Category: Football

‘It’s out of this world’ – Everton fans get first glimpse of new stadium

It may have been a dark, freezing Monday evening on the banks of the Mersey, but Evertonians hope this day signifies the start of a bright new future.

Everton’s magnificent new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock opened its doors for the first time to 10,000 lucky Toffees fans successful in a ballot for an under-18s friendly against Wigan.

Four years in the making and at an estimated cost of more than £750m, the club will move in fully over the summer in time for the start of the 2025-26 season.

The first thing that strikes you on approach to the stadium along Liverpool’s dock road is its sheer size. It is absolutely enormous.

Goodison Park, flanked on three sides by rows of Victorian terraced housing, can sneak up on you. But there is no missing this place. A gigantic, futuristic mesh of steel and red brick, combining the old and the new.

The Bramley Moore pub, directly opposite, is doing a roaring trade, with Elton John’s ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues’ belting out over the speakers. The sense of anticipation and excitement is palpable.

“It’s out of this world,” said Andy, a Goodison season-ticket holder who has signed up for Bramley-Moore next season.

“We could not have wished for a better stadium. Everyone is excited, old and young.

“It will be a wrench to leave Goodison but when you see this, it is going to be the envy of everyone.”

It is hard to imagine this was a working dock just three and a half years ago. It was filled in over the space of three months, with a dredger making 130 round-trips 20 miles into the Irish Sea to collect 480,000 cubic metres of sand, pumped in to form a solid base for the stadium foundations.

The 52,888-capacity ground will be the seventh-biggest in the Premier League and has been selected to host matches at Euro 2028. It is hoped the project will contribute an estimated £1.3bn to the local economy.

There are nods to the past everywhere. The old railroad tracks and Grade II-listed Victorian hydraulic tower have been painstakingly restored. The Latticework design by renowned Scottish architect Archibald Leitch, still present on two of the four stands at Goodison Park, is incorporated into the brickwork.

Just one stand is open for tonight’s game – the steep-tiered South Stand that will eventually house 14,000 people. Inside there is row upon row of food and drinks stands. You can find your standard football fare – the three flavours of pies are selling well. But also on the menu is Korean sticky chicken and salt and pepper chicken subs.

Also selling well is the ‘The Toffees doughnut’, evident by the number of people wandering round with the remnants of royal blue icing on their lips.

A huge glass window runs the entire length of the stand offering a spectacular view of the Liverpool sun fading behind the skyline.

“You don’t get that view at Anfield,” says a smiling yellow-jacketed steward. Everyone here is excited.

There is a vivid sense of anticipation and childlike wonder as fans walk up the steps to get the first glimpse of their team’s new home.

“It is a spine-tingling moment” said Tom, who along with his son Elliott, are signed up season-ticket holders for next season. “What a ground Goodison was – but it is time to move.”

The first thing you notice is the steep gradient of the stand – it is as steep as regulations allow, to keep the fans as close to the pitch as possible.

There are two huge TV screens at each end of the ground, accompanied by an incredibly loud PA system – you could probably hear it across the Mersey on the Wirral.

The players enter the field to the theme from 1960s TV show Z-Cars – just as they have at Goodison for more than 50 years. Another nod to the past wrapped in futuristic clothing.

Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer – a boyhood Liverpool fan no less – made himself a quiz question for years to come by scoring the first goal at the new stadium. He made the most of the occasion by holding up six fingers, referring to Liverpool’s six Champions League titles.

Cole Simms made it 2-0 to the Young Latics a few minutes later, while Everton replied late on with a penalty from 16-year-old Ray Robert.

But tonight was not about the result, it was about the occasion – one the fans present will never forget.

“It is breathtaking,” said Dave, another Goodison season-ticket holder who will be heading to Bramley-Moore next year.

“Goodison has been our spiritual home but you cannot fault this. It brings us right up to date with the best.”

Aerial view of Everton’s new stadium

The stadium has been built at an estimated cost of more than £750m

Aerial view as fans arrive at Everton’s new stadium

Everton fans arrive at the stadium

General view of the match

Two more test events with larger capacities will follow before the end of the season

Roy Robert scoring a penalty

Teenager Ray Robert became the first Everton player to score at the new ground

February 18, 2025
We’ve ‘one per cent’ chance to overcome Real Madrid, says Guardiola

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes his team only have a “one per cent” chance of overcoming Real Madrid in their Champions League clash on Wednesday.

City were defeated 3-2 at home in the first leg of their play-off clash last week despite leading 2-1 with just four minutes left in the tie.

“The margin to win at the Bernabeu from that position, everybody knows, the percentage to go through, we arrive at one per cent. Or I don’t know what, but it will be minimal,” said Guardiola.

“But as much as you have a chance we will try, that’s for sure. We are going like we always have done but, this season, the reality is we have been miles away.

“We have been really, really poor in performances and results this season.”

City go to Spain buoyed by a 4-0 win over Newcastle in the Premier League which kept them on course for a return to the Champions League even if this season’s campaign ends on Wednesday.

“For one game, Saturday, we played really good but it’s not going to change the opinion, the reality. But, of course, it’s better to travel to Madrid with this result,” added the City manager.

February 17, 2025
Brentford transfers, latest news, rumours and gossip: Live updates, goals and highlights

Frank delights in ‘fully deserved’ West Ham win

Having not won an away game this season until January, Brentford now have three consecutive victories on the road following their 1-0 triumph at London rivals West Ham on Saturday – with head coach Thomas Frank understandably delighted with his players’ efforts at the London Stadium.

“It’s a very nice feeling,” said boss Thomas Frank.

“Was I worried after the first half? A little bit. I think we should have been at least 3-0 up. We were completely in control and dominated West Ham away from home.

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“We had two goals disallowed, had two or three other big chances. Then I hear Graham [Potter] is changing three players and of course they will have more energy.

“But the second half I think we were fairly fine, they never put us under massive pressure. A fully well-deserved win.”

Opta Stats: Brentford cure away-day woes

Brentford have won three consecutive away top-flight matches for the first time, having failed to win any of their first nine matches on the road this term.

Kevin Schade’s goal (3:23) was the earliest scored by a side in a 1-0 away win in the Premier League since Raheem Sterling’s strike against Arsenal at the Emirates in February 2021 (netting after 77 seconds in their 1-0 win).

Brentford have scored a league-high seven goals in the opening 10 minutes of Premier League games this season.

Brentford have won back-to-back away London derbies in the Premier League having lost seven on the bounce prior to this run.

TodayPriceNG
18 minute ago18m ago01:46
Player ratings: West Ham 0-1 Brentford

West Ham: Areola (6), Emerson (6), Kilman (6), Mavropanos (6), Wan-Bissaka (7), Soler (5), Alvarez (6), Soucek (5), Paqueta (5), Kudus (6), Bowen (7).

Subs used: Ward-Prowse (6), Guilherme (6), Ferguson (7), Scarles (7).

Brentford: Flekken (7), Van den Berg (7), Collins (7), Ajer (7), Lewis-Potter (7), Damsgaard (7), Norgaard (6), Schade (9), Janelt (8), Wissa (8) Mbeumo (8).

Subs used: Pinnock (6), Jensen (6), Carvalho (6), Yarmoliuk (6), Kayode (6).

Player of the match: Kevin Schade

TodayPriceNG

Report: Schade strike earns Bees club-record third straight top-flight away win

Kevin Schade’s early strike saw Brentford beat West Ham 1-0 at the London Stadium as Thomas Frank’s side recorded a club-record third straight top-flight win on their travels.

West Ham 0-1 Brentford: Kevin Schade strike sees Bees record club-record third straight top-flight away win

TodayPriceNG

WATCH FREE HIGHLIGHTS: WEST HAM 0-1 BRENTFORD

Cole: Frank’s caution over duo’s return is understandable

Latest from TodayPriceNG News:

Thomas Frank’s refusal to put return dates on Aaron Hickey and Igor Thiago came as a bit of a surprise today – but was equally understandable.

Frank has seen too many of his players suffer rehab setbacks in recent months.

Hickey is back training with the first team – but after 16 months out, Frank poured cold water on any notion that he’s close to a return.

The Brentford boss was instead keen to remind us that the Scottish fullback now needs a mid-season pre-season in his legs before he can play again.

Frank is right to be cautious; Hickey’s comeback has been thwarted before and he’s had two operations on his hamstring.

Reports this week also suggest Igor Thiago could return in March.

While that still could be the case, Frank again refused to put a date on his record signing’s return – and quickly dismissed my suggestion that the Tottenham defeat highlighted Brentford’s need for a target man up front.

Brentford fans disagree and are longing to see Thiago back on the field, having made just four appearances since joining from Brugge for £30m last summer.

Flekken should be available as Frank express excitement over Hickey return

Brentford should have goalkeeper Mark Flekken available again after he missed the home defeat by Tottenham with a side strain.

Long-term absentee Aaron Hickey is stepping up his recovery from a hamstring issue and should return to full training next week.

“He has been out for 16 months. I will be happy the day he is involved in the squad, more happy when he comes on the pitch, and even more happy when he is starting a game,” Frank said.

“But when he has been out for so long, I don’t want to be too excited before he is really ready. From next week, he needs a pre-season.”

TodayPriceNG
Frank praise for Potter at West Ham

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank feels Graham Potter has wasted little time in laying down a clear structure for his new-look West Ham side.

“I like Graham a lot. He is a great guy and a fantastic coach,” Frank told a press conference.

“He has shown what he is capable of in the past with Ostersunds, Swansea and Brighton.

“Of course Chelsea was difficult in many ways, but he has proven more than enough that he is a good coach.

“You can already see that in his West Ham team. His first step was to change the shape.

“I have a feeling he won’t stick to that shape throughout his spell at West Ham, but there is some clear structure in what they are doing now.

“West Ham, in my opinion, offensively and defensively, have clear principles in all phases.

“They want to control more and more of the ball, and they have some top players: Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen are really, really good.”

‘Hickey returns to full Brentford training after injury hell’

Aaron Hickey has returned to full training with Brentford, according to The Standard.

The Scottish full-back has not played for the club since October 2023 since sustaining a hamstring injury that he has had operated on twice.

Hickey will reportedly feature in a ‘B Team’ fixture before he is considered for a return to the first team.

The 22-year-old signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract in January.

Can Frank and Brentford make PL history this weekend?

Brentford can do something this weekend they’ve never done before in the Premier League – win a third away game in a row.

It’s quite the transformation, as they failed to win any of their first NINE Premier League away games this season.

But their home form has gone the opposite way – they won seven of their first eight fixtures, but haven’t managed another victory since early December!

Boss Thomas Frank attempts to explain why that is and was full of praise for Mikkel Damsgaard.

Brentford’s transfer window assessed

TodayPriceNG News Zinny Boswell:

It was a quiet window for Brentford, but crucially they kept hold of their stars Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. There was concrete interest in Wissa, with Nottingham Forest seeing a bid rejected, but it would have taken a huge offer for Brentford to sell.

There was also some interest in Kevin Schade from Borussia Dortmund, but it was never part of the plan to let any of these players go in this window and Brentford stuck with their guns.

January transfer window: Your Premier League club’s business assessed including Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool,

TodayPriceNG

Brentford have five key areas they want to strengthen in over the long term, one of those being right-back, and they managed to address one of those areas by bringing in Michael Kayode from Fiorentina on loan with an option to buy.

That allowed Mads Roerslev to join Wolfsburg for the rest of the season. That deal also includes an option to buy.

Brentford complete Deadline Day deal

Brentford have confirmed Romelle Donovan has joined their academy on loan for the remainder of the season.

TodayPriceNG News reported earlier on Deadline Day that the deal would include an option to buy.

Donovan spent the first half of the season on loan at Burton Albion, where he featured seven times across all competitions.

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Bees set to sign Birmingham talent

Latest from Sky Sports News’ Dharmesh Sheth:

Brentford set to sign 18-year-old attacking right-winger Romelle Donovan on loan with an option to buy from Birmingham.

How serious is Mark Flekken’s injury?

