#tottenham hotspur one shot

[trulyhblue]

Could you possibly do a Grace Clinton x Reader please based on what Alessia mentioned on her podcast about Grace being a big hugger and like a sloth ! x also love your work ❤️

Just A Hugger

Grace Clinton x Lioness! Reader

Warnings: fluff, secret but established relationship, very short!

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You were sitting on one of the bean bags for the first time all camp, snuggled under an array of blankets, cuddling your phone as you stared up at the TV in front of you. The room was dark, holding refuge to more than a dozen tired athletes, all clad in their sponsored trackies and hoodies. You were among the handful that had been able to snag a bean bag before they were all full.

Alessia and Ella shared one beside you, and Niamh and Lotte planted theirs together in order to create one combined. On the lounges behind you, many of the girls lay across one another, sluggish in their endeavours to soak up some team bonding while also maintaining the silence. Beth had made you a hot chocolate, and Esme had picked the movie, which was of no complaint to anyone, considering the City girl always seemed to know best. You could hear Lauren muttering about her latest Lego creation to LJ, who was somewhat endorsed by the topic of conversation, yet scrolled aimlessly on her phone as she hummed along in agreement, since Hempo’s tangents often let on for prolonged periods.

Your feet peeked out from under the blankets, your fluffy pink socks matching with your girlfriend, who was nowhere to be seen. There was a quiet hum of chatter as the movie played, and everyone was content with the mixture as it was the first time anyone had really gotten to bond with another teammate outside of training.

The euro qualifiers were tough, and your fresh arrival to the team made it even more difficult to mould into a routine. In such high stake games, you certainly weren't looking for any significant game time, but you were a halftime sub during England’s campaign against Sweden, and you were hopeful of getting the same minutes this time against France.

You were younger than most of the girls but had been around professional football for long enough to have known them all for quite some time. You made your debut at United only a few years ago before playing for City in the Youth groups. There you met the likes of Mary, Katie and Ella, who were the first Lionesses that you had truly gotten to know. You had eventually met Grace when she came from Bristol to United, and from then, you were both sent on loan to Tottenham, where your friendship blossomed into a North London Treasure. Fans are no longer sure Grace is a United player, but their NLD golden girl. You were born and raised Manchester-bound, and you were not prepared to face the fact that you were slowly becoming among the faces of Tottenham’s affiliates. It took you a while to process the hurt that came with your loan, and at some points, you envied how quickly Grace fit in with your teammates and the game they played. But you soon moulded well as a striker, especially as your relationship with Grace consumed your everyday life.

You had moved in together as friends and slowly found your deep feelings for her embedded into your heart. The hugs during celebrations, and the post-match interviews matched with longing stares and soft compliments. Fans jumped to the joyride of how calm and collected the two of you held yourselves, especially as a duo in the games. Grace was always helping you up after badly set tackles, and you pushed her away from unnecessary quarrels with opponents. The media would pick up on the assists Grace would give you, and the spectacular goals that came as a result of your chemistry. There weren't any other two players that had this sort of combination together, and clubs were quick to realise that if they wanted one of you, the other was instantly included.

It was only half way through the season when the two of you got together. It was after your win against Arsenal, and the celebrations mixed with alcohol were quick to loosen your tongue. It was a well-kept secret between you two, except your two best friends Charli and Celine had caught on about your feelings long before you had even gotten together. The media were just enamoured by your friendship with Grace. The fans adored the affection you showed each other. There was inevitable shipping rumours, but they never held much significance.

While you liked the privacy of your relationship, Grace wanted to make it known that you were hers. It wasn't like you kept it discreet. You had shown each other the same amount of PDA before you made it official, so there was minimal change when it came to the way you interacted with each other, save for the heavy affection shown in the showers after a match, away from prying eyes. However, Grace had found herself falling more protective of you. If someone had made a false tackle on you, she’d be all over it before you had even hit the ground. It was an anger that had never presented itself beforehand, but it was sure to unleash the second you winced into the grass.

You were very reserved on the pitch. There wasn't much you got up to, and your card count was very low. Grace was much more vicious, but held accountability when it was due.

Everyone just thought that it was the end-of-season drama, where teams were making last-second challenges that would aim to help their position on the ladder.

Now, as both of your loans with Tottenham were soon to be over, Grace and you had not only made yourselves comfortable in the London atmosphere but had created special bonds with the likes of Celine with Grace and you with Charli, which made the return back a little difficult to face. You were both extremely valuable to each team, and there had been an inexplicable improvement that United wanted a piece of, though Tottenham wanted to keep. You were conflicted with the history of your home, and the alliance of your new life, which added to the stress of debuting with the England Senior Team.

You felt a familiar figure crouch beside you, placing another layer of soft blanket over your figure. With a soft kiss on your forehead, you snuggled up to Grace’s side, immediately cradling her waist with your arms, engulfing her chest with your head, and listening to her steady heartbeat.

“God, you're so warm.” She muttered, pulling your thigh over her leg, letting your weight lean against her. You let out a silent laugh as Grace wrapped her arms around your shoulders, running her hand through the nape of your hair, playing with the loose strands.

You peered down at her feet, feeling the familiar fabric of your matching socks. “Where have you been?”

Grace tucked you into her chest further, breathing in your scent as she sighed. “Talking to Sarina. She wanted to see what I was doing with Tottenham?”

You looked up, carefully calculating the mood on your girlfriend's face. “What about it?”

“Just whether we— whether I was staying.”

“What did you say?”

“I told her I’d have to ask you.” Grace glanced down at you, smiling at the crease between your eyebrows. She pecked your nose, tracing your features subtly. “She said that she could see that we were dating from a mile away.”

You scoffed at that. “Bet she did.”

None of your national teammates mentioned anything, though some of the senior girls had caught on quite quickly that something had changed since the last time they had seen you in Manchester. Ella, who was usually the slowest had walked in on you two that very morning, yelping and whining over breakfast, making your face go red with embarrassment and Grace shoving Tooney over to Lessi, who, inevitably, now knows.

You had told Beth and Leah that you two had gotten close while partnered together at training. Leah had told you it was obvious, and Beth had given you a big hug before listing things she and Viv did to keep their relationship a secret before it got out.

Grace had told Mary, who told Millie, who told Rach, and soon enough pretty much everyone who cared had found out over the course of a day. They were quick to subtly congratulate you, but the attention had died down by the time dinner had past and you all were watching the somewhat indulging film Esme had put on.

You weren't keeping your relationship a secret, but neither of you found a point in letting it known. If someone asked, you’d tell them. Both of you were waiting for the media to catch on, but until then, you were content with the quietness of it all.

“I’ll go wherever you go, you know that?” Grace muttered, placing soft kisses down the coloum of your neck. You pressed your figure closer to her, sighing when her hands ran against your sides.

You held out your hand to grab hers, tracing the ridges in her knuckles. “What do you think? Tottenham or United?”

“I don't care, baby.” She spoke, peeking up from where her face hovered above your collarbone. “I would warm the bench if it meant I was with you.”

You laughed into the blankets, nudging your face into her neck. “You're a sweet talker, Clinton.”

Grace didn't deny the statement, smirking down at your cosy position against her. She wouldn't trade you for any contract offer in the world. No amount of money or years of playing football could equate to holding you in her arms.

