A defensive capitulation saw 10-player Everton slump to a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal in the Women's Super League.
The Blues took to the field at Walton Hall Park looking to bounce back from their chastening 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea last time out, with manager Brian Sorensen making three changes to the side that started at Kingsmeadow. Arsenal, meanwhile, travelled to Merseyside in pursuit of Champions League qualification, having comprehensively beaten Brighton at Meadow Park in their most recent top flight outing.
It was a closely fought encounter in the opening exchanges, with Arsenal duo Victoria Pelova and Stina Blackstenius combining well down the right flank as the Gunners probed for a breakthrough. That breakthrough came insde 29 minutes; Noelle Maritz pickpocketing the Everton defence and picking out Caitlin Foord whose clever half-volley trickled past Emily Ramsey and into the net.
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The visitors doubled their advantage less than five minutes later through Katie McCabe. The Republic Ireland international was afforded too much space in the Everton half and rifled home an emphatic low drive from 30 yards. The Blues struggled to contain a tidal wave of Arsenal pressure; Foord nodding home the rebound after Ramsey had initially saved well from Blackstenius.
Lotte Wubben-Moy's powerful header on the stroke of half time marked the Gunners' fourth goal in the space of just 13 minutes and left Everton needing to implement an exercise in damage limitation after the interval. However, things quickly went from bad to worse for the hosts, with Aggie Beever-Jones dismissed for a horror tackle on Lia Walti just four minutes into the second half.
A raft of late changes inspired something of a resurgence for Everton, but Katja Snoeijs' smart header five minutes from time offered scant consolation for the Blues, who have now conceded 11 goals in the space of two games.
Brian Sorensen's side will return to WSL action against Brighton at Walton Hall Park on Sunday.
Here's how the players got on at Walton Hall Park....
Emily Ramsey - 6
Showed plenty of composure to play out from the back under intense Arsenal pressure. Commanded her area well in the opening half hour but was afforded little protection and had to deal with a barrage of Arsenal pressure. Saves from Blackstenius and Foord ensured things didn't get worse.
Katrine Veje - 6
Some smart footwork to play Everton out of trouble in the opening exchanges and a lively attacking outlet before the break. Subbed.
Nathalie Bjorn - 5
Guilty of giving the ball away in the build up to Arsenal's opener and never really recovered.
Clare Wheeler - 6
Constantly demanding the ball and eager to get stuck into a tackle. Influence waned as the game went on.
Hanna Bennison - 5
Nice turn excited the crowd early on but unable to impose herself on the game once Arsenal began to dominate.
Nicoline Sorensen - 6
Skimmed the side netting with an early effort and continued to work hard but unable to really make an impact. Subbed.
Aggie Beever-Jones - 4
A powerful drive forwards in the opening stages but given little service. Sent off for a horror tackle on Walti after the break.
Aurora Galli - 5
Looked bright early on but part of a midfield that was completely overran in the first half. Subbed.
Sara Holmgaard - 5
Some important early interceptions but, like much of Everton's back line, struggled to contain Arsenal.
Katja Snoeijs - 6
As with Beever-Jones, saw very little of the ball and struggled to impose herself on the game in the first half. Scored a late consolation goal.
Karen Holmgaard - 5
Important sliding interception to thwart Stina Blackstenius early on. Tried to get forward but with little success. Subbed.
Substitutes:
Rikke Sevecke - 7
Helped to shore up the Everton back line after coming on at the break.
Elise Stenevik - 7
A solid defensive display on the right flank and set up Snoeijs from a corner.
Lucy Hope - 7
Injected some much needed energy in the middle of the park.
Izzy Christiansen
Looked to drive forwards late on.
Megan Finnigan
A short cameo for the defender.
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