Coventry City’s Ricoh Arena is the venue for today’s FA Cup Final between Arsenal Ladies and Bristol Academy Ladies.
They suffered a loss in last year’s final right at the death to an Everton winner but every side can have a blip and last season was exactly that for them, that was the first FA Cup Final they had lost in eleven appearances.
Not bad eh?
Today’s opponents sit seventh in the WSL, five points behind Arsenal and they have played one game more. Arsenal Ladies are clear favourites to win today but I think seeing their male counterparts fall away in the Carling Cup will be enough for them to realise that being favourite means nothing on the day.
Manager, Laura Harvey is 90 minutes, or possibly 120 minutes away from one of the most proud moments in her career. She was born a stones throw away from the Ricoh Arena and no doubt will get plenty of support from the locals when she returns ‘home’.
There has been a lot of press around the fact that is where I am from and it will be great to go back home – I don’t really like to think about lifting the trophy that much because I think that is tempting fate. But it would be amazing to do it in front of a local crowd, my friends and family. We have got to make sure we do the job properly first.
These two sides met last season in the league and Arsenal came out winners on both occasions, an 8-0 battering followed by a comprehensive 4-1 victory but life has not started so well for them in the new WSL. Having beaten Chelsea 1-0 on the opening day of the new league set up, they have gone on to win three further fixtures, lose one and draw one, suggesting the gap in Ladies football is starting to close a bit..
This season has been different, they have already met twice in the WSL, a 1-0 home win, followed by a 2-2 draw away, very different to those last term and should be a reminder that no game is ever easy – today’s challenge will be no different.
The gap has closed everywhere because of the Women’s Super League.. Teams are prepared, organised and have got a little bit of a ‘will to win’ with the high-profile league being like it is.
Their key players are Jess Fishlock and their captain Corinne Yorston. They are an organised, hard-working team and have got that attitude that no matter what the score is they are going to work hard. They have proved that with the results they have got this year. They are hard to break down and don’t concede many goals and they have got a lot of momentum at the minute.
Getting to the FA Cup Final for the first time is a great achievement for them.
Having said that, in both games, especially the 2-2 draw, we could have been 4-0 up at half time. That is something we have worked on and looked at to make sure that, if we have got a team under so much pressure, we make sure we finish them off.
We know that if we can perform at the levels we have in our ranks then we can beat anybody. We know that. We have just got to make sure we do that and we cut out the silly mistakes and sloppy missed chances higher up the pitch. Anyone who plays us on our day, when we get everything right, needs to be wary of us.
Sound familiar??
Faye White and Jayne Ludlow will both be missing for today’s big event but Arsenal Ladies should still have enough in their tank to seal a victory
Good Luck to the Ladies, KO is at 2pm uk time and coverage begins at 1.30pm on Sky Sports 1.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will be busy in the transfer window this summer:
We need to add, of course, and we will do
That is what he has told our official website, no escaping now Arsene, it’s there in black and white!!
Rumours were rife last night that we had signed a player, not any old player but an Argentinian Winger no less.
Ricky Alvarez is his name, a 23 year old player who currently plays for Velez Sarsfield but he is out of contract this summer and apparently he’s heading our way. There is nothing on our website so I’ll believe that on when it’s official but the fact that he’s free enhances the chances of this rumour having some truth in it. 😉
Wenger also had this to say in his interview:
There will be some movement of players who have played less, who need to play!
I think we all know who Wenger is talking about, so maybe Denilson is just the first of a few who will ask to leave …
That’s it for today, have a good one and don’t forget to tune into the Ladies match…
Morning…
Morning.
Hi Kt, a quiet start to the morning here…
Any more news about our ‘new signing’??
Wenger says-It is going to be a big season for us on all fronts
Havnt heard this from wenger for some time.
hope it is on the signing front as well.
that’s got to be about bendtner and rosicky. Rosicky is at an age now where he has to play, and bendtner hasn’t been given enough games in his opinion. Maybe almunia too. But he wont be replaced as we have lehman
At least he has actually said that will will add and some will move on – maybe we are not too far off from seeing a bit of a clear out and a few additions….
matt, has to be those two and maybe even Eboue too..
If Arsene really meant what he said its a good sign.lets hope he isn’t doing this to make fans renew their season tickets.with the likes of city/chavs around we’ll have to do business early.
I still think we will see a couple in early Kt – definately a CH and then maybe a bargin or two towards the end…
Good morning!
