Women's Super League

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter at St Helens Stadium

If Liverpool proved anything last season, it was that they can never be written off and they are always willing to fight.

It has been a tough start to the campaign for them - they have lacked consistency, struggled with injuries and results have been underwhelming.

But manager Matt Beard hoped the new year, and the return of injured players, would bring a "fresh start" to their season.

He got what he wanted with Friday's 2-1 win over Brighton and it was one of their best performances of the season.

In contrast, Brighton had been full of momentum heading into the winter break and it appeared to disrupt their flow.

They were second-best to every duel, struggled to respond when Liverpool took control and they rarely tested goalkeeper Teagan Micah.

Manager Dario Vidosic described his side as "unrecognisable" afterwards and you could understand why as they lacked all the traits that has delivered them results.

They have got themselves into a strong position, sitting fifth in the table, but they must improve on this performance if they hope to stay there.

Liverpool edged Brighton 2-1, courtesy of a late own goal from Jorelyn Carabali, at St Helens Stadium as the Women's Super League returned from the winter break on Friday. Here is what the managers said to Sky Sports after the game.

Liverpool's Matt Beard: "It was important to win. We have had a tough first half of the season. I think we enjoyed the game on merit. We could have finished the game off and then we conceded a really frustrating goal. I'm really proud of the girls. We had a tough start to the season but they never downed tools.

"We saw a bit of last season's Liverpool. I guess our winner had some fortune to it. We had other opportunities to put the game to bed. But we won the game on an own goal. I think we deserved the three points and it's a big step in the right direction tonight.

"Sam Kerr had a terrific debut and Olivia Smith terrified them. Poppy Pattinson was lucky to be on the pitch from what I was seeing."

Brighton's Dario Vidosic: "We were unrecognisable. We lacked discipline, we lacked aggression. We made simple mistakes and played into their hands. They deserved the win. We just weren't there, unfortunately.

"We have been training two weeks leading in and it was good. But we didn't get anything we needed tonight. We weren't patient and were playing long balls. In terms of structure, we were all over the place. We gave away the ball quickly and were overloaded. And with Liverpool, you will get punished. We got what we deserved.

"There were glimpses of what we wanted but it was too few and far. We didn't look dangerous at all. The errors have let us down. We know we have to be much much better. Otherwise, we will have tough games again."

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace boss Laura Kaminski said the Christmas break came at the perfect time for her side.

Palace return to Women's Super League action against Arsenal at Meadow Park on Sunday (14:00 GMT kick-off) where they will be looking to move off the foot of the WSL table.

The Eagles have not won any of their last seven WSL matches and sit bottom of the table by a point, but do go into the game off the back of a 6-1 win over Championship side Sheffield United in the FA Cup on Tuesday.

"I think the break came at a good time for us," Kaminski told BBC Sport. "The players mentally were given ample time off to ensure they were refreshed and recharged ready for January onwards, which is really important for us.

"They've come back with a really good mindset. The win the other day just shows in front of goal, we can do it. We have to make sure that our feet are on the ground and we certainly don't take anything for granted. We had to work hard for that result.

"In the WSL, you need to be a team that is difficult to beat and then the next week, it is flipped and we are going after teams who are getting loads of pressure high up the pitch. In that sense, you've got to be really good at two things and going into the game, we've had practice in leading."

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

• On opponents Arsenal, Kaminski said she was "delighted" to see Renee Slegers named as their permanent manager, adding that seeing another female coach earn and take their opportunity is great for her and the Gunners' players.

• Forward Elise Hughes has returned to full training on Friday after missing the first half of the season through injury, but Kaminski did say that her return to matches is "unpredictable."

• In terms of recruitment, Kaminski said the club are actively looking to bolster their squad before the transfer window shuts.

• Kaminski also paid tribute to Jorja Fox, Brooke Aspin and Poppy Pritchard, who have all returned to their parent clubs after spending the first half of the season on loan at Palace. Kaminski added that while she enjoyed working with the trio, their exits suited all parties.

Image source, Getty Images

Renee Slegers said the 1-1 draw with Manchester United was the first time she thought about becoming Arsenal head coach on a permanent basis.

The draw at Leigh Sports Village was the only game the Gunners did not win under Slegers as interim head coach, but she said she got the sense that something special was brewing.

"The Manchester United game away was the first time where I was thinking that we are really creating something," Slegers said.

