WSL leads way on concussion

1 WSL managers have been ahead of their Premier League counterparts on addressing issues vital to the game. Of concussion substitutes, Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro says there can be ‘no more excuses’. The FA are set to trial the idea in the Women’s FA Cup, if they get the go-ahead from the rulemaking International FA Board on December 16. Willie Kirk, Hope Powell and Tanya Oxtoby all echoed Montemurro’s thoughts.

2 MANCHESTER UNITED boss Casey Stoney put policy into practice at the weekend. In the 2-0 win over Aston Villa which kept her side top, she substituted midfielder Jackie Groenen when she went down with a head injury — despite the Dutch player objecting. Stoney is willing to participate in research examining the effects of heading on female footballers. ‘You have to think about it. I’ve got three children as well,’ she said.

3 TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S absence of basic catering facilities was highlighted in Sportsmail’s investigation into WSL facilities a year ago. Only right to acknowledge, then, that the team now have access to the men’s Hotspur Way training ground full-time, not just one day a week. With Rehanne Skinner installed as manager, Spurs aspire to challenge the established big six before long. The WSL needs that.

4 ALEX MORGAN ended her goal drought, 86 days after signing for Spurs. She missed the key penalty in the Continental Cup shootout against Arsenal last month but made no mistake against Brighton. A first goal and win for the American. And a fine start for new boss Rehanne Skinner.

5 LAUREN JAMES made her 50th appearance for Manchester United on the same day brother Reece reached the landmark for Chelsea. Phil Neville gave her a first England call-up in November, a month after Reece’s debut for Gareth Southgate’s side. A satisfying symmetry for siblings who look destined for the top.