lionesses squad list of late. With United heavily contending for domestic acclaim, Zelem’s profile as a possession-based and precision-led central midfielder has become fundamental to her club. Zelem is best used in a double pivot in which she is able to step out and ping pinpoint passes forward whilst still maintaining a level defensive cover. Excelling in deadball situations, Zelem is a prolific set-piece taker and set-piece scorer. From both corners and free-kicks, Zelem’s deadly right foot sees her as an essential component in goal creation as she assists others. She is also renowned for scoring from the corner flag which is never a bad trick to pull out the bag. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

More transfer news from the Women's Super League Back WSL Round Up More transfer news from the Women's Super League Arsenal FC 5 August 2024 By Paul Donegan Dutch international goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has joined Arsenal from Aston Villa for a fee. The 24-year-old made over 100 appearances for FC Twente where she won three league titles and a further five domestic trophies. Van Domselaar made 15 appearances for Villa during her one-year spell there. She made her full Netherlands debut in 2022 since when she has won 27 caps and featured at the Euros in 2022 and World Cup in 2023. On joining, van Domselaar said, “I’m really happy to be here. If you look at Arsenal, the players, the team, the stadium, it’s a huge club and I’m so excited to be part of the club. I want to win trophies and achieve big things, and Arsenal is the right place for me to do both. I can’t wait to play at Emirates Stadium in front of all the supporters and show what I can do.” Manchester City have confirmed the signing of Japan international Aoba Fujino on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old forward joins the Cityzens from Tokyo Verdy Beleza where she made 51 appearances and scored 24 goals. For her country, she became their youngest ever goalscorer during the 2023 World Cup. Fujino remarked, “in the league, this is a top-level club both physically and technically. That is something I find very appealing, the size of the team and the organisation. It’s very important to play in this kind of environment. This is a very big club with a lot of history, so I’m really excited to come here.” Aaton Villa have announced the signing of goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo following the expiry of her contract at Arsenal. D’Angelo joins on a two-year deal having spent the last season-and-a-half with the Gunners where she made 15 appearances in all competitions. The 31-year-old Canada international had previously played for Toronto Lady Lynx, Western New York Flash, North Carolina Couage and Vittsjo GIK. Crystal Palace Women Crystal Palace have confirmed that Denmark international Katrine Veje has joined the club following two seasons with Everton. The 33-year-old made 27 league appearances during her spell with the Toffees. In her 17-year-long career, the defender also has experience of playing in Denmark, the United States, France and Sweden as well as winning over 160 international caps. “I’m super, super happy to join Crystal Palace. It’s a really good project and you can tell the club really want to invest in this women’s team”, Veje commented after joining the Eagles. Manchester United have confirmed the signing of Sweden international Anna Sandberg on a three-year deal, with an option of a further year. The defender joins from BK Hacken where she gained experience of playing in the Champions League. She was part of the Sweden squad at last year’s World Cup. Sandberg said, “I’m very happy and grateful to sign for this big club, Manchester United. I hope I can help our team with my qualities and delivery many winning moments for out fantastic fans.” Photo: Aston Villa Women Missy Bo Kearns has joined Aston Villa from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee. The midfielder has signed a three-year contract with the Villans. Kearns began her senior career with Liverpool in 2018 and went onto make over 100 appearances for the Reds. She has also featured regularly for England’s youth sides. Inma Gabarro has joined Everton after leaving Sevilla following the expiry of her contract. The 21-year-old is capable of playing across the forward line as well as in midfield. She helped Spain win the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2022, where she also won the Golden Boot, and made her senior international debut in November 2022. Gabarro remarked, “It’s my first time here in the English league and I’m really looking forward to coming here. I think Everton is a club where you can continue your development”. Leicester City have signed French youth international striker Noemie Mouchon on a three-year contract. The 21-year-old left Stade de Reims this summer where she scored nine goals in 22 league appearances last season. On joining the Foxes, Mouchon said, “I’m super happy to sign for Leicester City and I’m hoping to have a great season with the club. This is a great club that can develop players with potential. It goes without saying that the WSL is the most attractive league in Europe, if not the world. It’s a dream for most female footballers to play in England.” Goalkeeper Shae Yanez has joined Crystal Palace after leaving Bristol City. Yanez spent the second half of the 2023/24 season with the Robins having previously played for Washington Spirit and San Diego Wave in the National Women’s Soccer League and she spent three seasons with London City Lionesses in the Championship. The 27-year-old commented , “I’ve always been a big fan of Palace, so I’m excited to get started here. It’s just a great club in general and they have great ambition. Getting promoted, you could see the fight in them. And I’m excited to be a part of that.” Danish internationals Sara and Karen Holmgaard have both signed new deals with Everton. Defender Sara joined the Toffees in August 2022 and last season featured in 12 league games, scoring twice and providing three assists. Karen, who has played in midfield and defence, joined alongside her twin in 2022 and made 13 league appearances during the 2023/24 campaign and scored two goals. NJ/NY Gotham FC Jess Carter has departed Chelsea and completed a move to NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League for an undisclosed transfer fee. The 26-year-old joined the Blues in 2018 from Birmingham City and went onto make 150 appearances for the club. The defender won five WSL titles, the FA Cup three times, the League Cup twice and the Community Shield once during her time with Chelsea. With England, Carter was part of the squads that won the Euros in 2022 and reached the World Cup final last year. Arsenal have confirmed the Gio Queiroz has left the club and moved to Atletico Madrid. Gio joined the Gunners in 2022 from Barcelona and made a total of 11 appearances for them. She spent the first part of the 2022/23 season on loan at Everton and last season had a spell with Liga F side Madrid CFF. News