Brentford manager Thomas Frank in his post-match press conference:

“Not serious. Don’t know how long exactly.

“He’s got two weeks until the next game.

“It’s a side strain.”

Frank firm on Brentford’s Deadline Day plans

TodayPriceNG News’ James Green: It’s Deadline Day tomorrow. Do you think your team needs a little bit more?

Thomas Frank: No.

JG: So you’re expecting nothing now?

TF: Nothing. No ins, no outs.

Frank on Kayode’s debut

Brentford manager Thomas Frank in his post-match press conference:

“I thought he looked good when he came on.

“He bombarded forward, getting around Bryan Mbeumo on the inside, produced some decent crosses, defended well.

“Positive, I thought.”

Does that feel like a missed opportunity?

Brentford manager Thomas Frank in his post-match press conference:

“Bang on! Do I need to say more? It definitely felt like a missed opportunity.

“I think we did a lot of things right in the game, but this is football, and in football, even if you do a lot of things right, it’s not the same that you’re going to win the game.

“We also need to always look at ourselves and what could we have done to do even more. Other times, it’s the small bits, the margins, that don’t drop perfectly for you.

“If we look at what we did well, we created a lot of good situations and created some opportunities, we produced more than 30 crosses, 20 shots, but we didn’t create enough big chances. It’s not like we had five or six big chances, we had maybe one or two, then we had a lot of half-chances that, on another day, could have gone in.

“And it’s down to very good defending from Tottenham. I think they defend the box some of the best I’ve seen maybe the whole season.

“They were very, very good on closing down our transitions, either well-positioned, not committing as many players forward, being wary of our threat going behind, or fouling us, so very clever, very good.

“Then, in a tight-ish game, we need to win the set-piece battle – and we didn’t.”

REPORT: Tottenham battle to victory over wasteful Brentford

Tottenham battled their way to a morale-boosting 2-0 victory at Brentford to end their four-game losing streak in the Premier League and edge up to 14th.

Brentford 0-2 Tottenham: Vitaly Janelt own goal and Pape Sarr counter earn Spurs hard-fought win

Frank on Flekken’s absence

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed the reason why goalkeeper Mark Flekken misses out today.

“Mark picked up a side strain two days ago so unfortunately he can’t play,” he said.

“I have full confidence in Hakon Valdimarsson; he did well against Brighton when he came on.”

Follow live match commentary here:

Live Commentary – Brentford vs Tottenham | 02.02.2025

February 17, 2025
Bournemouth transfers, latest news, rumours and gossip: Live updates, goals and highlights

Iraola: We are far away from Champions League

Andoni Iraola refused to get carried away after Bournemouth fans were left dreaming of a potential Champions League adventure following a first league double over south-coast rivals Southampton.

Travelling Cherries fans chanted of playing in European football’s premier competition next season after their side soared to fifth spot in the Premier League table thanks to a deserved 3-1 success at St Mary’s.

Ryan Christie conjured a fine assist for Dango Ouattara’s 14th-minute opener and then quickly fired home a superb second before Marcus Tavernier sealed victory late on following a goal back from Kamaldeen Sulemana.

While his team climbed above Chelsea, on goal difference, and Newcastle to the cusp of the top four, Bournemouth boss Iraola is eager to manage expectations and not look too far ahead.

“I think we are far from there,” he said of reaching the Champions League.

“We need still a lot of points. A reality would be at the end of the season. Now, unfortunately for us, it’s not.

“We have to continue performing well. If we continue performing well we may have a chance when there are five, six games remaining and then we are fighting.

“Right now we are still in the process, there is still more than one third of the league to play. We are focusing in the next week and definitely not further than this.”

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15 minute ago15m ago01:41
Opta stats: Bournemouth away day kings

Bournemouth are unbeaten in each of their last seven away Premier League games (W5 D2), with their 22 points won on the road in 2024-25 their joint-most in a top-flight season (also 22 in 2015-16).

On what was his 93rd Premier League appearance, Ryan Christie has both scored and assisted in the same game for the first time.

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16 minute ago16m ago01:40
Analysis: Christie shows his class

Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones:

“Andoni Iraola is a special manager. Not only because of his unique and barnstorming football philosophies but also because how his ability to completely reinvent players. Christie is the perfect example.

“Once a player that was a chief creator of goals in forward areas that carried lots of quality he is now a midfield enforcer and the relentless pulse that makes this Bournemouth team play at such ferocious velocity.

“That was on show here again but sprinkled with the class of the Christie of old where he produced two moments of supreme quality.

“His cross for Ouattara was impossible to defend such was the trajectory and his finish for his goal was equally as devastating.

“He is becoming a master of his trade in the Bournemouth midfield.”

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17 minute ago17m ago01:40
Player ratings: Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth

Southampton: Ramsdale (8), Walker-Peters (6), Bree (5), Bednarek (6), Wellington (5), Wood (5), Smallbone (5), Aribo (7), Fernandes (7), Sulemana (7), Onuachu (6)

Subs used: Dibling (7), Sugawara (6), Archer (6)

Bournemouth: Kepa (7), Cook (7), Zabarnyi (7), Huijsen (8), Kerkez (7), Christie (9), Adams (7), Brooks (6), Kluivert (7), Semenyo (8), Ouattara (7)

Subs used: Tavernier (8), Jebbison (7), Sinisterra (7)

Player of the match: Ryan Christie

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17 minute ago17m ago01:39
REPORT: Bournemouth up to fifth with win at sorry Saints

Bournemouth moved above Chelsea into fifth place in the Premier League with 3-1 win over sorry Southampton in the south coast derby.

Southampton 1-3 Bournemouth: Cherries up to fifth in Premier League with south coast derby win

Sky Sports

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13 Feb13 Feb14:18
Papers: Bournemouth, Spurs & Newcastle keen on winger

The top stories and transfer rumours from Friday’s newspapers…

Premier League trio Tottenham, Newcastle and Bournemouth all keen on Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao – Paper Talk

Sky Sports

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9 Feb9 Feb09:13
Semenyo: Winning FA Cup would be ‘cherry’ on the cake this season

Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo admits winning the FA Cup would be the “cherry on the cake” of what could be an historic season.

