Vivianne Miedema scored another two goals and Kim Little won and scored a penalty as Arsenal Women won 3-1 against Everton to ensure that the Gunners will be top as the calendar turns to 2020. The win, though, was blighted by what looked like a severe lower leg injury to Beth Mead, who had to be stretchered off following a challenge from Everton defender Gabby George. Reports afterwards hinted that Mead was on crutches, with x-rays to follow tomorrow.
Beth Mead on the pitch on crutches at full-time, perhaps not as bad as first feared
— Her Football Hub (@HerFootballHub) December 15, 2019
Arsenal, who lost Jordan Nobbs to injury on this very ground last year, were shaky following Mead’s injury, but regrouped in the second half.
The champions, though, started extremely well. As opposed to last week, when Arsenal had to survive pressure in the opening thirty minutes, the opening thirty minutes here were all about Arsenal’s football. After early chances for Lia Wälti and Miedema, the latter broke through on fourteen minutes, heading Kim Little’s cross past Tinja-Riikka Korpela. Arsenal could’ve easily had more: after Miedema slipped in Mead, Danïelle van de Donk was inches away from tapping in Mead’s cutback, and Van de Donk’s shot was saved by Korpela.
Finishing the year in the same way that she started it...
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) December 15, 2019
Scoring goals ⚽️⚽️@VivianneMiedema pic.twitter.com/KFW3x4yohK
On half an hour, though, Arsenal lost Mead. The England international was fouled by Gabby George, and stayed down, with an injury to her lower leg. After several minutes, Mead was stretchered off, with her lower leg in a protective brace. Following the long stoppage, Arsenal were on the back foot, though Everton were unable to create a meaningful chance.
Arsenal stepped back up after half time. Kim Little was barged over by Chloe Kelly in the penalty box, stepped up, and scored the penalty.
Signed, sealed, delivered
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) December 15, 2019
Kim Little converts from the penalty spot for @ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/2cn4jpak5x
Minutes later, it was three, with Leonie Maier, who replaced Mead, sending a low cross just out of the range of Korpela for Miedema to tap home at the far post. It was Miedema’s 53rd goal of a remarkable 2019, the sixth straight WSL game that she has scored in, equalling Kim Little’s record, and her tenth goal in her last three leagues games.
Filed under:
— Barclays FA Women's Super League (@BarclaysFAWSL) December 15, 2019
Another @VivianneMiedema goal
@ArsenalWFC pic.twitter.com/UV6aSJpz8R
An error from Leah Williamson allowed Chloe Kelly to claw one back, and Arsenal spent some worrying moments before again regaining control, and coming close to a fourth goal. The fourth goal wouldn’t come, but, with Arsenal’s win followed by Chelsea’s draw with bottom side Liverpool, a four point gap between Arsenal and Chelsea has come, erasing the damage done by Arsenal’s defeat to the Blues in October. With Manchester City winning, Arsenal have a three point lead at the top of the table as they enter 2020 looking to repeat their championship feats of 2019.
Arsenal’s next game will be on Sunday, January 5, at home to Birmingham.
Arsenal: Zinsberger; Evans, Williamson, Schnaderbeck, McCabe; Wälti, Little, Roord; Mead (Maier 37’), Miedema, Van de Donk
Subs not used: Peyraud-Magnin, Mitchell, Quinn, Nobbs, Filis, Grant
Goals: Arsenal: Miedema (14’, 57’), Little (55’ p); Everton: Kelly (78’)