Women's Super League

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Everton captain Megan Finnigan says that the club "cannot be left behind" as the Women's Super League continues to grow and become more competitive.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Everton's 5-0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday evening, Finnigan said: "The club situation right now obviously isn't ideal and that is impacting the women's side in some ways. Once the new ownership comes through hopefully we can start seeing changes for the better because this league is ever growing.

"[The league] is growing so fast and that is why the standard is so high. Everton Football Club cannot be left behind."

Brian Sorensen's side remain one of three teams yet to win a WSL game this season.

After conceding five at home to Chelsea they slid back to the bottom of the league with a goal difference of -11.

Everton have still yet to score a goal, with an own goal courtesy of West Ham defender Camila Saez the only one to have counted in their favour so far this term.

Finnigan added: "We need to eradicate the sloppiness. I don't know the answer to that right now because it has not been the easiest of starts to the season for us.

"It needs to happen and it needs to happen soon. We have to dust ourselves off and get ready for another important match next week."

Up next for the Blues is trip away to top flight newcomers Crystal Palace, who sit ninth on four points.

Bobbie Jackson
BBC Sport Journalist

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Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor was left singing the praises of striker Aggie Beever-Jones after she starred in a 5-0 win at Everton.

England international Beever-Jones was brought in for just her third start of the season across all competitions and she made full use of her opportunity.

The 21-year-old has now scored in all three of those starting appearances after rising to head in the opener at Goodison Park.

That strike set the tone for what proved to be a very fruitful evening on Merseyside and has left Bompastor with plenty to consider as regular starter Mayra Ramirez will be hoping for a recall next time out.

"That's the high level, you have to compete in the club and in the national team," Bompastor said of Beever-Jones to Sky Sports.

"She has a lot of quality, she is able to score and help the team to possess the ball. She just needs to trust herself more sometimes.

"She will have all the opportunities to start games and to make an impact for the team so I am really happy for her tonight. I think it will be good for her confidence as well."

Beever-Jones, who spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Everton, was unlucky not to further add to her tally on a night when Chelsea had full control.

The defending WSL champions moved to second in the standings and trail leaders Manchester City by just a point with a game in hand.

Erin Cuthbert, Guto Reiten, Wieke Kaptein and Ashley Lawrence also got their names on the scoresheet.

The win extends Chelsea perfect record under new manager Bompastor, winning all five outings in the WSL.

When asked about being the first Chelsea boss to achieve that feat, Bompastor told Sky Sports: "I don't care about myself, it's more about the team so I am so happy that we are able to win every game.

"At the moment we did not win any trophy and that is my main job. As the coach I don't care, it is more about the club and the team."

Image source, Reuters

Everton boss Brian Sorensen says it is "too early to say" whether his side are involved in a relegation fight despite their failure to win in the Women's Super League so far this season.

The Toffees are bottom of the table after six games after being thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea and have scored just once this campaign, courtesy of an own goal.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "We are only a few games into the season. Let's see where we are at Christmas and go from there."

His side have been hard hit by injuries and Sorensen says they have struggled to cope with losing players.

"Yes it was [a case of same problems again]. Maybe the players that played out of position it was not their fault. In the first half we were not sticking to the movements that we talked about and the last two issues led to goals.

"Against Chelsea you have to have your game plan 100% right and that is of course on me, but it is also very tough when you have to make some last-minute changes. We have to do be sharper in every second against top teams like Chelsea.

"I was not impressed with the first half from us but in the second half we stepped up, we just ran out of energy in the end.

"We need to get players ready to play. It is really hard to compete when we are depleted as a squad and have very low numbers and play players in positions that they are not used to. We are working and doing everything we can to get players fit."

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Crystal Palace lost 3-0 against Manchester City at Selhurst Park at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday. Here is what Palace manager Laura Kaminski had to say to BBC Radio London afterwards.

"So proud [on what she saw from her side], we speak about closing the gap between us and top sides and that was as our plan and that is our journey. I think Manchester City are top of the table at the moment so playing that side is a huge challenge. It needs a battle mindset, it needs hard work.

"In terms of where we're at and our journey in terms of being a newly-promoted side, to go 3-0 into Man City, it shows direct progression against the game against Chelsea which was only five games ago."

On whether she prepared for defeat against Manchester City: "No. Anything can happen on any day. We had confidence building into the fixture, we had great confidence in our shape and there is no reason why that shape can't compete against top sides."

On whether she is seeing improvements from her team: "Definitely. The scoreline suggests there has been a direct improvement in terms of conceding goals. We hit the bar, we've had chances as well so the quality is there, it just needs fine-tuning."

