Women's Super League

Adwaidh Rajan
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

While Chelsea look certain to secure a fifth straight Women's Super League title, things look far more interesting at the bottom of the table following Crystal Palace's 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The two sides came into the relegation six-pointer needing a win - perhaps Palace a bit more desperate as a defeat and a seven-point deficit would have been difficult to overturn for a side that had only won once previously in the league this season.

New Palace manager Leif Smerud spoke before the game about the need for his players to be "brave" and "hunt" to stay alive in the top flight - and hunt they did against Villa in a spirited display across the line-up.

Aniek Nouwen, on loan from Chelsea, impressed on her debut in defence and bagged the opener while Lily Woodham was also instrumental in the backline, making a clearance off the line to deny Jordan Nobbs.

Katie Stengel, with a goal and also an assist, Clarissa Larisey and Ashleigh Weerden were also at the top of their game up front.

Those were among the many encouraging signs for Palace under Smerud - not to say the poor run their closest rivals Villa are on, heading into the final games of the season.

The Eagles now have the chance to get out of the relegation zone if they beat eighth-placed Everton next week and Villa slip up against third-placed Manchester United.

With games against bottom-half sides West Ham and Leicester City also among their remaining fixtures, Palace making themselves a far more competitive unit under their new manager will make the battle for relegation a lot of more interesting as we enter the business end of the season.

Everton have confirmed Alan McTavish has left his role as CEO the women’s team.

McTavish has been in the role since 2022 and led on the recruitment of finding current boss Brian Sorensen.

A statement from the club said: “The Club wishes Alan every success in the next step of his career.

“A further announcement on the club's leadership structure for Everton Women will be made in due course.”

Marissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Alessia Russo scored her ninth and tenth Women's Super League goals of the season as Arsenal beat Everton at Walton Hall Park.

The England international's first strike from close range put the Gunners in front as they looked to bounce back from the disappointment of going out of the FA Cup against Liverpool.

Russo is two goals away from matching last season's league tally of 12 and always looks a threat in the box.

It is clear to see that Russo has steadily improved as the season has progressed, with her first league goal of the campaign coming in early November against her former club Manchester United.

She has now scored the opening goal for Renee Slegers' side on five occasions, setting the tone as her side look to progress in the league.

The Gunners are eight points behind leaders Chelsea and their only hope of glory this season is the Champions League.

They will need Russo at their best if they are to beat Real Madrid over two legs in the quarter-finals.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn believes January g Olivia Holdt can give his side the 'X-factor' they have been missing.

Denmark midfielder Holdt ed Tottenham at the beginning of January from Swedish side Rosengard, but could not feature until the end of the month due to a leg injury.

Holdt scored a 95th-minute winner against Crystal Palace on her debut, and has since made three more substitute appearances.

Spurs are seventh in the WSL table following three straight defeats, but Vilahamn feels Holdt can help the team kick on during the final stretch of the campaign.

"We signed a really good player and person, she brings smiles to faces, she's a funny person," Vilahamn said.

"She's getting back to the shape she was in Sweden. You can tell she is back, she showed she has X-factor that we don't have in this team.

"She's very good at getting the ball out of tight areas, very good to find the last . She is taking steps all the time, we played a friendly last week in which she played her first 90 minutes for a lonig time.

"She is still adapting to this league, it's much tougher than Swedish league. From next season I think she will be one of the best players in this league."

Here are the other key lines from Vilahamn ahead of Sunday's match against Brighton & Hove Albion (kick-off 15:00 GMT):

• Striker Bethany England misses out with a "quad issue" while defender Charli Grant is ruled out with concussion.

• Forward Martha Thomas is available after recovering from a twisted ankle.

• Attacker Kit Graham has "a few more months to go" in her recovery from an ACL injury.

• Vilahamn believes Tottenham can finish fifth and match their best-ever WSL campaign.

• On Tottenham getting seven Women's Football Awards nominations: "It's connected to how we work together and shows how this club tries to push the level up."

• Loaning Becky Spencer to Chelsea is a "win-win" for both player and club, especially if it helps Chelsea beat Tottenham's rivals.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Brighton manager Dario Vidosic is not concerned despite his side's failure to win any of their last seven Women's Super League games.

