Everton fell to a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal at Walton Hall Park as Alessia Russo’s brace helped propel the title challengers to second in the WSL.
Honoka Hayashi cancelled out Russo’s 24th minute opener, but an unfortunate second-half own goal from Maren Mjelde put the visitors back ahead.
Russo then sealed the victory late on, slotting home from Beth Mead’s perfectly weighted through ball to ensure Everton couldn’t find a way back.
The visitors immediately emerged on the attack, forcing Everton to stay focused and organised defensively to prevent an early set-back.
Martina Fernandez showed her awareness in the box, shielding the ball to deny Arsenal a clear chance in a dangerous area. Shortly after, Justine Vanhaevermaet produced a commanding header to clear another looming threat, ensuring Everton stayed level in the early stages.
Despite, the Toffees defensive resilience, Arsenal found their breakthrough midway through the first half as Russo capitalised on a close range opportunity, beating Courtney Brosnan to put the Gunners ahead.
The Blues spirits never wavered though, as they continued to demonstrate their determination. Toni Payne provided a bright spark, finding herself inside the area after a pass from Katja Snoeijs, though the title angle prevented her from getting a shot away.
That same determination was rewarded in the 36th minute when Payne reacted quickest to Snoeijs’ blocked effort, bundling home her first goal for the Toffees to bring them level.
After the restart, the intensity of the contest remained high with both sides as both sides pressed for the lead.
Payne nearly added to her tally when Sarah Holmgaard spotted her run towards the back post, but she was unable to make the decisive touch.
Chloe Kelly’s curling strike looked destined for the net before taking a deflection, altering its trajectory towards the bottom left corner. Despite the sudden change of direction, Brosnan reacted superbly to plan the ball away and keep Everton in contention.
Clare Wheeler made her return to action just after the hour mark after a lengthy injury layoff.
Renee Slegers’ side retook the lead sixty seconds later though, as substitute Caitlin Foord made an immediate impact, forcing Mjelde to turn the ball into her own net under heavy pressure.
As full-time approached, Russo made sure of Arsenal’s victory, latching onto Mead’s through ball and finishing Clinically past Brosnan.
The Everton number one remained sharp until the final whistle, making a smart save to deny Stina Blackstenius and prevent further damage.
Everton will now look to bounce back when they host bottom-side Crystal Palace at Walton Hall Park.
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