Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne notched her first goal contribution of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League (WSL) season, assisting Kelly Gago in Everton’s narrow 2–1 defeat to title-chasing Manchester City at Goodison Park on Sunday.
City, managed by Andrée Jeglertz, capitalized on Chelsea’s dropped points against Arsenal to climb to the top of the WSL standings after a tense and hard-fought encounter.
Payne Sets Up Gago’s Brilliant Equaliser
Dutch star Vivianne Miedema broke the deadlock for City in the 21st minute, calmly finishing after a clever one-two with Leila Ouahabi.
Everton responded just before halftime, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Payne. The Nigerian midfielder sent in a perfect curling cross from the right, which Kelly Gago met with an audacious back-heel flick past Ayaka Yamashita, leaving the City goalkeeper helpless.
That assist marked Payne’s first direct goal involvement for Everton since joining from Sevilla in the summer.
Bunny Shaw Restores City’s Lead
City regained control shortly after the break when Khadija “Bunny” Shaw rose above Rion Ishikawa to power home Ouahabi’s pinpoint cross in the 55th minute, securing her ninth goal of the campaign.
Everton pushed for a late equalizer. Ornella Vignola struck the crossbar, while Hikaru Kitagawa forced Yamashita into a sharp save, but the Toffees ultimately fell short.
Encouraging Signs for Everton Despite Defeat
While Everton remain without a win in seven consecutive league matches, there were promising flashes of attacking intent under Brian Sørensen.
Gago, who finished as Everton’s joint-top scorer last season, has now scored in back-to-back games, following her dramatic equalizer in the 3–3 draw against Aston Villa last weekend.
What’s Next
- Manchester City (1st) hosts Manchester United in a blockbuster Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, November 15 (13:30 GMT).
- Everton (10th), sitting four points above the relegation play-off zone, travels to face West Ham United on Sunday, November 16 (12:00 GMT).
