Everton suffered a 4-0 defeat on Wednesday night as Manchester City ran out winners in the Barclays FA Women’s Super League contest at Academy Stadium.
Two goals in each half condemned the Blues to defeat in Manchester.
Chris Roberts made four changes to the side that played against City just three days prior – Simone Magill, Claire Emslie, Leonie Maier, and Hanna Bennison all came into the starting line-up.
Everton conceded few chances and were organised in defence in the opening part of the encounter, but a slice of misfortune on 23 minutes saw the hosts take the lead - Caroline Weir’s in-swinging corner inadvertently bouncing off the hip of the unlucky forward Magill into the net.
The Blues continued to keep their shape against a strong City attack and kept opportunities to a premium, but the home side doubled their lead through White on the half hour when England right-back Lucy Bronze crossed for the striker to finish.
Winger Emslie was Everton’s bright attacking spark in the first half and the Scottish winger registered the Blues’ first shot on target nine minutes before the interval, cutting inside and firing a left-footed effort on target but Ellie Roebuck was equal to it.
The Scot had showcased some tricky play before whipping a dangerous cross into the box, which just evaded Magill.
Interim manager Roberts introduced Izzy Christiansen and Poppy Pattinson from the bench just before the hour mark - and the latter was involved immediately in an Everton attack.
The left-back burst into space and linked up with Sweden international Bennison, whose teasing delivery just missed Emslie at the far post.
Everton continued to defend stubbornly whilst also trying to exploit City spaces when attacking, and on 80 minutes, substitute Kenza Dali drove forward from midfield, before laying the ball into the path of Lucy Graham, but the ball agonisingly got away from the Scot.
City put the game beyond all reasonable doubt four minutes later when Alex Greenwood turned home Lauren Hemp’s cut back, after the home side had kept a corner alive in the box.
Just moments later it was 4-0 – Laura Coombs powering past Sandy MacIver in the Everton goal.
Everton will next face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday in the WSL.
