0:00:39 > 0:00:40Good evening.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43After an early break the WSL is back and it has been another dramatic
0:00:43 > 0:00:47round of action that kicked off on Thursday when two of the title
0:00:47 > 0:00:50contenders went head to head.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Arsenal against Chelsea, always heated.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14She has got it.
0:01:14 > 0:01:17The Arsenal defence horribly hesitant and she put Chelsea ahead.
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Off the line and she is back in and Chelsea have got
0:01:42 > 0:01:44what is surely the decider.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48She scores for the second time this evening and Chelsea lead Arsenal
0:01:48 > 0:01:51by 2-0 and this will be a mighty blow to Arsenal 's
0:01:51 > 0:01:52title hopes already.
0:01:55 > 0:01:57Disappointing for Arsenal, Chelsea will be hoping for a similar
0:01:57 > 0:02:00result when the two sides meet again in the FA Cup final next month
0:02:00 > 0:02:04but tonight our focus is on the weekend's WSL action,
0:02:04 > 0:02:07plenty to do and discuss with my guests, Rachel
0:02:07 > 0:02:10Brown-Finnis and Sue Smith.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14We begin with Manchester City who hope to preserve their 100%
0:02:14 > 0:02:16record against a Birmingham side who some have tipped
0:02:16 > 0:02:18to struggle this season.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23A real departure from their glory days just four years ago.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29In May 2012, Birmingham twice came from behind against Chelsea before
0:02:29 > 0:02:33holding their nerve in a penalty shoot out to win the women's FA Cup,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37which epitomised the Blues' spirit and resilience in the process.
0:02:44 > 0:02:46Since lifting the trophy, that resolve has been tested,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49operating on a modest budget, youth now populates a squad
0:02:49 > 0:02:54decimated by the departures of key personnel.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01In stark contrast, Manchester City have invested heavily
0:03:01 > 0:03:04but could Birmingham summon their fighting spirit
0:03:04 > 0:03:07to overcome one of the title favourites?
0:03:07 > 0:03:08Nigel is your commentator.
0:03:13 > 0:03:15Last week 's agonising cup defeat to Chelsea brings
0:03:15 > 0:03:20Manchester City 's title challenge into even sharper focus.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23But Birmingham have been troublesome opponents in recent meetings,
0:03:23 > 0:03:26with a small budget, David Parker will be relying
0:03:26 > 0:03:31on the academy to develop potential stars and England under 17 striker
0:03:31 > 0:03:34Ellie Brazil makes her debut, Jade Moore is deployed as one
0:03:34 > 0:03:37of three central defenders.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41Manchester City has one change which is enforced,
0:03:41 > 0:03:43Toni Duggan is left out as a precaution, so Jennifer Beattie
0:03:43 > 0:03:46starts her first game since returning from a title winning
0:03:46 > 0:03:49loan in Melbourne, Australia.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Asllani has yet to score following her move from PSG.
0:03:58 > 0:03:59Scott.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01Now Asllani.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Linking up well with Bronze.
0:04:06 > 0:04:08Here is Asllani again.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Manchester City taking early control here.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15Parris.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16That is neatly done.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Here is the Nikita Parris.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22That is a disappointing end to a fine move.
0:04:23 > 0:04:25And Nikita Parris will be disappointed not
0:04:25 > 0:04:28to have at least hit the target from there.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Bronze.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42Asllani has given room to turn, that will be dangerous for Birmingham.
0:04:42 > 0:04:44Here is Bronze again.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49An inviting cross and Parris is unable to supply the finish again.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54Lucy Bronze given far too much room and Jess Carter may have just done
0:04:54 > 0:04:59enough to put Parris off.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03Manchester City dominant.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Here is Asllani again and the cross will come all the way
0:05:06 > 0:05:09through to Demi Stokes.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13A firm challenge and now Birmingham look to turn defence into attack
0:05:13 > 0:05:18and here is the youngster, Ellie Brazil, she did well.
