It was another weekend away from Women’s Super League action as focus turned to the first Women’s FA Cup final of the campaign. The competition that started last season finally commenced at Wembley on Sunday when Manchester City beat Everton 3-1 to be crowned successive Champions.
Sam Mewis opened the scoring for City before Valerie Gauvin netted a second half equaliser. The game was level after 90 minutes and extra time commenced. With tiring legs all around it was Everton who wavered first as City took the advantage. Substitute Georgia Stanway slid home a second goal before Janine Beckie topped off proceedings in the final minute of extra time.
Gareth Taylor went for his usual formation with Alex Greenwood at centre back ahead of the impressive Gemma Bonner who was dropped to the bench for the second successive matchday. Rose Lavelle retained her place in the starting eleven but again looked off the pace as she made in the second half. Caroline Weir returned from injury to partner Keira Walsh in the centre of midfield while there was another impressive cameo off the bench from 19-year-old Jess Park, who registered an assist.
Meanwhile, Willie Kirk also named a similar side to his WSL eleven with Valerie Gauvin leading the line. The French striker picked up an injury at the end of the first half and looked like it would force her off but she reappeared for the second period. It was a decision that proved to be a great one as Gauvin headed home the equaliser on 60 minutes. Izzy Christiansen was on fine form with her deliveries while Megan Finnigan again proved to be a rock at the back. The player of the match undoubtedly falls to Everton’s goalkeeper, Sandy MacIver. The England youngster proved her quality with an array of outstanding saves to keep the Merseyside team in the game. Spanish midfielder Damaris Egurrola looked shaky for portions of the game as she continues to adapt to English football, hobbling off in the first half of extra time. Claire Emslie was ineligible for selection as she was not registered for the FA Cup squad.
So, although this game does not award any points towards your ShePlays Fantasy League score, we take a look at five things we learned ahead of the return to WSL action next weekend!
- Sandy MacIver is a keeper! The Everton goalkeeper was outstanding. Although Everton conceded three goals, MacIver was awarded the player of the match. The 22-year-old England stopper produced an array of saves to keep the score level and undeniably won the battle of the England keepers on show. Take nothing away from Ellie Roebuck (she didn’t have too many shots to save, and when she did, she saved them!) but MacIver was not afraid to come and collect, dive in front of people and she looked confident playing out from the back. She only costs £20,000 on ShePlaysWSL.
- Jess Park is a very hot prospect! The 19-year-old was a second half substitute and brought a lot of energy and skill to a generally struggling Man City side. She replaced Rose Lavelle on 70 minutes, and you could have been confused to which player had won the World Cup….. Park looked full of energy, read the game and was a handful for Everton, with the Toffees having to bring on Poppy Pattinson to counter her. Park seems a favourite of Gareth Taylor and already seems to be ahead of established players such as Janine Beckie. She only costs the minimal sum of £15,000 for ShePlays fantasy managers!
- The Christiansen/Gauvin partnership! The two Everton players are both respected international stars when it comes to their countries but now it really seems to be clicking at Everton. With Christiansen’s delivery and Gauvin’s presence in the box, this could prove an important duo as Everton look to charge into the WSL Top Three.
- Gemma Bonner is seemingly out of favour…… There were calls for Bonner to return to the England squad last month but Phil Neville’s plans do not include the 27-year-old. Bad news for her is that Gareth Taylor’s plans also do not seem to now. The last two games, she has been resigned to the bench with Alex Greenwood, a natural left back being preferred at centre back. Out of position but ahead of a natural centre back, this could be a worrying time for Bonner.
- Fitness levels and squad depth proved the vital factors. Manchester City won because they were physically fitter. The reigning champions seemed more prepared for the prospect of extra time than Everton. The Toffees struggled with injuries as Hayley Raso, Valerie Gauvin, Lucy Graham and Damaris Egurrola all left the field hobbling or wincing. While Everton had reasonable replacements, all bar one of City’s bench were internationally capped players. The tempo City played at should’ve tired them out but they kept going to the very end. Their substitutions brought quality and energy to the game while Everton’s did not. As the game wore on, City were the only team that looked like winning, and both their second and third goals were made by a combination of substitutes.
So, what can you take away from that ahead of your ShePlays Fantasy League return for Game Week 6??