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Similar to the recent storm hit the north-west the previous evening, the home side swept Manchester United away at the their home ground. It was a emphatic three goal win for Andrée Jeglertz’s side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a result that clearly signaled their leadership claims as they strengthened their standing at the WSL pinnacle.

Successive Setbacks for United

This scoreline represented consecutive Women's Super League losses for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, placing them a significant margin off the table toppers with their trophy ambitions severely dented.

Manchester United's capability to juggle league and European soccer with a limited team has been a widely debated topic since they qualified for the UCL. Considering the calendar, it always felt like this was the period that would truly test this ability. Regrettably for the visitors, they looked fatigued from start to finish, the landmark win against the French side clearly having had an impact.

Lineup Adjustments

The United manager had tried to rotate the squad with a a few adjustments. Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all added vigor, although the omission of the on-form Malard to the bench was questioned.

The hosts, in opposition, have no similar fitness issues. Andrée Jeglertz made a single alteration from the previous win over the Toffees with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since recovering from a fitness issue.

Dominant First Half

The storm clouds started to build for the United boss and his squad from the opening minute. This was a demonstration of the power from City whose energetic forward line manipulated and pulled the visitors apart with a superb opening period performance that saw them put three past the keeper in under half an hour.

This placed City completely dominant and saw the visitors struggling. Before this encounter, United had conceded just few in this domestic competition but they fell apart in the presence of City’s offensive ingenuity.

Opening Threats

The warning signs came early when Vivianne Miedema used her power to push Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot past the post. Hemp was at the center of everything from the start, using the space left by Jayde Riviere down United’s right flank. Her crosses were causing problems and led to an chance for Yui Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

The Red Devils had several attacks forward, their direct style giving them choices in the wide areas but they could not trouble Yamashita. Manchester City, on the other hand, commanded the ball, teasing their rivals and trying to lure them of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They made their pressure count with almost thirty minutes played when Fujino won the hosts a corner. A ball to the far post was directed across goal by Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was Manchester City's 7th goal from a cross of the campaign.

They added to their advantage with another pair of goals just before the half-time. When Rose was allowed to maraud through the middle from central defence, the field opened up for the hosts. The influential Casparij collected the pass on the right before sending a pinpoint driven ball for Shaw to force home. A short time later, they had a third after a swift shift in possession saw Lauren Hemp allowed the room to strike a attempt home from range.

After the Break

The clearest change came from the United manager at the break as Malard was introduced for Terland but by this time it was futile to alter the outcome of the contest. Ex- City player Jess Park came most likely to score, rattling the upright, but the away team were creatively abject and were unable to produce a solitary shot on target.

The hosts, on the other hand, could have added to their lead when a delightful Miedema through ball sent Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it was insignificant to the hosts. Previously unable to overcome any side who placed above them in the prior term, the manager's side now have wins against Arsenal and Manchester United to position them in a favorable situation after nine games.