0:05:18 > 0:05:23Now Wellings and the ball never quite sat down for her.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27That is a promising moment for Birmingham.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32The 16-year-old Ellie Brazil, heavily involved in the attack.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37Charlie Wellings just unable to provide the finish.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43It was goalless here last season but the result really dented
0:05:43 > 0:05:47City 's title challenge and here is Carter for Birmingham.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Lawley, producing a fine save from Karen Bardsley
0:05:51 > 0:05:57who was able to gather at the second attempt.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00David Parker 's side will gain real encouragement from this.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08Carter winding up the long throw.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13And it has eventually gone behind off Beattie for a corner.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17David Parker's side, more than matching Manchester City
0:06:17 > 0:06:20at the moment.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Jo Potter with the corner.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27And Karen Bardsley was flapping.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30And there are appeals for handball there from Birmingham.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34Jill Scott was saying that the ball seemed to strike her on the chest.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40When you see it again, the hands were out.
0:06:44 > 0:06:50And Manchester City are finding themselves in a real contest here.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53They are having to work very hard to try and prise an opening,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56here is Corboz.
0:06:57 > 0:07:00And now Stokes.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Initially beyond Mannion and Carter, the backheel from Scott,
0:07:03 > 0:07:09Parris off the woodwork but couldn't find the back of the net.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14And Manchester City finally have the lead.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Daphne Corboz with her first of the season and it was a very
0:07:17 > 0:07:20clever touch from Jill Scott to create the original
0:07:20 > 0:07:24chance for Nikita Parris.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30Then real composure from Daphne Corboz.
0:07:30 > 0:07:34And all of Birmingham 's hard work early on may now
0:07:34 > 0:07:36count for nothing.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44Come on, Birmingham!
0:07:46 > 0:07:49Bronze.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54City will now get the free kick for the challenge on Jane Ross.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Who has been in fine goal-scoring form recently.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Asllani.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08And it was Beattie 's header, but it drifted wide.
0:08:08 > 0:08:13Nick Cushing will want the second goal here.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15And Beattie not too far away.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21Houghton.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26Now Bronze again, Parris, that is nicely done,
0:08:26 > 0:08:28looking for Asllani, but Parris was caught
0:08:28 > 0:08:32and the original challenge has led to a Manchester City free kick.
0:08:32 > 0:08:39And Birmingham are beginning to look a bit weary.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47Challenge from Mannion.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50It is Steph Houghton and it is a fine save
0:08:50 > 0:08:55from Sophie Baggaley.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58And Steph Houghton was 28 years of age yesterday.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01And she almost celebrated her birthday in fine style.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08Well, Birmingham were set up to counterattack.
0:09:08 > 0:09:13But now they need to push forward in the closing stages.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16And they could be caught out at the other end.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Here is Corboz.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23Just holding off Carter.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26And Parris is away from the challenge of Harrop.
0:09:26 > 0:09:32It is still Nikita Parris looking for Ross and that settles it!
0:09:32 > 0:09:35Three successive wins to start the season for Manchester City,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39three clean sheets as well.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43Jane Ross with her fourth goal in four games.
0:09:43 > 0:09:46Of the early evidence, this could turn out to be
0:09:46 > 0:09:49a difficult campaign for Birmingham.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55It was important that we came here and got the three points
0:09:55 > 0:09:57especially after last season, we came away with the draw.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00It is what we want to do and it is fantastic
0:10:00 > 0:10:01we got three points.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04In the first half we had the momentum, the possession
0:10:04 > 0:10:05in the opposition's half.
0:10:05 > 0:10:07We found it hard to get into the final third,
0:10:07 > 0:10:09get opportunities for a goal.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11In the second half it ebbed away.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13Was it a frustrating game especially in the second half,
0:10:13 > 0:10:19Birmingham were sitting back.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23That is something we have to deal with and maybe last season this
0:10:23 > 0:10:30would have been a draw.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33We are learning to cope with what seems to affect ua
0:10:33 > 0:10:35and hopefully we will continue to progress throughout the season.
0:10:35 > 0:10:40You had a moment in that first goal, a nice back flick.
0:10:40 > 0:10:46I do not know where that came from, it was a great passage of play.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49Everyone knows how we play, we like to dominate the ball
0:10:49 > 0:10:52and last season we want to improve in the final third in those
0:10:52 > 0:10:55sorts of areas and this year we have been good,
0:10:55 > 0:10:58that goal in particular, it is a real example of our style.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01Lindsay Hooper with the questions.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03It is the same old problem for Birmingham, they
0:11:03 > 0:11:04cannot score goals.
