In the opening minute at the VBS Community Stadium, Crystal Palace midfielder My Cato found herself on the left with the ball, and the Everton defense reacted swiftly. Three of the back four shifted across, only to look back in horror as an unmarked Indiah-Paige Riley controlled Cato's pass and slotted it home. This moment encapsulated Everton's struggles this season, with their defensive structure crumbling almost immediately against Palace.
It was the fifth time in seven Women's Super League games that Everton had conceded within the first 15 minutes, four of those within the first eight minutes. While conceding early against top teams like Chelsea or Manchester United might be somewhat understandable, doing so against relegation rivals like Leicester, West Ham, and now Palace is less excusable. Everton are in serious trouble, and the point they salvaged will feel like a rescue, but against a promoted Palace, this should raise even more concerns.
Palace were unfortunate not to secure their second win of the season. They created better chances and were hardly troubled by Everton until they conceded in the 71st minute. Honoka Hayashi was the visitors' biggest threat, scoring with a header while the center-back Katrine Veje stood motionless.
Palace's strong start in the WSL means there is no room for complacency at the bottom. Last year, Bristol City provided a buffer for the rest, operating on a much smaller budget and with a hastily assembled team. Their one win and three draws gave those above some breathing room. The previous season, Reading, who reverted to part-time status after relegation, propped up the table.
West Ham's first win of the season was crucial, pulling them level on five points with Leicester and Palace. It was a well-deserved victory for Rehanne Skinner's side, who took the lead through Viviane Asseyi in added time of the first half. The Hammers dominated, with Katrina Gorry performing effectively, and their second goal was a stylish one. Colombian forward Manuela Pavi delivered a perfectly weighted pass to Asseyi, who rounded the keeper Janina Leitzig before scoring.
Aston Villa will be content with a goalless draw against Manchester United, earning a point that lifted them off the bottom spot ahead of Everton on goal difference. Only Everton and Villa remain winless in the WSL, but only six points separate sixth from 12th. For West Ham and Palace, there is an opportunity to pull away with more favorable fixtures before the winter break. For Leicester and Everton, points before Christmas would be a significant boost, especially given their challenging upcoming fixtures.
With no easy matches at the bottom, the relegation battle is set to be intriguing.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
