Manchester United were overtaken at the top of the Women’s Super League as they were held to a hugely frustrating goalless draw by Everton at Leigh Sports Village.
Marc Skinner’s side missed a number of huge opportunities on a frenetic afternoon and it opened the door for rivals Chelsea to take the WSL top spot with a 3-2 win over Tottenham.
United did more than enough to win the game as England international Ella Toone hit the post in the second half after Lucia Garcia struck inches from the bar before the break.
Everton’s Jess Park, on loan from Manchester City, nearly caused an upset late when she cut wide after a period of intense pressure from United.
But the Blues held on to claim an impressive point as United dropped two points from Chelsea in the title race.
United punished for missed chances
It could prove to be a significant result in the title race as United did more than enough to pick up the three points but lacked the ruthlessness.
Alessia Russo had made headlines this week after United turned down two world-record offers from Arsenal to sign the England striker in the final 24 hours of the January transfer window.
But Russo, who tried his luck in the first half, was held off by Everton’s brave defense.
Brian Sorensen’s Everton side were tested throughout as forwards Garcia and Russo and full-back Ona Batlle went close in the first half before a United onslaught came in the second half .
Toone had the best of luck when she was tackled by winger Leah Galton, only managing to clip the outside of the post.
United pushed for a winner as a crowd of more than 5,000 grew more anxious and a few mistakes at the back almost allowed Everton to take a shock lead.
Park, who looked menacing every time she received the ball, rounded keeper Mary Earps after an error from Batlle but sliced it wide in a golden chance to put the Blues 1-0 up on time which was flowing.
Everton continued to hang on as they threw their bodies in the way to block countless United shots, with goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan putting on a solid display in the absence of on-loan United goalkeeper Emily Ramsey, who was ineligible to face his parent club.
The result leaves the door open for United’s rivals in the title race, as it was another solid defensive display from an ever-improving Everton side under Sorensen’s stewardship.
