Beth Mead delivers again! Lionesses star heads Arsenal to victory over Everton as Gunners join Chelsea at top of WSL

Arsenal started brightly and hit the woodwork after just six minutes at Meadow Park through Mead. It promised to be just a temporary reprieve for Everton as Caitlin Foord scored from close range just three minutes later after a cut-back from Victoria Pelova. The Gunners continued to dominate but were stunned midway through the first half when Everton hit back against the run of play. A quick break saw Karoline Olesen slide the ball through to Katja Snoejis, and she made no mistake with a composed low finish from just outside the penalty area.

The hosts continued to press and went ahead again just before half-time. Lia Walti swung in a superb cross to find Mead ghosting in at the back post and able to direct a header into the back of the net to make it 2-1.

Arsenal remained on top after half-time but couldn't extend their lead, leading to something of a nervy finish. Everton sent on Toni Duggan and Martina Piemonte in a bid to find an equaliser but couldn't beat Zinsberger again as the hosts took all three points to join Chelsea at the top of the WSL.

Arsenal's Vivianne Miedema made her first start in 405 days on Saturday after returning to the starting XI for the first time since sustaining an ACL injury in December 2022.

Mead was back in the goals on Saturday to inspire Arsenal to a crucial victory. The Lionesses star was a little unfortunate not to have scored earlier with a left-footed effort that hit the woodwork and flew away to safety. However, she was not to be denied later in the half, heading home what turned out to be the winner to make it four goals in her last four games for Arsenal.

Arsenal goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger, who signed a new contract at the club ahead of the game, didn't have too much to do on Saturday but hardly coverered herself in glory when Everton scored. The stopper came racing out of her goal, only to freeze at the sight of Snoejis who showed great composure to comfortably fire the ball past the goalkeeper from outside the penalty area.

Both teams are in FA WSL Cup action next. Arsenal take on Reading on Wednesday, while Everton head to Leicester City.