On Palace skipper Aimee Everett still being out: "Aimee is ok, we're just managing it in house. She took a bit of a knock in training a few weeks ago now and we are being cautious. It is a bit longer than what we thought initially but that's ok, we're coming to a close with that now as we enter the final stages of her rehab.

"We anticipated she would be back a little bit quicker but it's just taking longer and making sure we don't rush her.

"I need Aimee, she is a top, top player and the players that have filled in her boots have performed excellently, I think they have stepped up to the plate. When Aimee is back in and around the group, we will see."

Bobbie Jackson
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor insists they remain "humble" despite brushing aside another opponent to further tighten their grip at the top of the Women's Super League.

City are yet to lose a game across all competitions in 2024-25, winning nine and drawing one, including a dominant 3-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Taylor's side are accustomed to dispatching of newly promoted teams such as Palace, having won 24 of 25 meetings against opponents coming up from the Championship - a draw with Liverpool in May 2023 is the only exception.

Despite their stunning form and lofty position, Taylor is refusing to get carried away.

"It's 10 games in all competitions unbeaten, one draw and nine wins," Taylor said.

"When you look at some of the opposition in there it's pretty impressive, but we don't get ahead of ourselves, we try to stay humble and are aware of areas we need to improve on."

Sunday's triumph at Selhurst Park was the perfect way for City to mark their 200th appearance in the WSL - becoming only the fourth club to reach that milestone.

The three points never looked in doubt as last season's WSL runners-up controlled the tempo from the outset and penned Palace deep inside their own half.

Goals from Jess Park, Jill Roord and Khadija Shaw ensured they continued building momentum following the international break.

"The squad coped really well today," Taylor said.

"It's important to get clean sheets and we dominated as we thought we would do. Palace have done well, they've caused teams problems and are dangerous on the counter-attack.

"I was pleased with the performance today from a lot of players. We got some younger players on the pitch at the end and they look like they've got promising futures."

Manchester United drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Leigh Sports Village on Sunday. Here is what both managers had to say afterwards.

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner: "I just felt that we could have been braver to turn. I think we needed to beat their press. We needed to change and introduce energy.

"Arsenal have invested for many years - have lots and lots of history. We're chasing that. We know that. But these games are tight. I'm happy with it. I'm happy with the fact we've come out with a point.

"I wouldn't say it's negative. It's positive. We should be learning. The increased physicality in this league is incredible. You need to maintain it and match it.

"The people that are above us, the people on the ground, we're really ambitious and we want to win things. That's what we're here to do. But it feels good."

Arsenal interim manager Renee Slegers: "You know against the top teams it will be important to win. That’s why the disappointment is so big.

"We did a lot of things well. Performance-wise there was a lot of positives but then again, the disappointment was only [gaining] one point.

"We are getting closer to converting more [shots]. It’s just about how we time our runs, the detail on the final pass, how many numbers we have in the box… We’re one step further.

"It is frustrating but we know Manchester United are a very good team with good individuals. It is about small margins and the details."

Ellie Thomason
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

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Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor said Manchester City will get an "enhanced version" of Vivianne Miedema when she returns from her latest injury setback.

The 28-year-old forward has not played since 9 October and has since had surgery on her left knee.

"It was a really minor procedure," Taylor said. "A slight niggle Viv had that we felt might have gone away. But after discussions with the surgeons they decided to do a small procedure and I think it’s really going to help Viv.

"She has made a huge contribution and I don’t see that contribution changing although it might not be on the pitch. She’s been fabulous with the young players and the girls in general. The impact she has had so far on the pitch has been top, particularly when we have slightly adapted her position.

"She has added real value to us. After getting herself right with this surgery and getting herself really fit and really strong, we are going to have an enhanced version. She only has to look at Jill Roord to see that."

Miedema made her comeback from 11 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in October 2023.

Since joining City in the summer, she has scored twice in five games in all competitions.

"We don’t put a timescale on it at all," Taylor said when asked how long Miedema is likely to be sidelined. "I’m pretty certain it was keyhole surgery so it won’t keep her out for a particularly long period but you never know in these situations what the time back to pitch looks like.

"She said she feels ready to run which is maybe slightly ambitious on her front but that is her in a nutshell. She wants to be back out with us, she is really enjoying her football with us and I think we get an improved version when she comes back."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Everton (kick-off 18:45 GMT).

Here are the key lines from her news conference:

• Wieke Kaptein had an x-ray on her toe but it is not broken, says Bompastor.

