Everton recorded their first-ever Women’s Super League win over Manchester City as a 2-1 victory dented their opponents’ title hopes. Second-placed City missed the chance to close the gap between themselves and leaders Chelsea to three points as first-half goals from Lucy Hope and Honoka Hayashi put Everton firmly in control.
Mary Fowler converted an 89th-minute penalty but it was too little, too late for City and Everton held on to move four points clear of the relegation zone. With Chelsea dropping points for the first time this season in a 1-1 draw against Leicester on Saturday, Gareth Taylor’s City side failed to take advantage.
Alessia Russo continued her fine form in front of goal as Arsenal took all three points in 1-0 victory at Liverpool. The England star’s fifth goal in as many WSL games was enough to see Renee Slegers continue her unbeaten run as interim manager of the Gunners.
Slegers’ side were far from their free-flowing best but overcame Matt Beard’s hosts to move up to third in the table heading into the winter break. Russo made the decisive breakthrough in the 20th minute after Katie McCabe’s low corner into the near post caught Liverpool’s back-line out.
Gemma Bonner managed to clear the ball off the line but only as far as Russo, who calmly passed it into the net. England international Grace Clinton scored on the stroke of half-time to secure Manchester United a 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace. The visitors dominated from the off but could not find a breakthrough until the fifth minute of first-half added time.
