Women's Super League

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Arsenal boss Renee Slegers says seeing Arsene Wenger on stage at the Champions Cup presentation last Sunday was a "special moment".

The legendary ex-Arsenal men's team manager was there to hand out the medals after Slegers' side saw off Brazilian champions Corinthians 3-2 in extra-time to become the tournament's first winners.

"He has been one of my big inspirations," Slegers said before this weekend's return to Women's Super League action against runaway leaders Manchester City.

"I watched his team play when he coached Arsenal but I didn't know he was going to be there. It was a special moment for me when he handed out the medals.

"We just exchanged some words on the stage - I didn't see him afterwards unfortunately."

Since losing to Manchester United in the League Cup semi-finals, Arsenal have won three in a row but trail WSL frontrunners City by 13 points, albeit with a game in hand.

"We are in a good rhythm as a team," Slegers added. "A lot of players are performing.

"We're very proud of winning our first trophy of the season and making history as the first team to do it. But it fuels us to win more."

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London City Lionesses full-back Maddi Wilde has joined Celtic on loan until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old played a role in their promotion to the Women's Super League last season but is yet to make a league appearance so far in 2025-26.

She will now play in the Scottish Women's Premier League until the end of the campaign.

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport senior journalist

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Manchester City boss Andree Jeglertz says Arsenal's victory in Fifa's inaugural Champions Cup last weekend shows how "special" the Women's Super League is at the moment.

Just hours after City beat Chelsea to go 11 points clear at the top of the WSL, Arsenal saw off Brazilian side Corinthians in extra time to take the trophy at Emirates Stadium and arguably lay claim to the title of best club side in world football.

However, if City beat Arsenal on Sunday (12:00 GMT), they will be 16 points ahead of Renee Slegers' side in the domestic league.

"Congratulations to them - of course they should claim that [best in the world]," said Jeglertz when asked about the victory.

"It is a great achievement for them, but also for our league. It shows [the WSL] is on a special level that they are there, but there are a couple of teams ahead of them at the moment.

"There are a lot of things I admire about [Arsenal]. They are a benchmark and we can learn a lot from what they are doing."

City's 5-1 victory over Chelsea means they have scored 10 goals more than any other team and also have the league's second stingiest defence with just 12 conceded. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer - just 10 goals in 13 games.

Jeglertz said his players take pride in being excellent at both ends of the field.

"We celebrate our defending and in attack it has been very important to have different goalscorers, not just Bunny [Khadija] Shaw and Kerolin," he said.

"This team like to spend time together on and off the field and it makes them really believe in one another. They are willing to give everything for each other.

"They have showed so many times that they can make decisions on the field and it is not us telling them what to do from the sidelines. They have come very far in that."

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Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor believes his side's fight to climb the Women's Super League table will rest heavily on games against fellow strugglers - but he is targeting a leap towards safety with three points at home to mid-table Aston Villa on Sunday (12:00 GMT).

While remaining bottom of the league, four points from their past three games has pushed the Reds into a group of four alongside Everton, Leicester and West Ham in the scrap for survival.

Whoever finishes 12th in the WSL will go into a play-off against the team that comes third in WSL 2.

Liverpool will play the three sides currently nearest to them in the standings in the space of four matches, starting next month.

"We are taking everything we can," Taylor said. "We know the games against those teams will be really important - and things will be really close.

"Where we want to be is in touch, when it matters.

"Of course, things could change rapidly. If we win at the weekend, then get something at Chelsea, it could look a lot different - and we are tracking in the right direction."

Defeat at Manchester United last Sunday came off the back of Liverpool's first win of the season against Tottenham, and Taylor says that performance was more indicative of where his team currently are.

"January was positive," he said, after being nominated for manager of the month. "It is something we want to build on. We look so much better, fitter, more robust and the signs are really good.

"Against Aston Villa, we need to be really alert to danger, impose ourselves on them and then make them defend at every opportunity we can."

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London City Lionesses' marquee signing Delphine Cascarino says the team's "big ambition" persuaded her to make the switch from San Diego Wave in the transfer window.

The 29-year-old France forward won multiple titles at Lyon before moving to the National Women's Soccer League in the USA 18 months ago. Now, though, she has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Hayes Lane.

Despite only being promoted last summer, London City are in the top six of the Women's Super League and Cascarino joins the likes of Grace Geyoro, Danielle van de Donk, Nikita Parris and Kosovare Asllani in new manager's Eder Maestre's squad.

"They are very ambitious," Cascarino told a special episode of BBC Sounds' Women's Football Weekly. "They want to qualify for the Champions League - then win it.

"Big ambition, but I like that."

Cascarino is yet to make her first appearance in English football and she remains sidelined for the next few weeks through injury but told the podcast the prospect of "a new adventure" helped to prompt her return to Europe.

"I hesitated, because I was happy in San Diego, but I always dreamed of playing in this league," she said. "It's one of the best in women's football.

"This is a new team with a new coach and environment, but for a second division team to be at this level already is good. We need time to adapt and keep progressing."

