🔗 Share this article

Much like bad weather swept through the north-west the prior day, the home side blew the visitors aside at the their home ground. It was a statement three-nil win for the City coach's side due to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that clearly signaled their championship potential as they strengthened their place at the WSL pinnacle.

Successive Setbacks for Manchester United

This outcome represented back-to-back WSL setbacks for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, putting them a significant margin off the top team with their trophy ambitions severely dented.

Manchester United's ability to manage domestic and European soccer with a small roster has been a hotly discussed issue since they earned a place in the Champions League. Looking at the calendar, it always seemed this was the period that would truly test this ability. Unfortunately for the away side, they looked weary throughout, the landmark win against PSG clearly having taken a toll.

Lineup Adjustments

Marc Skinner had tried to make changes with a a few adjustments. Ella Toone, Terland, Janssen and Galton all added vigor, although the exclusion of the in-form Melvine Malard to the sidelines was questioned.

The hosts, in comparison, have no similar loading issues. The City coach made one adjustment from the previous win over Everton with Hemp making her return to the lineup since recovering from injury.

Dominant First Half

The storm clouds started to gather for Skinner and his squad from the first whistle. This was a demonstration of the power from Manchester City whose dynamic forward line manipulated and dismantled the opposition with a excellent initial 45 minutes performance that saw them net a trio in under half an hour.

This placed City firmly in control and had Manchester United struggling. Prior to this encounter, United had let in just few in this domestic competition but they fell apart in the wake of the hosts' creative prowess.

Initial Opportunities

The omens came early when Miedema used her power to push Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the core of everything early on, using the room left by Jayde Riviere down the visitors' right side. Her crosses were posing a threat and led to an opportunity for Hasegawa that Sandberg cleared off the line.

United had multiple attacks ahead, their long-ball tactic giving them choices in the wide areas but they could not test Yamashita. City, in the meantime, commanded possession, taunting their opponents and trying to pull them out of their organization.

Goals Galore

They made their pressure count with almost the first period played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a set-piece. A cross to the back post was directed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was City’s 7th header of the term.

They increased their lead with an additional two goals just before the half-time. When Jade Rose was permitted to drive through the midfield from the back, the pitch became spacious for the hosts. The key Casparij picked the ball up on the wing before sending a precise driven ball for Bunny Shaw to bundle home. Four minutes later, they had a additional score after a rapid turnover in possession saw Lauren Hemp allowed the space to drive a shot home from outside the box.

Final Period

The most obvious change came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was futile to change the course of the contest. Ex- Manchester City player Park came nearest, striking the post, but the visitors were offensively poor and did not manage to record a one shot on target.

The hosts, on the other hand, could have added to their advantage when a excellent Miedema pass sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fail to convert but it mattered little to the winning team. Having failed to beat any side who finished above them last season, Jeglertz’s side now have victories against Arsenal and Manchester United to position them in a commanding position after the opening fixtures.