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yourusername

Liked by Graceclinton, Leahwilliamson, and 98,367 others

tagged — graceclinton, alessiarusso, ellatoone

yourusername — training and socks 🧦🎀

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Comments:

user78 — if they are not in love then idk what love is

lionesses — pretty in pink! 💕

graceclinton — I love the way you look at me

graceclinton — feet on feet 🤢

^ yourusername — you love it 😙

wosofan — THE WAY THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER I CAN NOT DO THIS THEY R SO CUTE

alessia — 😍

* liked by creator

user17 — im dreading the time their loan at Tottenham ends.

^ user67 — what if one of them stays at Tottenham and the other stays at United?

^ user66 — I will become violent if this happens

^ user16 — both teams will want them both. I doubt this will happen

charlottegrant — my little koala 🐨

^ yourusername — miss you char char 😣

ellatoone — less and I third wheeling

^ alessia — you’ll live tooney

^ graceclinton — double date?

^ user62 — Y/N AND GRACE CONFIRMED???????

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[skipper1331]

Obviously in love // Grace Clinton

a/n: based off this request:)

Grace Clinton liked you.

You liked Grace Clinton.

Everybody knew.

Everybody but the two of you.

Several occasions showed exactly that.

-

It started with the many superstitions the two of you had or rather shared. The girls would always tease you about it while both of you claimed and often argued that you‘d play horrible if not doing so.

1.) Grace always had to do your hair. Each time she would do a different hairstyle, each of them done perfectly as your hair wouldn‘t ever get in the way, no matter what happened.

2.) You had to tie her boots. Yes, she was able to do it herself, (like you were capable of doing your hair yourself) but something about you tying her shoes gave her enough confidence to shoot from every angle and distance on the pitch. And score goals.

3.) "ready to win?"

"Ready whenever you are"

-

"Popcorn!" Celin shouted as she entered the living room with three bowels of popcorn balancing in her hands.

The Tottenham girls were sat around the couches, arm chairs and bean bags as the movie marathon was about to begin.

Grace and you shared a bean bag, yourself sitting in between her legs while your back rested against her front and her arms were loosely wrapped around your mid section. "Try not to fall asleep to soon, yeah pretty girl?" the midfielder purred, in responds your hands pinched her thighs "If i remember correctly it was you who snored like a grizzly bear the last time" you giggled as Gracie attacked you with pokes in your side. She only stopped when she felt a smack against the back of her head, "movie starts" the captain stated. You settled back in her arms while she pulled you closer.

Her arms brought you a type of comfort nobody ever could.

-

It was save to say that Grace loved the spare key she had to your home. She used it at every opportunity she got, opening the door when you were with her "I have my own key, I can open the door for us" proudly showing the key on her key chain. Or other than that, letting herself in when you weren‘t there as she made herself a home and even using the key when you were at home but didn‘t expect her to come over.

You stood in the kitchen, preparing your dinner when you felt arms snuggling around your waist, a head resting on your shoulder. You shrieked, caught completely off guard as you yet melted in the grasp, your favourite scent filling the air.

"Gracie! You promised me!" you grumbled, turning around as you stared at the midfielder with crossed arms, "you can‘t just come over and use the spare key! It‘s for emergencies"

"It is an emergency!" she defended herself, arms up in surrender.

"What‘s the emergency, hm?"

"I missed you" she stated, pulling you close before she hid her face in the crook of your neck, mumbling something inaudible.

You sighed, asking "Do you want some dinner?" your fingers combing through her hair.

"Yes, please"

-

"You‘re staring" the voice of Beth appeared next to you, calling you back to reality.

"What did you say?"

"You‘ve got something in your eye" she repeated as you looked at her, "what? Where?" trying to find what and in which eye.

"Grace"

You glared at her while she laughed her ass off.

"Shut up!" you hit her arm, Grace already skeptically looking at the two of you from the other side of the pitch, about to make her way over.

"Come one, you like her" Beth said now in an softer tone, "and she likes you"

"We‘re best friends!" you replied, slight anger in your voice.

"Whatever you say, babes"

-

After tossing and turning for hours, you came to the realization that you weren‘t able to sleep. You didn‘t why but it annoyed you. Physically you were tired, your eyes closing every now and then but you just couldn’t fall into a deep slumber.

Not knowing what to do, but desperately in the need and want of sleep, you reached for your phone.

"Hello?" The sleepy voice rasped.

"Gracie?"

"What‘s wrong? Are you okay?" She shot up from her bed, you never called at such a late hour and with the shakiness in your voice she thought of the worst.

"I don‘t know, sorry. Forget about it" you mumbled, regretting that you called her at 3am.

"Wait-" but you had already hung up. You would find a way to sleep.

On the other side of the phone, Grace was already out of bed, throwing a hoodie and joggers over her pyjama. She raced through the apartment, every possible light on, searching for eventually needed stuff, not being bothered by the noises she made which woke up her flatmate.

"What are you doing? It‘s in the middle of the night" Celin said, leaning in her door frame while she rubbed her eyes.

"Something’s wrong"

"Do we have an intruder?!" she yelled, grabbing for the nearest weapon in her room.

"What? No. Something‘s wrong with my- Y/N"

Celin watched Grace pace through the kitchen, collecting your favourite snacks which she had stored in her home in case you hung out here, craving some of them.

"When are you going to tell her that you like her?"

"We‘re best friends"

"Are you telling me that or yourself? Everybody knows you like each other"

In silence, she put on her shoes, backpack filled with essentials before she rushed out of the house.

When she opened the door, she was met with darkness. Because of this, she assumed that you were in your bedroom. Gently, she opened the door-

"What the fuck!" you yelled, frightened. You switched on your lamp, staring at the midfielder, "you scared the shit out of me!" suddenly wide awake.

"I scared the shit out of you? You scared the shit out of me!" she replied, putting down her backpack and walking over to 'her' side of the bed - the side she slept in when she was staying over. "What are you doing here?" you asked, already knowing the answer.

"You called me and then hung up on me all of sudden." she slipped under the duvet, closing the distance, "I was worried" her hands found your waist, pulling you in her grasp before she continued, "what‘s wrong? There’s a reason you called me, so please don‘t say 'nothing'"

Looking away from her, you could feel your cheeks heating up embarrassingly.

"I couldn’t- can‘t sleep" you muttered, "and I can always sleep when you‘re here, so-"

"you thought asking me to come over would help until you realized it’s three in the morning?" she finished your sentence.

you nodded.

"I‘m sorry"

"Don’t be, I’m glad you called me" the girl tangled your legs together, resting her head on the pillow, "Besides, it's a full moon, no wonder you couldn't sleep"

With that being said, you hugged her back, resting your head on her chest like you always did.

And within a few minutes you were asleep, the rhythm of her heartbeat lulling you into a slumber.

-

Derbies were always rough matches, especially when it was Arsenal.

As it was now.

Grace and you were both in the starting lineup, excited to play against the gunners - some of your national teammates.

"Ready to win?" you asked Gracie, the girl already staring at you with heart eyes (which was unnoticed by you).

"Ready whenever you are" she replied, smiling - an unspoken rule to have this small conversation while you waited in the tunnel - Grace always lined up behind you.

In the first half, both teams had their chances, sadly none of Tottenhams and thankfully none of Arsenals leading to a goal.

