Issy Hobson wrote herself into Everton history as her stoppage-time header secured a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at a sold-out Walton Hall Park on Sunday.

At 16 years and 180 days old, the lifelong Evertonian wheeled away in celebration to become the WSL’s youngest-ever goalscorer and secured the Blues' first point against the Gunners since 2012.

Resolute defending from the hosts saw them enter the break level with the London outfit, who had the game brought to them after the interval.

Despite amassing several shots on goal, the misfiring Gunners struggled to make the all-important break, with the Toffees’ immovable backline gaining plaudits. With ten minutes remaining, Alessia Russo fired into an empty net after Courtney Brosnan made a fine save initially.

In the dying seconds, a dangerous corner orchestrated by Sara Holmgaard was flicked across the box by Beth Mead. A battle to the ball ensued, with Hobson towering above the Arsenal defence to loop the ball over the ‘keeper and into the back of the net to secure a historic point against the North Londoners.

Head coach Brian Sørensen made three changes to the side that claimed an impressive 2-1 win over Brighton on the south coast last time out. Emma Bissell and Sara Holmgaard replaced the injured Aurora Galli and Hanna Bennison. Kathrine Kühl was ineligible to play against her parent club, with Martina Piemonte making the starting XI.

The visitors commenced the tie on the front foot and conjured up their first attempt inside nine minutes as Brosnan came to the rescue to deny Stina Blackstenius on the left-hand side of the area.

The Blues responded and were inches away from opening the deadlock on 19 minutes. The Holmgaard twins combined identically to the winning goal at Brighton last week. Sara Holmgaard whipped in an inch-perfect cross from a corner on the right, met at the far-post by Karen Holmgaard. The Dane’s header crashed against the crossbar before dropping to Justine Vanhaevermaet. The Belgian won the resulting aerial battle but could not force the ball home through several red shirts on the line.

On the stroke of half-time, Victoria Pelova flashed a half-volley just past the target. A deflected pass saw the ball fall to the 24-year-old, who adapted rapidly to fire the ball narrowly wide on the edge of the box.

Arsenal threatened on 55 minutes as Pelova was in the thick of the action once more. A sweeping team move saw Mead lay the ball off to Katie McCabe down the left. Upon reaching the by-line, the full-back crossed low into the area, where Pelova was perfectly positioned. The midfielder squandered the rare opportunity and dragged her effort wide, though.

Everton bravely defended the waves of attacks from the London outfit as Brosnan denied Emily Fox on the hour mark. Caitlin Foord burst down the left before pulling it back to the American, who set herself but failed to beat the shot-stopper.

The deadlock was finally broken on 80 minutes as Russo tapped into any empty net after Brosnan made an excellent save to deny Mead's initial effort.

The hosts fought back, and were rewarded for their strong display on home soil when Hobson’s looping header rifled into the back of the net. 

The Academy graduate became the youngest Everton Women goalscorer in almost 14 years since Nikita Parris scored against Borec in the Women's Champions League in August 2010 (16 years, 150 days).

Sørensen’s side face Tottenham Hotspur next in the final home game of the season on Saturday 4 May (12pm BST).

By Ross Hughes