Listen to the full discussion, plus interviews with team-mates Danielle van de Donk and Freya Godfrey on a special London City episode over on BBC Sounds

On a bonus episode of Women's Football Weekly, host Ben Haines heads back to London City Lionesses to check in on how their first season in the top flight is progressing.

He catches up with new signing Delphine Cascarino, midfielder Danielle van de Donk and Freya Godfrey.

Listen now on BBC Sounds

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Spurs manager Martin Ho says "these are the games you want to be part of" as he prepares for his first match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday against rivals Chelsea.

Tottenham are one point behind the defending Women's Super League champions in the race for the Champions League spots, and Ho is hopeful of a bumper crowd to inspire his team to victory.

"Playing in the stadium is huge for us, the club and the fans," he said. "It'll be my first game there as head coach and we know we must perform at our best.

"We want the supporters to make a lot of noise, to make it hostile and a place where people fear to come. The fans can lift the team to show what we are capable of."

Like most other WSL clubs, Tottenham play most of their homes games at a smaller ground than the men's side, in their case Leyton Orient's Brisbane Road, and Ho appreciates it will take time to build a fanbase big enough to make matches at the main stadium more viable.

"This is the best stadium in world football in my opinion - it's authentic, it's iconic," he said. "It is a big opportunity for us.

"The board want us to play here and they are behind it, but to grow a fanbase you have to perform consistently to make them excited. Everyone wants to sell out a stadium, but you have to be realistic that it takes entertainment and it takes time.

"That is down to me to motivate and energise the players. To make people want to come, they have to wear the badge with pride and play with passion to build connection.

"If we put in good performances, we will probably do that."

Watch Tottenham v Chelsea on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from 14:25 GMT on Sunday

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Arsenal midfielder Maddy Earl has joined Glasgow City on loan for the rest of the season.

The 19-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at WSL 2 side Ipswich Town, making five appearances, but was recalled in January.

The England youth international signed her first professional contract with Arsenal in last year but is yet to make her debut.

Glasgow City currently sit top of the Scottish Women’s Premier League having gone unbeaten after 16 games.

They also signed Manchester City defender Codie Thomas this week in preparation for their clash with rivals Celtic on Sunday.

Image source, Everton Football Club

Earlier this week, Scott Phelan was appointed interim manager of Everton Women until the end of the season following the sacking of Brian Sorenson.

Speaking in his first news conference before the game against London City Lionesses, he told BBC Sport how it had unfolded.

"I met the players for the first time today," he said. "We had our first training session together.

"There has been a lot of emotion over the last 24 hours. We went through the first step of getting to know each other, making the players understand what we can expect from us as the coaching staff and also what we expect from them.

"From that point on, the players have been really good, really positive. The energy and effort we asked for was so evident from the first ball that rolled.

"It was a real privilege to be around them and it makes my excitement levels grow even more for the opportunities that will arrive for the nine or so remaining games."

Previously Everton's Under-18s coach, Phelan explained his move into the role was made easier by his profile within the club.

"I was already in the building, which I think helped the situation," he said. "My affiliation with the club goes back a long time, as a youth player, as a coach.

"People have told me that that the women's team is very important – it's not just a recent thing with the growth of the game and how the profile has improved – the presence of the women's team at Everton has been here for a long time."

On the style of play, Everton fans can expect, Phelan said:

"We spoke to the players briefly today. We haven't gone into any details on tactics, but we have talked principles:

"Being purposeful with and without the ball. In possession, having some direction and spending a little bit more time in areas higher up the pitch, will be something that we want to encourage quite quickly.

"We want the team to be confident and play with freedom and bravery and ultimately enjoy it.

"We want to put on performances that are enjoyable to watch."

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Defender, Codie Thomas has joined Glasgow City on loan for the rest of the 2025/26 season.

The full-back has featured four times for Manchester City since making her senior debut in October 2024 against St Polten in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

An injury in January 2025 meant the teenager wasn't able to add to her tally before the season's end, but she did come on as a late substitute in Manchester City's League Cup win over Everton in September.

The youngster's development will continue at Glasgow City, who currently sit top of the SWPL table having gone unbeaten so far this season.

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Manchester United boss Marc Skinner is relishing competing on four fronts this season and says he "wouldn't swap it for the world".

Skinner has steered United into second place in the Women's Super League with the side on a run of eight games unbeaten in all competitions.

On Saturday, they travel to struggling Leicester City before heading to Atletico Madrid next Thursday for the first leg of the Champions League knockout round play-offs.

Also on the horizon are an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Chelsea before the League Cup final against the same opponents next month.

"We are fully focused on each task," he said in his pre-match news conference. "We have got to get the rotation right and get the right players in the right game at the right time. That is my challenge.

"It is really exciting. I wouldn't swap it for the world even though we have many tough asks coming up."

Skinner has strengthened United's squad in the transfer window with the signings of striker Lea Schuller, forward Ellen Wangerheim and defender Hanna Lundkvist.

