Everton Women expert discusses disappointing defeat to Aston Villa, possible switch in goal
We’re delighted to welcome Peter MacFarlane, member of the Everton Women Official Supporters Club, as our exclusive Everton Women expert.
Everton Women expert Peter MacFarlane has reacted to the poor defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday but sees some reasons to be positive.
The Toffees went down 2-0 on the day to record their fourth straight loss in the WSL and saw them overtaken by Leicester City.
While the performance was not up to scratch, the team was also unlucky and suffered from events going against them at key points in the match.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News MacFarlane reflected on the defeat: “Another week, another disappointing result for the Toffees. It was a frustrating afternoon, not helped by terrible conditions, but the 2-0 scoreline was harsh on an Everton side who battled right until the end.
“They just couldn’t break down a stubborn Aston Villa defence, aided by the magnificent Hannah Hampton in goal, and a very dubious decision to play on after it appeared to everyone that the ball had clearly crossed the line during a goal line scramble with 10 minutes to go.
“Overall we can see a level of improvement within the side, it just isn’t quite clicking in the final third, and unfortunately, for the second match in a row, there have to be question marks over goalkeeping decisions at key moments.
“Sandy MacIver has been superb for us since signing. She is such a talented young goalkeeper.
“But with Courtney Brosnan, Ireland’s first choice goalkeeper no less, on the bench, it may be the right time to give Sandy a rest so that she can work hard on regaining the confidence which has been evident throughout her time at Everton.
“It was great to see the players come over to the fans at the end of the match to show their appreciation, and we certainly showed ours for their effort throughout the 90 minutes.
“Lucy Graham made a point of mentioning the fans in her post match interview, specifically to thank us for sticking with them through this tough period.
“We aren’t going anywhere. We will stick by these players and support them until the last kick in the last game of the season.”
The international break is up next which might provide an opportunity for the side to refocus after a turbulent few weeks.
They are likely to need it as following that comes a gruelling schedule of one FA Cup tie and four WSL matches in the space of just 17 days.
The first league fixture back, after the cup game against Charlton, is a rematch of the weekend’s defeat so lessons will need to have been learned fast.
In other Everton news, sponsorship deals across both sides of the club have been drawing attention since the Saudi Newcastle takeover.