- Mary Fowler scored the late goal for Manchester City
- Defense Alanna Kennedy had a game to forget
- City recorded their first WSL defeat against Everton
Matildas ace Mary Fowler scored a late penalty but it was not enough to provide a perfect Christmas present for Manchester City, who squandered a glorious opportunity to gain ground on Women’s Super League champions Chelsea heading into the holidays. of Christmas.
Fowler’s 88th-minute penalty, which he fired straight down the middle through goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan’s reach, gave City late hope on Sunday, but it still proved too late as Everton beat City, surprisingly, for the first time. time in history. WSL.
City’s shock 2-1 defeat made for a miserable afternoon for both of their Matildas, with Fowler largely anonymous for most of the rest of the match in an unusual central attacking role replacing the injured Khadija Shaw, while Alanna Kennedy simply had a match to forget.
The experienced central defender was caught hopelessly out of position for Lucy Hope’s headed goal after 31 minutes, and again stared helplessly at the heart of her defense when Honoka Hayashi scored the second eight minutes later.
His display led manager Gareth Taylor to replace Kennedy at half-time.
Fowler scored her third league goal of the season, and second in consecutive weeks, from the penalty spot after Karoline Olesen hauled in Yui Hasegawa, but it proved to be just a consolation.
Mary Fowler scored from a penalty, but Manchester City lost 2-1
Matildas star Alanna Kennedy had a game to forget and was substituted at half-time
Everton’s victory dealt a blow to City’s hopes after Chelsea had opened the door at the top by drawing 1-1 with lowly Leicester the previous day, and Fowler’s side are still six points behind the champions. ahead of the Christmas holidays.
For another Matilda, Everton midfield stalwart Clare Wheeler was, however, a welcome touch of respite in a difficult season, as she made a huge turn in the Toffees’ second league win of the season.
All three of Arsenal’s Matildas – Caitlin Foord, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Steph Catley – were involved in the Gunners’ hard-earned 1-0 win at Liverpool, which puts them third, just one point behind City.
Alessio Russo gave the visitors a first-half lead and some good work from Foord on the right flank helped Arsenal win a penalty before the break, only for Mariona Caldentey to send Australian goalkeeper Teagan Micah the wrong way by hitting the post
Defeat dealt a blow to Manchester City’s hopes of winning the WSL
Manchester United trail Arsenal on goal difference after Grace Clinton’s goal in first-half stoppage time gave them a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace.
Dario Vidosic’s Brighton are fifth after their 1-1 draw with sixth-placed Tottenham on Saturday, while Katrina Gorry’s assist for Viviane Asseyi’s goal proved in vain in West Ham’s 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa, which leaves the Hammers in tenth place of the 12 teams.
Chelsea continue to play without Matildas star Sam Kerr, who is still recovering from a torn ACL.