"That is the first time I had the thoughts in my head. Along the way there have been events, mostly in the building with the staff, that have given me those thoughts about things being inspiring and whether I want to keep going with the process. It has been growing like that over several months.

"I don't know if I can recall exact things. For example we tried something new with our meeting structure, we wanted more engagement from the players and we got the engagement, and afterwards we thought 'this is working, they are engaging and believe in what we are doing'. We got the engagement we wanted. I can't recall everything else but this is an example of small things that we were looking for and we got."

Here are more key lines from her news conference before Sunday's game against Crystal Palace (kick-off 14:00 GMT)

• Slegers said she doesn't "experience the pressure" that comes with the role because she blocks out external noise.

• On replacing Jonas Eidevall for a second time after doing so at Rosengard, she added: "I worked very well with Jonas, I have said that many times. I have spoken to him a few times after he left. I respect his way of seeing the game and it has been great learning from him."

• Katherine Kuhl is "getting close to a move" away from Arsenal and is "not in the building at the moment".

• On what she expects from Palace: "They will try to play their game and disrupt our game. With their set up let's see what they do. If they want to come out aggressive in a couple of moments or if they try to make the spaces compact for us. It is going to be a challenging game and we are full of belief and very excited."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City forward Khadija Shaw will not be available for Sunday's Women's Super League derby against Manchester United.

Jamaican international Shaw has been unavailable through injury since early December and is one of several key players missing for City.

As well as Shaw - this season's WSL top-scorer with nine goals in as many matches - City will be without captain Alex Greenwood and creative forward Lauren Hemp.

Asked when they might return, manager Gareth Taylor said: "Alex [Greenwood] and Lauren [Hemp] are in a good place. We know that their return is not immediate.

"Bunny [Shaw] is a lot closer, pretty imminent, we're just trying to make sure we check off a few of the markers that the medical team need to be happy with in order to be ready for this really busy period we're going into.

"This weekend will be too soon for Bunny but I think outside of that, she's starting to move really closer to those next couple of games."

Taylor was also asked about the club's recruitment plans with two weeks remaining of the January transfer window.

City have reportedly signed Brazil forward Kerolin on a three-year-deal, while defender Alanna Kennedy and England international Chloe Kelly are among those who could leave the club.

"It's really difficult obviously, to give you any news while there's many wheels of the cog that are still whirring and we're working tremendously hard behind the scenes to try help and support the squad a little bit more," said Taylor.

"Once it's finalised, we'll be able to let you know. We understand that in this transfer window, there's not just going to be movement into clubs, there's going to be movement out."

On Kerolin, he added: "I think it's really difficult for me to comment on a player that is not officially ours.

"There's a lot of speculation out there but we like to do things in the right way."

Manchester City forward Kelly is seeking regular game time to ensure she keeps her place in the England squad for Euro 2025 but Taylor said she remains a "valued" player for as long as she is at the club.

"We have good history together. While she's here, she's the same as every other player," added Taylor.

"She's considered, she's valued and whether she plays or doesn't play, she's a part of what we're doing. Anything beyond that is really difficult for me to kind of speculate on."

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's Charlotte Wardlaw has completed a permanent move to Championship side Newcastle United.

The versatile 21-year-old, who can play in defence and in midfield, becomes the Magpies' first signing of the January window.

Wardlaw is a product of the Blues' academy and spent the first half of this season on loan at Championship side Sheffield United, making nine appearances in England's second-tier.

Wardlaw made three appearances for the Blues before leaving the club on five times on loan with Liverpool (twice), Lewes, Glasgow City and the Blades.

She has also represented England at under-15, 17 and 19 levels.

"There were lots of different factors that made this move the right one for my career," said Wardlaw. "The history, tradition, the family feel of the club and ultimately the ambition."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It felt a matter of when, and not if, Arsenal would confirm Renee Slegers as permanent manager.

The Dutchwoman's record as interim boss has been impressive and she looked at home in the role.

Arsenal took their time in making a decision because they felt so comfortable with Slegers as interim that they knew the team was in good hands while they carried out a managerial search.

They also knew it was a significant period and they needed to make the right choice - Chelsea and Manchester City continue to invest and are growing stronger each season, while Arsenal have fallen short.

It ended up being an extended audition from Slegers and her pedigree grew, putting herself in the spotlight as one of the leading candidates, while Arsenal cast the net out in their search.

Former City boss Cushing was on their list but he seemed to rule himself out of contention, while ex-Manchester United head coach Casey Stoney - named Canada manager this week - was quickly dismissed as an option.

