Arsenal return to Barclay’s Women’s Super League action tonight with a trip to Walton Hall Park to face Everton. After last weekend’s FA Cup defeat, Renée Slegers’ side will be aiming to get back to winning ways and apply pressure on those at the top of the table. 

Everton’s Upturn in Form

Brian Sørensen’s Everton have steadily improved after a slow start to the season. The Toffees went winless in their opening seven league matches, but have since climbed to eighth place, picking up four wins in their last eight WSL outings. Their last match saw them claim a 2-0 away win over Aston Villa, with new signing Maren Mjelde getting on the scoresheet.

Despite their recent form, history favours Arsenal, Everton have failed to win any of their last 21 league meetings against the Gunners. However, when the two sides met earlier this season at the Emirates, Everton frustrated Arsenal in a 0-0 draw, highlighting their defensive resilience.

What the Managers Say

Slegers is wary of Everton’s unpredictability, acknowledging that they pose a tactical challenge. “They’ve recruited new players… they’re strong at their home ground”. She said in her pre-match press conference. “We know it’s a big challenge… I watched training today on the pitch and we look like ourselves again”.

Sørensen, meanwhile, believes his side can exploit Arsenal’s weaknesses: “they have one of the best squads available” he told the press, but also confirmed that his side “take confidence from some of [their] last performances against [Arsenal].”

Team News

Slegers mentioned no new injury concerns in her pre-match press conference, saying there are no changes from the weekend’s squad. However, since then, goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar has taken to Instagram and shared that she has suffered a concussion and will be “back soon”, meaning it is likely that Manuela Zinsberger will start between the sticks for this fixture.

Everton will be without Louana Ribadeira, but Clare Wheeler returns to the squad.

Final Thoughts

The Gunners have won eight of their last nine WSL matches, scoring four or more goals in their last three outings. Another high scoring performance could mean they take home the vital three points they need to stay in the top three of the table, points that they can’t afford to drop. However, Everton’s defensive solidity on their home turf may prove a tough test, and they will be determined to make it difficult for the visitors.