0:11:04 > 0:11:06They cannot.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10A mixture of lack of experience, they have a lot of injuries to key
0:11:10 > 0:11:14players but they started well.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17I thought first half, they managed to press the ball well
0:11:17 > 0:11:20and you can see here, it is good pressure,
0:11:20 > 0:11:23not just one player pressing it is two and three.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26They are higher up the field and when they win the ball
0:11:26 > 0:11:29it is a good ball into space but it is that lack of quality.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32This is a long ball forward but the two forwards in the first
0:11:32 > 0:11:36half were really pressing the ball high up the field,
0:11:36 > 0:11:39they were winning it and this is not a bad ball into the box.
0:11:39 > 0:11:45It is that quality, that final execution or a shot and here again,
0:11:45 > 0:11:48they get forward but there are more numbers getting forward.
0:11:48 > 0:11:49The fullback bombs on, the midfield runners
0:11:49 > 0:11:52and in the first half they were looking good and they put
0:11:52 > 0:11:55Manchester City under pressure.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00Not a bad effort at goal, this is the second half.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02They are running at the play which is fantastic,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05but that run infield, that is not doing anything,
0:12:05 > 0:12:09she needs to stay wide, she needs to stretch the play.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12Here, she came in in the second half, Manchester City,
0:12:12 > 0:12:17excellent, shape, organisation and they win the ball back easy,
0:12:17 > 0:12:20no options for Birmingham and it is not a great day
0:12:20 > 0:12:23for Mr Parker in the rain.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25Birmingham were awarded two penalties against Liverpool,
0:12:25 > 0:12:27one was saved, one was missed.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Should they have been awarded one here?
0:12:30 > 0:12:34I do not think so, we had to watch it numerous times and slowed it down
0:12:34 > 0:12:36and I do not think it was.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39When you are awarded a penalty, it has to be intentional
0:12:39 > 0:12:43and as the ball comes in, Jill Scott, it does hit her arms
0:12:43 > 0:12:46and doesn't slow down, she has her arms up,
0:12:46 > 0:12:48but they are close to her body.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52The ball does not change direction.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55It will still hit her chest even if it grazes her arm.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58It does not change the flight of the ball, no penalty.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Nick Cushing and Jill Scott said they won this game because of their
0:13:01 > 0:13:07style of play, do you agree?
0:13:07 > 0:13:10I do and it is something that Manchester City have been renowned
0:13:10 > 0:13:13for, they have been working on it for the last couple of seasons,
0:13:13 > 0:13:16they are renowned for quick passages of play, the way that they spread
0:13:16 > 0:13:19the pitch and we see it and it is classic of Manchester City
0:13:19 > 0:13:24in their two goals.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27The ball is received in midfield, there are numbers and Birmingham did
0:13:27 > 0:13:29it well in the first half, they got tight around
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Manchester City and did not give them time on the ball.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34This touch from Lucy Bronze takes her past four players
0:13:34 > 0:13:36and opens up the pitch.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38Two touches from Jill Scott and through Daphne Corboz
0:13:38 > 0:13:42it is played out wide.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45It opens the pitch, spreads them out and takes the Birmingham players
0:13:45 > 0:13:51away from Manchester City and allows them to create space.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Well played from Jill Scott, lovely lay-off, it bounces
0:13:53 > 0:13:56and Daphne Corboz slots the ball away, very cool and well deserved
0:13:56 > 0:14:00for Manchester City.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Birmingham in the second half, really late on, they are tiring,
0:14:03 > 0:14:06you can see the attitude.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09Potter, she should be busting a gut to get pressure on the ball,
0:14:09 > 0:14:12instead she is remonstrating with the referee and what this does
0:14:12 > 0:14:14it means that Jess Carter, whose legs are fading,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17chooses to close the ball down instead of chasing back
0:14:17 > 0:14:19with Jane Ross who, we see in a few seconds time,
0:14:19 > 0:14:29remains unmarked in the box.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33A great cross from Nikita Parris, 20 yards on her, nods it into the goal.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36Another clinical finish by Manchester City.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44Looking at the statistics for Birmingham City's goal scoring, it's
0:14:44 > 0:14:46not a surprise that they are struggling.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49We know they haven't scored this season, last season they
0:14:49 > 0:14:51only scored seven in 14.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53If you remember 2012 when they won the
0:14:53 > 0:14:56FA Cup they scored 31 goals in 14 and perhaps it's not
0:14:56 > 0:14:57a surprise bearing in
0:14:57 > 0:15:02mind the players and the quality of players who have left since then.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05They have lost the lot of quality players, look at that list.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07The likes of Isobel Christiansen, they
0:15:07 > 0:15:11are all goal-scorers and players who will create out of nothing.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14They scored numerous goals in the season and that will help,
0:15:14 > 0:15:16that lack of experience that Birmingham have,
0:15:16 > 0:15:21a lot of younger players isn't helping them this season.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Would you expect them to be the side to go this
0:15:23 > 0:15:25season?