In the end there were few candidates who could compete with Slegers, and her appointment is likely to receive widespread support from Arsenal's fanbase given the turnaround in form she has overseen this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Renee Slegers said "it's a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach" after being given Arsenal job on a permanent basis.

The Gunners are unbeaten in 11 games under the 35-year-old, who has overseen 10 wins and one draw in her time as interim head coach.

Slegers has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

"I'm so excited to be continuing our journey together," Slegers said. "It's a wonderful honour to represent this club as head coach and I have so much belief in what we can all achieve together.

"Over the past few months, I've felt such a powerful sense of collective ownership and responsibility across our players and staff – that has been our strength and I know we will make sure we drive and nurture this feeling as we all move forward.

"It has meant the world to me to feel the closeness and passion of our supporters during this process, and I want to thank you all for that. We want to deliver something beautiful that's inspiring and leads to winning trophies. We all have a big part to play in achieving that."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United manager Marc Skinner says he wants his players to show more "personality" in Sunday's game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium.

United sit fourth in the Women's Super League table, just a point below second-placed City as they head into the derby.

"We're younger now than we have been before. Our experience is slightly less in these games," said Skinner.

"City are missing a few players that are big for them that have played lots of minutes. We're energetic and young. We will see!

"What I'm expecting from our team is high energy and to have personality with the ball.

"It's making sure the decision-making processes are not compromised by the situation or the pressure. That's what I want to see."

Here are more key lines from his media conference:

• Geyse will be absent from Sunday's squad due to a "tragedy in the family" so she has been given personal leave.

• Grace Clinton and Simi Awujo have been in full training and are available for selection.

• Skinner praised the growth of Ella Toone as a person after overcoming a difficult few months following the death of her father.

• He believes there is not a psychological barrier when the team come up against City despite their rivals having a better record in the derby.

• Skinner also wants to find a balance between rawness and fearlessness in his players, and gaining more experience to impact these matches.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham head coach Rehanne Skinner says her side can cause Women's Super League leaders Chelsea problems when the two meet on Sunday.

The Hammers host the Blues (15:00 GMT kick-off) in their first game back from the Christmas break and will look to build on their recent home form.

Seven of their eight WSL points this season have come at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, with Arsenal the only side to beat them there in the league this season.

"I think our home ground has been made tremendous by the fans to be honest," said Skinner. "It's a difficult place to come to and the players love playing at home and we've had some good results there. I think then that gives us a lot of confidence going into the game.

"We're confident with the way we are defending and how we're sticking together. That's only got more and more composed as time has gone on and I think we can make life difficult for them in certain areas.

"It's just going to be up to taking chances at key moments and managing the game as effectively as we can."

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

• Skinner said West Ham are always looking to improve their squad with the transfer window currently open.

• The West Ham boss described Shekiera Martinez's form on loan at Freiburg as "fantastic", adding that she now has the visa required to be playing in the WSL which will "add value" to the squad following her recall.

• Skinner describes the long-term contracts signed by defenders Amber Tysiak and Anouk Denton as a "statement of intent" from West Ham. Both signed deals until the summer of 2028 earlier this month.

• On starting the New Year with four games out of six at home, Skinner said it is "fantastic for the fans" getting to watch so many home matches in quick succession.

Image source, Liverpool FC

Liverpool midfielder Marie Hobinger has signed a new deal with the club.

The Austria international joined from FC Zurich in July 2023 and she has gone on to make 39 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting a further five.

She has become a key player under manager Matt Beard, appearing in all 22 Women's Super League matches last season.

On signing a new deal, the 23-year-old said: "I'm so, so happy. I think it's always an honour to play for Liverpool and I've enjoyed my time so, so much.

"I've also become much more confident and comfortable in that environment. I think it's a good place to be and to extend here.

"The football club, the city and all the people that I work with every day just give me the chance to get better every day and that's exactly what I want."

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn says he wants to be playing against Celtic and Rangers amid suggestions of them joining the Women's Super League.

The two Scottish giants have been linked with being moved to the WSL in recent weeks, although Uefa confirmed on Thursday that no approach had been made to them over such a move.

Speaking ahead of facing Leicester City on Sunday (12:30 GMT kick-off), Vilahamn said he would love to play against the clubs but did not want to disrespect English or Scottish football by doing so.

