Ouch! Everton fans experienced a harsh dose of reality as Manchester United crashed their party, spoiling Everton's long-awaited debut at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a resounding 4-1 victory. It was supposed to be a celebration, a historic moment etched in Everton's Women's Super League (WSL) journey. But here's where it gets controversial... Did Everton crumble under the pressure of the occasion, or did Manchester United simply prove too strong? Let's dive into the details of this captivating match.
Match Summary: Everton 1-4 Manchester United
In a nutshell:
- Everton's inaugural WSL match at the Hill Dickinson Stadium ended in disappointment.
- Honoka Hayashi gave Everton an early lead, sending shockwaves through the stadium, but Melvine Malard swiftly equalized for Manchester United.
- A Hikaru Kitagawa own goal put Manchester United ahead, and Jess Park's impressive late double sealed the victory for the visitors.
Player Ratings: (See the detailed player ratings on BBC Sport)
Report from the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Manchester United, determined to maintain their unbeaten streak, arrived at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and delivered a decisive blow to Everton's hopes. Marc Skinner's squad, boasting an impressive record of four wins and two draws in their initial six WSL matches, showcased resilience by fighting back from behind in front of a boisterous crowd of 18,154 spectators.
Against the run of play, Honoka Hayashi seized an opportunity, capitalizing on Phallon Tullis-Joyce's clearance from a corner kick to put Everton ahead. This marked a historic milestone: Everton's first-ever WSL goal at their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, a moment that undoubtedly electrified the home crowd.
However, Manchester United, who had been dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities, relentlessly pressured Everton. Their persistence paid off in the 62nd minute when Melvine Malard finally broke through, leveling the score. The French international skillfully maneuvered past goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, slotting home the rebound after her initial shot was saved. And this is the part most people miss... The equalizer seemed to deflate Everton's spirit and ignite a fire within Manchester United.
Energized by the equalizer, Manchester United capitalized on their momentum. Hikaru Kitagawa's unfortunate own goal handed them the lead, and substitute Jess Park sealed Everton's fate with two late goals, solidifying Manchester United's dominant performance.
The victory was a significant one for Manchester United, intensifying the pressure on WSL leaders Chelsea and closing the gap to a mere two points in the title race. On the other hand, Everton, languishing in 10th place, are still searching for their first home win of the season, regardless of stadium.
Everton Analysis: A Historic Occasion Ends on a Sour Note
With a remarkable attendance of 18,154 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton aimed to deliver a memorable performance in their first WSL match at Bramley-Moore Dock. Despite Goodison Park serving as their primary home venue for the season, they seized the opportunity presented by the men's international break to host a special match at the new stadium, fulfilling the league's requirement for each team to play at least one fixture there.
The familiar sounds of the "Z Cars" theme song reverberated through the stadium before kickoff, and flags proudly displayed by the Everton Women Supporters Club were brought across the city to adorn the South Stand. But it was not the explosive start they would have hoped for as Manchester United completely dominated possession in the opening stages and had three big chances before Everton had settled.
Goalkeeper Ramsey was called into action when Malard's cheeky overhead flick almost deflected in off Everton midfielder Karen Holmgaard. It followed a miscued header wide from Elisabeth Terland from an unmarked position just a few yards out and Lisa Naalsund firing wildly over the bar.
It was baffling how United hadn't taken a 2-0 lead, but Everton defied expectations by capitalizing on their first opportunity from a set-piece.
Hayashi's goal initially rattled Skinner's team, but overall, Everton's performance failed to captivate their supporters. They struggled with creativity and lacked the necessary aggression, often failing to generate momentum. When United eventually found the equalizer through Malard, it felt inevitable that they would add more goals.
Just eight minutes later, Kitagawa's unfortunate deflection gave United the lead, and Park's introduction sealed the victory. Everton remains a team in progress, still adapting to each other after a busy summer transfer window that saw the arrival of nine new players. This match served as another illustration of their ongoing development.
Manchester United Analysis: Park and Zigiotti Make the Difference
United faced a frustrating first half, hampered by their own lack of ruthlessness – a recurring issue in recent years. Malard, Naalsund, and Fridolina Rolfo all came close but squandered crucial chances, while midfielder Ella Toone struggled to assert her influence on the game.
Everton's shortcomings allowed United to maintain their dominance, and they were fortunate that the hosts' substitutes failed to make a significant impact in the second half. In stark contrast, the introductions of midfielders Park and Julia Zigiotti proved to be game-changers for United. Park, the England international, fearlessly unleashed shots from outside the box, while the Swedish midfielder Zigiotti exuded composure and quality on the ball.
With Champions League football on the horizon, United's squad depth is somewhat limited. Their first-half performance may have reflected this, with only two changes made to the midweek side that overcame Valerenga. Despite these challenges, United's start to the season has been remarkably smooth, and they will be satisfied with a hard-fought victory that keeps them firmly in the title race.
What's Next for These Teams?
Everton returns to Goodison Park to host Nottingham Forest in a Women's League Cup Group A tie on Sunday, October 19th, at 14:00 BST. Manchester United travels to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the Women's Champions League on Thursday, October 16th, at 17:45 BST, and resumes WSL action at Brighton on November 2nd at 12:00 BST.
Player of the Match
Jess Park (Manchester United) - Average Rating: 9.11
Key Player Ratings:
- Everton's Top Performers:
- Hayashi: 4.95
- Ramsey: 4.93
- Lowest Rated Everton Players:
- Payne: 3.91
- Gago: 3.91
- van Gool: 3.80
Note: Player ratings are based on average scores from BBC Sport users.
So, what are your thoughts? Did Everton's inexperience at the new stadium cost them the game? Or was Manchester United simply the better team on the day? And what about those missed chances in the first half – could they have changed the entire outcome? Let us know your opinions in the comments below! We're eager to hear your take on this exciting WSL clash.
