MIKEL ARTETA could learn a thing or two from Arsenal’s high-flying women on how to do the business over Everton.
Goals from Jordan Nobbs, Caitlin Foord, Jen Beattie and Beth Mead sent the Gunners to second in the table and snapping at the heels of leaders Manchester United.
Jen Beattie (far right) hit her first goal since opening up about her breast cancer diagnosis Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Australian superstar Caitlin Foord found the net as Arsenal demolished Everton Credit: Getty Images – Getty
It was just one day after the hapless men dropped ever closer to the relegation zone after a trip to Goodison Park.
There has been a rot at the club among both sides, with Arteta’s team suffering their worst start to a campaign since 1974-75.
While the women had limped to just one win in their last five games prior to hosting the Merseysiders – having been used to dominating the division’s elite for over three decades.
But a crucial victory today handed boss Joe Montemurro’s title ambitions a major boost.
He joked: “Ah we’ve always got to save the club us girls don’t we?
“We love representing the club and it’s more important that we represent it with style, class and the integrity it deserves.
“Win, lose or draw we will always go out there and be the best we can be and we hope the fans appreciate that.
“Would I have liked a couple of extra points by Christmas which were there? Yes, I would love them.
“But it’s a great league to be part of and Everton are a very good team.”
For most of the afternoon Montemurro benched all-time WSL scorer Vivianne Miedema – who came on with half-hour to go.
The Australian manager added: “It wasn’t about a statement of intent, it’s about having the squad that understands the way we want to play.
“You have the options to make certain tactical adjustments you need to make per game.”
Jodan Nobbs scored on her first start since October having been dogged with injuries Credit: PA:Press Association
Gunners boss Joe Montemurro was thrilled to give Arsenal fans something to cheer about before Christmas Credit: Getty Images – Getty
The Gunners got the breakthrough just FOUR minutes in after Mead broke free on the right flank and fired an inch-perfect cross to Nobbs who slotted home.
It was the England superstar’s first start since October, having been dogged with injuries for much of the season.
Kim Little then came steaming down the right again, with Caitlin Foord meeting her cross to send a rocket past Toffees stopper Sandy MacIver on 10 minutes.
Everton were gifted a golden opportunity to pull one back after Hayley Raso pounced on a kamikaze clearance from Leah Williamson – but she flashed her shot agonizingly wide.
Willie Kirk’s side have looked like a wounded animal since their bitter FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at the start of November, having failed to pick up a top-flight win since.
Jill Roord stung the hands of MacIver after the break and the young England keeper was made to pay.
A sublime Katie McCabe corner fell to an unmarked Jen Beattie, who nodded beyond MacIver on 61 minutes.
The Scot’s teammates poignantly huddled around her, as it was her first goal since opening up about her shattering breast cancer diagnosis a week ago.
The defender found a lump in her breast in October which left her fearing she would die – but that header was the best possible riposte to the debilitating disease.
Three minutes later Beth Mead tucked into the goal fest up as she sent a strike dipping and curling sweetly into the top corner.
Everton almost grabbed a late consolation as substitute Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah rattled the woodwork with a fierce drive.
Toffees boss Willie Kirk refused to speak to the media after the final whistle.
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Watch Vivianne Miedema hit her 50th WSL goal to become the league’s all-time record scorer
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