The 2-0 victory over Everton in the final cup tie to be played at Goodison Park put the south-coast side into the fifth round but with the club only three points off fourth place in the Premier League they are also chasing European football for the first time.

Semenyo, who won a penalty which he then converted before Daniel Jebbison added a second, would love to play at Wembley but knows that would be a bonus.

“I think it would be the cherry on top of the cake for us,” he said.

“We know we are doing well this season. A Cup run? The manager finds it really important, all of us as individuals find it important.

“It will be lovely to reach a semi-final where we are playing at Wembley. It’s a dream of mine personally and I think for the team we would love to have a cup run and see how far we can go.

“As a team we are ready to come up against whoever we get. We just have to wait to see.”

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7 Feb7 Feb07:13
Iraola on Kroupi arrival…

Bournemouth confirmed the deadline-day addition of 18-year-old striker Eli Junior Kroupi from Ligue 2 Lorient on Monday.

Despite the long-term injuries to forwards Evanilson and Enes Unal, Kroupi will return to the promotion hopefuls on loan until the end of the season.

“I don’t know and I hope he is,” Andoni Iraola added when asked if Kroupi can be a success in England.

“We will have to see when he comes here. When you come to the Premier League there’s an adaptation process, especially with someone who’s young with a new language.

“Because of the club’s relationship with Lorient I think it was a good chance to sign someone his age who is ahead of the normal players.

“I think he is performing very well and has been very successful with Lorient and the national team.

“I am very happy and obviously I wanted to sign players for now but it’s true that the winter market is difficult. Sometimes you don’t have the players you need there and we decided not to sign anyone.”

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7 Feb7 Feb07:12
Iraola hopes Bournemouth can pass their FA Cup test at Everton

Andoni Iraola has called for Bournemouth to earn the right to advance in the FA Cup ahead of their fourth-round tie with Everton on Saturday.

Spanish boss Iraola, who was named January’s Premier League manager of the month on Friday, sees his side face an in-form Toffees team at Goodison Park.

David Moyes’ men, who have won three out of their four matches since his return as manager, claimed a 4-0 triumph over Leicester last week.

“We have a very difficult opponent. There’s no guarantee that if you rest players you can win the next league game so we go there knowing it will be difficult,” Iraola told reporters.

“We need to earn the right to play another game in the FA Cup because we are playing another Premier League team in a very good form at the moment.

“He’s been been very good in the four games he’s been there (Moyes). You can see with the results that he knows more about the club than anyone. It will be a smooth transition for him and he has started really well.

“I think we have the experience to play there, with the atmosphere, the kind of team they are and obviously with the confidence being high after their wins in recent weeks, I expect a difficult game.”

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5 Feb5 Feb05:51
Kluivert the Premier League’s top performer?

There’s a Bournemouth player at the top of the Sky Sports Power Rankings this week…

Justin Kluivert’s sensational form has propelled him above Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood in our statistically-calculated list for this season.

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3 Feb3 Feb23:01
Bournemouth’s transfer window assessed

Sky Sports News’ Mark McAdam:

AFC Bournemouth’s window started with two serious injuries to both strikers but they’ve finished the window with no new strikers despite the club’s recruitment team scouring of the market.

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola consistently said it was a position that was the most difficult to recruit for and that turned out to be the case.

Sixteen goals in five games would suggest they’re ok but only time will tell if they’ve left themselves short as this incredible season continues.

January transfer window: Your Premier League club’s business assessed including Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool,

Sky Sports

This window has really given an indication as to the club’s philosophy; young players they can develop for the future.

There’s been three new signings: 18-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi – who will stay at Lorient – 19-year-old Julio Soler from Lanus and 18-year-old Matai Akinmboni from DC United. All players with huge potential they’ll be hoping can become Premier League stars of the future.

It was a positive window in terms of ins but the fact they didn’t lose any of their key stars will be seen as the biggest win of the window. This summer might prove more of a challenge to keep a number of players who have all been catching the eye of Europe’s elite.

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3 Feb3 Feb14:37
Bournemouth complete Kroupi deal

Bournemouth have announced the signing of Lorient attacker Eli Junior Kroupi.

The 18-year-old French youth international will remain with the Ligue 2 club for the rest of the season.

West Ham had talks with Lorient for the forward right up until Deadline Day – with the Hammers offering up to £35m to take the forward on from this month.

Chelsea and Lyon were also interested in the young forward.

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2 Feb2 Feb02:07
‘I can’t believe it!’ | Kluivert misses sitter against Liverpool

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1 Feb1 Feb10:27
Iraola post-match presser in full

You’ve beaten three of the other members of the top four here this season. On another day, could you have completed the set and won again?

“Yes, yes, we didn’t get the result, obviously, but I think we gave ourselves a chance. I think we played a high-level game, both teams. I think the quality of the game has been quite high.

“But against these top teams, I think you need these small details to happen to your side sometimes. We hit the post, we hit the post again, second post, the goal, just a few millimetres, disallowed. We need to punish them because I think we knew that we would concede some chances because both teams played quite open, there will be transitions for both teams and probably we should have scored to put them under some pressure.

Obviously, the penalty in the first half looked… It was an interesting decision, VAR checked it but didn’t overrule it. What did you make of that decision?

“For me, if you take this penalty, it can go both ways. It’s probably a slight touch, I haven’t seen the play, but with Lewis [Cook], he trips after a slight touch.

“But I would just say, Evanilson against Brentford, exactly the same play. I would say even that one is more clear. So I accept, you call that one, you call this one, perfect.

“You don’t call that one, you don’t call this one, perfect. You don’t call one and you call the other, then I have to complain.”

Do you take some confidence from a strong performance against a side like Liverpool, even in defeat?

“At the end of every game, even when you win, like we won the last games, there are good and bad things and we will analyse everything and for sure we could have done some things better. But overall I’m very pleased with the performance. I think, like I said, we gave us chances against Liverpool.

“I think it’s very, very difficult to win against Liverpool. And now we will just analyse it 24 hours and start thinking in the next game, that now is the cup game that we have against Everton.”

