New signing Emily Fox praised ‘the amazing fans’ after making her Arsenal debut against Watford in the Women’s FA Cup [Jay Patel/SPP]

WITH a winning debut in the bag, new signing Emily Fox has already turned her attentions to her first Women’s Super League outing this weekend when Arsenal entertain Everton at Meadow Park.

The Gunners moved quickly to lure Fox away from North Carolina Courage last week. And the 25-year-old right-back was thrown straight into the action on Sunday when she played the entire match against Watford in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup.

Despite being Arsenal’s first game in almost a month due to the winter break, Jonas Eidevall’s side looked sharp as they shared the goals around against their Championship opponents.

Alessia Russo, Lia Walti, Stina Blackstenius, Amanda Ilestedt and Frida Maanum all found the back of the net in a thumping 5-1 win. Even the Golden Girls’ consolation came courtesy of a Gooner – with Arsenal loanee Michelle Agyemang scoring with Watford’s only shot on target.

Reflecting on her Borehamwood bow, Fox told the club’s official website: “I thought it was great – the fans were amazing. Being here for the first time, it’s crazy that a week-and-a-half has passed and we’re already playing. It’s great to get my first cap here, and I’m really excited.

“The girls, the staff, everyone’s been so welcoming and really helpful after coming from a different country, so I’m really thankful for that, and same with the fans. I feel like with my first game, it felt really good with lots of encouragement and support, and that’s all you can ask for.”

Setting her sights on the Toffees this Saturday, the USA international added: “I’m taking it one game at a time – one day at a time sorting everything out. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait.”

Everton will travel to Hertfordshire in confident mood after beating Aston Villa 3-0 in the FA Cup. Eidevall, however, insists that his side are in “a good place” as the Gunners aim to overturn the three points that currently stand between them and league leaders Chelsea.

“We’re in a good place, but we need to be mindful of a very strong Everton performance against Aston Villa,” said the Arsenal boss.

“We’re going to work hard together and going to do our very best to keep developing, keep progressing and hopefully be very strong on Saturday.”

Capital cup ties

Arsenal were rewarded for their big win over Watford by being paired against Manchester City in the fifth round of the Women’s FA Cup.

The Gunners, who have won the competition a record 14 times – albeit not since 2016 – will host City at Meadow Park on Sunday, February 11 in a 2pm kick-off.

Elsewhere, holders Chelsea will entertain Crystal Palace as they look to win a fourth successive crown. The Blues needed extra-time to beat West Ham 3-1 in a testing fourth-round tie on Sunday. Spurs also narrowly avoided a shock thanks to Rosella Ayane’s 96th-minute winner as they came from two down to beat Championship opponents Sheffield United 3-2. They also now face a London derby in the next round in the shape of a home tie against Charlton.

New deal for FIFA’s best

England manager Sarina Wiegman has said she has “unfinished business” after signing a new contract until 2027.

The news came just hours after Wiegman was named Women’s Coach of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards, which were held at the Hammersmith Apollo in London on Monday. It was the second successive year, and fourth time overall, that the Dutchwoman has collected the accolade.

Camden’s own Emma Hayes, who was voted FIFA’s Best Women’s Coach back in 2021, was the runner-up after guiding Chelsea to a third successive league and FA Cup double.

England and Manchester United shot-stopper Mary Earps was named Best Women’s Goalkeeper.