Everton 1-4 Arsenal: Gunners win to consolidate top-three spot in WSL

Caitlin Foord marked her full return from injury with two goals in a comfortable victory over Everton to boost Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

Arsenal were already 4-0 up at the break thanks to Foord’s quick double.

Katie McCabe struck from long range and Lotte Wubben-Moy headed in the fourth.

Jonas Eidevall’s side, who sit third in the Women’s Super League (WSL) table, three points clear of Manchester City, showed their ruthless streak in the first half.

It was the second game in a row they have scored four goals and they go into the final two matches of the season knowing European qualification is in their hands.

However, there was concern for key midfielder Walti, who signed a new contract last week, when Beever-Jones was late in a challenge early in the second half and had her yellow card upgraded to a straight red after discussions among the officials.

Everton faced a tall order and were unable to mount a serious comeback, though Katja Snoeijs headed in a late goal as they suffered a second successive defeat, shipping 11 goals in the process.

Arsenal give harsh lesson to Everton

Knowing title challengers and recent FA Cup winners Chelsea are up next for Arsenal, they could not afford to drop points at Everton in the race for Champions League qualification.

They held third spot only on goal difference before Wednesday night, and knew this game in hand would give them an advantage should they pick up all three points.

They had to remain patient in the early stages as Everton controlled possession but did not test goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger.

But as Everton became increasingly vulnerable when playing out from the back, Arsenal took advantage, Foord guiding Noelle Maritz’s cross into the bottom corner for the opener.

McCabe’s long-range stunner made it 2-0 before Foord quickly added a third, heading in the rebound after goalkeeper Emily Ramsey denied Stina Blackstenius.

Before Everton had chance to regroup, they were 4-0 down thanks to Wubben-Moy’s header from a set-piece.

Brian Sorensen’s side were forced to dig in after Beever-Jones’ sending-off and were rewarded for their endeavour with Snoeijs’ late header, but victory was already Arsenal’s.

It was familiar tale for Everton, who have improved this season under manager Sorensen but still lack goals to add to their fluent possession play.

They will finish the season mid-table, but have been given harsh lessons by the league’s elite in Chelsea and Arsenal this month.

Injuries continue to mount for Arsenal

Arsenal have had a terrible season with injuries, losing several key players to long-term issues, including four anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injuries.

Their injury list includes captain Kim Little, England skipper Leah Williamson and top goalscorers Vivianne Miedema and Beth Mead.

Foord was making her first start since 2 April after returning from an injury at Walton Hall Park, but as Arsenal welcomed one back, they lost another.

Switzerland midfielder Walti, who has featured in 18 of the Gunners’ 20 WSL games this season, received lengthy treatment before having her leg strapped and being stretchered off.

Everton’s Beever-Jones was in tears as she left the pitch following her red-card challenge.

This latest injury blow for Arsenal comes 13 days after defender Laura Wienroither sustained an ACL injury in their Champions League semi-final defeat by Wolfsburg.

That Arsenal are still leading the challenge for third place is testament to their ability to adapt this season, though Walti’s injury could seriously harm the end of their campaign.