Nigeria’s Toni Payne came off the bench to provide a crucial assist as Everton FC Women secured a statement 2-0 victory over rivals Liverpool in the Women’s Super League (WSL).
Played at a packed Anfield, the Merseyside Derby saw Everton complete a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2012, with Payne playing a key role in the second-half breakthrough.
Early Blow and Payne’s Spark
Katja Snoeijs opened the scoring in the seventh minute after combining brilliantly with Kelly Gago, exploiting a poor throw-in from Liverpool’s Jenna Clark and finishing past Rachael Laws at the Kop end.
Payne was introduced in the 63rd minute for Gago, and the substitution proved decisive.
Just seven minutes later, the Nigerian international carved through Liverpool’s defense with a weaving run down the left, squaring for Karen Holmgaard who finished at the far post to double the lead.
Despite Liverpool dominating possession and racking up more shots and expected goals, Everton’s Courtney Brosnan made several key saves to preserve a fifth clean sheet of the campaign.
The Toffees’ compact shape and clinical counter-attacks paid off again, just as they had in November’s 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
Payne’s Season Stats
This assist was Payne’s fifth of the season to go with one goal in 21 league appearances—a solid return in her debut WSL campaign after joining from Sevilla FC.
League Table and What’s Next
With the win, Everton climbed to eighth place with 23 points from 21 games, just two points behind fifth-placed Liverpool.
They will conclude their season against Tottenham Hotspur.
Meanwhile, Chelsea FC, under new manager Sonia Bompastor, have already retained their WSL title.
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