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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

Get to know every member of the current Lionesses squad. Lionesses Squad Lauren James Widely regarded as one of the rawest footballing talents the country has ever seen, Lauren James is simply magnificent to watch. The Chelsea forward can play in just about any attacking position and deals with whatever she is tasked with radiating collectedness. It is almost as if James defies time and space when she is in possession. Everyone and everything around her appear to stand still as she motors toward goal, darting around opponents as if they are nothing more than cones marked out on a training ground. With pressing qualities as well as defensive substance, James’ ludicrous speed paired with her ease on the ball is just the tip of the iceberg. There is no other way to describe James’ game than to define it as inexplicably cool, but the real exhilaration comes in knowing that she is nowhere near her prime. Mark these words, Lauren James will define a generation. Photograph courtesy of the FA.

England's most capped player Fara Williams talks FIFA and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit On the red carpet with Fara Williams Thursday, 27 October 2022 By Charlotte Stacey England's most capped player Fara Williams talks FIFA and the WSL at the Women's Football Summit Charlotte Stacey | Getty Images Any self-respecting fan of women’s football knows the name Fara Williams. As England’s most capped player with 172 caps during her career, as well as a wealth of experience at a number of top-flight clubs, Williams knows a thing or two about the women’s game. We caught up with Williams at the Women’s Football Summit presented by EA to chat all things FIFA and to get her take on the new Women’s Super League season, here’s what she had to say… The development of FIFA games… “I could never have imagined this! You know, I played Fifa as a kid but only ever the men’s teams that were involved, and even you think of the graphics back then as well they all pretty much looked the same! You couldn’t identify players!” EA Sports hosting a women’s football event… “So, I never imagined anything like this, but I think it’s fantastic. Certainly, EA Sport and FIFA23 have grown the women’s game. The game has been growing for the 10-15 years, we won the Euro’s, it’s perfect with this brand and now the game is coming into its own and it’s fantastic.” Predications for this season… “It’s difficult, I always think Chelsea are going to come out on top in the end. But in terms of Manchester United, I think they’ve done well. So far though, they’ve played opposition I would expect them to beat so right now it’s difficult to fully judge them.” Could a team pip Chelsea to the post… “Manchester City have had a tough start, so it’s difficult. Arsenal look impressive but now they’ve got two massive injuries at centre-half. Everton look really good in their opening games even though they lost the first one. “But Chelsea, they showed themselves. In terms that Chelsea are still that level. But it’ll be an interesting one, I think teams will take points off each other… but Chelsea are going to win.” You can catch Williams as part of the punditry and commentary teams on games selected for television broadcast.