Karen Carney is unveiled as newest inductee into the WSL Hall of Fame Back Karen Carney is inducted into the Women's Super League Hall of Fame Karen Carney is unveiled as newest inductee into the WSL Hall of Fame 27 October 2022 FA Media Release The Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame is delighted to announce Karen Carney MBE as the first inductee of 2022. Carney becomes the fifth individual to be inducted since The FA and lead partner Barclays launched the Hall of Fame last year and is the first of three inductees to be recognised this year. Nicknamed ‘The Wizard,’ Carney had an illustrious career that included nine seasons in the Barclays Women’s Super League with hometown club Birmingham City and Chelsea. Over her entire career, she won a number of honours following stints with Birmingham City and Arsenal, as well as with the Chicago Red Stars and Chelsea, which included the infamous ‘quadruple’ with the Gunners in 2007. Her honours during her time in the Barclays WSL include topping the league scoring charts with Birmingham in 2014, as well as winning the Vitality Women’s FA Cup with the Blues in 2012. She also achieved an impressive league and cup double with Chelsea in 2017/2018. Earning 144 England Caps places her as the third most capped England Women’s international of all time, with her Lionesses career ending following the 2019 FIFA World Cup. Her skills on the pitch and ability to analyse the game off it have led to opportunities in the broadcast world since she ended her playing career, working on Sky Sports’ Barclays WSL coverage, as well as with ITV and Amazon Prime. Carney’s induction was confirmed by the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame selection panel, which features prominent former players, coaches and an official from the women’s game, as well as journalists and members of FA staff. Chair of the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame panel, Kelly Simmons, said: “Induction into the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame is the highest individual honour offered by the league and I am delighted that Karen is our first inductee of 2022. “She played at the very highest level for a prolonged period of time, and her record speaks for itself. She is absolutely deserving of being inducted into our Barclays WSL Hall of Fame. “Not only was she an incredible player, but she is a wonderful ambassador for our game and has gone on to be a brilliant pundit. Congratulations on your induction, Karen.”  Karen Carney with Jess Creighton News

Back Demi Stokes Club Manchester City Position Defender D.O.B 12/12/1991 Bio Left back Demi Stokes has been a regular figure for both club and country for a number of years. Typically playing a more defensive fullback role, Stokes is quick and persistent in tracking back and retrieving. However, ever-developing, she also possesses the ability to press forward and overlap her winger in times of transition bringing the best of both to the left side. Girls on the Ball B5

