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Three-time FA Cup champions City were appearing in their fifth final, and their first since losing to Chelsea in extra time four years ago.

Goalkeeper Khiara Keating, called up to Sarina Wiegman’s England squad on Wednesday, was unavailable after sustaining an injury in training earlier in the week, so it was Ayaka Yamashita between the posts for City.

Brighton showed intent from the start, and City nearly got themselves into trouble when Jade Rose left the ball for her keeper, oblivious to the threat of the lurking Madison Haley, who then collided with Yamashita.

Yamashita stayed down and the ball came out to Marisa Olislagers, who fired at the open goal but was denied an opener by Greenwood’s clearance off the line.

Brighton keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action with a smart save, but the Seagulls dominated the following 10 minutes, though they were too tentative and could not make their chances count.

City came to life after the half hour, testing Nnadozie before Shaw broke the deadlock with five minutes remaining in the first half, instigated by Greenwood’s lovely looped delivery and beating the rising keeper to plant home a header.

Greenwood then took matters into her own hands, curling a free-kick into the bottom-right corner in the sixth minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half.

City were three goals to the good in the 66th minute. A well-worked move saw Shaw cut the ball back to Miedema, who laid it off for the Japan international to curl home.

Miedema, out since late March for personal reasons, and whose mother is battling cancer, nodded home City’s fourth with three minutes remaining in normal time to wrap up the win.

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Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has moved to calm growing speculation surrounding his future after comments made by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle suggested the forward could be close to completing a transfer.

Chelle sparked fresh rumours about Osimhen’s next destination while explaining the striker’s absence from Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

The Franco-Malian tactician revealed that Osimhen requested to stay away from the squad as he focuses on a potential move.

“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club, so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” Chelle said.

The remarks quickly fueled speculation over the future of the Galatasaray forward, who has been linked with several top European clubs in recent months.

However, Osimhen has now responded publicly, insisting that Chelle’s comments were misunderstood and urging supporters to ignore the growing rumours.

In a message posted on his Instagram Story, the 27-year-old revealed that he had spoken directly with the national team coach to clarify the situation.

“I just got off the phone with Coach Eric Chelle regarding the comments about me in his recent interview.

“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.

“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.

“Thank you for your consistent support.”

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Liverpool sacked head coach Arne Slot on Saturday after a disastrous defence of their Premier League title.

The club, which finished fifth in the table, despite spending a Premier League record of nearly £450 million ($605 million) on new players in one transfer window last year, said the Dutchman, who has been at Anfield for two seasons, would “depart his role as head coach with immediate effect”.

Liverpool fans turned on Slot after a number of poor performances, and there was some disharmony in the dressing room, with Mohamed Salah the most outspoken.

Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is reportedly set to take over at Anfield after leading the Cherries into Europe for the first time in the club’s history.

Bournemouth’s Spanish manager Andoni Iraola celebrates with Bournemouth’s English midfielder #04 Lewis Cook on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Bournemouth and Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, southern England on January 24, 2026.

Just over a year ago, Slot was heralded as a hero after taking on the daunting role of succeeding Jurgen Klopp and leading Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title in his debut season in charge.

There was also a sign of dressing room disharmony, most notably from Mohamed Salah on his way out of the club.

In an explosive social media post earlier this month, which was liked by multiple members of the Liverpool squad, Salah called for a return to “heavy metal football,” referring to Klopp’s high-energy style of play, in a perceived dig at Slot’s more cautious approach.

Liverpool’s return of 60 points was their lowest since the 2015/16 season.

Despite their troubles, it had been reported that Slot would be handed a stay of execution after securing Champions League qualification.

“Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is underway,” the club said in a statement.

It added that club bosses had decided that Liverpool needed a change of direction.

“That does not diminish the work Arne has done here, or the respect we have for him,” the statement added.

“Nor is it a reflection of his talents. Rather, it is indicative of the need for a different approach.

“Arne leaves with our gratitude, with a Premier League title to his name, and with the knowledge that he and his family will always be welcomed back at Anfield.”

‘Different Approach’

However, the club’s owners, the American-based Fenway Sports Group, have succumbed to fan pressure to axe the former Feyenoord boss.

“We have collectively come to the conclusion that change is necessary in order for the club to keep moving forward. Again, it must be stressed that this is not a decision which has been reached lightly, anything but,” the club said in a statement.

Many fans were keen for the return of Xabi Alonso to Anfield, but the club’s former midfielder will instead take charge of Chelsea next season.

Iraola’s stock is high after an 18-game unbeaten league run to finish the campaign in sixth, just three points behind Liverpool despite vastly inferior resources.

The Spaniard also worked together with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, who previously held a similar role at Bournemouth.

Slot ultimately paid for failing to get a return on Liverpool’s huge investment last summer.

British transfer record signing Alexander Isak was beset by fitness problems, while Florian Wirtz struggled with the transition to the Premier League after a £100 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Slot, though, also had to deal with emotional turmoil caused by the death of forward Diogo Jota in a car accident in July.

AFP