Everton’s Goodison Park double-header began on a tough note as title-contending Chelsea claimed a 5-0 victory, extending their unbeaten start to the 24/25 Women’s Super League campaign.
Aggie Beaver-Jones, Erin Cuthbert and Guro Reiten all saw goalscoring efforts past Courtney Brosnan, sending the Blues into a challenging position at the break, following a frail defensive display.
Everton found themselves undone again late in the second period, conceding two goals in quick succession as Wieke Kaptein fired in a strike followed by a close range tap in from Ashley Lawrence, leaving the home side unable to change their fortunes.
The London team showcased their trademark attacking threatstraight away, forcing an early save from a Beaver-Jones strike.
However, Brosnan was unable to deny the former Everton loanee a second time as she headed in the first blow of the evening, connecting with a whipped Kadeisha Buchanan cross in the 14th minute.
It was unfortunate timing for the Toffees as they seemed to be settling into the game with Justine Vanhaevermaet releasing a Toni Payne attack down the right wing that ended in her effort bending wide, just before the setback.
Despite the deficit, Brian Sorensen’s side remained disciplined, with youngster Issy Hobson standing out for her solid defensive efforts as she blocked an imposing Sjoeke Nusken attack after catching Karoline Olesen on the ball.
A long-range Lucy Hope free kick saw the hosts seeking to capitalise from set pieces midway through the half, but intelligent defending from England international Millie Brightprevented Vanhaevermaet from exploiting her dominant presence in the box.
More defensive action saw Vanhaevermaet clear the ball off the line from a Cuthbert attempt, as the trailing team looked to keep the score line to a minimum.
However, the Chelsea pressure became too much to containnearing the interval, when Cuthbert intercepted Veatriki Sarrias she attempted to play out from the back. The Scottish midfielder then exploited gaps in the opposition defence as she carried the ball forward driving her shot into the bottom right corner.
Everton’s woes were quickly compounded when a cross from Nusken found Reiten at the far post, who then netted past an off-guard Brosnan.
From the restart, the Merseyside outfit appeared to have improved with their best chance coming from substituteEmma Bissell, whose strike rose off-target.
Attacks up and down the flanks provided moments of promise for Everton, with Bissell’s presence adding a further wide option, but Chelsea effectively restricted these runs.
The visitors extended their lead in the 82nd minute with an emphatic finish from Kaptein, who struck the ball into the top of the net, ending any hopes of a comeback for Everton.
Showing their prowess as defending champions they added to the score line once again as poor marking from the home side resulted in a simple Lawrence tap in, putting an end to an agonising night for the Toffees.
Everton now turn their sights to their upcoming trip to London, where they will face Crystal Palace, aiming to secure their first win of the season.
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