WSL: Toone at the double, Brighton and Hammers stalemate
Per PA Media
Ella Toone’s double helped Manchester United come from behind to beat Everton 4-1 in the Women’s Super League.
United fell 1-0 behind 10 minutes into the match when Katja Snoeijs capitalised on a poor backpass to fire the Toffees in front.However, Marc Skinner’s side responded after the break with three goals in eight minutes, with Millie Turner heading them level and Toone scoring twice before Leah Galton wrapped the game up in the 90th minute.
Three points sees United reclaim fourth spot in the table, where they are now six points behind Arsenal in the race for a Champions League spot.
Elsewhere, Brighton climbed into eighth in the table after their clash with West Ham finished goalless. Riko Ueki had the best chance of the first half for the Hammers after heading wide at the back post and they nearly broke the deadlock after the break when Honoka Hayashi was denied by a superb save from Sophie Baggaley before Madison Haley went close for Brighton.
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Manchester United have now moved back up to fourth in the WSL table, two points above Liverpool. Meanwhile, Everton remain in 10th.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City Women | 18 | 37 | 46 |
| 2 | Chelsea Women | 17 | 36 | 43 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 17 | 19 | 37 |
| 4 | Man Utd Women | 18 | 16 | 31 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC Women | 18 | 1 | 29 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 17 | -6 | 25 |
| 7 | Aston Villa Women | 18 | -13 | 20 |
| 8 | Leicester Women | 18 | -11 | 17 |
| 9 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 17 | -15 | 17 |
| 10 | Everton Women | 18 | -18 | 15 |
| 11 | West Ham Women | 17 | -18 | 12 |
| 12 | Bristol City Women | 17 | -28 | 6 |
A look at Turner’s equaliser…
Here is what kicked off Manchester United’s impressive turnaround.
Rising highest for @ManUtdWomen, @MillieTurner_!#BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/xRebgHlh7I
— Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) March 31, 2024
Ella Toone has become the first Manchester United player to score 50 goals for the women’s team.
Achievement unlocked 🔓@EllaToone99's first goal made her the first #MUWomen player to reach a half-century of goals ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/NADJcoXBzG
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) March 31, 2024
It would be fair to say that Everton dominated the first half, with Manchester United lacklustre in every area of the pitch – especially the defensive third. However, it was one-way traffic after the break.
The hosts had complete control and turned the game on its head in a matter of minutes thanks to goals from Millie Turner, Ella Toone and Leah Galton.
If they play like that against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final after the international break, they have a real chance of making it to Wembley.
Full-time: Manchester United 4-1 Everton
Following an outstanding second-half turnaround, Manchester United take all three points!
90+5 min: Everton have a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Galli steps up to take but fires her shot into the Manchester United wall and the ball runs behind for a corner. Nothing comes of the set-piece, with the hosts winning a goal kick.
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90+3 min: Seven minutes of added time have been added on. Just before the goal, Hinata Miyazawa was introduced on her return from injury to replace García.
90+1 min: Toone makes a run forward with the ball before passing to Williams, who sends it on to Galton. The midfielder is given plenty of time and space to fire her shot into the bottom-right corner, killing any remaining hopes of a last-gasp Everton comeback.
GOAL! Manchester United 4-1 Everton (Galton, 90)
Galton gets United’s fourth to cap off an outstanding second-half performance!
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89 min: Huge chance for Everton to get one back! A corner is sent into the box and Piemonte brings it down before shooting on the half-turn. She forces Earps into an excellent save on the line before the ball is eventually cleared.
87 min: Toone goes for the hat-trick as the ball falls to her on the edge of the box following an attempted clearance from K.Holmgaard. The midfielder attempts an audacious volley, but it flies well over the crossbar.
85 min: Everton look to push forward as Piemonte receives the ball on the right, but as she tries to run she is held back by Turner and the visitors are awarded a free kick.
The ball is sent into the box, but United can clear the danger with ease.
83 min: Manchester United have a corner. Zelem crosses it into the box, but the referee spots a foul and Everton are awarded a free kick.
80 min: It’s been a very quiet half for Earps. The goalkeeper has barely had any work to do. Manchester United have done well to limit Everton’s attacking threat since half-time.
78 min: Another two changes for Everton as Payne makes way for Emma Bissell and Sara Holmgaard replaces Stenevik.
76 min: García receives the ball in midfield and make a run to the edge of the penalty area. Instead of looking for a team-mate she goes for goal with the outside of her right boot, but Brosnan can calmly make the save.
73 min: Manchester United are next to make two changes as Rachel Williams and Leah Galton replace Parris and Geyse.
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71 min: Everton make a triple change as Kühl is replaced by Katrine Veje. Vanhaevermaet has made way for Karen Holmgaard and Martina Piemonte has replaced Bennison.
69 min: I would love to know what Marc Skinner said to his players at half-time because this is like watching a completely different team! Sharp, direct and playing with a very high intensity.
66 min: Naalsund provides the assist for Toone this time, putting the ball across goal for the midfielder to tap it in.
After the poor first-half performance from United, this is certainly some way to respond!
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GOAL! Manchester United 3-1 Everton (Toone, 65)
United get a third, Toone strikes again!
