Ladies Beaten By League Leaders ArsenalEverton Ladies' interim manager Jen Herst insists she was proud of her players despite a 4-0 loss to league leaders Arsenal.
Goals from Danielle Van De Donk, Jordan Nobbs and a pair from Vivienne Miedema meant to the score line looked like a comfortable win for the visitors.
But the Toffees caught the eye with their own display, particularly goalkeeper Kirstie Levell who pulled off a number of excellent saves throughout.
Herst believes the squad can take plent of positives from the game as they look climb up the Women’s Super League table.
“Kirstie was fantastic and kept us in the game on a couple of occasions,” she said. “But then I thought the players in front of her were brilliant too. We defended really well throughout.
“It is never a good time to concede, just before half time. But we kept our heads up and kept trying.
“We knew that Arsenal were going to be a tough test but we focused on working hard and being together and I saw that today.
“I’m pleased with the performance. The score line was harsh. I thought we defended well for large periods and we stuck to the game plan really well. We put in a lot of effort.
“We are proud of the performance. We just need to keep together and keep building.”
Everton were resolute and determined throughout a first half that saw the visitors dominate but the hosts offer a threat on the counterattack.
Levell was in fine form to deny Nobbs, Katie McCabe and Miedema with show reel saves but her resistance was broken a minute before the break.
Arsenal’s Dutch international midfielder Van De Donk had enough time and space to lash the ball home off the underside of the bar.
However, that lead was extended in a lightening start to the second period by the Gunners.
First Nobbs tucked home from close range before Miedema fired low past Level.
Everton rallied from that early blow and Hannah Cain almost pulled one back with a volleyed effort.
But Miedema lashed in her second- and Arsenal’s fourth - and despite the hosts enjoying plenty of the ball in the latter stages, that’s the way it stayed.
Up next for the Blue Girls is a trip to Reading next week
