WSL: Manchester City's Champions League hopes fade after costly draw against Everton

Manchester City’s ambitions of securing European football next season took a major hit on Sunday as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Everton in the Women’s Super League. The result leaves City seven points behind third-placed Manchester United with only three games remaining in the season.

Despite an early breakthrough from full-back Kerstin Casparij in the 13th minute, City couldn’t maintain their advantage. Everton equalised 20 minutes later through Karen Holmgaard, and the home side’s inability to convert chances combined with solid Everton defending ensured the points were shared.

The draw leaves Manchester City fourth in the WSL standings on 36 points. With Chelsea and Arsenal both competing in the Champions League semi-finals this weekend, City now face a near-impossible task. To leapfrog United, they would need to win all their remaining matches and hope their rivals lose all of theirs.

“Chelsea, who take on Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final later on Sunday, top the standings on 48 points, three ahead of Arsenal with a game in hand, with Manchester United two points further back.”

In the day’s later match, Aston Villa let a two-goal lead slip against Tottenham Hotspur but still managed a 3-2 victory thanks to a dramatic stoppage-time winner from substitute Kirsty Hanson.

Saturday's action saw Liverpool climb to fifth in the standings after first-half goals from Oliva Smith and Leanne Kiernan secured a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, while Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by West Ham United.

SportsLigue