Women's Super League

Emma Smith
BBC Sport journalist at Villa Park

Image source, Getty Images

An unsurprising outcome, but the journey there was anything but straightforward for Manchester City in an exciting game.

For the second successive week, a match featuring City ends 4-2 - but this time Gareth Taylor's team are on the winning end of the score line.

While the defensive errors which cost them against Manchester United were absent here, they were still too easily cut open twice by Villa.

But at the other end City are looking sharp again as Vivianne Miedema returns to full fitness, Jess Park continues to grow and Khadija Shaw picks up valuable minutes.

For Villa, they have the difficult task of following this game with the visit of champions Chelsea next weekend.

Their new manager Natalia Arroyo will be in place by then. What tweaks she can make to stem the Blue tide remains to be seen.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea forward Lauren James could make her first appearance in the Women's Super League in over three months after overcoming injury and illness.

James suffered a calf issue in October and returned to action earlier this month, playing 46 minutes in Chelsea's Women's FA Cup win over Charlton.

However, she missed last weekend's 5-0 win against West Ham through illness, but is in contention to feature against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (12:30 GMT).

"LJ is back in the squad, she practiced normally this morning, so it's good news," Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor said on Friday.

Chelsea face an Arsenal side under the leadership of Renee Slegers, who replaced former boss Jonas Eidevall on an interim basis before being appointed permanent manager.

There are now six female managers in the WSL, something that Bompastor feels is good for the growth of the game.

"In this league it's good to have women in charge," she said.

"I'm glad that Renee got the job. It's good for the women's game to have two big teams in England with female managers. It shows we habve the capacity and quality to be in those positions."

Here are the other key lines from Bompastor's news conference:

• Chelsea have no injury concerns other than the long-term absentees

• Bompastor congratulated on the work Slegers has already done at Arsenal: "They are in a good run. They look more confident on the pitch, you can see the difference."

• Bompastor said the players are excited to play in an 'electric' atmosphere in-front of over 30,000 fans at Stamford Bridge.

• The French coach isn't looking at the seven-point lead Chelsea have on Arsenal in second place: "We take it game-by-game and focus on how we play."

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Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn is confident that he will get new additions to his squad before the transfer window closes on 30 January.

Spurs have signed Netherlands goalkeeper Lize Kop from Leicester and Denmark midfielder Olivia Holdt from Rosengard for undisclosed fees.

Asked before Tottenham's trip to Crystal Palace in the Women's Super League on Sunday (14:00 GMT) if he expects more arrivals, Vilahamn replied: "probably."

Vilahamn wants Spurs - sixth in the Women's Super League table and eight points behind fourth-place Manchester City - to close the gap between themselves and the top four, but said they won't spend beyond their means.

"We don't just sign players, we want to sign players that benefit us. If you don't nail the right player in the right position then we don't just take anyone," Vilahamn said.

"I feel really backed by the club. We have the potential in this group to close the gap, but they [top four] sign new players and keep going.

"I strongly believe we are going to close that gap but it's a matter of time."

Here are the other key lines from Vilahamn's news conference:

• Vilahamn said that Holdt could make her debut but will be assessed on Saturday, while Amy James-Turner has started training but is being monitored every day.

• He added that China winger Wang Shuang could leave the club on loan having struggled for minutes.

• Vilahamn believes that Crystal Palace - bottom of the WSL - are "better than people expect."

• After a five-game unbeaten run ended against West Ham in the League Cup on Wednesday, Vilahamn wants his side to "play better football and be sharper in the technical things. I don't think anyone in the team is really happy with how we performed in all the games."

• Vilahamn said that striker Martha Thomas is "upgrading herself all the time" and is growing in self-confidence.

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Leicester City have signed Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark on a permanent deal from FC Twente.

The 23-year-old, who is preparing to represent Wales in their first major tournament at Euro 2025, is a replacement for goalkeeper Lize Kop, who left Leicester to join Tottenham last week.

Clark agreed terms on a two-year contract when she joined FC Twente from Bristol City in August but has struggled for regular game time in the Dutch league.