0:15:25 > 0:15:28I said that last week and I don't want to keep pounding at
0:15:28 > 0:15:32Birmingham but not scoring goals is a recipe for disaster.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34OK, two more games to catch up on.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36Starting at the Select Security Stadium in Widnes,
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Liverpool and Sunderland were aiming to maintain
0:15:38 > 0:15:40their unbeaten start to the season.
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Robin Cowan reports.
0:15:48 > 0:15:50Sunderland arrived at Liverpool looking to
0:15:50 > 0:15:53bounce back from last weekend's humiliating
0:15:53 > 0:15:55FA Cup semifinal defeat at the hands of Arsenal.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57Started on the front foot, Beth Mead testing
0:15:57 > 0:16:00Siobhan Chamberlain early on.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07But just minutes later they were behind,
0:16:07 > 0:16:09van de Sand and Liverpool have a player capable of unlocking
0:16:09 > 0:16:12any defence and it was her effort that came back
0:16:12 > 0:16:14off the post for Caroline Weir to turn home, giving
0:16:14 > 0:16:16the Reds the advantage.
0:16:17 > 0:16:26Sunderland shipped seven goals at Arsenal last week, looking
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Sunderland shipped seven goals at Arsenal last week, looking
0:16:33 > 0:16:36ominous again for the Black Cats when van de Sand's cross
0:16:36 > 0:16:37unfortunately found its way out
0:16:37 > 0:16:40into the net, off the back of Kayla Shuman, giving the
0:16:40 > 0:16:41hosts a comfortable first-half lead.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44The visitors did not capitulate, fighting their way back into the
0:16:44 > 0:16:45game, Brooke Chaplen taking advantage of some
0:16:45 > 0:16:46hesitant defending to pull a
0:16:46 > 0:16:48goal back just before half-time.
0:16:48 > 0:16:49Sunderland came out fighting at the start
0:16:49 > 0:16:50of the second half.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52Minutes after the restart, Liverpool again
0:16:52 > 0:16:55failed to clear their lines allowing the former Everton midfielder to mop
0:16:55 > 0:16:57up and grab a well-deserved equaliser.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08Chaplen could and probably should have been awarded a penalty
0:17:08 > 0:17:10after this challenge by Mandy Vandenberg only
0:17:10 > 0:17:12to see her claims waved away by referee Peter Wright,
0:17:12 > 0:17:162-2 the final score.
0:17:18 > 0:17:26For me, it was a penalty and I think it was
0:17:26 > 0:17:29given as a penalty but obviously the ref has the last
0:17:29 > 0:17:30say and we cannot argue with that unfortunately.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32It was a penalty, 100%.
0:17:32 > 0:17:34I thought at the sideline, I turned to my
0:17:34 > 0:17:36assistant and said we have got away with one.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38The girls are playing great, great character, resilience
0:17:38 > 0:17:40to come back, and played some good football as well.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43Very pleased, pleased for them and the way they
0:17:43 > 0:17:48have shown great attitude and self belief.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Both Notts County and Reading were looking for their first
0:17:53 > 0:17:56win of the 2016 campaign and it was the newly
0:17:56 > 0:17:57promoted side who took the
0:17:57 > 0:17:59lead at Meadow Lane, Helen Ward collecting
0:17:59 > 0:18:00a wayward clearance from
0:18:00 > 0:18:04Turner, her effort from distance evading Carly Telford.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11Notts were gifted an opportunity to equalise
0:18:11 > 0:18:15just after the 30 minute mark, keeper Grace Maloney failing to deal
0:18:15 > 0:18:17with Whelan's cross, captain Kirsty McGee
0:18:17 > 0:18:19inexplicably diverting the
0:18:19 > 0:18:23ball with her hand to concede a penalty.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27McGee faced no further retribution from referee Anthony
0:18:27 > 0:18:31Tankard, Clark confidently dispatched from 12 yards.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Having restored parity Notts found themselves
0:18:41 > 0:18:44behind again, six minutes later, memories of Edmonton flooding back
0:18:44 > 0:18:46for Laura Bassett after she inadvertently turned the corner
0:18:46 > 0:18:48into her own net.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54Rick Passmore's side improved in the second half, Rachel Yankey
0:18:54 > 0:18:57picking out Jess Clarke whose deft lob rescued a point on what was
0:18:57 > 0:18:59ultimately a frustrating afternoon for the lady 'Pies.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01The basic thing today is about application, focus,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04because from Notts County, we are in this together and we will
0:19:04 > 0:19:08have to be better and one thing that these
0:19:08 > 0:19:11players normally will do is
0:19:11 > 0:19:13bounce back.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Both Notts County and Reading still awaiting their first
0:19:17 > 0:19:19win of the new campaign but it's early days.
