Manchester City strengthened their Women’s Super League title ambitions with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Everton, moving to the top of the table after Chelsea dropped points against Arsenal.
The visitors took the lead in the 21st minute when Vivianne Miedema calmly slotted home after a perfectly timed through ball from summer signing Iman Beney.
But Everton responded quickly, with Kelly Gago flicking Toni Payne’s cross past a helpless Ayaka Yamashita to level the scores.
City regained the advantage shortly after halftime.
Khadija Shaw soared above Rion Ishikawa to head in Leila Ouahabi’s delivery in the 55th minute, a strike that ultimately proved decisive.
Everton pressed for another equaliser, with Ornella Vignola’s long-range effort striking the woodwork and Yamashita pulling off a fine save from Hikaru Kitagawa, but City held firm to claim all three points.
The win marks City’s seventh consecutive league victory, putting Andree Jeglertz’s side one point clear of second-placed Chelsea.
Everton, meanwhile, drop to 10th, just four points above the relegation play-off zone.
Sunday’s trip to Goodison Park presented a golden opportunity for City to capitalise after Chelsea’s late slip against Arsenal.
Jeglertz’s team started strongly, playing fluid, attacking football, and were rewarded with Miedema’s composed opener.
As Everton grew into the game following Gago’s equaliser, Shaw missed a few chances before her header in the 55th minute secured the win.
Despite occasional defensive vulnerability, City’s resilience and clinical finishing ensured they claimed the points.
The result gives City momentum in their pursuit of a first WSL title since 2016, though Jeglertz will be aware there is still a long way to go in what remains a competitive season.
