Depleted Manchester Metropolis failed to shut the hole to Ladies’s Tremendous League leaders Chelsea within the title race after being shocked by Everton 2-1.
Gareth Taylor’s aspect had the prospect to scale back the deficit to a few factors after Chelsea have been held to a 1-1 draw with Leicester this weekend however didn’t capitalise, with accidents to key gamers taking a major toll.
Captain Alex Greenwood was stretchered off in midweek, whereas Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp have been additionally notable absentees, as Man Metropolis struggled for rhythm and fluidity.
Everton have been tactically smarter than their guests, keen to take in stress and concede possession, selecting their moments to assault – which have been temporary however purposeful – and scoring twice in eight first-half minutes.
Sara Holmgaard teased a cross for Lucy Hope to go past Khiara Keating, earlier than Melissa Lawley powered down the best to tee up Honoka Hayashi and he or she swept residence by way of a deflection.
Man Metropolis tried a late response when Yui Hasegawa received a penalty, despatched calmly by Mary Fowler, however resilient Everton held on for a historic win – their first over Metropolis in 17 makes an attempt.
Chelsea stay the WSL’s front-runners, main the way in which with 28 factors, with Man Metropolis six adrift in second.