0:19:19 > 0:19:22Manchester City leading Chelsea by three points at the top.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24The champions with a game in hand.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Birmingham are bottom, yet to score or gain a point so far.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31Notts County seventh place at the moment, so early
0:19:31 > 0:19:35but just one point from two games for them.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37You know the manager Rick Passmore really well, I know you're
0:19:37 > 0:19:40a big fan of him, you think he's fantastic, why do
0:19:40 > 0:19:42you think they haven't
0:19:42 > 0:19:44quite clicked so far?
0:19:44 > 0:19:46It's difficult for them, the first game against
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Manchester City I thought they played really well and they were
0:19:49 > 0:19:51unlucky to concede so late on, the 93rd minute.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54Free kick.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56Both Rick and his team were disappointed with
0:19:56 > 0:19:59that, they wanted to bounce back against Reading and they didn't and
0:19:59 > 0:20:03I think again, he will be disappointed with that result but he
0:20:03 > 0:20:07is trying to implement a new regime, a new philosophy and I think that's
0:20:07 > 0:20:13going to take time for his players to adapt to that.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Difficult, Rachel, when you have that killer blow after
0:20:15 > 0:20:18the opening game of the season, you concede so late having put a shift
0:20:18 > 0:20:22in right until then, you have so long until the next game and you
0:20:22 > 0:20:25put so much emphasis on getting a result and you don't get it.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27It is difficult and time is not something
0:20:27 > 0:20:31really that Notts County have, the season is
0:20:31 > 0:20:33dragged out at times but
0:20:33 > 0:20:36then it is condensed at times and you cannot have five, six, seven
0:20:36 > 0:20:39games to get it right so Rick's team have got
0:20:39 > 0:20:41to get things moving on the
0:20:41 > 0:20:43pitch, got to start converting those results
0:20:43 > 0:20:46otherwise another season is
0:20:46 > 0:20:48away from them and another mediocre, mid place
0:20:48 > 0:20:50table finish is not what
0:20:50 > 0:20:52they are looking for.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54Exactly, the Liverpool Sunderland game, that
0:20:54 > 0:20:58horrible injury to Shoma, it's one of those,
0:20:58 > 0:21:00happened as a result of the
0:21:00 > 0:21:01pitch...
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Nobody anywhere near her.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09It fuels the argument for 3G and 4G pitches,
0:21:09 > 0:21:12from what we see there, it's typical of an ACL injury, a
0:21:12 > 0:21:14noncontact injury, most ACL injuries there is no
0:21:14 > 0:21:17one around you, it's a
0:21:17 > 0:21:19strange landing, the studs get caught in the pitch,
0:21:19 > 0:21:22I hope for her sake it's
0:21:22 > 0:21:24not ACL but it looked that way.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27We are waiting to hear, Lucy Staniforth
0:21:27 > 0:21:30formerly of Liverpool, now Sunderland has done her ACL twice
0:21:30 > 0:21:32and she tweeted about the pitch, it wasn't up
0:21:32 > 0:21:34to scratch, something that
0:21:34 > 0:21:37has been re-tweeted.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Is that fair, they are the only side in the top
0:21:39 > 0:21:42division playing on that pitch.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44They are and I think that's something that needs
0:21:44 > 0:21:47to be addressed, for me personally, I don't know if it's my age but
0:21:47 > 0:21:50training on a 3G pitch is not good for the joints
0:21:50 > 0:21:51and ligaments and I think
0:21:51 > 0:21:53the fact that a lot of players have had
0:21:53 > 0:21:54injuries through that, I
0:21:54 > 0:21:57think it's something that needs to be looked at for next season.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59But you counter that, we have played the full
0:21:59 > 0:22:02World Cup on 4G pitches and...
