Arsenal Women 1-0 Everton Women: Vivianne Miedema scores as Gunners keep pace at top

Vivianne Miedema's goal ensured Arsenal kept pace in the Women's Super League title race as the Gunners returned to winning ways at home to Everton.

Miedema produced a superb finish after 24 minutes, creating space for herself in the penalty area before firing spectacularly past Emily Ramsey.

The Dutch striker was left with her hands on her head after she was denied by last-ditch Everton defending following a second-half corner at Meadow Park.

But the single goal proved enough for Jonas Eidevall's side to respond positively to seeing their 14-match winning run ended by Manchester United a fortnight ago.

Arsenal were able to welcome back England captain Leah Williamson following a two-month absence because of a foot injury, with the 25-year-old coming on as a second-half-substitute.

But Everton goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, who denied Caitlin Foord late on among her 12 saves, prevented the Gunners being assured of victory up until the final whistle.

A 14th successive win over Everton moved Arsenal level with Manchester United, who earlier thrashed Aston Villa 5-0, and Chelsea after eight games - before the Blues' match against Leicester City concludes.

Arsenal have not lost consecutive league games since February 2021, while they last lost back-to-back home games in the competition in September 2016.

Following the excellent Miedema's classy opener midway through the first half they rarely appeared in danger of suffering such a fate - although they could not put the game completely out of reach of a determined Everton.

A dramatic 3-2 loss to Manchester United in their last league outing ended an 18-game unbeaten run for the Gunners - and suggested a four-team title race is a very real possibility this season.

Manager Eidevall will be satisfied with this response after Miedema delivered the moment of quality required to clinch the points in Borehamwood.

Having ended a seven-game wait for a goal last week with an equaliser against Juventus that keeps Arsenal in control of their Champions League group, the 26-year-old collected Caitlin Foord's pass and wrongfooted two defenders as she cut back on to her right foot before slamming the ball into the top corner.

Miedema looked full of confidence after that spectacular finish, frequently dropping back to help her team and playing a key role in her side's most threatening attacks.

She attempted seven shots - a tally matched only by team-mate Frida Maanum - but was left in disbelief as she was twice prevented from stabbing in at close-range as the Everton defence put their bodies on the line.

Everton, for whom Jessica Park proved an exciting influence, struggled to manoeuvre themselves into promising positions but Nicoline Sorensen and Karen Holmgaard went close to snatching a late equaliser amid a flurry of late attempts.

Lotte Wubben-Moy and Foord went close as they hosts pushed to seal the points, but victory accompanied by a 200th club appearance for the returning Williamson represented a pleasing afternoon for Arsenal.