While satisfied with his options, he did suggest United will be active once again over the summer.

"I am really happy with the work we have done," he said. "Quality players for now and the future.

"But I can't stress it enough - we are still working for the summer and beyond. If we add another three to five players in the summer, we will be in a good space for next season as well."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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The timing of Everton's decision to sack Brian Sorensen came as a surprise, just hours after the transfer deadline closed and the addition of Roma midfielder Zara Kramzar to their ranks.

Sorensen has been involved in recruitment and many of their additions over the past two windows have suited his requests.

But the feeling a change of direction was needed has been lingering at Everton for several months.

Supporters have grown increasingly frustrated by their performances with Sorensen seemingly still unsure on his best XI and often using players out of position.

His experimental style has been effective before and he should be praised for his management last season when Everton's injury crisis left a thin squad amid a time when the club were awaiting the completion of the Friedkin Group takeover.

However, expectations grew this year when investment came, signings were made and the squad had enough quality to be challenging further up the table.

They have been dragged into an unnecessary relegation battle and Everton have acted now in the hope that they can do enough to stabilise their position before rebuilding in the summer.

Sorensen's overall time at Everton has shown his capabilities as a coach but the inability to field a consistent team has harmed his progression.

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Roma midfielder Zara Kramzar has signed for Everton on loan for the rest of the season.

In the contract, there is an obligation-to-buy clause which the Toffees would be expected to fulfil in the summer.

The 20-year-old Slovenian international has spent the last year on loan at Italian club Como.

After sealing her move to the Toffees on the final day of the Women's Super League transfer window, Kramžar – who will wear the number 21 shirt – told evertontv:

"I feel so excited. I think we all worked a lot for this. I am happy to be here and start my journey.

"I can't wait. I am really looking forward to playing at Goodison Park and seeing the fans. I am excited to learn a lot about Everton.

"I like to play in big stadiums. I am looking forward to it and to score goals in front of the fans and to leave everything on the pitch for them and for the Club."

"I am proud," Kramžar continued. "It is nice to be the first Slovenian in the WSL. I am excited to show on the pitch what I can do now.

"I enjoyed playing in Italy but I've always wanted to go to England, I think it is the best league in the world. I am excited to see the level here.

"I would like to take Everton as high as I can and help the team. Maybe we can achieve some trophies in the future.

"It is a big club, of course, that has a lot of history. I think Everton can help me progress on and off the pitch."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

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Several official supporters' clubs have hit out at a proposed new format for the Women's FA Cup, stating the changes will ruin the "magic" of the competition and mean the "rich will only get richer".

The Football Association has suggested a 'road-to-Wembley bracket', which would map out a team's route from the last 32 onwards.

There would also be an introduction of seeds in the draw, with four spots awarded to the top four teams from the previous Women's Super League season.

The FA and WSL Football - the company overseeing England's top two teams - have made proposals in the past that have not come to fruition.

They are keen to remain inventive and look at all options to grow the game on the pitch, as well as commercially.

According to BBC Sport sources, the Women's FA Cup proposals were brought to the attention of clubs after the FA claimed it had gathered data from fan surveys which had called for change.

It was presented for feedback and consultation and it is unclear if it will go any further, but there has already been a widespread backlash.

Sources at several WSL clubs have told BBC Sport they are worried about what these proposed changes could do to the "sporting integrity" of the competition.

They feel it gives elite clubs more advantage despite their stranglehold on the competition, with the last 13 winners being one of the existing top-four sides.

Others feel change is unnecessary, having just made adaptations to the Women's League Cup format in order to make it more competitive.

While many feel it will not progress beyond initial consultation, there remains concern among WSL clubs.

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Leicester City full-back Nelly Las has joined WSL 2 bottom side Ipswich Town on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

Las, an 18-year-old Academy graduate, has made 23 appearances since her Foxes debut in October 2024.

An England Under-19 international, she will join up with Ipswich before a crucial trip to fellow strugglers Portsmouth on Sunday.

"I'm excited by the opportunity and am looking forward to getting to know my new team-mates," Las said after her move.

"The setup here looks great and I think it's important to be somewhere which has everyone pushing towards the same goal.

"I would describe myself as an aggressive full-back who likes to go forward and make things happen, and I hope to bring that into the games during my time here."

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Brighton striker Olivia Johnson has joined WSL 2 club Nottingham Forest on loan for the remainder of the 2025-26 season.

The 18-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on loan with Bristol City in the second tier, scoring one goal in eight appearances before returning to Brighton last month.

She has made two senior appearances for Albion, making her debut in March 2024 against Bristol City in the Women's Super League, before featuring in the League Cup group stages the following campaign.

"This is another great opportunity for OJ to get regular exposure in a senior environment." said under-19s head coach Danielle Bowman.

"Forest are having a positive season in the WSL2 following promotion and this will be a chance for OJ to add her qualities to the squad, learn from experienced players, and help Forest climb the table."