I’m waiting for news..
ricky alvarez looks a good player for me!!!!!!!!!!
hope its true.what percent chance u think he will be a signing.
Good morning gooners. I’m certainly hoping that the outs are: Bendtner, rosicky and denilson for a start. I think lehmann will stay, but only as a coach. I assume, that we will have martinez promoted to 3rd keeper.. according to youngguns, he’s been terrific this year.. please wenger, go and buy young before our stupid neighbours do…
Arsenal fan what do You know of this player?
I’ve never even heard of him..
Boo! How is everyone?? Deni out, two or three or four to go. And a winger, it seems. Hmmmm. AW had darn well better start buying.
me to not heard of him much!
goal .com suggests arsenal already signed him as a free transfer.
can play as winger or attacking mid ,good long shot n one thig beeter than denilson for sure.
I don’t think the Chavs and City targets will affect us, we won’t be going for players they are after, they’d cost toooooo much 😉
Morning agag, JM and ADK 🙂
Denilson 🙂
Arsenal fans Argentina and latin america says he is a good player. I’m going to follow my favourite Argentinian team: Velez 🙂
arsenal fan – hope his ligaments have repaired properly 😉
6′ 2″ though, good…
JM 🙂
Oh, and come on you Lady Gunners! Show the men how it’s done.
Morning, rico! How are you. Hello, JM. 🙂 At least, reviews of Alvarez have been good. I hope he’s a TV5 type of signing; rabbit out of the hat and all that.
I’m pleased Sky are showing the match agag, i’m recording is as the in-laws are coming over 🙁
I’m good thanks, how’s you??
agag, have you seen the new ladies stuff on the sidebar??
Howdy agag.been a long time.
Just had a hectic week. 🙁 The game’s not on here though. 🙂
Just checked. You been furnishing the house, I see, rico. 😀
KT!!!! How are you?? Been busy with work… Eeeek. Pfffft. How are you? And what do you know of this Alvarez?
🙂 agag, i have indeed, i must get out more….
Good luck to the girls today! show those boys how to win silverware, come on you gunners!!!!!!!!!
Welcome goonergal, good to see another lady on here, there are a few of us here 🙂
Indeed best of luck to the Ladies 🙂
Mixed metaphors coming from Le Boss.Are we really going to see an exodus of 6 or 7 players.
The problem is that players like Almunia are on 50K a week so apart from losing on the initial fee we payed these players who will leave will have to take a big cut in wages.
I don’t think more than one or two of the loan players will eventually break through to the first team.
I expect Almunia,Vela,Denilson and Bendtne to leave and cesc if we can get the right price.he would be a great loss,but I would like to see him come out with a statement of intent.
kroenke will start to apply pressure on Wenger to buy quality not quantity,but how will that go down with Wenger who has had carte blanche up to now .
How to empty a room in ten seconds flat 😉
Hi kelsey 🙂
Agree re the exits and if cesc truly wants out then it’s time to let him go and warm the bench at barca..
too much money is wasted on too many players either watching us on tv or from the stands, or fron the physio room
get rid i say 😉
We will not see a keeper. We have Ches, Fab and Mannone is getting rave reviews. I am not sure we will get a defender but you never know as Wenger is saying we need more experience there.
I can see several players leaving as I think Wenger feels heavily let down by several players. I just hope Nik B goes, he is a championship level player and no more.
I don’t expect us to sign a keeper either Will – unless as i have said before, Fabianski’s injury doesn’t heal properly…
I don’t think we need to Rico. The more I think about it, the more I think we need one brutal bastard in the centre of defence and a midfield that once they lose the ball, fight to get it back rather than jog towards the opposition ball carrier.
As we are i’d agree Will, but, I’d hate us to go into the season with Chesney and Mannone, any news re Fabianski’s recovery?
Popping off for a short while, back in a while….
None that I have heard of but I think Ches is now the number 1 keeper.
From Arsenal News Review
Good news, Gooners.
Niklas Bendtner and his mate Seb Larsson of Birmingham were seen in a fish restaurant with Gary McAllister and Villa coach Sid Cowans.
On Tuesday or Wednesday night.
How much is NB52 worth?
Discuss.
Oh please let it be true.
We have been linked with Ricky,Gervinho,menez and Hazard who are all wide players.it seems to me that something is brewing there…
Ricardo Alvarez:
http://www.velezsarsfield.com.ar/futbol/plantel/perfil/17-ralvarez.shtml
Get in there…
1-0
Will,
I hope some truth in that, maybe a swap with Young and cash deal???
