Bottom of the table Crystal Palace suffered their 12th defeat of the Women’s Super League season after losing 3-0 to Everton at Walton Hall Park.
Palace, searching for back-to-back wins to kickstart Leif Smerud’s reign at the club after beating Aston Villa 3-1 in his second game, frustrated Everton in the early stages but eventually saw their defence breached when Justine Vanhaevermaet climbed highest to break the deadlock from Sara Holmgaard’s corner. (43)
The opener arrived shortly before the break and it was not long before the hosts doubled their lead, as Holmgaard drifted into the box to head Kelly Gago’s cross from the right after setting up the opener (46).
Sara Holmgaard doubled Everton’s lead after half-time
The Toffees cruised to victory throughout much of the second half before Gago rounded off the win by poking her effort home to make it three in added time (90+5).
The victory lifts Brian Sorensen’s side above Tottenham and into seventh place in the standings with five games to go.
Meanwhile, Palace remain rock bottom in the WSL standings after squandering their opportunity to move above Villa – sitting one point ahead of them in 11th – and out of the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace undone by poor defending
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:
“Crystal Palace were hoping to build on a 3-1 win against relegation rivals Aston Villa last weekend, which may have lifted them off the bottom of the table.
“And for the most part, Crystal Palace matched Everton. They had the better openings of the first half – late goal aside – and statistically overall, there was not a massive gulf in the numbers.
“The Eagles were by no means overran, and a 3-0 defeat was perhaps harsh on them. But they were arguably outplayed by a team better adapted to the WSL.
Crystal Palace’s Lily Woodham and Everton’s Katja Snoeijs (right) battle for the ball
“While the attacking play was good – Clarissa Larisey a particular bright spot – it was the defending for all three goals was a clear sign that there is still a lot to learn. It’s not surprising for a team who have conceded 43 times this season – the most in the WSL.
“The attempts to clear off the line for the opener were confused and weak. Josie Green had no clue Sara Holmgaard was just behind her for the second, and Kelly Gago was wide open for a ball over the top. Defenders were out of position and couldn’t stop her late third.
“There were good moments in defence too – Lily Woodham did well screening balls down the right channel in the first half – but Everton took advantage of those naïve moments to come away with the points.
“Crystal Palace remain a point behind Aston Villa, who play on Sunday, and relegation is by no means a done deal. But the areas of improvement are clear if they are to survive the drop.”