She becomes Leicester City's first signing of the January transfer window but manager Amandine Miquel hopes to continue adding to her squad.

Clark's international team-mate Esther Morgan has joined Sheffield United from Scottish Premier League side Hearts.

Morgan joined Hearts in 2023 after spells at Tottenham Hotspur, where she came through the club's academy, and loans at Leicester City, Coventry United and Sunderland.

"I'm delighted. It's a really exciting opportunity for myself and I just can't wait to get playing and get out with the girls now," Morgan said.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Arsenal's momentum was "not positive" the last time they faced Chelsea and suffered defeat at Emirates Stadium, says manager Renee Slegers.

Chelsea's 2-1 win in October was the last match under former manager Jonas Eidevall as he resigned a few days later.

Slegers, who was assistant manager at the time, says they now have "belief" and hope to show that in Sunday's crucial derby with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

"The momentum with us at that time was not positive. We came away from Munich with a loss and had to go straight into a home game against Chelsea," said Slegers.

"If you look at the stats, we actually did quite well in that game. But Chelsea won the game so we know the details we need to focus on.

"We have belief in what we are doing at the moment. We know what we want to do on Sunday. It will be exciting to see where we are at."

Here are more key lines from her news conference:

• Caitlin Foord was taken out of the squad and Lia Walti came off early in the match on Wednesday as precaution. Both players trained on Friday.

• Alessia Russo is enjoying her football and getting the best out of herself at the moment, says Slegers.

• The Dutchwoman understands there is a big rivalry between the two clubs but she is focused on Arsenal being as successful as they can be.

• She also says it is good to see "more opportunities" for female coaches like herself and Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham's progression in the Women's League Cup puts them in a "good position" for the league games coming up, says manager Rehanne Skinner.

They currently sit three points above the relegation spot in the Women's Super League and Skinner hopes they can build momentum against Everton on Sunday.

"Obviously I'm delighted with the performance on Wednesday night. We have a lot of games coming up and it gave us opportunities," said Skinner.

"It was a really good game for us that puts us in a good position for the games coming up.

"We want to win as many games as we possibly can. The belief and confidence comes out of winning games, no matter what competition that is in."

Here are more key lines from Skinner's media conference:

• Goalkeeper Katelin Talbert can use her loan spell with Aston Villa as an opportunity to move up the pecking order, says Skinner.

• "Every transfer window is important" to try to recruit new players and West Ham are keen to "evolve" some more areas.

• Everton could have a "new identity" because of new signings but West Ham are "ready for what they are capable of".

• Skinner also says the squad size is moving in the right direction and they are getting into a better position to cope with playing in various competitions.

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Assistant manager Scott Rodgers said "it's been nothing but positive" for Liverpool since the winter break.

The Reds have only played once in January, beating Brighton 2-1 in their first game back.

But the return of injured players, plus new players added in the January transfer window have given the group a lift.

"It's added bodies to the group and made training more competitive," Rodgers said. "It's been nothing but positive for us since Christmas and long may that continue.

"It's been a really good week, really positive. The group are in good spirits. We needed that win. We said we wanted to get off to a good start in the second half of the season. Not only did we win the game but I thought the performance was really good as well."

Here are more key lines from Rodgers - who was speaking to the media instead of boss Matt Beard - before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Leicester (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

• On getting a first WSL win at St Helens Stadium, he said: "We always knew it was going to come".

• On being confident winning away from home after winning six and drawing two so far on the road: "With this group of plays we go into any game thinking we can get a result and we should do. Providing we apply ourselves right we are always going to be a match for anyone."

• He said Fuka Nagano showed once again she is "world class" and added: "She is unbelievable. She can unlock pictures, she can unlock defences and pick out passes."

• Sophie Roman Haug "isn't far away" and is in contention but will not be rushed back.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa interim boss Shaun Goater says he won't overthink his tactics when facing former club Manchester City.

Goater spent five years as a player with City, and last season acted as an assistant to manager Gareth Taylor. On Sunday Villa will host City at Villa Park in the Women's Super League (kick-off 12:00 GMT).