With Katie McCabe on your side, it was rather physically exhausting, the Irish woman challenging you in more than one way. Each time, Grace saw you hitting the ground, she was about to rip Katie‘s head off, only calming down when she saw you get up right away. Yet her anger was still very much present in the break. She was holding your hand tightly, in the need of your touch to reduce her anger.

In the first few minutes after halftime, Alessia opened the score, fueling more pressure on the team for the equalizer. The game got rougher and more physical as tackles came sliding in from multiple players.

When Tottenham was awarded a corner kick and it came flying in your direction, you jumped up, trying to head it somewhere near the goal. But instead of hitting the ball, you felt another head smack against yours.

Grace watched in horror as you went down while her legs started to work on their own - sprinting towards you. Blood trickled down your forehead, making the midfielders stomach twist. Multiple people were at your side, including the Arsenal player who caused your injury. She pushed everybody aside, kneeling down next to you, "Get the fuck away from my girl" pure venom laced in her voice as she shoved the gunner away, her full attention on you and you only. You had a nasty cut on your forehead, eyes barely staying open. You could hear your favourite voice talking, but you didn‘t understand what she was saying - was she even talking to you? All you knew was that her hand was holding yours. You knew her touch. You‘d always recognize her touch - no matter what.

"Mate, what‘s your problem?!" Katie McCabe snarled, matching her attitude while pulling her on her collar. "My problem?!" Grace jumped up, her hands bloody from holding yours, "She‘s fucking bleeding"

"And? Everybody hurts themselves. It‘s a physical game after all!"

"She‘s not just anyone!" with that she shoved Katie to the floor, all her anger bubbling over. Of course, the defender was up on her feet in less than 10 seconds, starting to shove Grace around, both of them yelling at each other.

Katie had to be held back by Leah and Kim while Beth and Ashleigh pulled Grace away who was still shouting at the Irish woman.

How dare she to say anything about you?!

-

Winning the fa cup against Manchester United was amazing and something massive. Tottenham made history that day. Unfortunately, Grace wasn‘t allowed to play yet that didn’t stop her from cheering for the spurs, especially for you. When you scored the opening goal, Grace thought her heart might explode with all the pride she felt and when Marta made it 3-1 in the 89‘. The deal was settled.

After receiving your medals and the pitch-celebrations died down, the team decided to go out tonight.

When you entered the bar/club, you were met with very loud but fancy music, people dancing everywhere and a few of your mates sitting at a table chatting. Not in the mood to dance just yet, you joined them, greeting everybody before taking a seat in Grace‘s lap - nothing new.

Her mouth fell open as she almost drooled at the sight of you, "you look- wow" she breathed out, completely in love with you.

"Thank you!" you grinned, " you don‘t look bad yourself" while checking her out the best you could - but indeed, she wasn‘t looking bad, she looked gorgeous.

"Do you want a drink?" she asked, squeezing your hips.

"Yes, that would be nice" you replied, making no move to get up, "don‘t you want to ask what drink I‘d like?"

"I know you quite well by now" with that she got up before gently guiding you back down in her chair.

While Celin tried to make conversation with you, you only had eyes for the midfielder, admiring her from afar. You frowned when a lady approached her and started talking to her. Your jaw clenched, chest tightening as you glared daggers into the woman’s head. What‘s her problem? the strangers hand touched Grace‘s arm as she discreetly stepped closer. "Someone is flirting with Y/N‘s girl" one of the girls teased, your friends laughing at her joke. That comment made your jealousy grow, your hands balling into fists as you tried to keep your cool. "Aren‘t you going to do something?" Charli asked, sensing your frustration.

With a huff you got up, marching over to the beast who was talking to the beauty.

Stepping between both of them, you leaned against the counter, "hi! I‘m her girlfriend and you are?" your voice sounded firm and stern, Grace taken aback by your statement and your sudden outburst.

"Sorry" the girl was quick to flee the scene, not wanting any drama as well because she was scared and intimidated by you and your presence.

After the girl was gone, Grace grabbed your hips, pulling your back against her front, "What was that?" she asked, her voice raspy.

"That creature was flirting with you" you replied stubbornly, crossing your arms as you tried to leave her touch.

"Stop" Grace grumbled, pulling you back, "relax" she ordered softly, her arms wrapping fully around your midsection. As on cue, you melted in her embrace, letting all anger flow away.

"So, what was that?"

"What was what? I just wanted my drink" you answered yet defensively.

"None of that, it‘s me" she whispered as you intertwined your fingers, "were you jealous?"

You sighed, "yes"

The young lioness froze, she didn‘t expect you to be straight up honest with her. She knew you had never lied to her and she wouldn‘t assume that you would ever lie at her, but she indeed thought that you would avoid admitting your obvious jealousy.

"I don‘t like it when other people flirt with you" you mumbled after you had turned around, looking at her.

Not wanting to push you any further, she kissed your forehead in responds before guiding you on the dance floor.

"They‘re disgustingly cute" Charli told Celin as they watched the two of you dance.

"And obviously so in love"

[httpsdana]

Hi bestiee can I request a fic w Lucad Bergvall “prompt 13” 🫶🏼

Sweet Like Strawberry~Lucas Bergvall

・❥・prompt list

・❥・masterlist -> part 2

・❥・who I write for

13-"I’m your boyfriend, and I demand you kiss me right now.”

y/n was stretched out on the couch, wrapped in a cozy blanket with a strawberry-scented lip mask glossed over her lips, and a facemask on her face. It was one of those evenings where she could finally relax, and the masks felt like the perfect treat for herself-care night. Lucas had been busy all day, so she assumed he’d be tired and want to unwind, too.

But as soon as he walked into the living room and saw her curled up, his eyes went straight to her lips. He was used to her putting facemasks, but the shining material on her lips caught his attention.

“What’s on your lips?” he asked, dropping onto the couch beside her with a curious smirk.

“It’s a lip mask,” she explained, holding back a grin. “Strawberry-flavored too. It’s supposed to make them soft.”

The second she mentioned “strawberry-flavored,” his interest doubled. “So, can I taste it?”

“No,” she said with a laugh, pushing his shoulder lightly as he leaned in.

“Oh, come on,” he protested, his tone a mix of whiny and playful. “Just one kiss.”

She shook her head. “Lucas, it’s supposed to stay on. If you mess it up, I’ll have to start over!”

But he wasn’t one to be deterred. With a mischievous gleam in his eye, he leaned closer, puckering his lips in a dramatic show. y/n pulled back, covering her mouth with her hand as he tried to press a kiss on her lips.

“Not happening!” she laughed, dodging as he leaned forward again.

He huffed, crossing his arms in mock frustration, but the pout on his face was too cute. “You’re really going to deny me a kiss?” he teased, inching closer as she dodged yet again.

“Yup!” you replied, holding back another laugh. “Gotta let this lip mask work, remember?”

Lucas gave her a look, brows raised in playful disbelief. “Alright, that’s it,” he announced dramatically, his hands reaching to pull her close as he finally dropped the line. “I’m your boyfriend, and I demand you kiss me right now.”

y/n couldn’t stop the laugh that bubbled out of her, his mock-serious tone cracking her up. And before she could dodge again, he managed to plant a quick peck right on her lips, his grin widening as he pulled back, clearly pleased with himself.

“Mmm, it does taste like strawberries,” he murmured, his lips hovering over hers again. Before she could protest, he stole another quick kiss, savoring the taste of the lip mask. He brushed his thumb over her cheek, keeping her close as he pecked her lips over and over.