A strong start to the season means the Seagulls are still fifth in the table, but they have claimed just three of the last 21 points available with their last victory coming in November.

"You learn a lot about the squad and myself, about things we can do differently, on and off the pitch," Vidosic said before Brighton's WSL game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

"It's easy when you win, the sun seems brighter, but we need these periods to learn what needs fixing. Hopefully we'll come out a better team and myself a better coach."

Brighton were unfortunate not to beat WSL leaders Chelsea earlier this month, with Lauren James scoring from an offside position to level the game at 2-2. Brighton also felt they should have been awarded a penalty when they led 2-1.

While Vidosic would have liked video assistant referee (VAR) to have been in use that day, he sympathised with the officials.

"Everyone wants to be perfect, myself, every single player, and I guarantee the referees are the same. But we all make mistakes and that's part of the game.

"It went against us against Chelsea but they were tough calls. It's easy once you see the replay, an official only has one set of eyes. I think eventually we'll see it [VAR] in the women's game."

Here are the other key lines from Vidosic before Sunday's game at Brisbane Road (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

• Bruna Vilamala remains sidelined with a thigh injury but is "near" to returning.

• Jorelyn Carabali's knee injury is not ACL-related so she should return a "couple of weeks" after Vilamala.

• Vidosic on poor away form: "We didn't deal with tough trips and long trips after the winter break. We need to learn from that."

• On the form of Marisa Olislagers: "She's a highly technical player, very intelligent as well. I have to compliment her for when she wasn't in the squad, the way she trained and conducted herself."

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa boss Natalia Arroyo its her side must not lose against Crystal Palace on Sunday if they want to avoid a relegation fight.

Villa have lost all three of their Women's Super League games since Arroyo took charge and find themselves four points above Palace, who occupy the relegation place.

"We are facing this game with this ambition [must not lose], we want to win, we need the three points," Arroyo said.

"It is important for us to make the gap a little bit bigger so that we can continue our processes and grow as a team without the pressure of being close to them."

While Arroyo took positives from Villa's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City last weekend, she felt conceding early in the second half is something her side cannot repeat.

"We cannot allow opponents to hurt us with the first chance. It makes it difficult to win," she said.

"We are coneding a lot of goals which is not allowing us to be in a lot of games.

"[But] the players are hungry, with energy, they want to win the game and breathe and enjoy because they are struggling a little bit with not winning."

Here are the other key lines from Arroyo ahead of Sunday's game (kick-off 14:00 GMT):

• Sarah Mayling misses out after twisting her ankle against City last weekend.

• Lucy Staniforth-Wilson and Maz Pacheco returned to training this week but will be assessed before Sunday.

• On three WSL games without scoring: "It has to do with the way we are creating chances, but also having the quality and ability to score big chances. [We must] keep trying and trust that the ball will go into the net at some point, believing in ourselves. We have goals in the squad."

• On lack of squad experience in relegation fights: "I'm talking to other coaches to listen to ideas, others who have been in these situations. We are with a psychologist to find the best way. We are trying to manage the emotions of the team."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Interim Manchester City manager Nick Cushing its he is jumping in at the deep end as he prepares to face Chelsea four times in a row on his return to the club.

Cushing, 40, took over from Gareth Taylor when he was sacked on Monday, returning to City where he spent seven years between 2013 and 2020.

He will lead the side in Saturday's Women's League Cup final against Chelsea (12:15 GMT kick-off) before meeting them again in the Women's Champions League and Women's Super League.

Playing the English champions is "definitely not" an easy task, says Cushing, but he backs his side to disrupt Chelsea's quadruple chase.

"In the previous teams I had [at City], there were great people. I met this team this week and it is exactly the same," said Cushing.

"They are really good people with a real hunger to continue to win. I've been able to take these moments in my stride.

"The next four games are the ultimate challenge for our group, so we've got to embrace it and attack it."

Here are more key lines from Cushing's press conference:

• Winning the final on Saturday would "definitely be an achievement" says Cushing, given the quick turnaround since Gareth Taylor's sacking.

• He its it was "strange" but "comforting" to walk into the training ground five years after leaving the club.

