Everton Women 1-1 Arsenal Women: Late Issy Hobson equaliser dents Gunners’ title hopes

Issy Hobson said scoring a late equaliser for Everton against Arsenal in the Women’s Super League was “the best feeling ever”.

Her goal drew Everton level following Alessia Russo’s opener at Walton Hall.

“I’ve been at Everton for my whole life so it’s even more special,” Hobson told BBC Sport.

“It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing football and for it to contribute to getting a draw against Arsenal is the best feeling ever.”

Arsenal wasted several good chances, while Everton’s Karen Holmgaard hit the crossbar with an early header.

Jonas Eidevall’s side are five points behind leaders Manchester City with two games to play, while City have a game in hand.

Arsenal’s chances of winning the WSL will be over if City beat relegated Bristol City later on Sunday.

Russo poked the ball home with 10 minutes of normal time remaining, the England striker pouncing on the rebound from a fine save from Courtney Brosnan.

But Arsenal failed to capitalise on the dominance they enjoyed for much of the game against a side with only one win at home all season.

Stina Blackstenius was denied by a Brosnan save early in the first half, while Victoria Pelova failed to hit the target from the six-yard yard line soon after the resumption for the second half.

In between, Everton had come close to taking the lead when Holmgaard nodded a corner from her twin sister Sara on to the bar.

A 10th goal of the season for Russo, Arsenal’s top-scorer this season, looked like it would be enough until the Gunners failed to clear an Everton corner, allowing Hobson to loop the ball over Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger.

Arsenal’s next match is at City on 5 May.