WSL roundup: Arsenal beat Liverpool as City suffer shock loss against Everton | OneFootball

Arsenal Women recorded their ninth victory in 10 games without defeat in all competitions under the interim stewardship of Renée Slegers as a first-half goal from Alessia Russo was enough to beat Liverpool. The England striker slotted in from close range after the hosts failed to clear a near-post corner in the 20th minute, Russo netting her fifth goal in three games.

Liverpool produced some strong last-ditch defending to prevent Arsenal extending their lead despite the visitors creating plenty of chances, while the Spain midfielder Mariona Caldentey struck the base of a post with a penalty kick in the first half. Olivia Smith went close for the hosts but they suffered a fourth defeat in their past six games across all competitions.

The result kept Arsenal above Manchester United on goal difference, after Marc Skinner’s side were 1-0 winners away at bottom-placed Crystal Palace thanks to Grace Clinton’s winner. There was also a morale-boosting victory for Aston Villa under their interim manager, Shaun Goater, 3-1 at home to West Ham. The former Manchester City men’s forward took the helm on Wednesday after the departure of Robert de Pauw.

Manchester City’s hopes of lifting a first WSL title since 2016 suffered a big dent as they succumbed to a surprise 2-1 defeat at Everton, who had lost all 16 of their previous WSL fixtures against Manchester City but were worthy winners on this occasion. Lucy Hope’s downward header and Honoka Hayashi’s deflected low strike put the Merseyside club 2-0 up, helping them claim only their second win of the league campaign. The Australia forward Mary Fowler scored a late consolation from the penalty spot for the visitors but they slipped six points behind Chelsea, as the defending champions saw their advantage at the top extend this weekend despite themselves having dropped points for the first time this season by drawing 1-1 at Leicester on Saturday.

Header image: [Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA]