Everton Women 1-1 Arsenal: Match Recap | Blues end Gunners title hopes

30/04/2024 13:39

Hobson header makes history and earns hard-fought point

Issy Hobson described her late equaliser against Arsenal FC as the 'best feeling ever' after the 16-year-old mathematically ended the Gunners title hopes at Walton Hall Park.

The academy graduate rose brilliantly to power a header beyond Manuela Zinsberger deep into injury time after Alessia Russo had given the visitors the lead on 80 minutes.

Hobson, who has become the WSL's youngest ever goalscorer and Everton Women's youngest for 14 years, was unsurprisingly delighted by making history, as she told BBC Sport.

"I've been at Everton for my whole life so it's even more special," she said.

"It's something I've been dreaming of since I started playing football and for it to contribute to getting a draw against Arsenal is the best feeling ever."

Brian Sorensen made three changes from the win at Brighton & Hove Albion, with Emma Bissell, Sara Holmgaard and Martina Piemonte replacing the injured Hanna Bennison and Aurora Galli, with Kathrine Kühl ineligible to play against her parent club.

Injuries saw the manager name a number of youngsters on the bench, including Hobson, Annie Wilding and Macy Settle.

Everton knew the visitors would be seeing a lot of the ball and were organised and resolute from the off. Courtney Brosnan, making her 50th appearance for the Blues, had to be at her best to keep the scoreline level though, when she thwarted Stina Blackstenius' effort on nine minutes.

The Holmgaard twins combined and very nearly repeated their Brighton efforts ten minutes later, with Arsenal requiring the upright to come to their rescue.

Karen's powerful header from sister Sara's dangerous corner gave Zinsberger no chance, but Justine Vanhaevermaet was unable to force the rebound over the line as the Arsenal rearguard managed to clear.

Jonas Eidevall's side controlled possession but were unable to seriously threaten their hosts, as the the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.

Everton continued to defend resolutely in the second half as Arsenal continued to probe. Victoria Pelova's influence on the game grew, but the midfielder wasted a good chance to break the deadlock when she dragged her effort wide from inside of the 18-yard box after meeting Katie McCabe's cross on 55 minutes.

Brosnan continued her good form when she denied Emily Fox on the hour mark. Caitlin Foord charged down the wing and pulled her cross back to the American, only for the Republic of Ireland stopper to deny her effort.

The 'keeper produced arguably her best save on 80 minutes to deny Beth Mead, but she could do nothing to deny Russo tapping into an empty net to break the deadlock.

But the Blues refused to give in and were duly rewarded in stoppage time when Hobson's looping header sent the Walton Hall Park faithful into raptures, while earning her team's first point against the Gunners since 2012.

Sorensen's side will welcome Arsenal's North London neighbours, Tottenham Hotspur, to Walton Hall Park next in what will be the final home game of the season on Saturday 4 May at 12pm (BST).