90’+4’Full TimeSecond Half ends, Everton Women 1, Arsenal Women 4.90’+2’Post updateAttempt missed. Katie McCabe (Arsenal Women) left footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Vivianne Miedema.90’+1’Post updateAttempt blocked. Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Katie McCabe.90’Post updateAttempt missed. Vivianne Miedema (Arsenal Women) right footed shot from outside the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Katie McCabe.
Caitlin Foord marked her full return from injury with two goals in a comfortable victory over Everton to boost Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. The Gunners were already 4-0 up at the break thanks to Foord’s quick double, Katie McCabe’s long-range stunner and Lotte Wubben-Moy’s headed goal from a set-piece. Everton went down to 10 players in the second half when Aggie Beever-Jones was sent off for a challenge on Lia Walti, who was stretchered off.
Jonas Eidevall’s side, who sit third in the Women’s Super League (WSL) table, three points clear of Manchester City, showed their ruthless streak in the first half and go into the final two matches of the season knowing European qualification is in their hands. However, there was concern for key midfielder Walti, who signed a new contract last week, when Beever-Jones was late in a challenge early in the second half and had her yellow card upgraded to a straight red after discussions among the officials.
Everton faced a tall order and were unable to mount a serious comeback, though Katja Snoeijs headed in a late goal as they suffered a second successive defeat, shipping 11 goals in the process. Knowing title challengers and recent FA Cup winners Chelsea are up next for Arsenal, they could not afford to drop points at Everton in the race for Champions League qualification and held third spot only on goal difference before Wednesday night. They had to remain patient in the early stages as Everton controlled possession but did not test goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger. As Everton became increasingly vulnerable when playing out from the back, Arsenal took advantage and secured a comfortable victory. It was a familiar tale for Everton, who have improved this season under manager Brian Sorensen but still lack goals to add to their fluent possession play. They will finish the season mid-table, but have been given harsh lessons by the league’s elite in Chelsea and Arsenal this month.