"I like the clubs Celtic and Glasgow Rangers, they are very big clubs according to me," said Vilahamn.

"I see the results in the Scottish League and I see they are regularly struggling to have consistent leagues as they have a really big number of wins all the time. I would love to play Glasgow Rangers, I would love to play Celtic.

"I would love to have that kind of league but I have enormous respect for England and Scotland so I don't want to say we have to do this or that. If you ask me, I would love to go up there and play against these big clubs."

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

• Vilahamn said that goalkeeper Lize Kop, who signed from Leicester earlier this week, had been a long-term signing. He added that he has three good goalkeepers in her, Rebecca Spencer and Eleanor Heeps.

• Kop could make her debut against her former side this weekend, but Vilahamn says he will wait until Saturday to decide on his team selection.

• Asked about whether the WSL should become a closed league, Vilahamn said there are other ways to grow the league and that more needs to be done to "develop" a stronger WSL. The Swedish coach added that more teams being introduced to the WSL could help with that.

• On recruitment, Vilahamn said that Tottenham could make one more signing this month to add cover in a number of positions.

• Vilahamn also said that Bethany England was "brilliant" before the Christmas break and that while there is competition between her and Martha Thomas in attack, both will also be used together at times.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool manager Matt Beard says they are "quite far behind" the top budgets in the Women's Super League but is happy with the progress the club has made.

They finished fourth in the WSL last season but have not spent as much money in recent transfer windows compared to Brighton, Aston Villa and Manchester United.

Beard said last month it was "unlikely" Liverpool would sign more than one player in January but they have managed to recruit midfielders Julia Bartel and Sam Kerr on loan from Chelsea and Bayern Munich respectively.

Asked if he was happy with the level of player investment, Beard said: "As a manager you would always want more, that's the first thing I would say.

"I have worked at this football club long enough to know how things work and I've said before, it's not always about the money.

"Really, you need to be around no less than 20% off what the top budgets are if you want to be winning trophies. We are quite far behind that top budget.

"It's one of those things. I know we don't have the biggest budget in the division and I feel we have done well with the budget we have."

Here are more key lines from his news conference:

• Beard admits he would "love" key players Fuka Nagano, Ceri Holland and Grace Fisk to sign new contracts but that is "out of his hands".

• The squad "desperately needed a break", says Beard, as injuries were mounting up and it was becoming unsustainable.

• It feels like a "fresh start" now that they have players returning to fitness but the game comes a week too soon for striker Sophie Roman Haug.

• Beard says Brighton boss Dario Vidosic has been "fantastic" so far and made a big impression in a short space of time.

Emily Herbert
BBC Radio London

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have been boosted by the return of winger Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd, who has resumed full training before Sunday's game against West Ham.

There is less positive news about midfielder Wieke Kaptein, who manager Sonia Bompastor confirmed missed training and will not be in the squad.

"She's getting back to practice but isn't ready for the game. She'll probably be in the squad for Wednesday," added Bompastor.

Chelsea sit top of the Women's Super League table by six points but Bompastor is staying grounded.

"We're taking it game by game. If we can maintain the gap, great. But our focus is on the next match," she added.

Here are more key lines from her news conference:

• Bompastor insisted on keeping the threat of relegation in the league, stating it keeps matches competitive, despite reports that a "closed league" had been considered.

• She praised the loan system and said the gap between U18s and the first team "was too big" so it was an important part of player development.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester manager Amandine Miquel says that she wants to add attacking players in the January transfer window, but will only sign players she believes will suit the club.

The Foxes, who sit 11th after 10 games in the Women's Super League season, have scored just three league goals this season going into Sunday's trip to Tottenham (12:30 GMT kick-off).

Part of their attacking woes have been down to injuries, with German international Lena Petermann missing the duration of the season and Noemie Mouchon and Jutta Rantala also sidelined.

"My priority is to make the squad I have better, first of all. If I can add offensive players because I think it will make a difference, I will," Miquel told BBC Sport. "I will not just add players to add players. I don't see the point in doing that.

"We are very openminded. We are looking to find players that can suit our style, find the right state of mind, that wants to come.

"Right now, we need people that care and that want to help. If we don't find that player in our minds, we will not be adding any players because I trust the quality we already have here for the second phase [of the season]."

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

• There is concern over an injury Hannah Cain picked up during Wednesday's 4-1 win over Stoke in the FA Cup.

