Manchester City’s hopes of catching Chelsea in the Women’s Super League (WSL) title race were dealt a serious blow on Sunday as Everton secured an unlikely 2-1 victory at Walton Park.
The victory lifted Everton out of the relegation zone, while Manchester City failed to capitalize on Chelsea’s first points loss of the season against Leicester City on Saturday, leaving them six points adrift of the reigning champions.
The defeat was even worse for City as both of their Champions League rivals had triumphed, with Arsenal beating Liverpool and Manchester United beating Crystal Palace.
Everton had never taken a point against Manchester City in the WSL before Sunday’s game, but Brian Sorensen’s men showed no signs of trauma as they flew by in a suffocating first half Got out of the box and created a lot of chances.
The pressure increased in the 31st minute when Sara Holmgaard drove the ball into the penalty area from the right wing. Lucy Hope Khiara Keating gave the home side the lead with a header.
As the first quarter came to a close, the advantage doubled. Lin Suixiang found space in the penalty area and her shot deflected into the bottom left corner, leaving the visitors stunned at half-time.
Gareth Taylor’s Manchester City came alive in the second half, with Courtney Brosnan forced into action on several occasions in the Everton goal.
Gil Rudd and Lily Murphy both went close, but in the 89th minute, Caroline Olsen brought down Yui Hasegawa in the penalty area and Australia forward Mary Fowler converted the penalty to close the gap. Half done.
That made for nerves as the game approached, but Everton held on to spark jubilant celebrations at the final whistle.
Meanwhile, at St Helens Stadium, Alessia Russo’s first-half corner goal was enough to beat Liverpool. Mariona Cardenti’s penalty for the visitors hit the post but Rene Slegers’ side proved difficult for Liverpool to break down and now sit just one point behind Manchester City in the WSL standings.
Liverpool manager Matt Beard said after the game that he expected Slegers to take up the role on a full-time basis given the shift in circumstances since Slegers replaced Jonas Advall.
“I hope Renee gets the job,” he said. “She’s done a fantastic job. From Jonas’ Arsenal to what I’m seeing now, it’s night in and day out and you can see that.
“I’m talking to the staff and some of the players and you can see they are enjoying football again.”
In Sunday’s other game, United traveled to south-east London to face Crystal Palace, returning home with all points after Grace Clinton came to the rescue after Palace’s defense struggled. Mark Skinner’s side are fourth, level on points with Arsenal.