“Lucas!” she giggled, trying to push him back, though she wasn’t really trying that hard.

“Sorry, it’s too good,” he said, grinning as he snuck another kiss. “Maybe I’ll help you reapply it if I mess it up?”

y/n rolled her eyes, laughing at his persistence. “Yeah, right. You’d just kiss it off again.”

He shrugged, pulling her even closer until she was nestled against his chest. “Guess you’re right,” he admitted softly, pressing his lips to hers once more, this time slower, savoring the kiss. His eyes were warm as he pulled back, a little smile playing on his lips.

She sighed in mock exasperation, finally giving in and letting him wrap his arms around her. “Fine, if you insist on ruining my lip mask, I guess I can let you stay.”

“Perfect,” he whispered, pressing one last kiss to the tip of her nose. “That’s all I needed.”

With that, he settled beside her, pulling her into his arms as the two of them melted into a comfortable cuddle, his head resting gently against hers as he sighed contentedly.

[traumendwoso]

Some Hayley raso requests pretty please 🥺

I have a few fics in the making :)

[7yearsofdele]

What if we gave Ryan the job permanently?

I obviously don’t think Levy would do this, but I do think it would be interesting to see how he’d cope over a whole season.

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Manchester United 5-2 Leicester City

Well, that was a bit of fun, wasn't it?

This could potentially be Ruud's only game in charge of Manchester United, but it was a proper spectacle and a right old ding-dong of a cup tie.

Two goals from Casemiro (one absolute worldie), one for Garnacho, and two for Bruno Fernandes (one being a massively deflected free-kick) puts United through to the Quarter Finals of the cup, with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City all out of contention.

Something I have wanted to see was Casemiro as more of an 8 alongside Ugarte as the 6. Tonight we got that, and both players were immense. Based on goals it's hard not to give Player of the Match to the Brazilian, but Manuel Ugarte had a stormer of a game and his best performance in a United shirt to date.

Statistically, Ugarte had a 90% pass accuracy, 9 ball recoveries, 4/4 tackles, 2/2 aerial duels, and 2 interceptions. Beast Mode.

Leicester did score two cheeky goals through Bilal El Khannouss and Conor Coady, and it's worth flagging the how: a poor punch from backup keeper Altay Bayindir allowed the first, and calamatous defending failed to clear the ball for the second. Sloppy.

Aside these fumbles, United did dominate play and possession. 57% with United, 87% pass accuracy, 23 shots and 9 on target. United could have been a little more clinical with the shooting but that's a work in progress. The exciting thing was seeing United be more direct under Ruud Van Nistelrooy than under Erik Ten Hag - a style that seemed to really liberate Garnacho (stellar game), Bruno, Rashford and Dalot.

Garnacho is, on paper, on fire - not bad for the turmoil we see at the club. Today he had an 85% pass accuracy, 9 touches in the opposition’s box, 5 chances created, and bagged a goal and an assist. A very productive evening.

It should also be highlighted how Garnacho on the left, Rashford on the right led to Marcus moving to the LCF position and Zirkzee right, before rotating back. A little tactical tweak to allow the left+left overload, ala Brentford. Interesting to see, and possibly more likely to see again until a natural LB returns.

The only big concern of the game bar Bayindir being an obvious 2nd choice keeper and Lindelof being an obvious 5th choice CB was Joshua Zirkzee. He looked good in patches but still a bit lost at sea. It's the first season, so it will take time in the tumult that is Manchester United being shite and changing manager AGAIN but a goal tonight would have done him the world of good. Ah well.

The Carabao Cup draw has put United against Tottenham Hotspur away in the quarters; potentially a chance for Ruud or whoever succeeds him to get revenge for the shite 3-0 defeat in the league.

Next up is a tough tie against Chelsea on Sunday. Will tonight's big win against Premier League opposition be the catalyst for a good game at the weekend?

[meademalove]

https://archive.md/aKqxQ

This is a Google translate, but you get the gist of it. Love them so much! 🥹❤️

'Beth gets the poop, I get a paw and the cuddles'

Puppy Myle Meadema causes division in the Vivianne Miedema house

Well, what to do if both you and your girlfriend really want to participate in the Olympic Games, but only one of the two can qualify? This tricky issue means that the lovers Vivianne Miedema, striker of the Orange Lionesses, and Beth Mead, attack leader of the English Lionesses, are diametrically opposed to each other these days.

With a wink of course, but still. For example, Miedema (27) made it clear on Monday morning that love with Mead (28) will immediately be on hold in north-west London for an hour and a half. What Miedema said to Mead when she closed the door of their London home behind her? “That I hope she will be very disappointed the next time we meet again.”

Puppy Myle

Recently the couple, affectionately renamed 'Meadema', was delighted with the arrival of puppy Myle. Both Miedema and Mead had a tough time after suffering a serious knee injury one year ago and one after the other.

The top strikers, Mead was the best player at the European Championship won by England in the summer of 2022, were out for ten months and missed the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The goalgetters have now recovered from their cruciate ligament injuries. The English striker made her comeback on October 15, and Miedema's return followed a week later.

Mead continues in recovery

Mead is further along in her recovery than her Dutch friend. “Beth scored twice again last weekend. Then you could really see for the first time that she felt completely free again," says the attacker from Hoogeveen proudly. “That is why she deserves to be selected for the national team again.”

Waiting for a hit after comeback

Miedema herself is still waiting for her first goal since her comeback. She yearns for a starting place. It has to happen on December 13, in a League Cup match with Tottenham Hotspur. “Look: we are still in the same situation: neither of us can play two ninety minutes in a few days. But in the timeline she is further along than I am. We trained a lot together during the rehabilitation. Things didn't look good at first, but it's good to see things are improving. I am happy for her that she is back with the English team, but for the Dutch team that is less good news.”

Beth Mead can hardly keep her form. “Who knows, she might shoot us a few shots. But you can't really expect that from her in such a top competition. I especially hope that no pressure is put on her from the English side. They have plenty of choices up front, Fran Kirby from Chelsea is also back," says Miedema, who was training on the KNVB Campus on Monday evening in the pouring rain, but with a big smile. She is happy that she feels like a footballer again.

"Myle is Dutch on Friday and only barks when the Dutch team scores. She has no interest in England at all"

A laugh that is partly caused by puppy Myle, who, according to Miedema, has more than a slight preference for the winner on Friday evening. “Myle is Dutch on Friday and only barks when the Dutch team scores. She has no interest in England at all,” her owner firmly claims. With a victory at a packed Wembley, with more than 80,000 fans expected, the Lionesses will take a giant step towards 'Paris 2024'. In the event of a defeat by just one goal, a win over Belgium three days later in Tilburg will most likely suffice.

"Beth gets the poop, I get a paw and the cuddles"

Why Myle is for the Dutch team, leader in Group 1?

Miedema: “Because I am her favorite mom,” says the striker, who hopes for a substitute against Sarina Wiegman's team. “Look: I think everything Myle does is absolutely fine, but Beth is strict. She keeps saying, 'You can't pee here, you can't poop there.' So every time I see something lying around, I call Beth. She gets the poop, I get a paw and the cuddles.”

[cookies-sports]

Matches from Week of 16th September (1/2)

Below the cut, longish rambles on some matches I watched:

Aston Villa vs Chelsea

Arsenal vs Manchester City

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur

More rambling in a second post to keep this one from getting super long :)

Aston Villa 0 - 1 Chelsea

First games of the season are always a bit odd. This game definitely felt a bit odd.