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64 min: Momentum is certainly swinging in United’s favour now. Given Everton’s goalscoring record in the league this season it is difficult to see how they could get back into this game, especially if the hosts keep up this intensity.
61 min: Manchester United pile into the box as a cross is sent in. Geyse receives it on the right before squaring it to Toone in the middle. The England star scuffs her first shot but quickly manages to get another away, slotting the ball into the bottom-right corner.
GOAL! Manchester United 2-1 Everton (Toone, 60)
And just like that, Manchester United take the lead!
58 min: A cross is sent into the box and Turner rises above Vanhaevermaet to head the ball pass Brosnan and into the net!
A member of Everton’s technical staff is booked following the goal, but it is currently unclear why.
GOAL! Manchester United 1-1 Everton (Turner, 57)
There it is! It’s been coming. Manchester United are back level!
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56 min: Brosnan has certainly been kept busy so far in the second half! She is challenged again by Naalsund, who goes for goal from the edge of the box. The goalkeeper manages to get across her line to make a fantastic save!
54 min: Another big chance for the hosts as a cross is sent into the box. García goes for goal with a header but the ball flies over. United are really piling on the pressure now.
52 min: Chance for Manchester United as García picks up the ball from a congested midfield area before driving forward. Finnigan gets back to block the angle for the shot, forcing the Spaniard backwards. But the pass is intercepted and cleared by Vanhaevermaet.
50 min: Everton suffer quite the fright as a cross is sent into the penalty area. Brosnan goes to catch it but pulls away at the last second. The ball bounces off Vanhaevermaet and into the six-yard box but the goalkeeper reacts quickly to claim it.
48 min: Geyse makes a blistering run down the right before driving the ball across the box, but it flies behind for a goal kick. A positive start to this second half from Manchester United.
47 min: Manchester United start the second half on the front foot, pressing high. García looks to make a run down the left but Galli manages to make the tackle after tracking back.
Kick-off: Manchester United 0-1 Everton
We’re back under way!
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Manchester United will be very disappointed with that first-half performance. Some players looked defeated even before the half-hour mark. There appears to be a lack of urgency with the team already one goal down.
As for Everton, manager Brian Sørensen will be thrilled. The visitors have frustrated United throughout with the likes of Stenevik, Finnigan and Snoeijs all impressing.
Half-time: Manchester United 0-1 Everton
The visitors have the advantage at the break.
45+1 min: Everton have a free kick in a dangerous area. Galli sends it into the box but the ball somehow creeps through at least six players and out for a goal kick.
We’re into two minutes of added time.
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42 min: Big chance for Manchester United as Geyse wins the ball from Stenevik in a dangerous area. The Brazilian drives into the box and attempts a shot from close range, but Brosnan makes a fantastic save.
This battle between Geyse and Stenevik has been brilliant to watch so far!
41 min: This has been a great first-half performance from Everton. The visitors have managed to frustrate Manchester United, making it difficult for them in possession, especially in midfield.
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39 min: Geyse works her way into the box but Stenevik manages to make the tackle and draw a foul from the United winger.
37 min: United have a corner. Toone crosses the ball into the box and finds Turner, who heads it towards goal. Her effort is directed off-target, Le Tissier attempts to deflect it towards goal but can’t get there.
34 min: Toone receives the ball in midfield and finds García on the left, who looks to cut inside. Wheeler is there to intercept, sending it out for a corner. The first set-piece is sent straight into the box and out again for another corner, but the second is passed short to Parris. The striker plays it back out to García, who looks to cross it into the penalty area, but Everton win a free kick following a foul from Turner.
31 min: United have a corner which is sent into the box by Zelem. Brosnan manages to catch the ball on her line before colliding with the post. She appeals to the referee for a foul by claiming she was pushed, but nothing is given.
28 min: Manchester United look to move forward as Geyse makes a run into the box. She receives the ball but is dispossessed by Finnigan. Everton look to clear but it only goes as far as Toone, who travels back into the penalty area. The midfielder goes for the cross but it is intercepted and the ball goes behind for a corner.
Zelem steps up to take and crosses it into the box, but Brosnan is there to claim.
25 min: A poor touch from Naalsund sees the ball intercepted by Kühl, who looks to make a run into the box. However, the midfielder’s touch is far too heavy and Le Tissier can win back possession and make the clearance.
22 min: Everton almost capitalise on another Manchester United error! This time, Earps’ pass out from the back is intercepted by Snoeijs. The striker sets it to Kühl, who goes for goal but her shot flies past the post. A big let-off for the hosts.
20 min: Stenevik goes to ground following a challenge from Geyse and Everton win a free kick in midfield, which is played backwards. Luckily for the visitors, the 24-year-old is able to continue.
17 min: Toone receives the ball in midfield before travelling forward and unleashing an audacious shot from distance, which flies well over the target.
Mannion then wins possession on the halfway line following the goal-kick. She plays it to Geyse, who makes a rapid run forward before shooting, but Finnigan makes the interception.
16 min: A win today would be absolutely huge for the visitors. Brian Sørensen’s side have been excellent so far.
