Everton Women vs Arsenal: WSL Match Preview
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Sorensen boosted by Chelsea performances and post-Christmas form
Brian Sorensen was full of praise for Arsenal ahead of Everton Women's clash with the Gunners on Friday night, but feels his side's two displays against league leaders Chelsea have given his team even more confidence for the remaining WSL games this season.
The Dane has also confirmed that influential midfielder Clare Wheeler is ready to go for Friday, with Louna Ribadeira the only absentee due to a cyst on her foot.
The Blues boss believes Arsenal has one of the best squads available, but also have a few weaknesses that can be exploited.
But it is against the division's top teams Sorensen feels Everton need to improve more, though an upturn in form this year has given him much to be hopeful about.
"They [Arsenal] have some weaknesses that we are going to try to exploit," he said. "But, it will be a tough challenge. They have one of the best squads available.
"We have a belief that when we go in, we can do something. I am aware that Arsenal have a very good squad with very good players. It is a very, very good team.
"The difference between them and Chelsea is that on their [Chelsea's] bad games, they find a way to win.
"In terms of quality, they are one of, if not the best, teams in the league. We take confidence from some of our last performances against them."
Our performances since Christmas – when we bought players in to have a competitive squad – have been good. I am looking forward and looking up now. I would have loved to have had this squad since day one, it may have been different.
"Against the top teams, we need to control the game in larger periods. I am happy with the progress and where we are going."
The Opposition
Renee Slegers' side arrive at Walton Hall Park on Friday knowing that any slip up could see Manchester United further extend the distance between second place and Arsenal in the WSL.
Slegers confirmed that 'some' of her squad were available for the fixture but she will make an assessment after another day's training.
Unbeaten in the WSL since January, Arsenal have exited both domestic cups in the last month, including a shock 1-0 defeat at home to Liverpool last Sunday.
A huge game with Real Madrid awaits after the trip to Walton Hall Park, but the Gunners will be wise not to overlook this Everton team.
The division's second-most potent scorers, Arsenal have strength in depth and are particularly potent in attack, with England star Alessia Russo in excellent form having scored in each competition she has played in this season, contributing 16 goals for the team.
But with competition like Beth Mead and Caitlin Foord, as well as the emergence of Rosa Kafaji, performances are paramount if you are to remain in the starting XI.
The Gunners remain a well-organised and dangerous outfit, blending young talent with experienced professionals like Leah Williamson, and will arrive on Merseyside ready to prove a point.
Previous Meetings
And a point has been the order of the last two meetings between these sides, as a Courtney Brosnan masterclass and some resolute defending earned the Blues a well-deserved point in North London.
Last season's fixture at Walton Hall Park was far more about late drama. Russo's strike ten minutes from normal time looked set to break Everton hearts and see the points head south.
That was until teen sensation and lifelong Everton fan Issy Hobson announced herself on the WSL stage with a looping header five minutes into injury time to send the Blues faithful into raptures and secure the Toffees a well-deserved share of the spoils.
Everton Women take on Arsenal at Walton Hall Park on Friday, 14 March.
Kick-off is at 7pm (GMT).
