Everton began their 2021/22 Barclays FA Women’s Super League campaign with a 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Three goals inside 12 minutes in the first half gave the Blues a mountain to climb and a free-kick fired in from Steph Houghton midway through the second period squashed any hopes of a comeback.

Five of Everton’s new signings started the game, two of which linked up early on for an opportunity to take the lead. Anna Anvegard found Kenza Dali inside the area, who turned and shot towards goal but her effort dragged wide of the left-hand post.

Both sides were mounting pressure whilst in possession and Rikke Sevecke almost caught City goalkeeper Karima Taieb out after 17 minutes. The Danish defender swung a ball in from the right and it looked set to arrive in the top-left corner but went just wide.

Two minutes later, Anvegard regained possession from the City defence and fired a powerful strike towards the bottom left corner but Taieb stretched to meet it to deny the Swede.

City found their opener after 26 minutes. Vicky Losada was provided the ball inside the area and hammered a powerful shot into the net.

Everton looked to get back into the game and a superb tackle from Gabby George – when she gained possession from former Toffees teammate Hayley Raso inside the penalty box – lifted the crowd and sent the Blues back on the attack.

However, that momentum was lost when City doubled their lead on on 36 minutes. Janine Beckie was awarded too much time and space outside the area and expertly placed the ball into the bottom left corner

A third goal followed two minutes later when Raso played the ball across to Khadija Shaw, who slotted home from close range.

Everton almost pulled one back early in the second half, with Dan Turner's low, driven free-kick forcing a fine save from Taieb.

It was City who were to strike again, however, and they netted their fourth on 67 minutes when Houghton curled in a 20-yard effort.

It was a difficult afternoon for Willie Kirk's side, who had an impressive pre-season campaign leading into the opening league fixture.

The team will dust themselves off and turn their focus to a clash at league champions Chelsea next weekend.