Unlucky ladies

[Wayno]

Bad night all round

Holders Arsenal went tumbling out of the Uefa Women's Cup after a 3-2 home defeat by Olympique Lyonnais.

The French side went through 3-2 on aggregate following last week's 0-0 quarter-final first-leg draw in Lyon.

It was the Gunners' first defeat in domestic or European competition for almost 21 months since losing the 2006 Premier League Cup final to Charlton.

"We were second best," admitted boss Vic Akers, after seeing his side lose in torrential rain at Borehamwood.

"Lyon looked fresher than we did and they adapted to the conditions better than us."

Akers blamed disruption of his team's fixtures and tiredness among his players.

Nine of them were involved in the England squad at September's World Cup finals.

"It's been hard getting everybody up and motivated," he said, "and if you don't have the motivation in this competition you're not going to be successful.

"We were more up for our games last season. This time it's been difficult because we weren't together at the start of the season and we've been playing two games a week since the World Cup."

Arsenal were outclassed on the night, with Lyon taking the lead through Brazilian striker Katia's 16th minute header.

England striker Kelley Smith equalised with a 20-yard shot eight minutes later.

Then Smith's England colleague Rachel Yankey shot the Gunners ahead direct from a 33rd-minute corner.

But poor defending allowed the visitors to draw level seven minutes before half-time, Camille Abily scoring with a free header.

Arsenal rarely threatened after the break and after Katia had twice gone close, substitute Elodie Thomis slid home the winner five minutes from time.

Akers added: "The early goal put us on the back foot and it was just covering things up when we went 2-1 ahead.

"It's disappointing to have our unbeaten run ended, but we have to pick ourselves up and look to win all the domestic competitions again."

[Red Gunner]

Well, England losing to Croatia wasn't bad for me because I support Russia

As for Arsenal Ladies going out, look at the positives: they are still better than England's Men

[gus ceasar is a legend]

The other down side Khalid is the majority of Arsenal Ladies can grow a thicker beard than Englands men!

Just joking my Rip Roaring Red n White Beauties!

[I Hate Hleb]

I RECKON THEY SHOULD SACK THE MANAGER!!!

I DON'T MIND TAKING OVER ON A TEMPORARY BASIS - SAY, 10 YEARS OR SO - FOR REASONS OF STABILITY OF COURSE, AND UNTIL THE RIGHT CANDIDATE BECOMES AVAILABLE.

[dbrien]

The other down side Khalid is the majority of Arsenal Ladies can grow a thicker beard than Englands men!

Just joking my Rip Roaring Red n White Beauties!

you say that but from memory the Arsenal keeper is a beaut! Not Jens obviously. Her name is Emma Byrne

[Red Gunner]

The other down side Khalid is the majority of Arsenal Ladies can grow a thicker beard than Englands men!

Just joking my Rip Roaring Red n White Beauties!

you say that but from memory the Arsenal keeper is a beaut! Not Jens obviously. Her name is Emma Byrne

Here she is:



I think she looks better with a trophy, though:

[Cus Geezer]

Being a goalkeeper I bet she's got a good firm grip!

[REB]

Being a goalkeeper I bet she's got a good firm grip!

and she,s a paddie so good with her mouth
for conversation ye dirty bastadholes

[dbrien]

Quite good in and around the box, always makes the strikers shoot early before they are ready. tits etc etc