• Asked if he would consider staying on permanently or whether he has his mind set on returning to the men's game, Cushing said "you never know what is around the corner".

• City remain without several key players through long-term injuries but Aoba Fujino is set to be available after recovering from a foot injury.

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Gareth Taylor said "it's only natural to feel disappointed" after he was sacked by Manchester City, but that he is "genuinely excited" for the future of the club.

Taylor was sacked on Monday after four full seasons in charge of the women's team.

"I would like to wish everyone at Manchester City the very best for the rest of the season. Thank you to all the staff and the players," Taylor wrote on Instagram.

"It has been an absolute honour to represent the club, not only as a player but in a coaching role that has spanned over 16 years as coach of the boys' Under-16s, to head coach of the women's team.

"I've seen the club improve year after year and I was honoured to be a major part of that. I've worked with so many fantastic people, far too many to name, and had the pleasure of developing some exceptional talent along the way.

"Lastly, a special mention must go out to the ers, who have been superb during my time at the club.

"It's only natural to feel disappointed having parted ways with the club, but I'm genuinely excited to see what the future holds."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Crystal Palace understand what is at stake when they face Aston Villa in a crucial Women's Super League match on Sunday, says manager Leif Smerud.

The hosts sit four points below Villa at the bottom of the table in what could prove to be a decisive game.

"It's a great opportunity to close in and we of course know what kind of game this is so we're looking forward to it," said Smerud.

"We want to close the gap. It's probably a must-perform. That is my focus. We know we must compete.

"There are still many games left but everyone can read the table and understand what the game means. It is a must-perform and that is important."

Here are the other keys lines from his press conference:

• Palace have several doubts around team selection with Smerud needing to "assess" the squad before Sunday's showdown.

• He says there have been "steps" of progression since his arrival last month.

• They were tested defensively against Chelsea but Smerud believes he has been given "some good answers" to what they are capable of.

• Palace need to "make it an advantage to play at home" and capitalise on their run-in at the end of the season.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool interim manager Amber Whiteley says her side won't get carried away after defeating Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Liverpool's victory on Sunday saw them reach the final four of the competition for the first time in nine years, but now they have a Women's Super League match against a Manchester United side that has won seven league games in a row.

"It was quiet on the bus journey home [from London] because the players put so much into the game, they gave absolutely everything, they were tired" Whiteley said ahead of Friday's match at Anfield.

"The performance on Sunday and the result has given us huge belief going into the game on friday. It's been a quick turnaround, we enjoyed the win but we've had to shift the focus quite quickly.

"We want to improve each week. We want to be more threatening in attack and more balanced, as well as conceding less goals. We've seen improvements in the first two games [of Whiteley's interim spell] but there is still lots of work to do. We'll keep chipping away."

Here are the other key lines from Whiteley ahead of Friday's game (kick-off 19:15 GMT)

• Leanne Kiernan and Niamh Fahey are available for selection after returning to training, but Hannah Silcock remains out with a knee injury.

• Whiteley is particularly pleased with the way Liverpool played without the ball against Arsenal

• On playing the match at Anfield: "We all want to play on the biggest stages. Anfield is a second home for us. We want to pack it out with our ers, we'll need everyone to get behind us."

• On United: "I think they've gone under the radar a bit this season, they're peforming really well and not conceding a lot of goals. They're direct and quick in attack. It will be a tough task for us but one we are ready for."

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea will be without Naomi Girma, Keira Walsh and Guro Reiten for Saturday's Subway Cup final against Manchester City after the trio failed to recover from injuries in time.

Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor had hoped that Girma and Walsh would return after missing the last two games, while Reiten returned from international duty with a back injury.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's final, Bompastor said Girma - who ed Chelsea for a world record-breaking fee of around £900,000 in January - is being evaluated "week by week", while Walsh is "not too far from reing the group."

On striker Sam Kerr continuing to recover from an ACL injury sustained 14 months ago, Bompastor said: "We just need to focus on what we do with her every day so that she can be close to coming back on the pitch.

"Every player is different, some can return from an ACL injury after 10 months, others 13 or 14. It's difficult to predict."

Here are the other key lines from Bompastor ahead of Saturday's final in Derby (kick-off 12:15 GMT).