"I look forward to this, the fact it's City adds a little more interest, but for the team and the players it's another game, a big and important game," Goater said.

"Gareth knows me, my thoughts and how I see the game, and likewise I know Gareth and know how he looks to play. But for me it's not a case of overthinking."

Goater has overseen three wins and one draw in all competitions since becoming interim manager in December following the dismissal of Robert de Pauw, and admitted he wanted the role on a permanent basis.

However, Natalia Arroyo will take permanent charge of the team following Saturday's game at Villa Park, with Goater returning to his role as attacking coach.

"They want to put on a good show with the new manager watching, they're in pretty good form so it's a chance for them to go out and express themselves," Goater said.

Here are the other key lines from Goater's news conference:

• Missy Bo Kearns and Lucy Staniforth will be out for 'another couple of weeks', while Rachel Corsie could be out longer after suffering a 'lapse' in her recovery from a knee injury.

• Goater said he has held brief conversations with Arroyo but match preparation has limited their contact

• The draw against Everton last weekend was frustrating and "felt like a loss" after conceding in the 89th minute.

• Goater warned that while City have not been at their best recently, they are a team that "has the quality to only need moments in games when they reach the top levels".

• When asked how he improved Villa, Goater said: "It was about getting confidence back in the team. Another thing was our build up, [we] need to have a good build up so we can arrive in the final third with the numbers to be able to have opportunities."

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West Ham goalkeeper Katelin Talbert has joined Aston Villa on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.

The 26-year-old American has recently been on loan with Tottenham between September and December 2024.

The 26-year-old American is yet to make an appearance for West Ham since joining from Benfica in 2023.

Villa have been looking for a goalkeeper since New Zealand international Anna Leat left by mutual consent earlier this month and talks are ongoing with the two clubs.

Tottenham midfielder Elkie Bowyer has joined third-tier Ipswich Town on a dual registration agreement until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old spent the first half of the season on a dual registration with Watford, but returns to Ipswich having spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign in Suffolk.

"I am really pleased to be returning here with this group of staff and players," she said.

"It was a shame my time here last season ended so suddenly due to injury, but I am delighted to be back and hope I can help contribute to a positive second half of the campaign."

Bowyer made eight appearances for Watford, scoring once.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner has challenged his team to continue their ruthless form in front of goal when they face Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

United punished the mistakes of local rivals Manchester City in a 4-2 victory at Etihad Stadium last week, converting four of five shots on target.

While City got revenge in the Women's League Cup on Wednesday, Skinner is confident his side's momentum won't be affected.

"It's really about taking chances," Skinner said, before facing a Brighton team who United were wasteful against during a 1-1 draw in October.

"We've got to be ruthless in this game, we might only get three or four chances and we've got to take them.

"When games come thick and fast we have the opportunity to put the last result right but also build on what we've done previously. I don't think we've lost momentum, it's about putting our prior performances into this game and getting a result."

Skinner's side will come up against former United striker Nikita Parris, who scored when the teams met in October.

"I've got nothing but respect for Nikita. She's a real threat. She's somebody that some of our players will have learned from while she was here. We have to make sure we are right on our game because she's in form, as are Brighton. I'm sure she'll be fired up."

Here are the other key lines from Skinner's news conference:

• Millie Turner and Melvine Malard were withdrawn on Wednesday with "niggles" but Skinner expects them to be available on Sunday.

• Geyse remains unavailable while on compassionate leave, but could return for the trip to Tottenham on Sunday, 2 February.

• Skinner said that while United want to compete for titles and play in the Champions League, all they can do right now is "focus on trying to get points and bank them."

• The United boss is open to signings before the transfer window closes but is happy with his squad.

• On how to beat Brighton: "Brighton are very good with the ball, they'll lull you into traps and then spring them. They can invade with the forward line they've got in. From last time we learned about adapting the press, make sure we disjoint that build up. If we get our counter-press right then we can disrupt all of their shape.

• United are working on a loan move for goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel.

• Skinner said he understands fan criticism but that "in the WSL we've got 10 games, and we need the fans in every one of those games, they're going to be huge. We know we can rely on them."

