Manager Renee Slegers has highlighted Alessia Russo's maturing influence within the Arsenal squad following her devastating first-half performance against Tottenham. Beyond the goals, the Gunners' boss is seeing a shift in the forward’s personality and responsibility on the training pitch as the season reaches its climax.
A first-half hat-trick from Alessia Russo powered Arsenal to a 5-2 win over north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Women's Super League on Saturday. The Gunners have one eye on their Champions League quarter-final with Chelsea having beaten the Blues 3-1 in the first leg on Tuesday before heading to Stamford Bridge this coming midweek, and ensured they are on track to qualify for next season's edition with a thumping victory back in domestic action.
Manchester City striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw has been hailed as "the best in the world" after her brilliant hat-trick against Tottenham on Saturday. The centre-forward scored the quickest hat-trick in Women's Super League history as City beat Spurs 5-2 in a thumping victory.
The Women's Asian Cup began on March 1, kickstarting a month that was set to see two of the major tournaments in the women's game take place, with the Africa Cup of Nations to follow on March 17. Incredibly, the latter was postponed just 12 days before it was due to start, but the impact the Asian Cup will have on the continuing club competitions will still be fascinating, as teams across the women's game say goodbye to some of their best players for a few weeks.
Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the Women's FA Cup quarter-finals in the most dramatic fashion possible, overcoming a stubborn London City Lionesses side in a marathon penalty shootout on Monday night. After a 2-2 draw at Hayes Lane that saw Spurs rescue themselves with a 95th-minute penalty, the north London outfit eventually triumphed 9-8 in a shootout that saw 17 consecutive successful spot-kicks before a final hero emerged.
Tottenham finished second-from-bottom in the Women's Super League last season. Since promotion seven years ago, their top-flight record against Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United stands at two wins, five draws and 42 defeats. Financially, they are not in the same place as the ‘big four’, not when Chelsea and Arsenal have both made £1-million transfers in the last year or so. And yet, despite all of this, Spurs are right in the fight with all of them for Women's Champions League qualification this season.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
Can I access Wembley Stadium using public transportation?
You can access Wembley Stadium using public transportation. You can travel to Wembley via London Underground services at either Wembley Park or Central stations.
Are there parking facilities available at Wembley Stadium?
No parking facilities are available to the public at Wembley Stadium, with fans strongly encouraged to travel to the ground via public transportation or on foot.
If neither option is viable, you can park at one of several Q-Park facilities across London or explore the additional parking options recommended by Wembley Stadium.
How early should I arrive for a matchday experience at Wembley Stadium?
You should arrive well before kick-off to fully soak in a matchday experience at Wembley Stadium, with plenty to do around the ground ahead of the game.
Gates typically open to ticket holders two hours before kick-off for football fixtures, though timings will vary depending on the event. Ensure you are briefed before arrival, and give yourself plenty of time to get to Wembley Stadium.
How do I book a guided tour of Wembley Stadium?
You can book a guided tour of Wembley Stadium through the Stadium's official tours website.
Tours are offered all year round and come in multiple formats, allowing you to find the one that is right for you.
Can I purchase Wembley Stadium tickets at the box office on matchdays?
You are unlikely to be able to purchase Wembley Stadium tickets at the box office for most events on matchdays, given the high demand for fixtures, though some games may offer a select number of tickets.
While most ticket offices will typically sell a few tickets, most sales are traditionally handled online.
Are there family-friendly sections at Wembley Stadium?
While most Premier League grounds have sections specifically reserved for family-friendly options, Wembley Stadium does not have a designated family-friendly area for events.
While some sporting events will offer specific areas, others - in particular concerts - will carry age restrictions, making the need for such areas redundant.
For football matches and England games, often there is a family enclosure with cheaper tickets, typically in the upper tier.
Does Wembley Stadium have a roof?
Yes, Wembley Stadium has a roof.
This roof is retractable, which means it can cover all the seats when it's used. Whilst some of the stadium will still be open, it provides cover for every seat.
How many people does Wembley Stadium hold?
As the biggest national stadium and home to the England football team, it holds 90,000 seats, and is the second largest stadium in Europe.