Leah Williamson got her first Barclays Women’s Super League minutes of the season as she came on as a substitute for Arsenal in a 3-1 win against Everton at Goodison Park.
She replaced Steph Catley in the 81st minute and reclaimed the armband in the absence of Kim Little, who was substituted earlier in the game.
The England captain had been out of action with a knee injury since the summer, when she led the Lionesses to a second successive Women’s Euros title.
She had been named on the bench for the UEFA Women’s Champions League clash against FC Twente in midweek, but did not make it on to the pitch.
The Gunners secured all three points with goals from Katie McCabe, Alessia Russo – making her 100th WSL appearance – and Olivia Smith.
Everton got a goal back through Honoka Hayashi, who had scored the winner against defending champions Chelsea last weekend.
Renee Slegers: The importance of Leah Williamson and Kim Little
Arsenal boss Renee Slegers had spoken earlier in the week about the importance of Kim Little and Leah Williamson both being available for selection.
“They understand the club, they understand the group, they understand what’s needed and what the demands are at Arsenal, and to get the wins over the line,” she said.
“They mean a lot from that perspective: how do we prepare and how do we execute the game from a psychological perspective, how you represent the club, but also everything that’s happening in the background on a daily basis, their leadership and leading by example and setting standards.
“They’re two different types of leaders, they both bring different things, and it’s really good to have them back.”
The Women’s Super League standings
Arsenal are into second place in the WSL table, on 22 points, but the rest of the league have Sunday fixtures; Chelsea travel to Brighton and Hove Albion, while Manchester United host Tottenham Hotspur.
League leaders Manchester City host Aston Villa, while Leicester City face London City Lionesses, and West Ham United take on Liverpool in a bottom-of-the-table clash.