It would go some way to restoring supporters’ confidence in the team if we do serious business in the transfer market.
And there are deadwood to sell, AW, so please sell.
In laws still there, rico?
The Ladies know how to head the ball 🙂
2-0….
Yep agag, but i got the final on regardless 🙂
Will, value of Nikki – i reckon 8/9 Million 😉
great first goal and as was the second (are you watching NB52) that’s how to head a ball.
Unfortunate name of one of our girls 😉
Easy put a few of them in our mens team. simples 🙂
bendtner out
hazard or young in
but who is better?
bendtner out
hazard or young in
I was thinking just that Rico.
How much is he worth .In his head 40 million but he makes his princess pregnant, she has a baby, then he leaves her and is seen with an orange faced blonde bimbo
.Actual worth as much as we can get.
Hi kelsey, two quality goals, poor keeping though for the header, could be 4/5 up by now…
😆 re the goal scorer….
but a great cross rico (are you watching clichy)
I’d rather Young, he’s English and an Arsenal supporter, he’ll want to play for the shirt on his back…
Wonderful cross kelsey – puts clichy to shame….
Good for you, rico. 🙂
Hey, kelsey, arsenalfan. Let’s get both Hazard and Young, then. 🙂
Easy on Clickclicky. 😉
Afternoon,
I see the ladies are playing like the men, I thought they were better ha ha
Laura Hartley is so happy she ate 4 packs of biscuits at half time
Hi, agirlgunner.you seem a fun person.
I honestly don’t expect more than two quality signings as opposed to a load of squad players but many will leave.my hit list would be almunia,vela,rosicky and Bendtner.
18 out on loan will be trimmed dramatically as i doubt more than one or two will break through into the first team.
our squad players are on high wages but have little transfer fee wages i.e.Almunia on 50K a week.
should read transfer fee value.
Isn,t it time that wenger gives the captaincy to a person who is not heavily linked away form the club.
for eg fab,before that it was henry maybe cesc feels the pressure while playing as captain.
Oi Oi Steve, leave them gals alone 😉
Don’t forget Denilson kelsey 🙂
agag, clickclicky 😉
Arsenal fan, what do you want to do take money away from Fabregas and give it to somebody else, Arsenal being shit is hardly Cesc’s fault. Wenger needs to to get busy and get some decent players in, then judge fabregas
Tongue in cheek rico the gals are doing alright
What Wenger needs to do is make sure he gives it to the right person should the armband become available… not use it as an emotional tie….
I know Steve 😉
They are not afraid to get stuck in, in fact some of their tackles are stronger than some of the men…
yeh i think i just saw a pretty one
kelsey, Clichy, for some strange reason (he has a lot of donut moments, I know) is a firm favorite. 🙂
Steve, if they win, she’d have earned the right to eat all those biscuits!
In red and white steve, must have been 😉
If there chocolate i could be in love
of course I forgot denilson.
Amazing how many natural blondes are in our Ladies team 😉
Of cescc leaves the armband has to go vermaelen but i have a hunch it may go to RVP.
what is clickclicky ?
kelsey 😆
I assummed it was Clichy kelsey 🙂
Quick get the gals trophy and show it to wenger,its been a while
Well gone Arsenal belle’s
😆 Steve…
Too Long….
Good game, great win, Well done Arsenal ladies….
I’ve found the answer we have been looking for, Blonde hair a full team, of Alex Songs
you are pinching my thoughts Steve 🙂
Typical women showing the way forward, Not a word Rico
Well, you know what they say Steve 😉
What’s the score?
2-0 winners JM, two cracking goals too, nikki b could learn from the second, sweet as a nut off the head 🙂
Mind you, the first was a corker too …
Nik B will learn nothing as he thinks he is the best striker in the world already.
That’s true Will, bit like Arsene saying he would struggle to find a coach who could teach him how to manage…..
😉
Back shortly guys/gals…
Told you, back already…
Zzzzzz…
rico,
my eldest is just about to arrive with his wife and it will only be the second time I have seen him in 10 years,so it might be a bit emotional, but at least he’s a gooner.
kelsey, that is wonderful – have a super time with him, shame there are no glory moments for you to chat about from this season….
Kt, get tomorrow out the way, then look forward 🙂
Rico, great post and what a great result!
Hey 4pigs, thanks – was a fab game, first half was the best, two cracking goals….
