Arsenal 0-0 Everton Women: WSL Report and Reaction

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Hope heaps praise on Blues backline

Lucy Hope felt Everton Women produced a 'defensive masterclass' after the Toffees claimed their first WSL point of the season with a goalless draw against Arsenal.

The Blues were forced to dig deep to repel their hosts, with Courtney Brosnan continuing her sparkling early season form at the Emirates Stadium.

Brian Sorensen's side did produce chances of their own though, and Daphne van Domselaar had to be at her very best to deny Veatriki Sarri's thunderous strike.

But it was a solid backline that kept Everton in with a chance, as Hope explains.

"I think the defending across the board was excellent, it was a defensive masterclass," she said. "I was watching Man City against Inter Milan not so long ago it was inspiring to see how good the defending was.

"It's an art in itself and something we have been working really hard on to not concede as many goals. And then we know that we are always in the game.

"Games at this level are often won by such small margins so if we keep a clean sheet it gives us something to build on.

"We back ourselves against any team in this league, that has been drilled into us. We know if we play our style of football then we will always get chances.

"Today was a bit different, Arsenal come at you with such a vast variety of quality players, world class players.

"And when it gets to the latter stages, your legs are burning and you don't have a voice anymore because you have been communicating so much, then you see these players coming on you think 'great.'

"So it is a massive pat on the back to all the girls as it is a massive point for us."

Everton knew they were in a tough afternoon but did fashion the games first chance through Sarri, but the Greek international's shot was blocked before being cleared to safety.

Arsenal then began to create chances of their own; Katie McCabe struck a shot high and wide before Kyra Cooney-Cross was found by Alessia Russo, but the midfielder failed to get her chance on target.

The visitors were more than prepared to match their hosts physical style but were having to settle for Jonas Eidevall's side having the majority of possession and creating more chances.

However Brosnan wasn't in the mood for being beaten and made a smart save from Mariona Caldentey 20-yard drive.

The Republic of Ireland stopper was then called on again, this time Frida Maanum was denied a third league goal in as many games by the in-form 'keeper.

Everton were looking to play on the break and arguably the half's best chance fell to Sarri. Picked out well by Honoka Hayashi, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star unleashed a rocket from 25 yards that was somehow kept out by van Domselaar.

Chances still continued to come as the half drew to a close, and although most belonged to Arsenal, the Blues could have gone in one up, but Hope's header from a corner went wide of the mark.

The second half began in much the same way the first 45 had ended, with both sides trying to create opportunities.

Hayashi managed to get a shot away but was crowded out before Maanum was once again denied by Brosnan at the other end. Kim Little did well to find the Norway international, who had to make do with a shot from distance thanks to an organised Everton rearguard.

Sorensen remained positive, introducing Toni Payne for Sarri, but it was the Gunners that had the next big chance.

Maanum and Brosnan resumed their personal duel and it was the latter who again emerged victorious, repelling another vicious drive that was heading for the top corner of the goal.

The Toffees were holding firm and defended heroically as Eidevall sent on fresh legs to break down the visitors stubborn resistance.

The hosts continued to throw everything at Everton, but had to largely make do with shooting from distance.

One such saw Caldentey force Brosnan into another save on 82 minutes before Maanum and Lia Wälti had efforts blocked by the Blues defence three and four minutes later.

Tired fouls began to come into play as fatigue set in for the Toffees, as teenage star Issy Hobson was introduced and must have been dreaming of scoring late against Arsenal again as she had done at Walton Hall Park last season.

But it was the Gunners went the closest, with the Blues grateful to the upright for keeping the scores level.

Caitlin Foord met Steph Catley's cross, but her effort cannoned off the crossbar as the game entered injury time.

Four minutes of added time later and it was the Blues who will be the happier of the two sides, deservedly earning a morale-boosting point on the road against one of the WSL's front runners.

Next up for Sorensen's side is the visit of West Ham United on Sunday, 13 October.

Kick-off at Walton Hall Park is at 2pm (BST) and tickets can be purchased here.