In a stunning upset that will be remembered for years to come, Everton women secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over city rivals Liverpool in the final Women’s Super League Merseyside derby to be played at the historic Goodison Park stadium. The win, which came courtesy of a controversial Katja Snoeijs penalty, could prove pivotal in the relegation battle and will give the blue half of Merseyside bragging rights for the foreseeable future.
Controversial Penalty Decides Derby
The match’s defining moment came in the first half when Everton’s Honoka Hayashi was tripped by Liverpool’s Fuka Nagano just outside the penalty area. Despite the contact clearly occurring outside the box, referee Abigail Byrne pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of the Liverpool players and bench.
With no video assistant referee (VAR) in the WSL, the decision stood, and Everton’s Dutch striker Katja Snoeijs calmly slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah to give her side a precious lead. It was a lead they would not relinquish, despite Liverpool’s best efforts in the second half.
Liverpool’s Missed Opportunities
The Reds had their chances to equalize, particularly early in the second half when Fuka Nagano collected a cross from Olivia Smith and fired towards goal, only to be denied twice by the impressive Courtney Brosnan in the Everton net. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, Liverpool could not find a way through the resolute Everton defense.
We knew it would be a battle, and the girls showed immense character to hang on for the win. This is a historic moment for the club, and I couldn’t be more proud of the team.
– Everton manager Brian Sørensen
A Crucial Win in the Relegation Battle
The victory, Everton’s first of the campaign, lifts them off the bottom of the WSL table and into 9th place, providing a much-needed boost in their fight against relegation. For Liverpool, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, as they remain in 6th place, six points adrift of the teams above them.
Manchester United Keep Champions League Hopes Alive
Elsewhere in the WSL, Manchester United kept their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Women’s Champions League alive with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Leicester City. After a run of three consecutive draws, the victory was a welcome relief for Marc Skinner’s side.
United took the lead in the first half through a powerful header from Elisabeth Terland, before Celin Bizet capitalized on a defensive error to double their advantage in the second period. The win moves United up to 5th place, with a game in hand on many of the teams above them.
Villa’s Late Show Stuns Palace
In the day’s early kickoff, Aston Villa staged a dramatic comeback to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Villa Park. After falling behind to a My Cato strike, Villa responded through goals from Anna Patten and Rachel Daly to lead at the break.
Palace looked to have snatched a point when Annabel Blanchard equalized in the 86th minute, but Villa’s summer signing Ebony Salmon had the final say, turning brilliantly on the edge of the box before lashing home a stunning winner in the dying moments.
A Season-Defining Weekend?
As the WSL season enters its final stages, every point becomes crucial, and this weekend’s results could have a significant bearing on the fates of several teams. For Everton, their historic win over Liverpool could be the catalyst for a great escape, while Manchester United’s victory keeps them in the hunt for a coveted Champions League spot.
With twists and turns at both ends of the table, the WSL is set for a thrilling conclusion. As the old saying goes, it’s not over until the final whistle blows, and if this weekend’s action is anything to go by, there will be plenty more drama to come before the season’s end.
