Arsenal secured back-to-back Women’s Super League wins after a 3-1 victory at Everton.
A chaotic four minutes saw three goals scored as Honoka Hayashi levelled from Katie McCabe’s opener, but Alessia Russo quickly restored the Gunners’ lead on her 100th WSL appearance.
Leah Williamson made her return from injury with a brief cameo at the end of the second half before Olivia Smith wrapped up a sixth league win of the season for Arsenal.
Courtney Brosnan made a great save from Mariona Caldentey and the ball was cleared to the edge of the box, where McCabe smashed a looping effort which dropped into the bottom corner in the 11th minute.
Chilly: Olivia Smith did the ‘Cold Palmer’ when she wrapped up all three points.
Everton responded two minutes later in style when Hayashi hit a thumping strike from outside of the area, which dipped past Anneke Borbe.
A dramatic start continued as Arsenal went back ahead in the 15th minute when Russo’s chested effort was saved by Brosnan and the rebound was volleyed home by Caitlin Foord, but the goal was subsequently awarded to the England striker after her initial attempt had crossed the line.
Russo had two excellent chances to extend the visitors’ advantage but was denied by a great low stop from Brosnan and the striker then nodded narrowly past the upright just before the break.
– Chelsea lost in the WSL?! How did that happen, what does it mean?
– UWCL talking points: Chelsea eye top 4, what’s happened to PSG?
– Women’s Champions League permutations: Who has qualified?
Arsenal had further opportunities in the second half, with Caldentey having a low strike held by Brosnan and the goalkeeper made another save from Beth Mead’s tame long-range effort, but a cagey battle saw few clear-cut chances for either team.
Williamson made her first appearance since playing for England in the European Championship final, coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute.
Smith wrapped up the win in the 87th minute with a fantastic strike from outside of the box which bounced into the bottom corner and Russo smashed the bar in stoppage-time.