0:22:02 > 0:22:05Exactly, it's certainly something that has been prevalent for the
0:22:05 > 0:22:07likes of Liverpool.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Different qualities of artificial pitches,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12aren't there, but we wish her all the best.
0:22:12 > 0:22:15On a positive note, plenty of WSL players in attendance at the PFA
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Awards last night, the ceremony took place
0:22:17 > 0:22:20at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Sunderland's Beth Mead named Young Player of the Year before Man
0:22:22 > 0:22:25City and England star Isabel Christiansen
0:22:25 > 0:22:30was crowned Player of the Year.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36I am feeling very humbled and proud right now.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39I think every player in this room will probably
0:22:39 > 0:22:42agree that there is no better feeling than being recognised by
0:22:42 > 0:22:44fellow professionals so I am extremely
0:22:44 > 0:22:47honoured and proud, in
0:22:47 > 0:22:50amongst such a talented group of nominees, this means the absolute
0:22:50 > 0:22:53world to me, so thank you.
0:22:53 > 0:22:55CHEERING.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59Well done, Izzy, fantastic award for
0:22:59 > 0:23:02her.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04How much do you think she deserves the award?
0:23:04 > 0:23:07100%, she deserves it.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10She was the difference for Man City in the second half of
0:23:10 > 0:23:13the season last year and it's great, along with the award of the PFA
0:23:13 > 0:23:16Player of the Year to get in the senior England squad which I am
0:23:16 > 0:23:24hoping she will be able to go on and build caps.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28You would expect her to be one of the stars for years to come
0:23:28 > 0:23:30but what does she bring to Man City, injured
0:23:30 > 0:23:31at the moment but also to
0:23:31 > 0:23:32England?
0:23:32 > 0:23:35She is one of the engines of Man City, brings quality, her
0:23:35 > 0:23:39sort of finishing prowess is second bar none, she is a box to box player
0:23:39 > 0:23:41and we see, it's the timing of her run,
0:23:41 > 0:23:42she is jogging and then a
0:23:42 > 0:23:45change of pace takes her away from the Sunderland defender,
0:23:45 > 0:23:47really sort of cool finish, she is in the right
0:23:47 > 0:23:50place at the right time which tends to be just
0:23:50 > 0:23:51inside that 18-yard box.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54Or just on the outside in that case but we see this, probably the
0:23:54 > 0:23:56best pick of the bunch, beautiful, top right-hand corner.
0:23:58 > 0:23:59Getting towards the finished article, she
0:23:59 > 0:24:02has found her home at Man City.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04A talented lass, isn't she, but how good is it for
0:24:04 > 0:24:08the game in this country, it wasn't one of the Lionesses from the World
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Cup that won it?
0:24:10 > 0:24:13It is and when you are nominated by your peers, fellow
0:24:13 > 0:24:17professionals, that always makes it a little bit more special.
0:24:17 > 0:24:19Beth Mead getting the Young Player of the
0:24:19 > 0:24:22Year, highly talented, scored bags of goals,
0:24:22 > 0:24:2412 in 14 games in the
0:24:24 > 0:24:26league last season, no surprise?
0:24:26 > 0:24:29Prolific.
0:24:29 > 0:24:31I think that's the word that encapsulates what she is, she
0:24:31 > 0:24:34has done that at every single level, not yet been given her opportunity
0:24:34 > 0:24:38at international level but we see what she did last season.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41An all-round goal-scorer and you see,
0:24:41 > 0:24:47in the box, the right place, great header,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50not good with her head just but she stretches defences, cool and
0:24:50 > 0:24:53calm finishing when she gets there and again, showing her pace.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55She gets forward and in front of goal, she
0:24:55 > 0:24:58is cool and calm, plays it to the bottom and fantastic feet,
0:24:58 > 0:25:00beating 3-4 defenders and rifles it in the
0:25:00 > 0:25:03top corner.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06Good strength against Niamh Fahey, stays on her feet,
0:25:06 > 0:25:08passing into the net.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Fantastic, she fully deserves the award.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13She is nearly 21 years old but hasn't
0:25:13 > 0:25:16received that England cap as yet, been in the squad, but not
0:25:16 > 0:25:17tried, why do you think
0:25:17 > 0:25:19that is?
