Everton manager Brian Sørensen gave credit to Arsenal after they defeated his side 3-1 at Goodison Park yesterday.
Katie McCabe fired The Gunners into an early lead before Honoka Hayashi levelled for The Toffees. Alessia Russo then fired Arsenal back ahead before Olivia Smith wrapped things up with the visitors’ third goal late in the game.
When speaking in the post-match press conference, Sørensen could only give credit to the opposition for their strong display.
“When we play Arsenal, they find their top level,” Sørensen said.”I thought they were good today, moving the ball extremely well. We tried to do the same tactics as we did against Chelsea, but they were good at manipulating us and dragging us out of areas and so on. Sometimes, you just have to credit the opponent.
“We all spoke about just keeping in the game and with Hono’s [Hayashi] equaliser, we did that. I know in second half, we could potentially get more off the pitch. We just weren’t at our best in terms of doing that in the moment we potentially had.
“I also thought they were good today. When I see Arsenal at their best, it’s the best team in the league by a mile in the way that they move together defensively and also the way they move the ball.”
Everton seemed to contain Arsenal’s threats in the second half. Sørensen said that some tactical adjustments were made, although The Gunners were maybe not as dangerous as they were in the first half.
He said “I think it was Arsenal slowing down a bit, it wasn’t that we did anything. We changed in the way we defended, where we were zonal and 4-4-2, covering a bit more. They can be very frustrating to play against which you saw last week against Chelsea, but because they move the ball so fast, you don’t get close enough to the players, so then it’s hard to defend and then we changed it into more 4-4-2. At the end, we were open a bit more and then tried to get forward.
“I knew they’d be up for it today after what we did last week. Also, I think since we got that draw at the Emirates, they respect us, so they are really at their best.”
Everton’s first-choice goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan made her return to football last weekend after being sidelined through injury for several weeks. Sørensen is pleased to have the keeper available for duty once again.
He said “We’ve been missing her for sure, she’s a top goalkeeper and she organises really well. It’s not only her saves and so on, but it’s also her experience. I think we would have more points if we had her fit and ready for the whole season because she’s the type of goalkeeper that gives you points. It’s nice to have her back. It’s nice to actually have the majority of the squad back which we haven’t had, so we don’t have to change and chop around so much.”
Everton return to action on 11 January 2026 when they travel to The Joie Stadium to play Manchester City.
About The Author
Chloe Reynolds
I am a content creator and reporter for WSL Full-Time. I primarily cover clubs playing in the North West.