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Just as Storm Claudia hit the northwest the previous evening, City overwhelmed Manchester United away at the their home ground. It was a statement three goal triumph for their manager's side thanks to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a performance that firmly established their title credentials as they strengthened their place at the top of the table.

Back-to-Back Setbacks for Manchester United

This result marked consecutive WSL losses for the United manager's side for the initial occasion since last May, placing them a significant margin off the table toppers with their trophy ambitions hanging by a thread.

United’s ability to manage league and European football with a limited squad has been a widely debated issue since they qualified for the Champions League. Reviewing the schedule, it always seemed this was the week that would fully examine this ability. Regrettably for the away side, they seemed tired throughout, the memorable win against PSG clearly having had an impact.

Tactical Shifts

Skinner had attempted to rotate the squad with a handful of changes. Ella Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Leah Galton all provided vigor, although the omission of the on-form Malard to the bench was questioned.

The hosts, in contrast, have no such loading worries. The City coach made one adjustment from last week’s win over Everton with Hemp making her return to the lineup since healing from a fitness issue.

Commanding Opening Period

The trouble started to gather for the United boss and his team from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the quality from Manchester City whose dynamic forward line played with and tore United open with a superb first half display that saw them put three past the keeper in 21 minutes.

This placed City completely dominant and saw the visitors disorganized. Before this match, United had conceded just few in this WSL season but they disintegrated in the face of Manchester City's offensive ingenuity.

Initial Opportunities

The warning signs came early when Miedema used her strength to bundle Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the core of everything from the start, using the gap left by Jayde Riviere down United’s right side. Her crosses were causing problems and led to an chance for Hasegawa that Sandberg scrambled off the line.

The Red Devils had a number of attacks ahead, their straightforward approach giving them options in the flanks but they could not challenge the City goalkeeper. Manchester City, on the other hand, controlled possession, teasing their opposition and trying to pull them out of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost the first period played when Aoba Fujino won the hosts a corner. A ball to the far post was nodded across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was Manchester City's 7th headed goal of the term.

They extended their lead with two more goals just before the half-time. When Rose was able to maraud through the center from central defence, the play became spacious for City. The key Kerstin Casparij collected the pass on the wing before providing a precise low cross for Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a rapid turnover in possession saw Lauren Hemp afforded the space to drive a attempt home from outside the box.

Second Half

The most obvious change came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard was introduced for Terland but by this time it was too late to alter the outcome of the game. Ex- City player Park came closest, hitting the woodwork, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and did not manage to register a one shot on target.

The hosts, in contrast, could have added to their lead when a excellent Vivianne Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it did not affect the result to the hosts. Having failed to defeat any team who placed above them in the prior term, Jeglertz’s side now have wins against the Gunners and United to place them in a strong situation after nine games.