Chelsea seemed to have some challenges getting into a flow and Villa were a step up from last year. Bits of both of that contributed to the end result and it wouldn't exactly have gone against the run of play if Villa had grabbed an equaliser.

There's perhaps also an unconscious element of expecting Chelsea to do really well because of their track record, but it's not as if they're running away with the WSL every season. It's good for the WSL if more matches are hard fought. Chelsea have to learn to find their rhythm again under a new coach and with new team members, which will take a bit of time.

A couple of shots went just wide from Chelsea and D'Angelo had a pretty solid game. Also, Villa's defense did an admirable job of keeping Ramirez out of too many danger areas or getting the run on them. Which is not an easy task at all.

(Also, take note some other teams/defenders, they did this without fouling, yanking constantly on her arms or her shirt, or other similar tactics.)

However, Villa did have to commit two players (on a few occasions three) to Ramirez many times and this stretched them. Rytting-Kaneryd's goal was excellent and took advantage of a lapse in their stretched defense.

A mixture of good saves from Hampton and difficulties being clinical in the box meant that while Villa had chances, they never finished them. There's a part of me that wonders if that equaliser might have happened if Gabi Nunes was ready and available for this match. Villa had about 8 (?) corners and a fair number of crosses, and just couldn't get the ball in the net. On one occasion, Hampton was completely beaten and the ball was put over the top.

Now, obviously new signings don't always manage to replicate what they do for other clubs, but Nunes has decent aerial play and also good at clinching those goals when the ball is clattering around the 6 and 18 yard boxes. There's a few of her goals here that show what I mean: Gabi Nunes YouTube clips. If this is the style of play Villa are doing going forward, they could be very interesting this season.

Anyway, Chelsea had the fortitude to hold on even when struggling and it was a decent opener for the WSL because it really felt at times like it could end any way. Would have been a hilarious start to the season if D'Angelo had equalised at the end there, though...can you imagine?

Arsenal 2-2 Manchester City

I meant, after Miedema left Arsenal for Man City, this being their opening match seems a bit too coincidental to not have been by design, right? Make sure there was a big, potentially chaotic game to start of the season? I don't know... maybe it really was coincidental.

It was as chaotic as match-ups between the top teams often are and kind of a nervy affair at times. Manchester City started out shaky, conceded early, then grabbed a goal back just before half-time from...Miedema.

Second half got even more all over the place. Park put a beautiful shot right in the top corner of the Arsenal goal, Foord had a goal ruled offside when she was actually onside, then Mead scored off of a deflection from the upright shortly after a tackle from McCabe ended up with Kelly on the floor and Little tripping over her and landing on top of her. Two City players got yellow cards for complaining about that, and five were carded in total throughout the game.

Manchester City did not seem to cope well with Arsenal's long balls over the top and then when they had the ball in defense, they were too indecisive and slow playing out from the back. It also looked like Bunny Shaw was sitting pretty far back in the midfield which was unusual and didn't seem to give her the space to get out and on the attack easily. On the other hand, Arsenal failed to take some decent chances that they got and made errors closing down in defense. So both teams just looked that bit...not quite their usual play. Kind of like Chelsea, but more on edge.

I've seen a lot of criticism of Zinsberger and Yamashita online. Now, I will go to bat for goalkeepers a lot. I think they often get unfair criticism and frequently people don't think about what the game looks like from their perspective. It's kind of well known at this point that Zinsberger gets a lot of criticism that is undeserved; not to say she always plays well, but it has become almost a reflex to blame Zinsberger when she isn't the one shouldering the main fault for a goal. Yamashita is also already getting a lot of criticism and being written off, on top of the dismissal I've seen of her from some people who apparently have never watched her play in goal for Japan.

The four goals were all tricky in different ways. Maanum hit the first ball hard (she was making sure that thing went into the net!) and even if Yamashita had gone the right way (she had to make a split second reaction, likely influenced unconsciously by where players were in the box and where the ball was most likely to be hit) I don't know if she would have got a hand to it. The second Arsenal goal, Kafaji hit it near post, Yamashita threw herself that way to cover the angle, but the ball hit the upright and bounced to Mead. Not a lot she could do there.

The first Manchester City goal deflected off of a defender's head and having already set herself up to go the original direction of the shot, Zinsberger couldn't reposition in time for the deflection. Then Jess Park's goal was right, right up in the top corner, dinking in from the bar. It's easy to go "if such and such was positioned better, they'd get there", but if you were positioned better to stop one type of goal, you'd likely open yourself up to conceding a different type of goal. It's decisions made in seconds or split seconds and sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn't. Both Zinsberger and Yamashita had great saves during the game, but too many people dismiss those with "the striker should have scored" or "the ball was right at her" without thinking that the goalkeeper also played a role in putting the striker off or making those positioning decisions constantly throughout the approach to close angles or make it more likely that the striker would aim it close to or at them. Goalkeepers do a lot more than gets appreciated sometimes.

I'm sure both Manchester City and Arsenal fans have many feelings about that game, but as a fan of no team, it was certainly an interesting watch.

Crystal Palace 0 - 4 Tottenham Hotspurs

Going back for just about as long as both the WSL and the Championship (and their previous renditions) have existed, there have been warnings and discussions about how the changes in the top division are not being replicated further down... Unfortunately, I suspect Crystal Palace are going to have as rough a time in the WSL as their predecessors did.

Tottenham took a bit of time to find their flow, they went in at half-time with just the one goal from Hayley Raso, but in the second half they came out and just outperformed Crystal Palace across the pitch. Neville was fantastic, Spence was brilliant, and they controlled the game for most of the second half.

Crystal Palace struggled so much more in the second half. There were also some things which will get them pinged by referees; repeatedly running in front of Becky Spencer and physically preventing her from releasing goal-kicks quickly, pulling on Tottenham player's shirts hard when they were running for goal or in the box...

As ridiculous as it might sound with the scoreline, Shae Yanez in goal for Crystal Palace was probably their best player, her keeping it to 4 was respectable considering it could have been much, much higher...

Three young Lionesses got minutes for Crystal Palace: Lexi Potter started and had a decent enough game considering the outcome, Brooke Aspin came on in the 64th minute and Poppy Pritchard came on at 82 minutes. Unfortunately, in the 94th minute, Brooke Aspin lost her composure completely, reacted poorly to a call by the referee and received two yellow cards within seconds of each other. Not a good start for her.

I rewatched the incident, but with the quality of the footage on YouTube I cannot for the life of me see the original foul. The commentator says she pulled the Tottenham player down, but her hands don't look like they're near her shirt? I thought maybe she clipped her trailing leg as she moved inside to cut off her run towards goal, but I cannot see the contact with the poor film quality. So, I don't know whether the two yellow cards came from the foul, then Brooke Aspin shouting at the referee and kicking the ball away, or whether both were for her reaction. First she stopped and yelled at the referee, not sure what was said, then booted the ball in frustration and I think it hit the Tottenham player who was on the floor. I don't think there's anywhere we can see referee reports/write-ups for the WSL, is there? It would really help to understand some of the decisions.

Either way, a bad day for Brooke Aspin. Probably not the start to the season she would have wanted. A serious "learn from this moment" event.