Spurs move onto the next round of the FA Cup after a 5-0 win over LCL Back Match Report FA Cup 4th Round: Tottenham Hotspur v London City Lionesses Spurs move onto the next round of the FA Cup after a 5-0 win over LCL Edward Payne 29 January 2023 By Finley Chung A strong and commanding performance from Spurs saw them see off spirited Championship outfit London City Lionesses to advance to the Fifth Round of the Women’s FA Cup. Goals from Bethany England, Mana Iwabuchi, Drew Spence, Eveliina Summanen and an own goal ensured progress. Spurs made two changes from their midweek loss to Chelsea in the League Cup, with Ash Neville returning from suspension to replace Amy Turner and Angharad James replacing Evaliina Summanen in midfield. Their Championship visitors, London City Lionesses came into this off the back of a 5-0 win over Crystal Palace in their last outing, however this was their first game under new Head Coach, Nikita Runnacles following Melissa Phillips departure. The visitors made one change to their lineup with Lilly Agg replacing Carly Girasoli. The visitors got the game underway on a bitterly cold Sunday afternoon in East London but it was the hosts with the first chance. Rosella Ayanne scampered away down the left and pulled the ball back for Drew Spence who saw her effort blocked. The hosts quick followed it up with another good chance as Angharad James looped a ball over to Bethany England who superbly cut inside her marker but drilled her shot just the wrong side of the post. The visitors then bit back with their first chance of the game as Karin Muya’s pullback was arrowed goal wards by Sarah Ewens, forcing Tinja-Riikka Korpella into a good save at her near post. With just over ten minutes on the clock, the WSL side broke the deadlock thanks to Bethany England’s superb header after a fine delivery from Ayanne out on the left flank making it 1-0 to Spurs. Rosella Ayanne was next to try her luck for the hosts after picking the ball up just outside the area but her shot flew wide of Shae Yanez’s right hand post. London City were then thwarted by an excellent piece of defending as Karin Muya once again got in behind Kerys Harrop on the Spurs left but her pullback was brilliantly cut out before it could reach a London City body in the middle. Photo: Edward Payne The visitors came again ten minutes before half time with Harley Bennet swinging a ball in from the right but Lilly Agg’s header is well held by Korpela in goal. Right at the end of the half, Spurs doubled their lead and it was a first goal for the club for loanee, Mana Iwabuchi after she was found by Ashleigh Neville on the edge of the box. Her shot deflected in past Yanez to bring the half to a close and put the hosts 2-0 up. Half Time - Spurs 2-0 London City Lionesses Spurs made a change at half-time with Eveliina Summanen replaced Rosella Ayanne and the substitute had an immediate impact, helping Spurs star the second half exactly the way they finished the first. Drew Spence added number three, tapping home Summanen’s ball at the far post for her second goal in two matches. The hosts very nearly had a fourth as Spence picked out a delicious ball to England but the latter header was well saved by Yanez. Two more changes from Rehanne Skinner with about half an hour to go, with Shelina Zadorsky and Bethany England being replaced by Amy Turner and Nikola Karczewska. Spurs added their fourth goal of the game after another wicked ball in from the left from another substitute, Karczewska and Ciry’s Harley Bennett sliced the clearance over her own goalkeeper and into her own net to make it 4-0. Rehanne Skinner made use of her final two changes, bringing off Mana Iwabuchi and Ashleigh Neville for Chioma Ubogagu and Asmita Ale. Amy Turner was next to try her luck after some neat interplay with Ubogagu but her fierce right footed shot was wide of the mark. The hosts did get their fifth eleven minutes from time after Karczewska was again the provider, sliding a simple pass along to Eveliina Summanen who capped a very impressive substitute cameo with a goal to go with her assist to make it 5-0. Spurs comfortably saw out the remaining injury time to ensure they progress to Round Five of the Women’s FA Cup in a much needed and confidence boosting win for Rehanne Skinner’s side. Full Time - Spurs 5-0 London City Lionesses Scorers - Beth England (11’), Mana Iwabuchi (45+1’), Drew Spence (47’), Harley Bennet (OG, 65’), Evelina Summanen (79’)

