Ruby Mace felt Everton Women had to prove themselves against Chelsea but could only do that if they were prepared to but the bodies on the line and stick together.
The England U-23 star was speaking after
the Blues pulled off the upset of the season – and arguably Brian Sorensen’s greatest result as head coach – when they ended the defending league champions’ 585-day unbeaten run with a 1-0 win at Kingsmeadow thanks to a Honoka Hayashi goal.
The Toffees soaked up a huge amount of pressure against Sonia Bompastor’s side but held firm to earn their first league win since the opening day of the season.
And while goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was deservedly named player of the match, the efforts of those in front of her can not be ignored, with Mace and Martina Fernandez producing their greatest display as a partnership to hand Chelsea a first league defeat since May 2024.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Mace felt that all the team had to be together as one in order to get the win, as she explains
“I think today is a game where we have to prove ourselves coming up against the champions. For us, we did that today. I’m so proud of my team and so proud of Everton.
“We said at half-time, the only ones who will beat this team are the ones who put their body on their line. The morale of today’s game is togetherness, and we did that today.
“I think at times you don’t even know the ball is coming, you just throw yourself at it, and that’s the art of defending. Without this team I don’t think any of us could do it if we weren’t together.
“Today, with my centre back partner Martina, we say we celebrate the big things, and I think that’s what kept everyone going today.”
Since her arrival in the summer for a fee that broke Everton Women’s transfer window, the former Leicester City star often been deployed in the unfamiliar role of centre back, as Sorensen has juggled his pack due to injuries and attempting different formations and ideas.
With results not going Everton’s way, head coach and team have come up for criticism as relegation battle looked increasingly likely.
But Mace, whose preferred role is midfield, registered 17 clearances, won four tackles and made two blocks during Sunday’s victory, a clear sign she is learning to get her head around the defensive aspects of the game, something she believes will help her perspective of defending when she eventually moves back to midfield.
“For me, it’s about switching on in the defensive part and that’s the bit that is hard for me and the bit I have to get my head around,” she said.
“I think by playing there and practicing it helps me, and also in the six being a centre back, transferring back to a six, I think I know what I want from my six from playing as a centre back.
“I have to just take this and go on into the next game.
“Happy with my performance today but we have another game in five days or six days, so I have to stay focused on that one.
And as Mace says, Everton will have little time to celebrate, as this coming Saturday sees another top side Arsenal visit Goodison.
Tickets for that clash are available now as the Blues will look to give their fans an early Christmas present with their first league win of the season before the festive break.