• Sam Kerr has been included in Chelsea's squad for the Women's Champions League knockouts but Mia Fishel misses out. Bompastor says it was a "difficult decision."

• Bompastor is not expecting major changes from City under interim manager Nick Cushing following Gareth Taylor's departure, but expects a "hard and difficult game."

• Chelsea will take the four matches in a row against City "game-by-game."

• Bompastor is not feeling pressure to win her first trophy as Chelsea manager.

• Chelsea have been practicing penalties and Bompastor knows who her preferred takers are in a shootout.

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Brian Sorensen believes his side have plenty of room to improve after a positive start to the year.

The Toffees went into the winter break with only two wins from their opening 10 Women's Super League fixtures, but since the turn of the year have taken seven points from a possible 15.

Now 10 points clear of the relegation zone and with January reinforcements bedding in nicely, Sorensen feels the potential of his team is the best it's been since he ed the club in 2022.

"Our performances since Christmas, when we brought players in to give us a competitive squad, have been good. I'm looking forwards and up [the table]," Sorensen said before Friday's match against Arsenal.

"We have very good players in now and depth in our squad, which you need to have to be able to compete in this league. I would have loved to have had this squad available from round one because maybe the picture would be a bit different.

"With the new players, better players, we can be much more dynamic which we really want to be.

"We can always be better. Against the top teams we need to control the game in larger periods so that it's not always just controlling when you're defending, because it takes a toll on you, so try to be a bit better on the ball. But I'm happy with the progress, where we are going."

Here are the other key lines from Sorensen before Friday's game against Arsenal (kick-off 19:00 GMT):

• Clare Wheeler is available after the midfielder returned from a leg injury to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Celtic earlier this week.

• January loan g Louna Ribadeira is ruled out with a cyst on her foot.

• Sorensen says Arsenal have "one of, if not the, best squads in the league".

• On January g Kelly Gago, who has scored three goals in five WSL games: "She's been great, she's a handful, still learning a lot and the language, but she's working extremely hard. We're pleased to have her, she can score goals which is the main thing."

• On taking inspiration from Liverpool's defeat of Arsenal last weekend: "We've seen a couple of things we can hurt them on. It's going to be extremely tough for us, it's probably the worst time to play them as they will want to bounce back."

• On Everton's chances: "We have a belief when we go in [to games against top four opponents] that we can do something."

Alex Brotherton
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Marc Skinner wants to remain Manchester United manager, though a decision is yet to be made on his future.

United have until the end of March to trigger a one-year extension in Skinner's contract, which expires at the end of the season.

The club would still be able to negotiate a new deal with the 41-year-old after the deadline.

Skinner, whose side won the Women's FA Cup last season and currently sit second in the WSL table, says conversations regarding his future are ongoing.

"I'd love to stay. I feel there is unfinished business," Skinner said before United's WSL meeting with Liverpool on Friday.

"We've designed and built this young team and I feel like it has the imprint, the DNA, of a really famous United team in the making.

"I want to see that through and make sure everyone knows that I have that complete energy.

"From last year my energy has changed in a completely positive direction. It's all about driving this club forwards.

"I want to stay and make sure we reach the successes I think this club can do. I love being at this club and I think it's a magnificent club, the best in the world."

Here are the other key lines from Skinner before Friday's game against Liverpool (kick-off 19:15 GMT).

• Jayde Riviere, Elisabeth Terland and Lisa Naalsund are all in contention to feature after recovering from injury, but Simi Awujo remains out with an ankle issue.

• Geyse remains unavailable as United and NWSL side Gotham FC continue to negotiate a potential loan move.

• On the game being played at Anfield: "It's going to be difficult, it's something we've got to battle with. We've got to battle the spirit of the game. We've got to be on top form. It's a great challenge for us."

• On dealing with 'noise' surrounding the club: "It can be tough sometimes to show the qualities we want to show when the noise is so big. But as a human you want to be challenged. It's something we just have to overcome and our players are doing an excellent job at that. I didn't come to Man United to not accept the biggest of challenges."

• Skinner feels his side are showing the same spirit they did when challenging for the WSL title two years ago. "It feels like we're in that space again."