Everton 0-1 Chelsea Women, 3 standouts: Macario key as Blues punch ticket into FA Cup semifinals
2. Eve Perisset
Even with Ashley Lawrence coming back from the CONCACAF W Gold Cup, there is only one correct choice to serve as the leading right back. About this time of year in 2023, Eve Perisset began to hit her top form. That theme seems to have carried into this campaign. By no means is she the quickest player out there, but her defensive anticipation and intelligence more than trump it. The importance of her patience and vision playing out of the back can not be emphasized enough. Consistency for footballers is critical. During this stretch of starts since Lawrence's international duty departure, Perisset has been every bit of that word.
The French defender was exceptional in an injury-riddled back four once again, acting as a critical part of yet another clean sheet. Perisset was also a consistent threat on set pieces, delivering the corner in which Bjorn fired off the woodwork and one near post in which Nusken headed off target. When you need her the most, No. 15 shows up. The City display may very well have acted as a launchpad for Perisset as she attempts to snatch a spot in the starting XI back.
1. Aggie Beever-Jones
For the second time since she bid farewell to the Toffees, Beever-Jones returned to a place she used to call home. That didn't mean she was going to take it any easier on the club she used to rep. Two visits to Walton Hall Park. Two goal contributions. You can understand why Sorensen wanted her back with EFC for a second season on loan.
That creativity out wide would be wonders for a club sitting in the bottom three of the English top flight. The English youngster completed 21 of her 30 attempted passes including seven in the final third. Sarina Wiegman should be taking more notes. This is a wonder kid of the highest order. Normal 20-year-olds don't show as much composure in the penalty area. Beever-Jones isn't normal, though. The American may have had the goal, but for me, ABJ was my Player of the Match. Her work rate each time Hayes gifts her with an opportunity is special. To all the academy players out there---the road is much clearer thanks to the grit and quality of the Carshalton native.
A blockbuster at Stamford Bridge is on the horizon. Arsenal Women are set to visit West London next Friday night in the Women's Super League.