Defender Rafaelle Souza expects another big test against Manchester City as they come up against them for the second time in four days Back Souza says Arsenal are in for another "big fight" against City Defender Rafaelle Souza expects another big test against Manchester City as they come up against them for the second time in four days 10 February 2023 Arsenal defender Rafaelle spoke to the press after the Gunners 1-0 win over Manchester City in the Conti Cup semi-final. Here is what she had to say. What was it like defending against Bunny Shaw and Manchester City’s attack? Rafaelle said “the whole team did well defending because not conceding a goal against them is really hard and I think we did a great job as a team but especially to not let her score is special for us but we have to do it all on Saturday again (Arsenal play Man City in the WSL then).” When was the back three idea introduced to the squad (Jonas Eidevall said later this was the first time he has used this formation at Arsenal)? Responding, Rafaelle said “they started working on it this week but it is just not for this game, I think we like having different styles of play and we can play different styles.” What was Jonas’ thinking about moving you to the right side of defence when Jen Beattie came on? “He was telling me to go in then find the outside wingers, and also because I played on the left, in the middle and on the right, I think it is good for me so I can play all over the pitch, I think it is good for the team but I will always give my best, doesn’t matter where I am going to play” Rafaelle said How does it feel to be in your first cup final in England? Rafaelle answered by saying “ It feels so brilliant, I am so happy. My first final with this team, I think we deserve it. We work so hard, we have been working the whole year on this and think we deserve it.” How do you stay focused at the end of extra-time? “We have to carry on the energy, like from the team, we put in good work today, and for me as a defender I have to be concentrating and be focused for the whole game, especially when we scored and got a lot of pressure on our team, but I think we did a good job as a team together defending” respond Rafaelle. Does it come into your mind you are playing Man City again on Saturday? “We know we have a tough game on Saturday but now we have to think about rest and have a good sleep because the next game will be another big fight” concluded Rafaelle. News

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Alessia Russo The backheel assassin herself Alessia Russo is becoming a regular face on game days and it’s proving to be increasingly beneficial. The Manchester United striker gives the Lionesses’ forward line something altogether compelling; a buoyant point of reference to target. Russo is adaptable and has experience in playing out wide, however she is most effective when stationed in the centre as a no. 9. Using her physicality, Russo likes to put the pressure on and strongly contest for the ball, thus causing her to have quite the presence in the area. Russo is a capable dribbler, and is also a willing runner, which leaves England in good stead when using quick transitions. Finally, Russo is extremely good in the air adding further element to her layered abilities Photograph courtesy of the FA.

Poppy Pattinson spoke to the media after booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals Back "This is massive for us" says Pattinson as Brighton progress in the FA Cup Poppy Pattinson spoke to the media after booking their place in the FA Cup semi-finals Cameron Smith/Getty 20 March 2023 By Paul Donegan Poppy Pattinson scored the opening goal direct from a corner in Brighton & Hove Albion’s 2-0 win against Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Sunday. When asked about the goal after the match, Pattison said “I am left footed, it is an inswinging corner, we loaded the six-yard box and it went all the way in” . She added that set pieces are important in every game and they have been working on them in the last couple of weeks. “I can’t complain with the goal” remarked Pattinson. Reacting to getting through to the semi-finals, the Brighton left back said she is “over the moon, and that was the aim coming into the game”. Pattinson noted the whole team are buzzing after the win and “this is massive for us”. She feels they have been gaining momentum over the last few weeks despite the results, and have “felt together as a team, working together, learning and building relationships and can see that today.” Asked about how they have regrouped in the last fortnight since Amy Merricks became interim head coach, Pattinson commented “that football is up and down, it is about how you deal with these things”. She feels that they have dealt with it well, and concluded by saying that “we fight for each other and that showed today.” News