14 min: Earps was absolutely furious with that defensive error, and understandably so. No fault of the goalkeeper, just sloppy from the players in front of her.
11 min: It’s a howler from United! Turner passes the ball to Le Tissier in defence, who looks to play it back to Earps but her pass is far too short and Snoeijs intercepts before slotting into an empty net. Advantage Everton.
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GOAL! Manchester United 0-1 Everton (Snoeijs, 10)
A huge error from Le Tissier is punished by Snoeijs! Everton take the lead!
7 min: Everton head straight to the other end of the pitch and Kühl goes for goal from distance, firing her shot just wide. Not a bad effort from the midfielder.
6 min: First chance of the game as Wheeler’s heavy touch falls straight to Naalsund, who passes the ball to Parris. The striker goes for goal but her effort flies wide.
3 min: Toone sends the ball out to Geyse on the right, who looks to cut inside but Finnigan lunges in to make the tackle and it runs out for a corner. Nothing comes of the set piece as Everton can clear.
1 min: Everton kick off the game by sending the ball long to Kühl, but Mannion is there to clear it. A bit of a scrappy opening minute as both teams find their feet.
Kick-off
We’re in for a cracking (Easter pun intended) afternoon here at Leigh Sports Village!
The teams are out and we’re just a few minutes away from kick-off! Don’t forget you can message in at any time with your thoughts on the game.
Elsewhere in the WSL this weekend
Aston Villa 2-2 Leicester City
Liverpool 1-4 Manchester City
West Ham vs Brighton
Arsenal, Chelsea, Bristol and Tottenham are not in WSL action this weekend due to the Continental Cup final, which takes place tomorrow.
Sarina Wiegman named her latest 23-woman squad this week ahead of England’s upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers against Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. Captain Leah Williamson returns to the squad following her recent injury setback.
Manchester United stars Mary Earps, Millie Turner and Ella Toone have all been included, while Maya Le Tissier, Katie Zelem and Nikita Parris miss out.
England fans, what are your thoughts? Are there any omissions that deserved to be included? And how do you think the Lionesses will fare in qualifying? Feel free to send me a message!
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If Manchester United win or draw this afternoon, they will move back above Liverpool in the WSL table. Marc Skinner’s side slipped down to fifth last weekend for the first time this season following Saturday’s defeat to Manchester City.
As for Everton, a win today will see them move above both Leicester and Brighton up to eighth in the table.
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Man City Women | 18 | 37 | 46 |
| 2 | Chelsea Women | 17 | 36 | 43 |
| 3 | Arsenal Women | 17 | 19 | 37 |
| 4 | Liverpool FC Women | 18 | 1 | 29 |
| 5 | Man Utd Women | 17 | 13 | 28 |
| 6 | Tottenham Hotspur Women | 17 | -6 | 25 |
| 7 | Aston Villa Women | 18 | -13 | 20 |
| 8 | Leicester Women | 18 | -11 | 17 |
| 9 | Brighton & Hove Albion Women | 17 | -15 | 17 |
| 10 | Everton Women | 17 | -15 | 15 |
| 11 | West Ham Women | 17 | -18 | 12 |
| 12 | Bristol City Women | 17 | -28 | 6 |
Marc Skinner has made one change to the line-up that started against Manchester City last weekend, with Aoife Mannion replacing Jayde Riviere in defence.
Meanwhile, Elise Stenevik returns for Everton following her one-match suspension.
Team news
Manchester United starting XI: Mary Earps; Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, Aoife Mannion, Hannah Blundell; Katie Zelem (C), Lisa Naalsund, Ella Toone; Lucía García, Nikita Parris, Geyse. Substitutes: Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Gemma Evans, Evie Rabjohn, Leah Galton, Irene Guerrero, Hayley Ladd, Hinata Miyazawa, Melvine Malard, Rachel Williams.
🥁 Representing the Reds on Easter Sunday... 🔴#MUWomen || #BarclaysWSL
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) March 31, 2024
Everton starting XI: Courtney Brosnan; Aurora Galli, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Megan Finnigan (C), Elise Stenevik; Kathrine Kühl, Heather Payne, Clare Wheeler, Hanna Bennison, Lucy Hope; Katja Snoeijs. Substitutes: Emily Ramsey, Katrine Veje, Toni Duggan, Emma Bissell, Eleanor Dale, Martina Piemonte, Sara Holmgaard, Karen Holmgaard, Isabella Hobson.
✊ #MUNEVE team news is in! #BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/z9XxpJuvav
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) March 31, 2024
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Preamble
Hello hello and welcome to coverage of this afternoon’s WSL clash between Manchester United and Everton. Both teams were unsatisfied with their respective results last weekend. United fell to a 3-1 defeat to neighbours Manchester City while Everton were held to a 0-0 draw by Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Marc Skinner’s side faced further disappointment when they slipped down to fifth in the league table for the first time this season.
Everton have scored the fewest goals in the WSL this season (14) but they gave Liverpool quite the fright in the latter stages of last Sunday’s match. Brian Sørensen’s team will feel they can get a result today against a Manchester United side that is very low in confidence.
Kick off is at 12pm BST - don’t miss it!
