The Scotland international produced an influential display, teeing up Ellen White, Gemma Bonner and Janine Beckie inside the opening 45 minutes at Walton Hall Park, as Gareth Taylor’s side continued our flawless record against the Toffees in all competitions with a comprehensive victory.
November Player of the Month nominee White netted her third goal in as many league games to break the deadlock before Bonner’s first goal of the season doubled the lead 90 seconds later.
Beckie’s header on the brink of half-time sealed the points to cap a superb afternoon and ensure the visitors leapfrogged Everton in the table to keep pace with the league leaders.
There was further cause for celebration with PFA Young Player of the Year Lauren Hemp‘s return from injury. The forward was introduced from the bench for the final 20 minutes for her first taste of action since August’s Community Shield curtain raiser.
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What happened
Familiar foe, the two sides had already locked horns on three occasions in 2020/21: in the Women’s FA Cup Final, Continental Cup and a pre-season friendly.
While City had emerged victorious by a 3-1 scoreline in all three, each of this season’s encounters had proven tight affairs (with the Wembley clash forced into extra-time).
Everton headed into this meeting unbeaten at home in their opening four league games but with a depleted squad, missing several key names.
Eager to claim an early advantage, City started well and were inches away from securing a dream start, as Demi Stokes’ teasing cross just evaded the crucial touch.
Bonner then headed over the bar, as the visitors continued to dominate the early exchanges.
The breakthrough arrived just before the 25-minute mark, as Caroline Weir floated the perfect delivery to White, who planted a looping header over Sandy MacIver.
Within two minutes, the lead was doubled as Bonner converted a corner at the backpost.
With City in control and with lessons learned from November’s league Manchester Derby draw, Taylor’s side sought to extend our lead.
Beckie spurned the chance to make it three before the half-hour mark, bearing down on goal and curling just wide of the nearpost.
Bonner almost doubled her personal tally for the season, hooking a tight-angled volley just over the bar, while Weir almost turned provider once again – only for her cross to bounce agonisingly wide.
Beckie did make it three before the break though, heading home Weir’s delivery to effectively kill the contest.
Though the second half bore little in terms of goalmouth action, City continued to dominate and remained comfortable throughout.
Jill Scott was unfortunate not to add further gloss to the scoreline with a goal against her former club, as she headed just wide, but three goals would mark an excellent afternoon’s work at Walton Hall Park and importantly, boost the goal difference.
What it means
City lift ourselves above Everton in the FA Women’s Super League table, having earned 15 points from our opening eight games.
Taylor’s side sit two points behind Chelsea, four behind Arsenal and five behind table-topping United.
How we lined up
Taylor made five changes to the side that faced Manchester United in the Continental Cup group stage before the international break, as Ellie Roebuck, Steph Houghton, Stokes, Rose Lavelle and White were restored to the starting line-up.
CITY XI | Roebuck, Bronze, Houghton (C), Bonner (Greenwood 65’), Stokes, Walsh, Scott, Weir (Mewis 65’), Beckie (Hemp 71’), Lavelle (Kelly 46’), White (Stanway 76’).
SUBS | Bardsley, Morgan, Park.
EVERTON XI | MacIver, Moe Wold, Turner, Christiansen, Egurrola, Stringer, Sorensen, Raso, Graham (C), Finnigan, Clemaron.
SUBS | Korpela, Boye-Hlorkah, Pike, Clinton, Pattinson.
Player of the Match: Caroline Weir
The midfield maestro produced an influential display, bagging a hat-trick of perfectly-executed assists in the first half alone.
Her technical ability of course is no secret but the display on show with her vision, accuracy and quality of delivery in Merseyside was a joy to behold.
Weir reaction
“It was the perfect win. We’re going into a big run of games now so coming off international break, we had to get a good start and we did that.
“It’s great to get a good start with City after a disappointing international break. It’s good to get focus back on Club football.
“We’ve got some big games in the next few weeks so we’ll focus on that.
“Some performances this season have been inconsistent but it was always a case of finding our way. With a new manager and new players, it takes time.
“A performance like that gives us confidence and with the run we have, it’s important to get results. Hopefully, we can do that.
“Every game is important - you’ve seen that in the league so far. Teams have taken points off everyone. Every game is a must win - that’s our mentality every game.”
Stat attack
City have won all nine of our FA Women’s Super League games against Everton (scoring 25 and conceding just four) - our best 100% record in the competition.
Up next...
City kick off a new Champions League campaign with a two-legged Round of 32 tie against Göteborg FC on Wednesday 9 December (15:00 UK time).
Taylor’s side travel to Sweden for the first leg before welcoming the Damallsvenskan Champions to the Academy Stadium seven days later (Wednesday 16 December, 15:00 UK time).
The European encounters sandwich a crunch league clash against Arsenal at home on Sunday 13 December (14:30 UK time).
Match highlights
Match highlights from Walton Hall Park and a full 90-minute replay of the match (available with a CITY+ subscription) will be available from noon UK time on Monday 7 December.
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Full-match replay: Everton 0-3 City
Caroline Weir notched a hat-trick of assists, as City returned to winning ways in the FA Women’s Super League with a 3-0 triumph at Everton. Watch more
