Isabella Hobson’s last-minute equaliser extinguishes Arsenal hopes for a comeback this season in front of a sold-out Walton Hall Park.
Everton have only won against Arsenal once, at their first meeting in 2011, while the Gunners have kept hold of a 18 game run without a loss against the Toffees.
Team news
After being named as in contention for today’s match, defender, Lotte Wubben-Moy was notably left off of the team sheet for Arsenal.
Kyra Cooney-Cross was back on the bench, alongside Vivianne Miedema and Frida Maanum, who made their return last week against Leicester City.
For Everton, their injury list has grown but Sara and Karen Holmgaard’s return from injury caused serious problems for the Gunners in today’s match.
First Half
Within the first minute, Emily Fox was on the attack, forcing Courtney Brosnan into a save but, despite a promising start and multiple chances from corners early on, the Gunners struggled.
Everton also made a break forwards early in the game, but they were unable to make anything of it.
The Toffees were open in formation, but Arsenal neglected to take advantage of this throughout the match.
There was a short delay after Brosnan went down, but she was able to continue and was tested not long after by an Arsenal corner taken by Katie McCabe who failed to find a red shirt in the box.
Martina Piemonte took a shot from distance towards the end of the first half, but the ball went over the bar.
It was 0-0 at half-time, despite three minutes of added time.
Second Half
Jonas Eidevall made his first substitution before the start of the second half, with Laia Codina coming on for Leah Williamson.
Everton made a series of attempts at opening the scoring, with an early header from Piemonte coming devastatingly close.
Eidevall made a double substitution with Cloé Lacasse coming on for Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum replacing Stina Blackstenius in the Gunners’ front line.
Everton manager, Brian Sorenson, substituted K. Holmgaard off for Eleanor Dale in the 65th minute.
Play was delayed again when Australian international, Clare Wheeler, went down on the ball.
Once she was able to continue, Arsenal made another substitute, with Victoria Pelova coming off for Kyra Cooney-Cross.
After sending a shot sailing over the bar, Alessia Russo finally found the back of the net in the 81st minute.
Brosnan had been trying to clear the ball from Mead’s attempt but the ball landed at Russo’s feet who buried it for her tenth goal of the season.
Isabella Hobson was brought on for her debut, replacing Piemonte, and seven minutes of added time were announced.
In the 95th minute, 16-year-old, Hobson, scored a momentous equaliser off of a corner from S. Holmgaard.
Not only have Arsenal lost their two-game streak of clean sheets, but this was Everton’s first WSL point against the Gunners since 2012.
Hobson headered the ball in, claiming her spot as the youngest ever goal scorer in the WSL.
She said to BBC Sport: “It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing football and for it to contribute to getting a draw against Arsenal is the best feeling ever.”
Macy Settle was Everton’s final substitution, coming on for Emma Bissell in the last few minutes and Katja Snoeijs was shown the yellow card.
The full-time whistle blew at 90’+10’ and marked the end of Arsenal’s WSL title race, with the final score standing at 1-1.
Post match
Following Manchester City’s 0-4 victory over Bristol City earlier today, Arsenal are no longer able to gain enough points to win the league.
Looking ahead to their final two games, Arsenal are scheduled to play Manchester City, who remain at the top of the table, next weekend.
The Gunners will then hold their last game of the season at Meadow Park against Brighton Hove and Albion.
For Everton, next weekend will see them go head to head with Tottenham Hotspur before ending their season at Ashton Gate, against Bristol City.
Featured image courtesy of Abby Rampling-Mott.