[elmaestrostan]

The US tour heading to New York reminded me about this 2022 NYT article & photo shoot. Of course he was in his Villarreal shirt with a ball 🥲

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/09/sports/soccer/unai-emery-arsenal-villarreal.html

Unai Emery Is Back for More

Fired after falling short at P.S.G. and in the Premier League, Emery has rebuilt his coaching reputation at Villarreal. It may not be long before his phone is ringing again.

Aug. 9, 2022

NEW YORK — It has been more than three years now, but Unai Emery still remembers the moment as if he had just witnessed it. When he brings it up, all the frustration he felt on that day in March 2019 comes rushing back.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has just claimed the ball, the clock has ticked beyond the 90th minute and the referee has brought calm to the chaos. Arsenal has won a penalty, a last-gasp opportunity to win the match. It is also a chance for Emery, in his first season as Arsenal’s coach, to drag his team into the Champions League at the expense of the club’s bitter North London neighbor, Tottenham Hotspur.

But Aubameyang, usually a lock from the penalty spot, fails to score. That shot, that missed opportunity, was the moment, as far as Emery is concerned, that ended not only Arsenal’s hopes of playing alongside European soccer royalty, but also his hold on his job as Arsenal’s manager.

“We played a good season, and we were very close, but this moment…,” Emery says, allowing the sentence to trail off. He has made his point.

For Emery, now two seasons into what has been by most metrics a hugely successful effort to rebuild his career at the Spanish club Villarreal, it is not only soccer games that are defined by moments: a missed penalty or a late save, a blown lead or a match-winning goal. Entire careers, he knows as well as anyone, can also be upended — or sent off on new, unexpected trajectories — by a single moment here or there.

Emery, 50, did not fall all the way down the ladder after his firing at Arsenal. He was out of work only months before he landed the next summer at Villarreal, where he has directed a golden run that he believes has once again established his credentials for one of the sport’s top jobs. At least one Premier League club has come calling. (He said no.) More big clubs will follow. Emery sounds like a man who is ready to listen.

“I think I recovered my level to keep in future my challenge high, high, high,” he said, raising his hands above his head. “I am very ambitious.”

He has already been to soccer’s heights, after all: victories in three European finals with Sevilla, two seasons coaching Paris St.-Germain in the Champions League, then that call to go to London to manage in the Premier League.

In 2018, Emery was tasked with leading Arsenal into the future, with managing its transition from 24 years under Arsène Wenger. The Emery era started well enough, with 11 consecutive victories, the club’s best run of form in more than a decade. But then came the botched penalty, the failure to leapfrog Tottenham in the standings, the bitter loss to Chelsea in the Europa League final. Emery survived the summer, but in November, after an extended winless run, Arsenal showed him the door.

His morale-sapping departure has been traded for a two-year adventure in eastern Spain, a thrill ride that has delivered Villarreal’s first major trophy, moments of glory against some of soccer’s mightiest teams and proof, at least to Emery, that he can still be considered one of the game’s finest coaches.

His most eye-catching successes came last season, when he took his team — a mix of rugged veterans, big-club castoffs and promising youngsters — on an improbable jaunt through the Champions League. Villarreal eliminated Juventus and Bayern Munich before threatening a comeback of cinematic proportions against Liverpool in the semifinals.

That journey, Emery said, was built on players who rose to the occasion when their moment came. Much of Villarreal’s success was forged on the training field, he said, by practicing set pieces and counterattacks, by drilling into players the idea that they had to dig in and stick to a plan.

“That is the difference you can reduce with other teams,” Emery said. In his view, coaches can improve their players and their teams by 10 or 15 percent. The rest is up to them, to a blend of preparation, belief and poise in critical moments.

“How can I explain it?” he said. “Last year, we were worse when we played against Arsenal in the semifinals of the Europa League. We were worse than them. They were better than us. But our work before arriving to play against them — we created a very good mentality, and that is when one coach could make his team better than one that has better players.”

It was a formula he brought to bear again in the Champions League last spring. Before each two-legged tie in the knockout rounds, Emery said, he told his players that they should expect to suffer and be outplayed for large spells, but that they should believe their chance would come to unsettle the opponent, either defensively or offensively. “When they start to suffer,” Emery said, “is when you can win.”

The moments were unforgettable. A 3-0 victory at Juventus. A stunning first-leg victory over Bayern Munich in Spain, and then an 88th-minute goal to eliminate the Germans on their home field. Against Liverpool, Villarreal overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit within 41 minutes to leave its opponent shaken and its stadium rocking.

Liverpool regained its footing and survived — other teams get to have their moments, too — but the Champions League run has raised the profile of Villarreal’s best players. Some will move on. Their coach admits he probably will as well one day.

He has already knocked back the advances of some suitors, including an approach from Newcastle United after the Premier League club was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. “It was not the right moment,” Emery said of his decision last November. Newcastle, for all its new riches, was last in the table at the time, and Villarreal was in the Champions League.

That competition, he and his players knew, could change perceptions in ways that success in the Spanish league could not.

At the beginning of his tenure, Emery said, he had planned to focus on the league. “But when we beat Atalanta and when we played against Juventus, the Champions League was, for me, more important,” Emery said. The club was getting recognition for its successes, and for players and coaches alike the performances could catapult their careers in new directions. “I know I have individual challenges as well,” Emery said.

Emery had arrived at Villarreal bruised by the nature of his Arsenal exit. Those wounds are not completely healed. He described the departure in Spanish as a golpe — a blow. By the time he was fired, Emery was facing criticism that at times felt more personal than professional: Long before the end, former players and parts of the news media had taken aim at his command of English.

Those criticisms still smart: When a fan at a preseason match in England recently goaded Emery by asking him to say, “Good ebening,” the coach responded with an obscene gesture that went viral.

At Villarreal, the team’s wealthy owners have provided Emery a platform to find balance in his life, as well as a space to rebuild a belief in his style of coaching. But Emery said he was certain that his success was not a case of a coach’s finding his level, of a leader most comfortable one rung below the elite. “I’m in a very good environment to feel strong, to feel confident again, adding confidence in my work,” he said. “And then, a new challenge.”

His determination to return to the top is perhaps best demonstrated by his extracurricular activities: While he has been re-establishing his credentials in Spain, he has also been working hard on his English. He described his summer trip to New York as a learning opportunity as much as a vacation with his son, Lander. It is perhaps a tacit admission that not all of the criticism during his time at Arsenal was wide of the mark.

He has been ruminating on those moments at Arsenal when he could not quite get his message across, or those crucial early conversations with key players when linguistic barriers made it hard to create the type of coach-player bond essential to winning teams.

“The next time I will arrive with better English,” he said.

That time may come soon. For now, though, Emery is prepared to bide his time, to wait for the right moment.

[cookiepotofchaos]

More long ramblings about more England Women's Senior and U19s games under the cut.

I did say it would be interesting to see how the games turned out, for different reasons, and...that's one word for it, I suppose? Especially for the senior team who apparently chose chaos for the day.

U-19s England Vs Serbia, Final Score 1-1

Now this was more of a match to see how the team play under pressure and Serbia offered a lot of pressure. They were fast, physical, and pushed hard up the pitch. Captain, Matejić, who also scored Serbia's goal was a particular challenge for England, but far from the only one. Stokić caused all sorts of problems, keeping the wingers and midfield busy, and the back four were definitely not making it easy for England to get through.

