Everton suffered a 3-1 defeat against WSL league leaders Arsenal Women at Southport FC’s Pure Stadium despite a late rally and consolation goal from Chloe Kelly.
WSL top scorer Vivianne Miedema scored either side of captain Kim Little’s penalty, before Kelly scored a 78th-minute strike.
Arsenal took the lead in the 14th minute when the ever-dangerous Miedema nodded them in front. Little broke free down the right before picking out Miedema in the box, with the Dutch international's header looping over Tinja Korpela and into the top corner.
Arsenal’s Beth Mead was then taken off injured seven minutes before half time and the injury seemed to take the wind out of the visitors' sails and the hosts managed to put some sustained pressure on the Arsenal defence before the break.
In the 45th minute Inessa Kaagman, Everton’s brightest spark in the first period, played the ball into Maeva Clemaron’s path whose cross was collected by Manuela Zinsberger with Hannah Cain waiting to pounce in the area.
Arsenal hit their stride in the early parts of the second half grabbing two quick fires goals in as many minutes.
Making no mistake about that one, @Chloe_Kelly98!
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) December 15, 2019
The @EvertonWomen forward struck home with pace and precision! 💥 pic.twitter.com/hQEL7ovHT6
Ten minutes into the second period Little was fouled in the box and she picked herself up to slot the resulting penalty home to double Arsenal’s lead. Two minutes later the North London side made it three and it was the unstoppable Miedema yet again making the difference. The Dutch international found herself free at the back post to tap home Leonie Maier’s cross.
Everton top scorer Kelly pulled a goal back for the hosts with 12 minutes left on the clock. The winger found herself in space on the edge of the Arsenal box and fired the ball into the bottom corner of Zinsberger’s goal.
The goal gave Everton renewed confidence and a final push made it a nervy finish for Arsenal but the league leaders held on to end the year with victory.
Kirk’s side face West Ham United next in WSL action on Sunday 5 January (3pm kick-off) in their first match of 2020, with the team now enjoying a two-week break over the festive period.