Asked about his view on the referee Darren England’s performance…

“When you ask me a lot about the referee, I think in this kind of level of game, I think the players are the ones that receive all the comments, all the appreciation, all the value of what they’ve done from Liverpool, from Bournemouth. And that’s what I’m going to try to do.

On his pride in the performance…

“I think we’ve been more competitive, probably. We haven’t had these phases where you’re always going to concede chances against Liverpool, especially the way both teams play and the game has been quite open.

“We accept this. Probably we have to look at why we didn’t get a result in our offence. Because we’ve had enough chances to score and once you get the goal, whatever it is, the 1-0, the 1-1, they feel some pressure that, especially after the 2-0, they probably haven’t felt.

Was Mo Salah the difference today? Was that what turned the game?

“He scored the goals. Always when you score the goals, you’ve been probably important. They have very good players and it’s difficult to cover everything.

“I think Miloš [Kerkez] has dealt very well with him all the game. Probably the second goal is the kind of finish that he loves, but it’s impossible to cover everything, every minute. So you have to give credit to him also because it has been a lovely finish.

What do you think is making the difference for you, being able to stay at the top of the table?

“No, we are not there. We have teams that are much better than us and in a better position than us. We are in a good position for us and we will try to keep close to the positions that we are now.

“But I’m not focusing on the standings. I think we are performing well. We are being competitive in almost every game.

“I would say sometimes the opposition have more than us, but I think we are in a good line and if we can keep this level of performance, I think we will finish in a good place. But obviously there are teams that are better than us.

Antoine Semenyo looked to be a handful again, giving a really good performance going forwards. What did you make of his showing today?

“I think like other players, I think overall I value the performance. Probably other games he has more chances to score goals or whatever. But considering the opposition, to do it against this kind of opposition for me is valuable because all the duels against the Liverpool players are expensive to win and are difficult.

“I think even if you don’t have as many chances as against other teams, I value them today, yes. At the end there are small details.

“We are talking about centimetres, millimetres probably. The other day we probably scored five. I don’t know, maybe some more but not a 5-0 difference.

“Sometimes you are more clinical than other days and definitely we needed more. I don’t know if a better finishing but these things could go to our side if we wanted a result against Liverpool.

“Obviously we’ve enjoyed the good results but we cannot change any approach. It’s not the end of the beginning of anything, the end of anything. We are going to approach the same week with the same mentality that we’ve done until today.

“It’s still very early in the season. We are going to take the next chance we have, that is the FA Cup against Everton. Difficult draw, we play away against a team that is flying apparently.

“It’s going to be difficult but we will give it a try. Just one more on that FA Cup game.”

On chance of players coming back from injury…

“Right now I don’t have a lot of options really. Probably it’s not the same situation. When you have 20 players available and then you can decide.

“We are quite thin, I hope we can recover but it’s going to be difficult. At the end we are talking about one week. Sini is the only one that has really started training with the group.

“But he has trained two, three days. It didn’t make any sense definitely to risk him for today. Let’s see if he has good feelings this week and completes at least one full week of training.

“But for sure it’s going to be difficult against Everton.”

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1 Feb1 Feb09:35
Iraola: Small things didn’t go for us

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola to Sky Sports after his side’s 2-0 loss against Liverpool:

“Obviously disappointed to lose the game. When you play against these types of teams, the small details have to go for you. We hit the post, we had a goal disallowed with a slight offside. Small things that didn’t go for us. It was a chance, but it didn’t happen.

“The misses are key moments, they can make the difference when it’s 1-0. They are quite clear chances. And we haven’t scored against this team, like Liverpool, and we didn’t punish them.

“Today you could see the level of the game, how they performed. It was a high-level game, the players – we should be talking about them.

“Both teams were very good, their players made the difference. It was a high-level game and to win against Liverpool is very difficult.”

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1 Feb1 Feb09:29
REPORT: Salah double helps Liverpool open up nine-point lead in title race

Liverpool moved nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as Mohamed Salah scored twice in a 2-0 win against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

Arne Slot’s leaders were aiming to become to first team to beat their hosts in the league since November 23 and they were given a stern test en route to ending an 11-match unbeaten run for Andoni Iraola’s side.

The league’s top scorer Salah, as so often during this wonderful Liverpool season, was the difference, scoring a penalty in the first half and a brilliant solo goal in the second to secure his team’s 17th win in their 23 games, but along the way Bournemouth put up a real fight.

Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool: Mohamed Salah scores twice as Reds move nine points clear in Premier League

Sky Sports

Things did not go the home side’s way during a first half in which they hit the post, had a goal disallowed and fell behind following a contentious penalty award.

Iraola’s side came at Liverpool early. Alisson was alert to deflect behind Justin Kluivert’s near-post drive following a poor defensive header from Trent Alexander-Arnold, the closest either side came to scoring in the opening 20 minutes, before Antoine Semenyo left Liverpool’s goalframe quaking with a bullet effort against the woodwork.

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1 Feb1 Feb09:29
Bournemouth beaten but far from disgraced

Sky Sports’ Ben Grounds at the Vitality Stadium:

Salah, as so often during this wonderful Liverpool season, was the difference, scoring a penalty in the first half and a brilliant solo goal in the second to secure his team’s 17th win in their 23 games, but along the way Bournemouth put up a real fight.

Things did not go the home side’s way during a first half in which they hit the post, had a goal disallowed and fell behind following a contentious penalty award.

It was from a quick transition, the kind at which Bournemouth have excelled this season, that Liverpool won their spot-kick.

Gakpo seemed to have got clear of Cook as the pair chased a long ball into the home side’s box. The Liverpool player tripped, though there was more than a suggestion that he may have stumbled over his own foot. VAR upheld Darren England’s on-field decision, and from the spot Salah slipped the ball just beyond the dive of Kepa.

A hairline VAR call denied David Brooks an equaliser, Milos Kerkez judged to have been fractionally offside before his teammate lashed in what would have been a wonderful goal.