• She adds: "Wieke had a small issue but she is fine. We are taking it day-by-day and will make a decision [on Saturday]."

• Catarina Macario is progressing well but won't return in time to face Everton, while Lauren James remains absent.

• Bompastor said it was the "best time to reflect" on what she has learned at Chelsea so far in the international break.

• They had a meeting on Friday morning with the players to discuss what things they can improve on.

• "In terms of results it’s a good start. In terms of performances there is always room for improvements. We shared our thoughts with the players and set our expectations for the next block. We are ready to go again."

• She says Everton are "struggling a little bit" with injuries but she expects them to be "confident and motivated" against Chelsea.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Arsenal interim manager Renee Slegers has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Manchester United (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from her news conference:

• Lotte Wubben-Moy remains a doubt after showing further symptoms of concussion. She will continue to be assessed.

• Slegers says she was "very happy" for Leah Williamson to score her first England goal after recovering from an ACL injury against South Africa.

• "A lot of emotion came out in her celebration. I had a good conversation with Leah this morning. When it is windy or stormy as it has been with us, it was a big event for us. She is fine and she trained really well."

• Slegers believes her players going away on international break is helpful as a new environment can give "positive injections" around new people, insights and squads.

• It is a crucial period of games for the club this month but Slegers believes they can win all five matches before the next international break.

• "We are competing in two competitions in this block. I know it's small margins, top opposition and it will be hard challenges - but of course we believe we can achieve [five wins].

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against West Ham (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Shuang Wang, Amy James-Turner and Hayley Raso are back in training but will be assessed before the game after returning from injury.

• Vilahamn says he is "not concerned" by Tottenham's defensive record despite conceding 11 goals in their last three matches.

• He says the players are in a "good headspace" after a disappointing start to the season but know what they need to change.

• "I see what we need to fix and where we need to be better. We score a lot of goals which is good but we need to fix conceding goals. It’s not an easy fix but the players are aware of what we should do."

• Vilahamn says they need to have "a mixture of the balance" between attacking football and defensive solidity.

• He reflects on his time in charge of BK Hacken, where they enjoyed lots of success, but admits it will take time for Spurs to become a "dominant" team.

• He adds: "I know the fans have so much emotion so when you lose you should be quite hard on yourself, but also when you breathe a little bit, you need to understand that Manchester United and Chelsea away are two of the toughest games you can have in football. We are not there yet."

• Vilahamn insists he sees "really good potential" but the club knows they want to get "good results to please the fans" and that is the next step.

• "I don’t want to keep talking about next year and next year," he adds. "I want to make sure we get progress results-wise. We want to win. That’s the aim."

Ellie Thomason
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Liverpool boss Matt Beard has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Sophie Roman Haug is still in a protective ankle boot and will be out for "four to six weeks".

• Despite Haug's injury, Beard said: "We have plenty of goals in the team. I'm not concerned about that at all."

• Goalkeeper Teagan Micah is now "fully fit" and Beard said the international break came at a good time for her.

• Beard said "we should be in a better position points-wise" but added: "I know this group of players and I know we will be fine."

• Beard expects an "emotional" reunion for Aston Villa's Missy Bo Kearns against her former side, but "she has got a job to do and so will we".

Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist

Crystal Palace boss Laura Kaminski has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Manchester City (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from her news conference:

• In terms of injuries and fitness, Kaminski said there are "a couple of problems from the international duty that we're patching up today and beyond".

• It's taking longer than the club anticipated for Poppy Pritchard to return from the ankle injury she suffered against Aston Villa.

• On Annabel Blanchard being nominated for October's WSL player of the month award, Kaminski said: "For Blanch to be among those names is no surprise to me. She has grown with the journey and grabbed the opportunity".

• She said Crystal Palace have "a point to prove" against Manchester City after disappointing results against Tottenham and Chelsea at the start of the season.

• Kaminski added that the 7-0 defeat by Chelsea was a "massive learning lesson" for her side and they would be "foolish not to look back and reflect on that moment" when looking ahead to facing City.

• Asked about the support from the club, she said: "I feel supported, and I feel like it's a real club approach to what we're trying to do".

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Aston Villa boss Robert de Pauw has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Liverpool (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Jill Baijings is doing individual training on the grass, while Rachel Corsie is progressing with gym work as they continue to recover from injury.

• Georgia Mullett and Anna Leat have returned to training but need time and Paula Tomas remains suspended against Liverpool.

• Former Liverpool midfielder Missy Bo Kearns will face her former club for the first time this weekend and De Pauw said it will be "special" for her.

