Manchester City made easy work of brushing aside Women’s Super League rivals Everton in the FA Cup on Sunday to secure their spot in the semi-final.
Everton have failed to take points from City in their past 11 ties. However, the Toffees were hoping that this meeting in the FA Cup would be a different story. The hosts secured their place in the last eight in a comprehensive derby win over Manchester United, while Everton advanced with a victory over Charlton.
Starting XIs
Manchester City
Roebuck; Stokes (Blakstad, 64′), Greenwood (Mace, 72′), Angeldahl, Hemp (Beckie, 64′) , Park, White (c), Weir (Coombs, 64′), Bronze (Stanway, 72′) , Walsh, Kennedy.
Everton
Maciver; Turner, Bjorn (Emslie, 56′), George (Maier, 74′), Dali, Christiansen (c) (Clinton, 86′ concussion sub), Duggan (Gauvin, 74′), Graham (Bennison, 63′) , Finnigan, Galli (Magill, 74′), Pattinson.
How it went
Man City enjoyed the stronger start to the tie. The hosts managed to pin their visitors back consistently for the opening minutes of the match. Despite the constant pressure, Everton’s defence held strong until the 34th minute.
City striker Lauren Hemp continued her superb scoring pace, finishing a brilliant head-flick from Ellen White. The right-footed goal by Hemp marked the first opening half goal for the Sky Blues in six games.
The second half quickly saw the hosts double their lead. Caroline Weir’s low corner found Hemp at the near post. A wonderful back-heel flick put the ball in just two minutes after the second half had commenced.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe third goal also went to the hosts, coming in a rather familiar manner to City fans and WSL goalkeepers. A thunderous Weir strike from almost 35 yards out gave her side an even bigger cushion.
White rounded off the scoring in injury time, finishing a fine cross from Laura Coombs. The superb team goal that had started in the defence finished the Toffees’ woes.
The loss will once again come as a blow to Everton fans. With the visitors failing to register a single shot on target, questions will once again be asked of Everton’s attacking line up.
Stand out player
Weir was once again spectacular for the hosts, as the No.19 followed up her assist with a trademark goal. That goal marked the Scottish international’s sixth goal in her past six games in all competitions.
Weir’s strikes from long distances have rapidly become a signature for the midfielder. With the Sky Blues desperately needing to make up goal difference to their Manchester rivals, Weir’s ability to find a goal from outside the box could prove vital as the Blues hunt for a top three spot.
Embed from Getty ImagesPost match thoughts
Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor was clearly pleased with his side’s FA Cup quarterfinal win. The head coach was full of praise following their dominant victory over the Toffees. Speaking of Hemp, Taylor described the winger as a “top talent” and praised the way the youngster capitalises on opportunities provided by her teammates.
Taylor was also asked whether Janine Beckie could potentially feature over the next few games. He explained that he and his staff decide who is right for the fixture on a game by game basis. He explained that the No.11 is pushing other wingers for a starting spot in the team.
Everton’s interim manager Chris Roberts was quick to dismiss any idea that he may be looking to take the team on permanently. Roberts explained that he had been clear with the players and the club that he was simply looking to hand the team over in the best possible shape.
Roberts also confirmed that Izzy Christiansen’s late substitution had been as a result of the concussion protocol being used. The protocol allowed the Toffees to make a sixth change after the Everton No.8 went down following what Roberts described as a “bad head knock.”