Substitute Marcus Tavernier came within a whisker of levelling, turning away cleverly from Andy Robertson before opening his body and sending an effort crashing against the inside of the post, with Kluivert leaning back to lift the rebound glaringly over.

The Cherries have now hit the woodwork 16 times in the Premier League this season, the outright most of any side. On such fine margins titles are won.

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31 Jan31 Jan11:04
Merson: I’d be worried Iraola could leave for Spain

Sky Sports’ Paul Merson on the Transfer Show:

“Absolutely outstanding. Every Arsenal fan would be relying on Bournemouth tomorrow to do a job on Liverpool.

“They’ve been outstanding. Kerkez and Semenyo have been outstanding. They’ve been a good watch, have given all the big boys and game and beaten them all at home.

“I think they’re there for the long run and will stay hanging around. I would be shocked if Liverpool won tomorrow, I think it will be a draw. A difficult game for Liverpool.

“For them to stick by Iraola after last season, they’re reaping the rewards now and they’re a dangerous, dangerous team. And it’s incredible that their stadium holds only 12,000!

“At the moment, they will hold onto Iraola. You look at the top teams: who is going to lose their job? The Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea managers won’t.

“And Bournemouth are above Tottenham in the table. But I want Ange to keep his job. But I would be more worried of him going back to Spain with Barcelona or Real Madrid. I rate him that highly…”

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31 Jan31 Jan08:00
Iraola: I don’t know if we will have enough, but we will try

Cherries boss Andoni Iraola has led the club on an 11-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, while leaders Liverpool are unbeaten in 18 league games:”It’s definitely the biggest challenge of the season. I think they have been the best team, not only in England but also in Europe this season.

“They are top of the league. They have been top of the league in Europe, even though they didn’t play their first-team in their last game. That shows their level.

“It’s going to be very difficult for us, but it’s also a good challenge. I think we are in a good moment as we are playing well also. I don’t know if we will have enough, but we will try.”

Sinisterra to be assessed

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola confirmed he will have the same squad available as last time out against Nottingham Forest.

He added:”From the ones that are injured, the only player that has started doing stuff with us recently is Luis Sinisterra. We will assess him again today, but it is not certain that he will be involved this weekend.”

February 17, 2025
Chelsea Chelsea 2 1 Everton
Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor described Lauren James as “precious” after her 93rd-minute winner helped the Women’s Super League leaders fight back to beat Everton.

The hosts seemed set to drop points for only the second time in the league this campaign, with Mayra Ramirez cancelling out Kelly Gago’s surprise opener.

But Chelsea are a winning machine this season – and found a way through late on when James struck into the bottom corner from 25 yards to snatch all three points.

“In football I’ve seen a lot of really talented players – I’ve played with some of them, I’ve coached some of them – but I think I have to say I’m really impressed with [Lauren James] because what she does on the pitch when she has the ball is incredible,” said Bompastor.

“I’m really pleased because we started this season talking together and I told her that I really wanted her to be impactful for the team.”

They have now won 26 of their past 27 matches in all competitions, and stay seven points clear of Manchester United in the WSL.

But the hosts were forced to come from behind in the second half after Everton took a 50th-minute lead against the run of play.

Half-time substitute Justine Vanhaevermaet won the ball back in midfield and fed Toni Payne, who in turn played the ball through to Gago.

The pass appeared to be slightly overhit as Gago was forced wide, yet she fired a brilliant first-time finish past the static Hannah Hampton to silence Kingsmeadow.

Chelsea equalised 12 minutes later, with Ramirez collecting a Johanna Rytting Kaneryd pass on the turn and slotting low past Courtney Brosnan.

It looked like the reigning champions would drop points for the first time since a 1-1 draw at Leicester in December – and the first time at home this season – with Aggie Beever-Jones hitting the woodwork twice late on.

But in the dying seconds James found space outside the area and fired into the bottom corner to keep the Chelsea juggernaut rolling.

“Today I think if she was not on the pitch we probably could not have won the game,” added Bompastor. “The talent is really helpful in that situation.

“She could show her talent with the ball, but also she works really hard for the team and I think that’s something really good.

“As a player I think her team-mates also value that and I think that’s really important.”

Bompastor’s below-par Blues still find a way to win

Mayra Ramirez scored her fourth league goal of the season to draw Chelsea level

It is a mark of champions to win games when not playing well – and Chelsea laboured for long periods on Sunday.

They thought they had taken the lead after nine minutes from a goalmouth scramble following a corner, but Brosnan managed to repel Maelys Mpome’s close-range header.

After that Chelsea failed to trouble Brosnan until falling behind, and even then they looked likely to drop points until James’ last-gasp intervention.

For Everton there is a sense of deja vu following their FA Cup meeting at this ground last weekend.

Seven days ago, Chelsea won 4-1 after initially falling behind. It took a dubious penalty to bring them level and set them on their way.

It took even longer for Chelsea to find their feet here.

Keira Walsh, making her first WSL start since 2022 after her return to England from Barcelona last month, struggled to pick passes through Everton’s midfield and the hosts’ attacks were often one dimensional – long passes and crosses into the box as if expecting a mistake rather than looking to create something themselves.

Chelsea must improve with tougher tests imminent – notably a series of fixtures against Manchester City in the WSL, League Cup and Champions League.

But they still keep finding a way and with striker Sam Kerr set to return from injury and legal issues, potentially as soon as next month, an unbeaten WSL season remains a possibility.
February 17, 2025
Newcastle could sell Isak for £83m – Monday’s gossip

Newcastle could sell Alexander Isak if they do not qualify for the Champions League, Atletico Madrid eye Wilfred Ndidi, plus more.

