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Much like bad weather tore through the north-west the night before, Manchester City blew the visitors away at the their home ground. It was a emphatic three goal victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that firmly established their title credentials as they reinforced their standing at the league summit.

Successive Setbacks for United

This scoreline marked consecutive WSL setbacks for the United manager's side for the initial occasion since last May, leaving them seven points off the table toppers with their trophy ambitions in serious doubt.

United’s capacity to balance domestic and continental football with a thin roster has been a hotly discussed subject since they earned a place in the Champions League. Considering the schedule, it always felt like this was the week that would seriously challenge this capability. Sadly for the opposition, they looked weary all game, the landmark win against the French side clearly having had an impact.

Tactical Shifts

Skinner had attempted to make changes with a a few changes. Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all brought energy, although the dropping of the in-form Melvine Malard to the sidelines raised a few eyebrows.

Manchester City, in contrast, have fewer fitness worries. Jeglertz made a single alteration from last week’s win over the Toffees with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since returning from injury.

Overpowering Start

The trouble started to gather for the United boss and his squad from the first whistle. This was a demonstration of the power from City whose energetic forward line manipulated and tore United open with a sublime first half showing that saw them score three goals in 21 minutes.

This put the hosts completely dominant and had Manchester United all at sea. Prior to this match, United had allowed just a handful in this WSL season but they fell apart in the presence of City’s creative prowess.

Early Chances

The warning signs came quickly when Miedema used her power to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot past the post. Hemp was at the core of everything early on, taking advantage of the room left by Riviere down United’s right side. Her passes were creating danger and led to an chance for Hasegawa that Sandberg scrambled off the line.

The Red Devils had several attacks ahead, their straightforward approach giving them options in the wings but they could not trouble Ayaka Yamashita. Manchester City, on the other hand, controlled the ball, taunting their rivals and trying to draw them out of their organization.

Triple Strike

They made their pressure count with almost the first period played when Fujino won the hosts a set-piece. A cross to the far post was nodded across goal by Shaw for Knaak to head in. It was City’s 7th headed goal of the campaign.

They extended their advantage with another pair of goals just before the break. When Jade Rose was permitted to advance through the midfield from defense, the field became spacious for City. The prominent Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the right before sending a accurate low cross for Bunny Shaw to bundle home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a quick shift in the ball saw Hemp afforded the opportunity to drive a shot home from outside the box.

After the Break

The primary change came from the United manager at the break as Melvine Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was ineffective to change the course of the game. Ex- Manchester City player Park came nearest, striking the post, but the away team were offensively poor and were unable to register a solitary shot on goal.

The home side, in contrast, could have increased their cushion when a excellent Vivianne Miedema long ball sent Shaw away only for her to fail to convert but it was insignificant to the hosts. Previously unable to beat any opponent who ended above them the previous campaign, the manager's side now have wins against the Gunners and United to place them in a favorable situation after the opening fixtures.