• "I was at St George’s Park this week and the [England] U23s were there. I asked Missy how she felt and she said: 'I feel good, we are playing Liverpool this weekend.' That tells you a lot about where her mind and focus is. She is very eager to play."

• De Pauw said his patience was "being tested" as he continues to search for a first WSL win with Villa this season.

• "Every game is so important. We have shown in every game that we are competitive. I have never had to wait this long for a win in a season so my patience is being tested. But highs and lows come in football as fast as they come."

Ellie Thomason
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Tottenham (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from her news conference:

• It was a positive international break for the Hammers and "everyone is looking in good shape and in good spirits" after returning to the club.

• On only scoring two goals so far in the league, Skinner said: "Our shot volume needs to go up. Once we get one or two that changes the narrative".

• Skinner said the season so far has been "a real challenge" but with "lots of learning opportunities".

• She believes the team are "on the cusp of moving onto the next level" as they look to move up the WSL table.

• Skinner praised "top player" Anouk Denton and said "not many players have the athletic attributes" she possesses.

• On Tottenham, Skinner said it's a "big rivalry" historically and she wants her players to "bring the passion" to the derby.

Ellie Thomason
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Vivianne Miedema's knee surgery was a "minor procedure" and Taylor doesn't expect her to be out for too long, but he didn't put a timescale on her return.

• Naomi Layzell is "getting there" in her injury recovery and Taylor said "she has made a really strong, solid start to the season and getting that player back will be really important".

• Taylor is "super impressed" with Jill Roord who scored twice for the Netherlands in the international break.

• "For her to gain that confidence has been important," he added.

• On Lauren Hemp's WSL player of the month award for October, Taylor said: "I've seen huge growth in Lauren's game. It was a really solid month for her and she drove the team to high levels."

• He said Crystal Palace present a "tough challenge" having never played them before and Taylor said "we are are aware of the threats they carry".

Emily Salley
BBC Sport journalist

Everton boss Brian Sorensen has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Chelsea at Goodison Park (kick-off 18:45 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• In terms of injuries, Sorensen said "it wasn't the best international window for us" and some players need to be assessed.

• He doesn't think Clare Wheeler will be available on Sunday after suffering with sickness.

• Asked about Everton's struggles in front of goal, Sorensen said: "That's something we need to fix".

• He added: "I think we have the players in the squad to do it [score], but the ones we have out [injured], there is big, big quality missing".

• The Everton boss is hopeful his side can get "four or six" points out of the upcoming fixtures before the next international window.

• On Megan Finnigan, Sorensen said she is struggling with injury issues but added: "She's a true blue and Evertonian and she loves the club, and she's really good captain."

• Chelsea have an "unreal" squad and it will be "the biggest ask" to win three points against them on Sunday.

• Sorensen said "we have to be at our very best, as we were at Emirates", when they held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw earlier this season.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner hopes to work with England's Grace Clinton for "many years to come".

Clinton joined United from Everton in July 2022 on a three-year deal, with an option to extend for a further year.

She excelled in loan spells with Bristol City and Tottenham before returning to United this season as an England international.

The 21-year-old impressed in England's 2-1 friendly victory over South Africa, raising speculation about her future and the need for United to tie her down.

Asked if a contract extension was in the pipeline, Skinner said: "When I signed her, she was one I identified early at Everton and thought she had a fantastic future.

"I’m sure the club and her representatives will be speaking. I just don’t have involvement in that.

"My job is to make sure Grace is performing on the field and at the minute, she is doing fantastic.

"She loves being here – I know that. I want to work with her for many years to come."

Manchester United boss Marc Skinner has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Women's Super League game against Arsenal (kick-off 12:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Jayde Riviere and Melvine Malard have trained with the squad this week having recovered from injury.

• Skinner was asked about the prospects of England midfielder Grace Clinton signing a contract extension and said he "does not have involvement in that" but hopes to work with her "for many years to come".

• While admitting Arsenal have gone through a "turbulent time of late" following the departure of manager Jonas Eidevall, Skinner said the match will be a good "measuring stick" of where United are at this season.

• Asked whether there is more pressure on United to win this time around, he added: "We play under pressure every game because we want to win. Arsenal are in good hands until they find the manager they want. I don’t feel there’s any added pressure for our players."

• Skinner said he is "really proud" to represent Manchester United as he prepares for his 100th game in charge against Arsenal.

• "There’s been a lot of growth in that time and a lot of ups and downs. It’s a great milestone but I have to try to win the game and that’s what I’m here to do. I want to be successful and to do that we have to win, win trophies and keep progressing. I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been."