Everton Women 2 – 1 Man City Women happymamay

An exhausted Manchester City failed to close the gap on Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea in the title race after stunning Everton 2-1.

Gareth Taylor’s side had the opportunity to close the gap to three points after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Leicester this weekend but failed to capitalise, with injuries to key players taking their toll.

Captain Alex Greenwood was sidelined in midweek, while Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp were also noticeably absent, as Man City struggled for rhythm and fluidity.

Everton were more tactically astute than their visitors, willing to absorb pressure and concede the ball, choosing the right moments to attack – which were short but purposeful – and scored twice in eight first-half minutes.

Sarah Holmgaard crossed for Lucy Hope to head beyond Khiara Keating, before Melissa Lawley flicked the ball from the right to Honoka Hayashi and deflected it into the net.

Manchester City tried to strike back late when Yui Hasegawa was awarded a penalty, coolly dispatched by Mary Fowler, but a resilient Everton held on to secure a historic win – their first over City in 17 attempts.

Chelsea remains at the top of the English Premier League with 28 points, while Manchester City is six points behind in second place.

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