Over Five Years and 108 Games Later, Everton Finally Ends Arsenal's Miracle Run

(Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

It had to come to an end sooner or later and it did on Sunday, March 29, 2009.

For the first time in 108 games, Arsenal Ladies were defeated in the FA Tesco's Women's Premier League. The Gunners came out on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline to their nearest league rivals, Everton.

Having being champions for the last five seasons and still top of the table, Arsenal last suffered defeat way back on October 16, 2003, when Charlton emerged victorious.

The following table from Arsenal.com shows just how impressive the unbeaten run was, with a huge positive goal difference.

Everton Captain Fara Williams put the Toffees on the road to their historic victory, opening the scoring after just 10 minutes.

Youngster Michelle Hinnigan doubled the lead three minutes later, and Williams' England colleague Jill Scott hit the decisive third goal eight minutes into the second half.

"We are absolutely delighted", said assistant coach Andy Spence. "It was an excellent performance and a great response to last week.

"Every single one of them contributed to what was a fantastic performance. Obviously all records come to an end at some stage - we're just happy it's us that ended it.

"Now we've got to move on and prepare for the game on Thursday against Leeds - as games are going to come thick and fast for us now." 

The Liverpool side will see this as revenge for the FA Cup semi-final the previous Sunday, when Arsenal emerged as 3-1 winners.

Arsenal's Rachel Yankey opened the scoring for the hosts after just 21 seconds, before Jayne Ludlow made it two just after the half hour. It was three in first-half stoppage time as Gilly Flaherty swooped to put the Gunners firmly in the driving seat.

Natasha Dowie did grab a 54th-minute consolation for the visitors but Arsenal held on for victory.

Arsenal will play Sunderland in the Women's FA Cup Final at Derby's Pride Park on May Bank Holiday Monday.

Meanwhile, their defeat to Everton sees them remain top of the league by six points, however the Toffees have three games in hand. 

Should both teams win their upcoming games then the last day of the season is bound to be fascinating as the two sides could go head to head for the right to be named champions.

Although Arsenal has yet to confirm the dates for their games against Chelsea and Everton, it is expected that Arsenal versus Everton will be the last game of the season for both sides.

We, in the Arsenal community at Bleacher Report, wish the Arsenal Ladies all the best for the rest of the season.

Stay tuned for more updates, including the trip to Pride Park.

If you would like to read more about the Arsenal Ladies' season so far please check out:

Arsenal FC: In A League Of Its Own

Arsenal Ladies: An Update On Events in Europe and the League

Arsenal Hit For Six As They Crash Out Of The Women's UEFA Cup

Arsenal Bounce Back From UEFA Cup Heartbreak But America Will Just Not Go Away

Can Anyone Halt The Arsenal Express Train?

Arsenal Ladies Still Invincible, But Lose Carney To America

Arsenal Ladies' Biggest Fear Comes To Life: Three Key Players Head For The Exit

Arsenal Say Hello To League Cup Trophy But Goodbye To Smith And Scott 

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