Ornella Vignola made a sensational debut for Everton Women, scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. The 20-year-old’s performance has ignited optimism among Everton supporters, signaling a new era of ambition for the club following significant investment in the squad. Manager Brian Sorensen praised Vignola’s impact and emphasized the importance of consistency, while pundits have hailed her as an exciting talent with immense potential. The win marks Everton’s eighth consecutive unbeaten match in the derby and positions them well for a strong season in the Women’s Super League.
An "exceptional performance" is an understatement when describing Ornella Vignola's debut for Everton Women. The 20-year-old forward announced herself to the Women's Super League with a stunning hat-trick in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool at Anfield, a performance that not only secured a dominant 4-1 victory for the Toffees but also ignited a spark of optimism amongst Everton supporters.
Vignola's arrival from Spanish side Granada in the summer was one of nine additions to Brian Sorensen’s squad, signaling a clear intent to invest and elevate Everton’s position in the WSL. For years, the club has faced financial constraints, limiting their ability to compete with the league’s established powerhouses. Their highest finish in the WSL came in the 2020-21 campaign, finishing fifth, but now, under the ownership of The Friedkin Group, a new era of ambition has dawned.
The impact of Vignola was immediate. Liverpool took the lead through Cornelia Kapocs in the 12th minute, and for a significant portion of the first half, they controlled the tempo. However, in the 24th minute, Vignola produced a moment of individual brilliance. Racing past Liverpool midfielder Ceri Holland, she carried the ball from the halfway line, weaving her way towards the penalty area before unleashing a powerful, accurate shot past goalkeeper Faye Kirby from a tight angle. It was a goal that completely shifted the momentum of the match.
“In football, there are moments that change everything,” Sorensen commented after the game. “She brought us back from a very deep place. I knew we would come back then. That moment changed the game.”
Everton didn't just equalize; they surged ahead. Katja Snoeijs headed home on the stroke of half-time, giving the Toffees a 2-1 lead. The second half saw Vignola truly take center stage. She added two more goals in quick succession, completing her hat-trick and extending Everton’s lead to 4-1. The victory marked Everton’s eighth consecutive unbeaten match in the Merseyside derby, a testament to their growing dominance in this local rivalry.
Vignola’s performance wasn’t just about the goals; it was about her relentless energy, skillful dribbling, and fearless approach. She consistently troubled the Liverpool defense, creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her ability to operate effectively as a number nine, despite primarily playing as a winger throughout her career, showcased her versatility and adaptability.
“I’m really happy to have started the season this way, especially here against Liverpool,” Vignola said after the match. “It was really exciting, and it made it even better that it was a derby hat-trick. I’m excited for the season ahead.”
Sorensen, while delighted with Vignola’s performance, emphasized the importance of consistency. “When you’re that young, it’s hard to predict,” he said. “It’s all about consistency from players. That was what the summer was about – building a team with high-value young players we can grow. If she can continue like she did today week in and week out, then we have a very good player on our hands.”
Former England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, speaking on the BBC’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, was equally impressed. “She’s a young winger with pace, energy, and skill. She can take the ball on her right and quickly chop inside on her left. She’s going to be an exciting focal point with loads and loads of potential. Her performance was exceptional.”
The victory over Liverpool wasn’t just a result; it was a statement. It signaled Everton’s ambition to climb the WSL table and challenge the league’s top teams. The move to play their home games at Goodison Park has also contributed to a growing sense of excitement and optimism around the club. The atmosphere at Anfield was electric, and the fans played their part in inspiring the team to victory.
Vignola’s journey to Everton is a testament to her dedication and talent. She spent two years at Barcelona between 2020 and 2022, gaining valuable experience before spells at Sevilla, Alaves, and Granada. Now, she has found a new home in Liverpool, and she is already making a significant impact.
The future looks bright for Everton Women, and with players like Ornella Vignola leading the charge, they are well-positioned to achieve their ambitions. The question now is whether Vignola can maintain this level of performance throughout the season and become a key player for the Toffees.
Listen to Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie on the Women's Football Weekly podcast on BBC Sounds for more analysis and insights into the WSL.