Everton climbed off the bottom of the WSL table with a win in the derby on Sunday, but the match was certainly not without its controversies.
In what is set to be Everton Women’s’ last match at Goodison Park, the Toffees triumphed over their bitter rivals to take themselves to 9th in the league. The game started slowly, with both teams cautious of conceding first, but a controversial penalty in the 41st minute sparked life into the game, and gave Everton what was ultimately the deciding edge in the fixture.
The penalty was awarded after Liverpool’s Fuka Nagano chopped down Honoka Hayashi in the first half, however, the infringement appeared to happen just outside Liverpool’s penalty box, meaning referee Abigail Byrne should have instead awarded a free-kick.
Liverpool continued to look dangerous for the rest of the match but failed to strike back, meaning Everton claimed their first victory of the season. Liverpool have now failed to win a Merseyside derby away at Everton since 2017, and have only won one of their last five games.
Red’s fans will be looking for their fortunes to change if they’re ever going to catch the all-conquering Chelsea side that have won six of the last seven WSL Championships.
Featured image (c) Alamy