Newcastle would be willing to let Alexander Isak leave for £83.3m (100m euros) this summer if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, with Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea among those keen on the 25-year-old Sweden striker. (Sport – in Spanish), external

Atletico Madrid are interested in Leicester’s 28-year-old Nigeria midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. (Caught Offside), external

Liverpool are bracing themselves for the potential departure of Netherlands centre-back Virgil van Dijk, 33, in the summer and have added Bournemouth’s 19-year-old Spain Under-21 defender Dean Huijsen to their shortlist of replacements. (Football Insider, external)

Everton will make a move for Burnley’s 22-year-old French centre-back Maxime Esteve if England international Jarrad Branthwaite, 22, leaves this summer. (Sun – subscription required), external

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Chelsea have been closely monitoring Middlesbrough’s 16-year-old twins Anton and Bailey Palmer, with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Brighton also interested in the England Under-17 midfielders. (TBR Football), external

Everton are set to revive their interest in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki after considering a move for the 21-year-old French winger in January. (Football Insider), external

Premier League clubs are scouting Shamrock Rovers’ 16-year-old Irish striker Michael Noonan, who became the second-youngest goalscorer in Uefa club competition history when he scored against Molde in the Conference League on Thursday. (Times – subscription required), external

Real Madrid are considering trying to quit Spanish football for another league in protest at the leadership of La Liga president Javier Tebas and what they perceive as biased refereeing decisions. (Sport – in Spanish), external

February 17, 2025
‘Worthy of a film’ – Bentaleb scores on return from cardiac arrest

Former Tottenham midfielder Nabil Bentaleb scored in Lille’s 2-0 win at Rennes on Sunday in his first match since suffering a cardiac arrest last year.

The 30-year-old was told his career might be over after suffering the cardiac arrest in June 2024.

However, Bentaleb was cleared to return by the French Football Federation on Wednesday and scored just four minutes after coming on in the second half at Roazhon Park.

He celebrated by running to the Lille bench, where he was mobbed by his team-mates and coaching staff.

“It’s worthy of a film,” said Lille boss Bruno Genesio. “He deserved it, because I don’t believe in luck, he believed in himself.

“It’s an incredible, wonderful story.

“Nabil’s goal put us on cloud nine, it’s hard to describe. It could be a moment that will mark the end of our season, that will remain engraved in the history of the club, of this season – and in Nabil’s mind, of course.”

Former Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom sealed the win on 86 minutes to lift Lille up to fifth in Ligue 1.

Bentaleb started his senior career at Tottenham in 2013, making 46 Premier League appearances, before joining Schalke in 2017.

The Algeria international had a brief loan spell at Newcastle and two-year stint at Angers, before joining Lille in 2023.

February 17, 2025
‘Smiling and having fun’ – Kelly’s ‘amazing’ Arsenal return

Chloe Kelly has waited a long time – but her return to Arsenal proved to be worth it.

Seven years since her last Gunners appearance – 2,815 days to be exact – the England international was welcomed back by the home fans at Emirates Stadium with a raucous roar.

Running on to a standing ovation from the majority of the 56,784 in attendance, Kelly made her second debut for the club where she came through the academy and had three years in the first team until leaving for Everton in 2018.

The forward was a 61st-minute substitute, with Arsenal having already scored four of their five goals in the Women’s Super League thrashing of north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday.

It marked the end of a difficult time for Kelly and the start of a fresh beginning as she seeks to earn her place back in the England squad for this summer’s Euros.

Kelly joined Arsenal on loan from Manchester City on deadline day in January after saying she “wanted to be happy again” in a social media post.

Struggling for game time, having made just one start in the WSL this season, Kelly has been given a chance back at Arsenal.

The 27-year-old’s delight was clear as she sprinted on to the pitch, the stadium announcer’s voice ringing in her ears and a beaming smile on her face.

“It felt amazing in front of unbelievable support,” Kelly told BBC Sport after the 5-0 win.

“Since I stepped into this club, I have felt a warm welcome. What a game to do it in – the north London derby.

“I felt myself on the pitch. It’s been easy to walk into this dressing room with unbelievable players and the staff.”

Kelly returns as Arsenal hit five past Spurs in WSL derby

I never saw myself as a leader – Arsenal boss Slegers

Published
3 days ago

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‘I am ready to fight for my shirt’
Image source,Getty Images
Image caption,

Chloe Kelly made her first appearance for Arsenal in 2,815 days

With Arsenal cruising when Kelly was introduced, she slotted into a free-flowing frontline and created opportunities.

She hit the crossbar with a dinked effort late on, shortly after the crowd cheered as she made her way to the corner flag to take a set-piece.

Before coming on, fans were on their feet in anticipation, watching the fourth official as manager Renee Slegers spoke to Kelly on the touchline.

“My final message was ‘Enjoy it, you get your welcome back in an Arsenal shirt and it is a very special occasion, so enjoy it’,” said Slegers.

“She has been smiling a lot in training and working really hard. She’s passionate as a person. You can see she’s smiling a lot and is very happy with where she’s at.

“I think that’s important, that you have players in a good place, [who] feel good and feel motivated. That is when you get the most out of yourself.”

Kelly was in high spirits at full-time, walking around the pitch smiling and laughing with England captain Leah Williamson.

On hitting the bar, she said: “I thought it was going in.”

Williamson joked: “And the shirt would have come off!”

It has not been plain sailing for Kelly since her iconic celebration – when she took off her Lionesses shirt and waved it around her head seconds after scoring the winning goal in the Euro 2022 final at Wembley Stadium.

But she is enjoying her football again.

“The challenge is always there and I am ready to fight for my shirt and I want to work hard to do so,” added Kelly.

“It’s all about building relationships with those players that you play together with on the field.

“I have settled in really well and am building those relationships already. I am just having fun.”

February 17, 2025
Maddison does ‘talking on the pitch’ in response to critics

James Maddison says he is doing his “talking on the pitch” in response to the critics who questioned him before he scored the winner as Tottenham beat Manchester United on Sunday.

Maddison was the only player following in after United keeper Andre Onana parried Lucas Bergvall’s shot, allowing him to complete an easy tap-in to score the match’s only goal.

He marked the strike with both a talking and shushing gesture celebration.

And after the match, without naming any individual critics, he told Sky Sports: “There was a little bit of outside noise this week.

“People will have their opinions, but I wanted to do my talking on the pitch. I hope there is a certain few that enjoyed me being the match-winner today.”

This week, former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane said on The Overlap podcast that Maddison “got relegated with Leicester and he’ll get relegated with Spurs”.

