Caitlin Foord has starred - and scored - in Arsenal's win over Everton that's given the Gunners the perfect start to their 2024 pursuit of the Women's Super League title.
The Matildas' striker put Arsenal ahead after just nine minutes in their 2-1 win at their Meadow Park home on Saturday (Sunday AEDT), a triumph that puts them alongside champions Chelsea at the top of the WSL table.
It was the Australian's third goal of the league season as she looked Arsenal's main threat throughout much of the afternoon with her energy and foraging runs down the left flank.
It was a simple finish for Foord, who found a touch of space in the box and was found expertly by Victoria Pelova's cut-back from the right, giving her little more than a tap-in.
But while the home side continued to dominate, they switched off to allow Everton's Katja Snoeijs to latch on to a Karoline Olesen through ball and equalise midway though the first half.
One fine run by Foord ended up with her being tackled by Everton's fellow Matilda Clare Wheeler, and she came close to putting the Gunners ahead just before halftime when she poked just wide.
England star Beth Mead did get the breakthrough in first-half added time, nodding home a Lia Walti cross, but Arsenal continued to make heavy weather of converting their 19 attempts into further goals.
Steph Catley, on the bench, got a run out in the last 15 minutes but Arsenal's third Matilda, Kyra Cooney-Cross was an used substitute.
Ultimately, the win, however laboured, was all that mattered for Arsenal, who've played a game more than Chelsea, but have now moved on to 25 points to sit behind the leaders only on goal difference.
On the resumption of WSL action after the winter break, it was the perfect way for them to renew pressure on the champions, who will be without the injured Sam Kerr for the rest of the season.
Chelsea, though, can restore their advantage on Sunday (Monday AEDT) at Stamford Bridge when they tackle Manchester United, who should provide a considerable examination of the Blues' prospects without their star striker.
Manchester City, who are third and three points behind the top two, could bring Mary Fowler back into the starting line-up as they take on Teagan Micah's Liverpool at home,
West Ham should give a league debut to Katrina Gorry while Tottenham Hotspur are likely to do the same for Charli Grant in their London derby.