While England put up a fight all game, they probably didn't deserve to get the equaliser in the 90th minute; it was a somewhat debatable hand-ball vs ball-to-hand in the penalty box that gave the opportunity for Enderby to equalise. Serbia probably feel, quite deservedly, a little hard done by.

In terms of seeing the potential of players under pressure, Arsenal's Vivienne Lia continued to be impressive, especially in her link ups along the wing with Araya Dennis (who signed for Tottenham Hotspur in February). Evie Rabjohn of Manchester United was also looking sharp defensively until she suffered what appeared to be a nasty knee injury in the 20-25th minute of the game. Commentators didn't bring up the possibility of ACL or MCL injury, but whenever it's a knee involved and the player is stretchered off, the question is there.

Final game against France for the U19s will be an even bigger challenge, I should imagine.

England vs Sweden, Final Score 0-0

Well... Interesting is certainly one way to describe this one. Weirdly oscillating back and forth between chaotic/panicky and underwhelming, especially in the second half, with many of the same issues as in the Ireland game. A change back to a more familiar line-up, with Hampton being the only real surprise, given Sweden's strengths in set pieces.

Based on interviews with Wiegman and the speculation of the media and fans, the battle for England's GK spot is definitely on and... I don't believe it was even close to being answered in this game, but I'll come back to that.

The late substitutions were an unwelcome return. It often feels like some fresh legs at half time would make a difference. Since Wiegman has this reluctance to disrupt flow, you always get this sense that she holds on too long and the players are far from their best by the final 25ish minutes.

The hesitancy and extra touches in front of goal were still an issue, with few efforts on goal. From interviews, the team are VERY aware of this, which makes you wonder what the root cause is. I do think one contributing factor is this is where they really miss Lauren James, who will often take a shot or a chance at a shot or a cross, and seemingly make something out of nothing.

England received a number of arguably soft free kicks and did little with them, though one of their few chances of the game came from a free kick that ended in Bronze heading the ball at Mušović. That said, while they didn't convincingly best the Swedish defense at all, they started strong by dominating possession and play for the first half, keeping Sweden shut out of their final third for all but the last few minutes. The second half, on the other hand, was often panicky, with England too easily being put on the back foot.

Honestly, England were fortunate Sweden were not in great form themselves. A team in better form would have punished them for those set piece errors. And while I am always delighted when a player shows integrity and stays on their feet in the box, and wasn't exactly enamored with commentary saying Kafaji should have gone down, it's true that England were fortunate she didn't. A lot of players would have gone over and pulled that penalty.

A lot of player discussions can be boiled down to "probably should have been subbed out earlier" and "got shaky under pressure". Outside of those two main discussions, Hemp and Carter also struggled to link up on their side of the pitch, with Carter not looking in her usual form. Carter also had a rough time trying to keep Rytting Kaneryd from causing mayhem when Sweden did eventually start to break. I wonder if subbing her out at half time, like with Ireland, would have been a better option. She looked shattered by the end.

Mead and Toone started out decently and then struggled in the second half. I've seen criticism of Toone starting as opposed to being a super sub, but I think she had a decent first half and was involved in driving forward a number of the chances England did have. There was one run forward I was sure she was going to take a crack at goal and then just...didn't at the last moment, with that same extra pass and hesitancy mentioned above. The problem is she disappeared in the second half - I think Toone often works better for one half or the other, and there are options to rotate that role available.

The midfield struggled at times to keep play moving forward, though Bronze's return did help with that on the wing, giving Walsh more options with Bronze's confidence in mixing overlapping runs and backtracking more substantial than Le Tissier's was against Ireland. She did seem a little stiff-legged at the beginning though. The commentators seemed of a mind that she was going down easily to get free kicks, but sometimes she looked to be less steady than usual. As the game went on, she seemed to settle into her usual play and made a vital clearance from inside the eighteen yard box as well.

The defense overall, though seemed determined to bring panic and mayhem to the second half, I fear.

Williamson and Bright were mostly good, especially first half, making blocks and clearances, keeping the Swedish players away from the England goal. There was also less back passing this game. However, for their strengths, they also had multiple moments of chaos when they either gave the ball away unnecessarily, made a slightly uncontrolled lunge in the penalty box (Williamson), or outright just clattered into Hampton during set pieces (Bright). Communication between Hampton and the backline did not look strong, and Hampton noticeably struggled to communicate at times.

Which leads to the return to the #1 Goal Keeper conversation.

There is a tendency for fans of different players/teams to just be overly biased towards their preferred player and against the perceived "competition". That can be very apparent with the England GK situation. Chelsea and Hampton fans have said that fans of Earps who were commenting on Hampton's performance would have given more grace to Earps had she performed like Hampton did. And it's absolutely true. Equally as true is that if Earps had been on and performed like Hampton did against Sweden, the same Chelsea and Hampton fans would be calling for Earps to be dropped to 2nd or even 3rd choice keeper.

Hampton did not have as bad of a game as some people on social media have made out, but she also had far from the quality game that other people have argued in response. She made a few good saves as well as some scrappy saves that chance was on her side for. Also, a clean sheet is a clean sheet whether you get there with grace or inelegance or utter chaos.

However, I said in the Ireland game write-up that, under pressure, you can see the same shakes and errors start to creep up for Hampton and they appeared again, but worse. This isn't just an international game thing either, you saw them at times at Aston Villa and there have been signs of them at Chelsea, too. They just seem to be worse on the international stage, likely due to nerves.

Hampton spilled the ball in front of the net multiple times, struggled in areas where she is often commended like gathering crosses and long ball distribution, and seemed to struggle to get communication with the back-line right. By the end of the game, she had a thousand-yard stare that made you think she was probably relieved that she wasn't going to have to play in England's goal for a fair few months.

The GK situation at England is certainly far from a done deal right now. Unlike other positions on the pitch, there is so much less rotation amongst keepers that you can't imagine a situation under Wiegman, with her style of game plan, where they would be rotated in and out, playing to their strengths each game.

There was a news article out today that said that Wiegman was making it clear by benching Earps that there were no guaranteed places in the team. But benching players as an indication they've failed or fallen short wouldn't be the first solution I would think should be tried here. Reworking the approach to how the game is played and how players are used, especially substitutions, would seem like a better initial approach to try.

But, you know, given the chaotic choices I sometimes like to make in FC24 just to see what happens, I'm not a manager of a football team for a multitude of very good reasons, (with career path and logistics at the top of that list), so all of this is just hypothetical rambling 😅

[twotouche3]

The FA Cup: Has the 'Magic' Gone Missing?

The Magic of the FA Cup: A Fight to Stay True

The FA Cup is more than just a football competition. It symbolises what makes the game special, its unpredictability and the magic of the underdog. For years, it’s been a stage where smaller clubs can take on the giants, creating moments of pure excitement. Big money deals are on the rise, and football is becoming globalised. There are growing concerns that the FA Cup is losing its charm. This is especially true for smaller clubs.

A Stage for the Underdogs

Figure 1: Photo by Fancy Crave on Unsplash

The FA Cup has always been about the underdog. Moments like Wrexham FC’s victory over Sheffield United in 2023 stand out aswell as this year's competition saw sides like Tamworth beating Huddersfield. and Burton Albion in respective rounds which lead them to face Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur which they unfortunately lost in extra time. These giant-killings spark excitement, proving that in the FA Cup, the underdog always has a chance.