Vivianne Miedema’s first half goal sees Arsenal go through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup Back Match Report FA Cup 4th Round: Arsenal v London City Lionesses Vivianne Miedema’s first half goal sees Arsenal go through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup Olivia Cantwell 30 January 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal entered the fourth round of the FA Cup to take on Championship side London City Lionesses. London City are title contenders this season, challenging for promotion into the Women’s Super League, currently laying second in the Championship on 25 points behind Liverpool and with a game in hand. On the other hand, Arsenal remain as league leaders of the WSL, now on 29 points after beating Brighton and Hove 2-1 on Thursday. Arsenal lined up a fairly familiar starting eleven with recovery from injuries and illness denying Jonas Eidevall a large amount of rotation. Arsenal were without Leah Williamson, Rafaelle, Jen Beattie, Lia Walti and Tobin Heath, as well as Steph Catley, Caitlin Foord and Lydia Williams who are competing in the Asia Cup. London City arrived at Meadow Park well stocked, having captain Harley Bennett, Brooke Nunn and goalkeeper Shae Yanez amongst their starting eleven and a number of substitutions availabe on the bench. For the most part of the first half Arsenal were very much in the driving seat. The Gunners maintained a great deal of possession, created plenty of chances and won a large number of set pieces. By the 11th minute London City goalkeeper Yanez had made two impressive saves to keep out Nikita Parris and Katie McCabe respectively. London City found an opening of their own after turning over possession at the 17-minute mark, making use of Arsenal’s high press by quickly sending the ball into space behind Noelle Maritz. The subsequent delivery into the box was high and did not find the intended target, however it in terms of transition, it showed intent from the visitors that opportunities to counter will be taken should they arise. At 21 minutes, after a quick one-two with Jordan Nobbs, Beth Mead found herself space on the edge of the area to whip in a powerful left footed shot. Yanez managed to shift her bodyweight to match that of the ball trajectory and tipped Mead’s effort over the bar in what was an outstanding piece of goalkeeping. The first and only goal of the game came at 43 minutes and was scored by Vivianne Miedema. London City had played themselves into trouble on a couple of occasions during the first half, passing out from the back without enough pace on the ball to dismantle an approaching Arsenal, thus penning them close to their own area. Kim Little intercepted a London City play ‘from the back’ just outside of the box and cut the ball across to Miedema. The striker took a couple of small touches before releasing the ball out to the right and into the back of the net. Arsenal started the second half very brightly with both Miedema and Frida Maanum testing Yanez within three minutes of the restart. Yet the second half progressed similarly to the first. Arsenal seeing plenty of the ball and creating several opportunities, yet none executed well enough to increase the score line. There are possibly a couple of reasons for this. The first is down to London City’s defensive wit. The Pride maintained visible lines of defence that proved difficult to break, especially through central lanes. In particular, midfielder Amy Rodgers strongly contested the movements of Little and Maanum on several occasions. This pushed Arsenal to stretch play and use the wings. Noticeably the Gunners used the right-hand side during the second half to press. The link-up play between Laura Wienroither, Mead and Maanum repeatedly exposed space behind Alli Palisch, who had a tough job keeping tabs on the interchangeable positioning of Wienroither and Mead. During these occasions London City retreated to flooding bodies into the area making clean shots more difficult to come by. Due to the sheer volume of bodies in the box, there were instances in which Arsenal took too many touches in attempt to find space, only to end up playing themselves into a dead end. Knowing London City would, for the most part, sit and block, Arsenal used a number of plays in a bid to catch the Pride short. Notably Lotte Wubben-Moy became the provider of long bypass balls that eliminated the packed-out middle third. The Gunners also won several set-pieces and used this to attempt a range of plays including a mixture of long and short corners, goal targeted free-kicks and ‘in-swingingers’ directed to teammates. Of course, Arsenal did not score from any of their set-pieces today, this is something Eidevall will no doubt be working on. Both sides executed their game plans well, Arsenal in using different approaches to press and penetrate a compact defence and London City in implementing and retaining a clear structure that left little wiggle room for the Gunners to play with. Although they were not able to add any more to their tally, Arsenal go through to the FA Cup Fifth Round. Draw to be made at 7:30pm on Monday 31st January. ___ Arsenal: Zinsberger (GK), Maritz, Wubben-Moy, Boye, McCabe, Maanum, Nobbs, Little, Parris, Miedema (55’), Mead Substitutes: Cull, Wienroither (55’), O’Brien, Jupp, Head, Gillard Goals: Miedema (43’) ___ London City Lionesses: Yanez (GK), Girasoli (64’), Palisch, Rodgers, Napier (64’), Rouse, Bennett (C), Fitzgerald, Primus, Rossiter (45’), Nunn Substitutes: Fleming, Mehmet, Nolan (64’), Jarrett (45’), Gray, Thompson, Muya (64’), Froc

USA international Tobin Heath has left The Arsenal as injury rules her out for the rest of the season Back Tobin Heath bows out early USA international Tobin Heath has left The Arsenal as injury rules her out for the rest of the season Goal 22 May 2022 By Charlotte Stacey Arsenal have confirmed that USA international Tobin Heath has left the club by mutual consent. Heath’s one-year contract was due to finish at the end of the season, yet after picking up a hamstring injury both parties have agreed to an early termination. Heath made eighteen appearances and scored 3 goals for the Gunners including a crucial equaliser against Manchester City in January. News

Back Ellen White Club Manchester City Position Forward D.O.B 09/05/1989 Bio Manchester City forward White is an innate out and out number nine. An ability to put herself in the right place at the right time has seen White score thirteen goals across all competitions this season. White is cool, calm and collected, tidy and concise in tucking the ball away a with a clinical finish. Ever the grafter, White’s work rate is noteworthy, she is simply not one to sit tight or wait on the peripheral. White seeks the service she desires and runs tirelessly to receive this. via Ellen White Twitter D3

Back Lauren Hemp Club Manchester City Position Forward D.O.B 07/08/2000 Bio Hemp has established herself a ‘must have’ in international fixtures. The Manchester City winger dances along the wing, revelling in the pressure of beating out stiff competition as she goes. Hemp is an excellent transitional player and is able to find pockets of space to receive balls to counter an oppositional threat. Also known for her ungovernable pace and skill in placing a cross from either side, Hemp is a proven headache for defenders. via Lauren Hemp Twitter D1

Back Leah Williamson Club Arsenal Position Defender D.O.B 03/03/1997 Bio Williamson has played another successful season with The Arsenal. The centre-half boasts a first class first touch and excellent ball control, often developing on these with a keen passing eye. Williamson is organised yet progressive and possesses a capability to carry the ball across considerable distances. Another benefit of having Williamson in the squad is that she is also able to comfortably operate in a deep-seated midfield role which allows further options of rotation. Girls on the Ball B4