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Not entirely sure, clinical finisher, pace
0:25:21 > 0:25:23in behind, strength on
0:25:23 > 0:25:27the ball, I don't really understand why she has not been called up by
0:25:27 > 0:25:30England, certainly not been given that first cap because she has been
0:25:30 > 0:25:35prolific, strong, and she has been amazing in the league so far.
0:25:36 > 0:25:38OK, let's look at the PFA Team of the
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Year.
0:25:40 > 0:25:42We know it was won by Izzy Christiansen,
0:25:42 > 0:25:44is there anybody there or not there that you think perhaps
0:25:44 > 0:25:46could have been there?
0:25:48 > 0:25:50Some very good players in there and all
0:25:50 > 0:25:52well-deserved.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54We spoke earlier, we said maybe Gemma Davidson, good season
0:25:54 > 0:25:57last season, Claire Rafferty had a good World Cup...
0:25:57 > 0:26:00A couple, but I think they have pretty much got it
0:26:00 > 0:26:03spot on.
0:26:03 > 0:26:04Anybody else for you?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07No, I think Claire Rafferty from a defensive perspective, I had to put
0:26:07 > 0:26:10that in there, has shone for the Lionesses as well
0:26:10 > 0:26:12as her club, last season.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14Well done to everybody, you couldn't vote
0:26:14 > 0:26:16for the PFA Player of the
0:26:16 > 0:26:19Year but you can get involved with this year's BBC World Service
0:26:19 > 0:26:21Footballer of the Year award.
0:26:21 > 0:26:23The short list of nominees was revealed
0:26:23 > 0:26:26yesterday, here they are...
0:26:35 > 0:26:41The World Player of the Year, Carli Lloyd, voted.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44The World Player of the Year in the FIFA awards.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54You can vote via text or online for all the details, head
0:26:54 > 0:26:58over to the BBC Sport website.
0:26:58 > 0:27:02Finally this week we head to the Hive where Bristol City were looking
0:27:02 > 0:27:05to build momentum in their bid to gain promotion from WSL 2, facing
0:27:05 > 0:27:08London Bees.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16Patience proved a virtue for Bristol City against
0:27:16 > 0:27:18plucky London Bees side on Sunday afternoon,
0:27:18 > 0:27:21taking over an hour for
0:27:21 > 0:27:24the Vixens to break the Bees resistance, Arthur's cross
0:27:24 > 0:27:27finding its way in fortuitously by the assistance of the far post.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33And within four minutes the lead was doubled,
0:27:33 > 0:27:41the short corner routine allowing Jodie Brett to find a way
0:27:41 > 0:27:44into the box, the cross turned home by substitute Paige Sawyer.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46The victory was wrapped up with 15 minutes to
0:27:46 > 0:27:49play, Brett avoiding contact with Farrow's through ball
0:27:49 > 0:27:52allowing Olivia Ferguson to race through from an
0:27:52 > 0:27:54onside position to finish past Harris and seal a 3-0
0:27:54 > 0:27:57win for the visitors.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05That win for Bristol City moves them up to third,
0:28:05 > 0:28:08level with Everton who overcame Watford 3-0.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11Both sides sitting two points behind early
0:28:11 > 0:28:15leaders Durham who made it three out of three at the weekend.
0:28:15 > 0:28:17It's FA Girls' Football Week and 25,000 5-16
0:28:17 > 0:28:21-year-olds taking part, so good luck to all of you.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24That's just about all we have time for tonight, back next
0:28:24 > 0:28:28Monday night at the usual time of 11:15pm and we will have extended
0:28:28 > 0:28:31highlights of Notts County versus Liverpool.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35Thanks to Rachel and Sue, great to see you again.
0:28:35 > 0:28:37Still early days in the WSL 1 season but only
0:28:37 > 0:28:40Man City and Chelsea have 100% records.
0:28:40 > 0:28:42Goodbye for now.
0:28:43 > 0:28:47MUSIC.