• Emilia Pelgander was left out of the squad for that win, a decision made by Miquel who did not confirm whether the midfielder will be involved against Tottenham.

• Miquel praised the club's young players after Nelly Lasova's first goal for the club against Stoke and said she trusts them to play, not just in cup matches against lower division sides.

• On a replacement for goalkeeper Lize Kop who has joined Tottenham, Miquel said that she wants to add competition for Janina Leitzig but added that she could look to someone not urgently requiring regular minutes.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Brian Sorensen says the club's new owners, the Friedkin Group, are "very positive about the women's programme".

The American group took over 99.5% of the club in a deal believed to be worth in excess of £400m in December.

Since then, Everton have been busy in the Women's Super League transfer window, signing two players on permanent deals and bringing three more in on loan.

"One thing is the players. That is what we needed in terms of the depth in the squad and having that quality available week-in and week-out," said Sorensen.

"I had talks with the Friedkin Group and they are very, very positive about the women's programme.

"I think we will see even more changes going forward in terms of the facilities, the staff etc."

Here are more key lines from Sorensen's news conference:.

• Everton are still working to bring in one more player in the transfer window but "it is not certain".

• Elise Stenevik is still not recovered from injury but Karen Holmgaard could be in contention for a return against Aston Villa on Saturday.

• Sorensen is opposed to the idea of a closed league in the WSL that would rule out relegation. He also doesn't like the idea of Celtic or Rangers joining.

• Everton have a strong track record of improving young talent and making the most of the loan system, says Sorensen, so he is excited by their new recruits.

Jonty Colman
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Everton

Everton have signed French striker Louna Ribadeira on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season.

Ribadeira, 20, joined Chelsea in the summer from Paris FC, where she was immediately loaned back after joining the Women's Super League champions.

The forward, who made her debut for France last May against England, scored once in two appearances for the French side before returning to the Blues last week.

Ribadeira becomes the Toffees' fourth new arrival of the January window. Brian Sorensen's side have already signed midfielder Hayley Ladd from Manchester United permanently, as well defender Martina Fernandez and midfielder Emma Watson on loan from Barcelona and United respectively.

Prior to joining Chelsea, Ribadeira scored 13 times in 60 appearances for Paris. She was also named as the player of the tournament at the 2023 Women's Under-19s European Championship.

"Louna is an excellent talent which is why Chelsea signed her to a long-term contract," said Sorensen. "She is a different type of number nine striker who can drop into midfield and build up play, while her finishing is top quality."

Everton have struggled for goals throughout this season, netting just six in their 10 WSL matches. Only Leicester City (three) have fewer.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Women’s Championship side Newcastle United are pursuing young Aston Villa forward Freya Gregory.

The 22-year-old is a product of Aston Villa’s academy but has struggled for regular game time at the Women’s Super League club.

She spent the last two seasons on loan at Leicester City and Reading, before joining Southampton for another loan spell in the summer.

However, Villa recalled the England youth international from the Saints on Wednesday, activating a clause in her loan agreement, amid interest from Newcastle.

Gregory made 12 appearances and scored twice during her time at Southampton.

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton boss Dario Vidosic said the club believe finishing in the Women's Super League's top four is a realistic target.

Albion return from the winter break fifth in the table and have a six-point cushion over sixth-placed Tottenham.

Speaking before Friday's game against Liverpool (kick-off 19:00 GMT), Vidosic said: "If you ask us we will always say yes.

"The club has set the ambition of being in the top four, I will always set the ambition of trying to be champions. That is the mentality. We will go out, we will try and win every game.

"In the end only one team can be champions and we will do everything we can. We are still in three competitions, we will put our best foot forward in all three to try and bring back some silverware to the club."

Here are more key lines from his news conference:

• On whether the club are ahead of schedule in his first season, Vidosic said: "Overall I am really happy with how we have progressed and we are looking to take the next steps starting on Friday night."

• He added: "There are still phases of play and aspects of the game that we are looking to fix. We are learning throughout and how teams are differing their style to match ours. There has been a lot of learning and there is still a lot of learning to go."

• On the postponement of Saturday's FA Cup tie, he said: "Everyone was keen to get back into it but mother nature had other ideas. It was very cold. The staff tried everything to get the pitch ready but player safety has to come first."

• On having an extra week to get players back from injury: "It's given an opportunity for a couple of players to keep building and re-join the squad. It's good to have bigger numbers now."

• He expects a "great game" against "a very dangerous opponent" in Liverpool.