Everton succumbed to a frustrating 2-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Joie Stadium in the WSL.
Goals from Kerolin and Vivianne Miedema in either half proved settled the contest, but the game pivoted on a contentious moment in the 40th minute when Martina Fernández’s equaliser was controversially ruled out.
The Blues impressed defensively in the opening stages, with a combination of crucial interventions from Ruby Mace and Courtney Brosnan denying the hosts early opportunities.
Mace produced a vital block to deny Miedema after a cut-back from Lauren Hemp, before Brosnan reacted superbly to keep out Bunny Shaw’s low effort from the centre of the box.
The Irish international remained at the heart of the action moments later, expertly parrying a dangerous cross away just inches before Shaw could connect.
Despite Everton’s resilience, City’s pressure eventually told after 26 minutes as Kerolin drove into the area from the right channel and finished clinically.
Toni Payne responded positively for the Blues, evading her defender and bursting into the box, though her effort from a tight angle was comfortably gathered by Ayaka Yamashita.
With five minutes of the first half remaining, Everton thought they had restored parity when Fernández fired high into the net from close range. However, the goal was ruled off after Mace was harshly adjudged to have impeded Yamashita on the goal line.
With the disallowance still bitter, Everton were dealt a further blow in the 63rd minute as Shaw lofted a delicate pass into the path of Miedema, who volleyed home from close range to double the hosts’ lead.
Brosnan ensured the scoreline did not worsen five minutes later, producing a spectacular save to win a one-on-one battle with Shaw, reacting sharply to her charge off the line.
Everton’s January loan signing showed promising signs on her debut, coming closest for the Blues when she unleashed a powerful strike that was well saved by Yamashita.
The league leaders continued to apply pressure late on, but Fernández produced an outstanding goal-line clearance to preserve Everton’s defensive efforts. Despite a committed and organised display at the back, the Blues were unable to find a breakthrough at the other end.
Everton now turn their attention to the Women’s FA Cup, heading into their campaign with an away trip to West Bromwich Albion on Thursday.
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