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Much like bad weather tore through the northern region the prior day, Manchester City overwhelmed Manchester United away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a statement 3-0 win for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Hemp. It was a result that firmly established their leadership claims as they consolidated their place at the WSL pinnacle.

Successive Setbacks for United

This result signalled back-to-back WSL losses for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, placing them a sizable gap off the table toppers with their title hopes hanging by a thread.

United’s capacity to juggle league and European football with a small squad has been a frequently analyzed issue since they secured entry to the UCL. Reviewing the calendar, it always appeared this was the matchday that would truly test this capability. Regrettably for the opposition, they seemed weary all game, the historic win against Paris Saint-Germain clearly having left its mark.

Team Changes

Marc Skinner had tried to freshen things up with a handful of alterations. Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all added vigor, although the exclusion of the on-form Melvine Malard to the bench caused surprise.

Manchester City, in opposition, have no similar fitness issues. The City coach made one change from the previous win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her initial starting appearance since recovering from a fitness issue.

Commanding Opening Period

The storm clouds started to accumulate for Skinner and his team from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the strength from City whose dynamic forward line controlled and dismantled the opposition with a sublime opening period display that saw them score three goals in just over twenty minutes.

This left the home team firmly in control and had Manchester United all at sea. In advance of this encounter, United had let in just six in this domestic competition but they fell apart in the face of Manchester City's creative prowess.

Initial Opportunities

The warning signs came soon when Miedema used her physicality to push Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot past the post. Hemp was at the core of everything early on, using the room left by Riviere down United’s right flank. Her crosses were posing a threat and led to an chance for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had several attacks forward, their direct style giving them alternatives in the wide areas but they could not challenge the City goalkeeper. Manchester City, in the meantime, controlled the ball, teasing their opposition and trying to lure them of their structure.

Triple Strike

They converted their dominance with almost the first period played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a corner. A delivery to the back post was directed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was City’s 7th headed goal of the campaign.

They added to their cushion with an additional two goals just before the break. When Jade Rose was able to maraud through the middle from the back, the pitch opened up for the hosts. The influential Casparij picked the ball up on the right before delivering a precise driven ball for Shaw to force home. A short time later, they had a third goal after a rapid change in possession saw Hemp allowed the room to drive a effort home from range.

Final Period

The clearest change came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard came on for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was too late to change the course of the game. Former Manchester City player Park came nearest, hitting the woodwork, but the visitors were creatively abject and failed to register a one shot on goal.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have increased their cushion when a delightful Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it was insignificant to the winning team. Having failed to overcome any side who ended above them the previous campaign, City's side now have successes against the Gunners and United to put them in a favorable standing after nine games.