Keane also stressed that Maddison was a “talented player”, but said those who thought his return would help Spurs break into the top six “were in cuckoo land”.

Keane added: “People say Maddison’s the man. When is he going to step up to the plate?”

The 28-year-old had been out of action since picking up a calf injury against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on January 23.

His goal against United was his first in the Premier League since December and his 10th in all competitions this season.

Sandwiched between his talking and shushing gestures, Maddison also performed his usual darts throw celebration.

When asked about responding to criticism, he added: “You do see it and it is there. Especially when it’s a big profile name.

“Nobody is more critical of myself than me. To be fair to the gaffer, he always talks about blocking out the outside noise, but sometimes it’s difficult, you know. It is constantly in your face. Social media and WhatsApp, sending people’s stuff.”

James Maddison’s goal against Manchester United was his first in the Premier League since December

‘Maddison a quality player’ – Postecoglou

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said it “doesn’t surprise him” if Maddison responded to what people are saying about him, adding that he “threw a shot back over the bow”.

Tottenham have missed playmaker Maddison’s absence, losing three of the five games they have played while he has been sidelined in 2025.

“It’s just great to have him back,” said Postecoglou. “He is a quality player.

“If you just look at his goals return from midfield this year, it’s still right up there.”

Maddison has scored four goals in his last four starts in the Premier League, and is Spurs’ leading scorer in the league this season. He has been directly involved in 13 goals in 23 league games (nine goals, four assists).

“He got frustrated when he got injured and to be honest we didn’t think he would be back for a couple of weeks,” added Postecoglou.

“But he has worked awfully hard in training and done everything right to make sure he was available.”

Tottenham have been on a poor run and are 12th in the Premier League table, but a large part of their form can be attributed to a string of first-team injuries.

Postecoglou will be thankful he was able to start playmaker Maddison as well as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who impressed on his first game back since breaking his ankle in November.

Long-term absentees Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert were also fit enough to make the bench.

02:24

Maddison and Vicario were key to ‘important’ win – Ange Postecoglou

February 17, 2025
‘A proud black woman’ – Shaw’s ‘powerful’ gesture after starring role
With her opening goal against Liverpool, Khadija Shaw showed her importance to Manchester City. Her actions afterward were even more important to women’s football and the fight against racism.

Shaw netted twice in the first half as City beat Liverpool 4-0 to end a run of successive home defeats in the Women’s Super League and keep in touch with the top three and Champions League qualification.

It was the Jamaican’s first start since suffering a leg injury on 8 December, and during her return to fitness, City had lost three league games and fallen out of WSL title contention.

Shaw’s goals, both excellently taken finishes which showed off a mix of power and finesse of which she is uniquely capable in the WSL, demonstrated just how much her side have missed her.

But what truly caught the eye was her celebration after the opener. She stood with her right fist raised and her head bowed – the black power salute.
Shaw double as Man City hit four past Liverpool

Shaw misses League Cup semi-final after abuse

This is an anti-racism gesture and most famous in sporting contexts for being enacted originally by American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics in protest against discrimination in their home country.
Shaw has been the victim of racist abuse recently, following City’s last home league game – a 4-3 league defeat to Arsenal on 2 February.

So bad was the online abuse that she made herself unavailable to face the Gunners a few days later when they met again in the League Cup semi-finals, before returning and scoring off the bench in the Women’s FA Cup win over Leicester.

And this was another notable moment for Shaw, given an immense cheer by the home fans when her name was announced before kick-off and then a standing ovation when she was subbed on the hour mark with the game won.

‘Brilliant self-awareness not to play Arsenal’

Shaw declined to address the celebration directly when speaking to Sky Sports after the game, simply saying it was “good to get back on the scoresheet after a difficult couple of days”.

While admitting he had not seen the celebration himself, City manager Gareth Taylor said it carried an important meaning.

“It’s powerful,” he added. “She’s a proud black woman and, where she is from, means a lot to her. We will always support her, and the reaction of the crowd meant a lot to her.”

Shaw has attempted to lift herself above her detractors by not sharing any of the abuse she received so as not to give the abusers publicity. But the fact she felt unable to face Arsenal in a crucial League Cup tie showed the effect it had on the 28-year-old.

Against Liverpool, Shaw felt ready to do her talking on the pitch – and did so in style.

“The way I saw it was a brilliant level of self-awareness by Shaw to take herself out of the equation [by not playing against Arsenal],” former Manchester City defender Izzy Christiansen told Sky Sports. “If you’re not in your performance space you might do something stupid.

“We don’t know how Bunny feels, but we have to respect it and she proved her point tonight.”
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‘That’s how you prove a point to people’

Khadija Shaw scored for the first time in the WSL in 2025 with two first-half goals against Liverpool

Shaw is one of the most high profile black female footballers in the world, and in the WSL there is no active striker who can touch her.

She has scored 11 league goals this season, three more than second-highest scorer Alessia Russo, despite playing two matches fewer.

City’s player of the year in each of the last two seasons, Shaw has scored 88 goals in just 102 appearances for the club.

She is loved and respected at City, with the stadium announcer emphasising she was “our number 21” following both goals for the fourth-placed side.

“It was incredible,” team-mate Lauren Hemp told Sky Sports. “Bunny has been through a lot recently so it’s great for her and it’s great for us to see her back scoring goals like she always has done.”

It is in games like this one against Liverpool where her quality shines brightest. With plenty of chances at both ends missed, Shaw had two half-opportunities and took both.

The first saw her control and turn in half a yard of space before firing across the keeper. For the second she controlled a cross at waist height before swivelling and netting with a half-volley,

“It could have been 6-4 tonight in chances,” Liverpool manager Matt Beard said afterwards. “The difference tonight was Bunny Shaw.”

As women’s football continues to grow, abuse such as that suffered by Shaw may only become more prevalent.

Fans of the WSL must hope she continues to ply her trade in England. On her best days, such as this one, Shaw is a remarkable player – physically imposing while carrying one of the best touches and finishing ability in the modern game.

“Man City needed the moment, they needed the big-game player,” former Sheffield United forward Courtney Sweetman-Kirk told Sky Sports.
February 17, 2025