WSL: Leicester City hold on against Everton for first win of the season | OneFootball

Leicester City banked their first win of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League season on Sunday, sending Everton home from the King Power Stadium empty-handed. The crucial three points move the Foxes up to seventh in the table, while the Toffees remain down in 11th with just two points on the board.

The first half was lit up by a moment of magic from Japanese international Yuka Momiki. The forward jinked into the area around the defenders, and shot beyond Courtney Brosnan to make it 1-0. The second half was cagey but exciting, with Everton gaining more possession but unable to take their chances.

Starting XIs

Leicester City

Leitzig; Nevin, Tierney, Bott, Howard, Takarada, Rose, Kees, Chossenotte, Momiki, Mace

Everton

Brosnan; Hayashi, Wheeler, Vanhaevermaet, Hope, H.Payne, Finnigan, Sarri, S.Holmgaard, Snoeijs, Olsen

A crucial win for Leicester

Leicester City had no Missy Goodwin in their squad for their latest clash. She was replaced due to injury by Deanne Rose.

The home crowd helped spur the team on as the Foxes started with Ruby Mace up front. The natural midfielder worked hard to occupy defenders and cause problems in attacking areas. Everton came close after Honoka Hayashi found space in the penalty area but her shot lacked power and Janina Leitzig scooped the ball up to her bottom right.

It was a moment of skill from Yūka Momiki that broke the deadlock. The Japanese international latched onto a pass from Shana Chassenotte on the edge of the area and nutmegged Justine Vanhaevermaet to fire low into the bottom corner. The relief was palpable within the Leicester squad from their celebrations and they led 1-0 at the break.

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The second half saw Everton take more control of possession but still unable to convert their chances. They were lucky not to go two down in the 60th minute when Leicester broke through second half substitutions Janice Cayman and Hannah Cain. The latter slipped as she shot and the ball trickled into Courtney Brosnan’s arms.

A late chance saw Asmita Ale fire over for Leicester after some great play by Cayman. Everton will be frustrated for not equalising late on when Vanhaevermaet headed wide of the Leicester goal from close range.

Leicester will be relieved to hold on for all three points after not killing the game off with a second goal. With such a depleted attack through injury, fans will be pleased to see the return of Hannah Cain, who alongside Janice Cayman, made an impact. It was far from convincing though, and Everton can feel disappointed they didn’t punish the Foxes with the chances they had. Leicester fans finally had something to cheer after ending the run of no WSL win in 12 matches.

Up next

The international break gives Leicester City the chance to assess their injuries. They will then return to WSL action against Brighton and Hove Albion. Everton will also use the break to reflect on their season and look ahead to their next league match against Chelsea.

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