Arsenal returned to winning ways in the WSL after Vivianne Miedema's super goal was enough to down Everton, 1-0.
After suffering only a second league defeat of 2022 in their last domestic outing against Manchester United, Jonas Eidevall's team were back to their best with a composed display against the Toffees at Meadow Park. They created chances throughout only to lack a clinical edge.
It took a stunning effort from Miedema to open the scoring in the 23rd minute to give Arsenal a dream start after a tough couple of weeks. Although she scored the crucial equaliser against Juventus last week, this was her first domestic strike since the 4-0 win over Spurs in September.
The Gunners hadn't lost back-to-back home games in the WSL in over six years and in truth never looked like doing so against Brian Sorensen's Everton, who rarely troubled the penalty area. They had the added bonus of England captain Leah Williamson returning to action following a foot injury, starting on the bench before coming on in the 68th minute to a superb ovation.
Arsenal had numerous chances, particularly after the interval but poor finishing and a decent defensive display from Everton meant they were never able to get breathing space. The three points means the Gunners maintain pace with Manchester United who won earlier on Saturday, with league leaders Chelsea later thrashing Leicester.
Arsenal first threatened when Stina Blackstenius got in behind the Toffees' defence to send a teasing ball across the face of goal that couldn't quite find a red shirt. With the visitors reluctant to come out of their deep defensive shape, the Gunners dominated the ball.
And the first real time Miedema got free in the penalty area she found the breakthrough. Taking a Caitlin Foord pass, the Dutch star twisted and turned to turn two Everton defenders and curl a wonderful effort beyond Emily Ramsey into the top corner.
The goal ensured Miedema has still yet to go five WSL games without a goal, coming into this one on the back of four without finding the net. Ramsey had to be alert to prevent Arsenal going two up only minutes later, getting down low to keep out Foord at her near post.
Stina Blackstenius also tested the Everton keeper and the returning Jen Beattie should have scored from close range, as the Gunners continued to dominate the first 45. At the other end, Katja Snoeijs missed Everton's best chance of the half, firing just over the bar after the Toffees won the ball high up the pitch.
Jess Park forced Manuela Zinsberger into her first real save of the game just after the break, but Arsenal quickly re-established their control. Katie McCabe went close volleying over after good work from Steph Catley as Eidevall's team looked to put the game to bed.
Beattie went close before Williamson made her 200th appearance for the club to a rapturous reception from the Arsenal faithful. Foord forced a brilliant save from Ramsey when played in by Miedema in the dying minutes but thankfully it didn't prove costly for the Gunners.
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