Emma Sanders

Geneva, Manchester

Senior Women's Football Reporter at BBC Sport

Senior women’s football news reporter @bbcsport Write and talk about football a lot. ✍🏻 📺 📻 Views my own.

Articles

Arsenal's Mariona Caldentey wins WSL player of the year award

5 days ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Arsenal finished 12 points behind champions Chelsea in the WSLArsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey has been named the inaugural Women's Professional Game's WSL player of the year, which was voted for by fans. The Spain international scored nine goals and registered five assists in the Women's Super League this season. She helped Arsenal reach the Women's Champions League final, where they take on her former club Barcelona in Lisbon on 18 May.
How did each WSL club get on during the 2024-25 season?

5 days ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Media caption, Unbeaten Chelsea lift WSL trophyIt has been another exhilarating Women's Super League season with Chelsea finishing on top yet again - but how did each club fare during 2024-25? While some exceeded expectations, others underwhelmed and struggled in a relegation battle. Four clubs saw changes in management and several new signings put their stamp on the WSL.
Can Liverpool keep hold of their key players next season?

5 days ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Liverpool are yet to receive an offer for club-record signing Olivia Smith and are preparing for next season with her in the side. Canadian international Smith, 20, has been one of the breakout stars of the season having impressed in her debut campaign. She has attracted interest from several clubs who have made enquiries, but she has two years remaining on her contract and Liverpool are not looking to sell. It is unclear if there is a release clause in her contract.
Chelsea: Blues 'special' unbeaten WSL season provides 'moments to remember'

6 days ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Image source, ReutersImage caption, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor and her assistant Camille Abily enjoyed the celebrations with their childrenBBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Stamford Bridge"I'm only about titles but Sonia [Bompastor] said she's after the records - so now so am I," said Chelsea's Erin Cuthbert. The Scotland midfielder, 26, is used to chasing trophies but when you have already won them, you need new targets.
Sonia Bompastor: Chelsea can be 'part of history' by going unbeaten in the WSL

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Chelsea have an "opportunity to be a part of history" if they finish the Women's Super League season unbeaten, says manager Sonia Bompastor. The champions are aiming to be the first WSL team to record an 'Invincible' season in a 22-game campaign. They face Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in their final league match on Saturday at 12:30 BST.
Aston Villa need to work 'as hard as possible' to rebuild next season

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Emma Sanders

Aston Villa manager Natalia Arroyo said they need to "work as hard as possible" to bring the club back to where it wants to be next season. Villa were just a point above the relegation spot in March but four successive victories have seen them jump up to ninth in the table. They hope to extend their strong finish to the season when they face Brighton in their final match on Saturday (12:30 BST kick-off).
Man Utd 'don't fear' Arsenal in WSL says manager Marc Skinner

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Manchester United "don't fear" Arsenal, says manager Marc Skinner, as they prepare for their final Women's Super League game of the season. United have already secured Champions League football for next year but Saturday's result against Arsenal (12:30 BST kick-off) will affect what stage of the qualifying rounds they enter and will determine whether they finish second or third in the WSL table.
Women's World Sevens: Man Utd boss Marc Skinner says it will be 'carnage and fun'.

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Elisabeth Terland (left) and Maya Le Tissier (right) have said they want to playManchester United manager Marc Skinner says the inaugural Women's World Sevens tournament will be "utter carnage and fun". They are joined in the tournament - which has a prize money pool of $5m (£3.76m) - by Manchester City, Ajax, Benfica, Roma, Paris St-Germain, Rosengard and Bayern Munich.
Liverpool can take confidence from Chelsea loss - Amber Whiteley

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Liverpool can "take lots of confidence" from their narrow defeat by Chelsea in the Women's FA Cup semi-finals as they prepare to meet again on Saturday, says interim manager Amber Whiteley. It will mark the end of an up-and-down campaign for Liverpool, who sacked manager Matt Beard in February, and it is still unknown whether Whiteley will continue to lead the team beyond Saturday's game (12:30 BST kick-off).
Manchester United Women: What are next steps as club secures European spot?

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Sanders

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Manchester United only needed a point against Manchester City to qualify for EuropeBBC Sport women’s football news reporter at Old TraffordMelvine Malard celebrated her equaliser like it was a stoppage-time winner and the Old Trafford crowd gave an outpouring of adulation. It reflected the significance of this result for Manchester United.