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Leicester midfielder Emilia Pelgander has joined Swedish side FC Rosengard on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old has made 17 appearances for the Women's Super League side since joining from KIF Orebro in January 2024.

She returns to her native Sweden to play in the top-flight.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester City are interested in signing Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark from FC Twente this month.

Clark, a regular starter for her country, was on the bench as FC Twente beat AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch league on Wednesday.

Should a deal be struck, it is likely to be a loan move with Clark agreeing terms on a two-year contract when she joined FC Twente from Bristol City in August.

The 23-year-old, who is preparing to represent Wales in their first major tournament at Euro 2025, would be seen as a replacement for goalkeeper Lize Kop, who left Leicester to join Tottenham last week.

Manager Amandine Miquel said in her media conference on Thursday that Leicester were "close" to signing a goalkeeper in the January transfer window.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

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Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor is hopeful of having some players back for Saturday's Women's Super League trip to Aston Villa.

Top scorer Khadija Shaw has missed City's last six matches through injury but was among those training ahead of the trip to Villa Park (12:00 GMT kick-off).

Netherlands international Vivianne Miedema and English defender Naomi Layzell were among those also training, with the trio missing Wednesday's 2-1 League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United.

"We had a small training group out on the pitch [today]," said City boss Taylor.

"That included Bunny Shaw, which is good. Viv was there, Naomi Layzell as well.

"It's potentially looking like we could be a little bit stronger, certainly from the sidelines, for the weekend."

On recent signings Aemu Oyama and Kerolin, Taylor added that the duo are improving their workload in training.

Here are more key lines from Taylor's news conference:

• On goalkeeper Khiara Keating, Taylor said she was okay "but a little bit shook up" after limping off during City's 2-1 win over United.

• With title-chasing rivals Chelsea and Arsenal facing each other this weekend, Taylor said "we have to" pick up points to put pressure on those sides, especially when they are against each other.

• On recruitment, Taylor said he is still looking to bolster the squad before the transfer window closes.

• This weekend's match will see Taylor face former Man City team-mate Shaun Goater, who is in caretaker charge of Villa. Taylor is looking forward to seeing Goater, who he feels has done a good job as Villa's caretaker manager and has set them up in a similar way to Taylor's style with City.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace head coach Laura Kaminski believes the recent signings of Canadian forward Clarissa Larisey and Finnish forward Ria Oling will add value to her squad.

Palace have signed the duo in the past week, with Larisey, 25 and Oling, 30, arriving from Swedish sides Hacken and Rosenborg respectively.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Women's Super League match at home to Tottenham (14:00 GMT kick-off) where both could make their debuts, Kaminski spoke highly of the duo.

"They're different players in the sense that they offer different attributes," Kaminski told BBC Sport. "Both players are going to add a lot of value to the squad and really support the squad depth now as we move into the second half of the season.

"Clarissa is a very quick threat and has proved that in terms of goals and being a real threat in behind. Ria has also been adding value in terms of off the pitch, on the pitch as both players will do, but Ria will offer a little bit of security as well as [being] a fantastic ball carrier.

"I'm very pleased with both of them and both have been settling in and gelling with the squad, which is nice."

Here are more key lines from Kaminski's news conference:

• On Larisey and Oling, Kaminski said she has to be "careful" in terms of their integration into the team and does not want to rush it at risk of both players' welfare.

• Speaking about the team's character after last Sunday's 5-0 defeat to Arsenal, Kaminski has said she's seen her players showing the ability to cope with the challenges they have faced throughout the campaign, rather than just talking about it.

• She said it has been "difficult" for members of Palace's promotion-winning squad to adapt their mentality having been used to winning games for most of last season.

• Kaminski says she expects a "reset" Tottenham side to come up against Palace from the team that were beaten 2-1 in the League Cup by West Ham.

• Welsh forward Elise Hughes returned to training last week. Kaminski said she is "a great character" and is "coping well", but admits she is understandably behind the rest of the squad while she gets back to full fitness.