The Commercialisation Dilemma

While the FA Cup still holds magic, commercialisation has made it harder for smaller clubs to compete. The financial gap between big clubs and smaller ones has grown. Top teams prefer league matches over cup games. They often field weakened sides. This shift has made it harder for smaller clubs to gain recognition and make headlines.

The Impact on Smaller Clubs

Scrapping replays in the FA Cup has hit smaller teams hard by taking away a valuable chance to earn money. In the past, a replay meant extra ticket sales, merchandise, and media exposure, all of which helped lower-league clubs stay afloat. These replays also gave them a shot at upsetting bigger teams again, grabbing attention and boosting their profile. Without this opportunity, smaller clubs miss out on crucial revenue and the chance to shine, making it even harder for them to compete financially.

Figure 2 : Photo by sporlab on Unsplash

Why It Matters to Stay True

The FA Cup still offers smaller clubs the chance for glory. This glory is not just in football but also in community pride, despite these challenges. While the pressures of commercialisation are real, the magic of the FA Cup, the David vs. Goliath moments remains intact. The FA Cup is a place where the underdog can rise. It offers a rare shot at success for clubs lower down the football pyramid. These moments allow underdogs to make history.

Conclusion

The FA Cup’s fight to preserve its magic continues. The tournament faces challenges from commercialisation. Yet, it still stays true to its roots. It offers unforgettable moments of excitement and surprise. The underdog story remains alive, and that’s what makes the FA Cup so special. Long live the magic!

Emmanuel Adejare

N1019248

[gfdzzzz]

Awesome! Son Heung-min scored one goal and two assists in 45 minutes, and Lee Ju-yi's team was officially selected in round 16 of the PL

The PL secretariat revealed the team of Lee Ju-yi in the 16th round of the PL by Alan Shearer, who 다파벳우회주소scored the most points in the PL, on its official website on the 17th (Korea time). Son Heung-min was selected here.

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Southampton 5-0 in the 16th round of the 2024-25 해외배팅사이트가입Premier League at 4 a.m. on the 16th at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton, England.

Son Heung-min, who started as Tottenham's left flanker, performed well. In the 12th minute of the first half, when Tottenham was leading 1-0, Son 메이저사이트Heung-min shook the Southampton net with a left-footed shot from inside the penalty box.

[kimhansung123]

Son Heung-min's experience of playing only in Germany until he started his professional career

in Germany as a child and moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 is pushing the rumor of Son Heung-min's transfer to Bayern Munich.

As "TZ" explained, Son Heung-min is fluent in English, but he has no hesitation in using 다파벳슬롯German, and his ability to use both feet is excellent, so he is a resource that can serve one person no matter where he is placed. Right now, Son Heung-min shot his sixth goal of the season and fifth in the league with a left-footed shot in the 16th round of the 2024-25 Premier League (PL) away game against Southampton on the 16th.

It was on the 15th that 넥스트벳우회주소Son Heung-min's transfer to Bayern Munich broke out.

Ekrem Konur, known as a Turkiye journalist and expert in the European soccer transfer market, announced on his social network service (SNS) on the 15th that Bayern Munich is watching Son Heung-min's situation. Konur is currently contributing articles to media outlets around Europe, 메이저사이트including global sports media ESPN, Spanish media Marca, and Portugal's leading magazine Hecord.

[ekekwszxv]

"You looked like you were ignoring me"

Rangers scored the first goal in the second half. In the second minute of the 다파벳우회주소 second half, Igamane received a lobbing pass from Tabanere and shook Tottenham's net with a clean left-footed shot. Tottenham used a replacement card to turn the tables. Tottenham put the game to square one. Kulusevski's left footed shot from inside the 해외배팅사이트가입 penalty box in the 30th minute of the second half led to a score. No additional points have been scored since then, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. After the game, there were rumors that Son Heung-min was not on good terms with Postecoglou. It was because of a video released on social media. In the video, Postecoglou was talking to Son as he followed him. However, Son walked away, staring straight ahead without looking back. 메이저사이트 "Coach Postecoglou tried to talk to Son after the disappointing result, but Son did not seem to be interested in what the coach said," Tottenham Hotspur News said. "When a coach loses the support of the players, it usually signals that his order is over." Meanwhile, there are many prospects surrounding Son Heung-min. Rumors of a transfer are pouring out as reports say Tottenham will offer Son a one-year contract extension rather than a renewal. Turkiye Galatasaray, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are all connected.

[7yearsofdele]

YOU CAN’T SCORE IF YOU DON’T EVEN SHOOT

[unitedbydevils]

Match Review: Manchester United Women 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur Women

TERLAND HAS ARRIVED. Finally. My loyalty in the Fantasy WSL has paid off. Breathe, Liam. Breathe.

United sit third in the WSL with nine points from three games and the second best goal difference in the league, behind only Chelsea. United are also the only WSL side not to have conceded yet - kudos to Phallon Tullis-Joyce.

United haven't lost to Spurs in the league before, so confidence was doubly high - especially with Celin Bizet and Grace Clinton facing their former team - but Tottenham weren't a pushover like the scoreline suggests.

Clinical United had 12 shots and 8 of those on target. Hotspur had 18 and 7 on target; more wasteful, but still plenty of threat for PTJ to deal with.

Marc Skinner continued his wacky selections with Bizet the RW starting at RB and the double DM midfield of Janssen and Naalsund, which allowed strange gaps for England and Spence to have undeserved chances on goal, but United clicked into gear for the last few minutes of the first half and saw Queen Elisabeth (Terland) bag her first goals (plural) of the season.

The first was a wonderful volley off a Bizet cross, having arrived late into the box and boshing it into the roof of Spencer's net. The second was good, direct passing from Naalsund to Clinton, out wide to Bizet again, and a looped cross into the box for a back post header from Terland to make it 2-0 United.

The second half was much of the same; both sides attacking, United a bit clumsy at the back, and unlucky up front with Terland's saved shot deflecting off the post and away.

Galton - one of the few United players of any team/generation I have on a shirt - continues to help out with her excellent driving runs, which teed up Toone for a cross off the left into the box and a Neville handball provided the opportunity for United's third.

Captain Maya Le Tissier stepped up and tucked her shot away neatly in the low right of Spencer's goal for 3-0, and both Maya and Ella came out to say that penalties are firstly Maya's to take - over Ella who earned it or Elisabeth on the hat-trick.

United looked a lot sharper later on, perhaps due to fatigue from Spurs but I think more due to the changes made - bringing Hinata on for Tooney (sorry Ella), Simi Awujo on for Naalsund, and Aoife Mannion (an actual defender) on for Bizet.

This isn't to say I have any issue with those initially selected, but Janssen is a CB first and a DM second. If you want to play her, drop Turner. Naalsund is a deep lying midfielder who can break up the play but is more about the passing range. If you want to play her, drop Toone or Clinton or abandon traditional wing play.

Spurs have pace and tenacity and aren't a poor side, and we could have been exposed today. The likes of Awujo and Ladd will be wondering why they didn't start if Skinner wanted to be brave and have Bizet at right-back for the overload attack. It ultimately paid off, but like last season a selection leaves questions - questions that, if unanswered by the gaffer, could see United fail to get that much desired third place (or higher) finish.

Next up is an early away trip to Brighton on Saturday. 12:30pm KO.