I think landsbury will take denilson’s spot in the team.
Been saying that for a while Kt, he’ll do for us what the Romford Pele did and I cannot wait to see him in action…
A Gooner in red and white…. That will be two 🙂
Landsbury will hopefully be our duracell bunny.
Kt, no ‘d’ 😉
I hope its not blind optimism but i feel Wenger is going to make significant changes to the coaching and playing staff.i have a hunch that any major business will be taken care of early June…
Transfer rumours may not point you to the right player but they give you a clue of the weaknesses that the manager is looking to fix.there are very strong rumours of us going after Gamiero/Hazard/Gervinho/Ricky.this shows Arsene is clearly not satisfied with our attack as it has lacked ‘urgency’ at times especially without theo.i wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t sign a CB as i think he has hinted our problems can be resolved at the training ground and thats why he may alter our coaching staff.according to my theory thats what he meant by ‘changes on all fronts’.
Blimey Kt, you have changed your view –
AW has hinted at adding a new member to the coaching team and i hope that will be Keown – in fact, after all keown’s recent comments, i’m quietly confident its going to be him….
Well done to the Arsenal fillies………… 😉
If we don’t get Cahill KT wenger is a prized dickhead…! we desperately need an english centre half who will spill blood !!
KT the problem with all those players you mentioned is they will all need time to settle in, stop messing and lets go get Ashley Young…! Simple.
Wath personally am not a big cahill fan as i’ve yet to be convinced by him.i don’t care about passports so long as the player has the right attitude and mentality.kos for example has made mistakes but he still fights on.he has had his head busted open by EPL brutes but still gets on similar to sagna.thats all i ask for.
Wath i wasn’t saying we get them but am pointing out that Arsene is clearly looking to rectify our issues on the flanks to add more pace and directness.i don’t know who we’ll get but Arsene is seriously looking to bolster that area.
Hi WATH, didn’t they do just mighty fine 🙂
Cahill and Young, add a goal scorer and bobs your uncle 🙂
Then get Samba…..
KT, Arsenal need some British steel – look what Jack has shown, now that is British at it’s best, we need more of that in our side….
Cahill is exactly what we need KT we dont need technical we got enough of that and look where thats got us, we need a player who puts himself on the line and he’s that kind of player. The fact is KT it’s all paper rubbish with names we been linked with before it sells papers so for me I take no notice anymore mate when a player in an Arsenal shirt then I know we have actually signed someone untill then I take it all with a pinch of salt.
I’ve watched cahill and i’ve never seen what all the hype is about.i may be wrong and if he does sign i hope he proves me wrong.
British steel…English national team…hmmm.rico not only England players have it.its all about an individual.vieira wasn’t English but was as gritty as they come.so long as the player has that steel i don’t care where he was born.
I’ve watched him plenty this season KT purely to see if he’s what we need and the answer for me is a big yes…! He’ll do us fine.
Technical – not if that means fancy cocky passing on the edge of the box, i’d like to see us sign a ‘row z’ player – we need a CH who will put each and every part of his body in front of the ball to prevent a goal….
Samba is very very average rico.he is not the solution.i think 90% of our problems in defense can be rectified by coaching.
Is disagree Kt, if we signed Samba and Cahill our defence would be sorted – Samba is huge and will walk through walls to get the ball….
If I had my way, I would sell Kos and Squlli and replace them – Cahill, Samba, TV, JD and then have either Bartley or Miquel as back up.
I would loan them both out with a recall clause in the agreement….
I wouldn’t sell Kos Rico he’s had a decent first season came unstuck a few times BUT he’s done pretty good seeing as he’s been chucked in at the deep end
Reads the game well too and will def get better, he needs to be picked for the right games thats all.
No way would i sell kos.not in a million years.
Our best CB on the ground is kos.i’ll never forget that game against barca at home when he played like a one man army.he has had some iffy moments but he has done well considering he was playing in the French 2nd division only 2 years ago.
I just think he is too lightweight right now… just my own view 😉
Hi1
sell kos?
I’m not agree!
Samba and Cahil are very expensive for their real price. If we want to be an European team, we must buy different kind of defenders.
Are any outside England club interesting in Samba or Cahil ? And why ?
Hi JM, seems i am on my own about Kos then 😉
i don’t mind though, i suggested Nik would be rubbish about three years ago, i was laughed at 😉 😉
I’m done, catch you all tomorrow
nighty all….
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