Manchester City strengthened their grip on top spot in the Women’s Super League with a composed and convincing victory over Everton at the Joie Stadium.
Kerolin gave City the breakthrough midway through the first half, cutting in from the right before firing a low shot from a tight angle that took a deflection and wrong-footed goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
After sustained pressure, Vivianne Miedema doubled the advantage just after the hour mark, finishing calmly from close range following clever build-up play.
Everton were largely pinned back throughout the contest, spending long spells defending deep and managing only one shot on target compared to City’s 13.
Brian Sørensen’s side did feel hard done by when Martina Fernández saw a close-range effort from a corner ruled out, with Ruby Mace judged to have impeded City keeper Ayaka Yamashita on the goal line.
City’s dominance had been evident even before the opener, with Brosnan producing impressive saves to deny Khadija Shaw and Miedema in the early stages.
The breakthrough felt inevitable, and the hosts continued to control proceedings after going ahead.
The second goal arrived with a touch of style as Shaw lofted a delicate pass into the box for Miedema, who picked her spot beyond Brosnan with confidence.
Everton substitute Hannah Blundell, on loan from Manchester United, came closest for the visitors with a powerful effort that was well saved by Yamashita.
The win marked City’s 11th straight WSL victory and keeps them six points clear of reigning champions Chelsea. Everton, meanwhile, remain 10th in the table.
While Shaw drew a blank despite six clear chances, she still played a key role with her fourth assist of the league campaign.
Her contribution underlined City’s attacking depth on a day when she was not at her clinical best.
The standout performer was Kerolin, whose direct running and creativity caused Everton constant problems.
The Brazilian has endured a stop-start spell at City due to injuries and form, but she now looks back to her sharpest, registering five goal involvements in her past four WSL outings.
Andree Jeglertz will be encouraged that even without goals from his leading scorer, City remain relentless.
With players like Kerolin and Miedema stepping up, the league leaders continue to show why they are setting the pace at the summit.
