Arsenal 0-0 Everton
by Joe Rosedon for Impetus at the Emirates Stadium (06/10/24)
Photo: EvertonWomen on X
Kim Little played a subtle yet mostly ineffective role in the base of the midfield in their 0-0 draw against Everton.
The Arsenal captain was, as always, tidy in possession but struggled to have an indelible effect on the game as The Gunners huffed and puffed against a strong Everton defence
First Half
Brian Sorensen’s trademark of playing short from goal kicks was on full display. In response, Little sat behind Alessia Russo and Frida Maanum in Arsenal’s press. Matilda Kyra Cooney-Cross was the further forward of the pivot on attacks whilst Little sat deeper, recycling possession if the ball came to her. If Everton had the ball of the right, Little would press whereas the left-hand side was Cooney-Cross’s domain.
If she looked to move the ball forward, Emily Fox was often a preferred target on the right-hand side. In one instance, Little played the ball to Fox for a central long-range effort that was off target.
Karoline Olesen was tasked with marking the Arsenal captain from opposing goal kicks if Daphne van Domselaar played short. Olesen was consistency the closest player to Little during open play but generally Everton were more flexible. Honoka Hayashi and Katja Snoeijs on occasion took up that role.
Little almost set up the opening goal but her low cross from the edge of the box was just out of reach of Lotte Wubben-Moy. Everton gave Little plenty of space to deliver that pass following an Arsenal corner.
Around the 30th minute Little and Cooney-Cross swapped sides for a brief period. Little was able to put the ball into a threatening area from the left side that forced a decisive punch from Courtney Brosnan.
Overall, Arsenal struggled to break down a resolute Everton defence in the first half. Little did a solid job as the facilitator of the Arsenal midfielder but once the ball went beyond her, the home side did not do enough to open up the visitor’s defence.
Second Half
Kim Little took up positions closer to the penalty area in the opening stages of the second half with the intent of having more of an influence on attacking play. This almost paid dividends when her smart pass gave Maanum space to shoot but the Norwegian’s attempt was comfortable for Brosnan.
Her defensive abilities were also called into action, making an important block to deny Hayasahi from testing van Domselaar. This was one of the few forward forays made by The Toffees
Fox was replaced by Catlin Foord on the hour mark who slotted in at right-back, giving Little a different option to work with down that side. However, the two could not link up on a consistent basis to really trouble the Everton defence. In the end, the switch did not have the desired effect for Arsenal
Little’s starting midfielder partner was also replaced; Lia Wälti coming on for Cooney-Cross. Little was now the more advanced of the pivot with Wälti sitting deeper to cover.
Overall Performance
Once again Arsenal failed to break down a stubborn defence. Wave after wave of stodgy attacks were repelled by a resilient Everton team. Little was solid in her role from a defensive stand point in the sense that Everton caused minimal trouble to the Arsenal back line.
However, from an attacking perspective, Little was ineffective. It would be unfair to single her out for Arsenal’s inability to create chances but she was part of a collective of underperforming players who could not find the back of the net. Therefore, she must shoulder some responsibility for the attack failure.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar, Fox, Wubben-Moy, Codina, McCabe, Little, Cooney-Cross, Mead, Maanum, Caldentey, Russo
Everton (3-4-3): Brosnan, Vanhaevermaet, Finnigan, Stenevik, Hope, Hayashi, Wheeler, Holmgaard, Sarri, Snoeijs, Olesen
Referee: Stacey Pearson
Attendance: 25,480
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