Arsenal moved up to second in the WSL table after beating Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park.
Both sides exchanged three goals in a tense four-minute spell as Katie McCabe, Honoka Hayashi and Alessia Russo exchanged strikes before Olivier Smith’s late volley earned the three points for René Slegers’ side.
Everton went into the game looking to end their home winless streak in the league, but also buoyed by their stunning win over Chelsea last weekend as they looked for another turnaround.
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Katie McCabe scores a stunning goal for the Gunners to open the scoring at Goodison Park
However, the Gunners dominated the early stages and deservedly took the lead in style. Mariona Caldentei saw her initial effort cleared off the line by Hikaru Kitagawa, but that allowed McCabe to find the bottom corner with a half-volley to set off a goal-filled spell.
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Honoka Hayashi equalized for Everton at 1-1 against Arsenal
Hayashi would do better with Everton’s first try of the game, curling a shot from range beyond Aneka Borba, but Rousseau would restore the lead moments later in fortuitous fashion.
Kim Little’s errant volley ricocheted off the striker’s chest and while Courtney Brosnan appeared to have done enough to make a save – only for Caitlin Foord to head home – replays showed the ball had already gone over the line.
Everton would continue to pose little threat as Arsenal saw the game out, but not before former Liverpool star Smith volleyed past Brosnan to seal the game for the visitors.
There was also a moment to enjoy for Leah Williamson who received a standing ovation from both sets of fans as the England captain made her first appearance since the Euro 2025 finals after recovering from an ACL injury.
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Olivia Smith scores Arsenal’s third against Everton at Goodison Park, all but securing three points for the Gunners
Ahead of Sunday’s VSL fixtures, it means the Gunners will temporarily move into second place in the VSL table, while Everton remain ninth and extend their home winless streak to five games.
Rousseau: Winter break comes at a bad time
Arsenal’s Alessia Russo speaking with Ski Sports:
“Even I thought that was Caitlin Ford’s goal so let’s share it!”
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Arsenal are back in front of Goodison Park after a rich opening 15 minutes!
“It’s all about finding space. It’s so difficult for teams in this league sometimes. Everyone does it differently. Any chance to make half a yard, whether it’s in front of the back line or behind it, I’ll take it.
“I want to be in the box, but sometimes if it’s a cross or the start of an attack, I don’t mind. I try to create space and we have players who can fill the nine roles if I drop deep.”
On the return of Kim Little: “First off the court, she’s a leader and does everything to the highest standard. On the court, she’s so consistent. She’s like a brick wall. I hate coaching against her. When she’s on my team, I’m very happy. It’s huge to have her back and she’s very important to our team.”
During winter break: “It’s going to be pretty nice! But when you’re playing and winning, you don’t want that break in the action. We’ve got two games left now that we want to win, and then we can have some time off with friends and family.”
‘Big moment in Arsenal’s season’
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers speaking with Ski Sports:
“This is a big moment for us. A short turnaround with a lot of games. We had to work hard for the first two wins in this block and we knew what Everton did against Chelsea and they can make it difficult for us.
“I’m happy with the control we had today from a possession perspective. I’m happy with how we handled things with our high press, because they ask a lot of questions of the rotations and are very bold in the way they play the ball.”
Olivia Smith celebrates after scoring Arsenal’s third goal at Everton
“I am pleased with our courage and counter-pressing. We were able to put attacks together. The intensity may have dropped at certain moments, but we managed to fix it with the changes in the game.
“You see one of them scored that third goal for us which was important like to keep it 2-1, they only need one chance. I’m happy with a lot of things.”
Sorensen: Everton everywhere in the opener
Everton boss Brian Sorensen speaking with Ski Sports:
“Arsenal started really well. I’ve said it a few times before, they’re the best team in the division when they get level and they certainly did that in the first 30 minutes.
“We knew if we could stay in the game, we’d have moments to come back. We didn’t capitalize on that enough in the second half. Sometimes there’s no shame in losing to a better team.”
“It was a good response to the first goal, but unfortunately they scored straight after that. We were a bit versatile in those first 20 minutes. We have to improve there.”