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Similar to the recent storm hit the northwest the previous evening, City blew Manchester United away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a statement three goal win for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that clearly signaled their leadership claims as they reinforced their position at the WSL pinnacle.

Consecutive Defeats for United

This scoreline marked successive league defeats for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, putting them seven points off the table toppers with their championship aspirations hanging by a thread.

The Red Devils' capability to manage league and European soccer with a limited roster has been a frequently analyzed subject since they qualified for the European competition. Looking at the schedule, it always appeared this was the week that would seriously challenge this ability. Regrettably for the opposition, they seemed tired throughout, the historic win against the French side clearly having had an impact.

Tactical Shifts

The United manager had sought to freshen things up with a several adjustments. Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Janssen and Leah Galton all added energy, although the dropping of the in-form Malard to the bench was questioned.

Manchester City, in opposition, have fewer workload issues. The City coach made a single alteration from the previous win over Everton with Hemp making her first start since returning from injury.

Dominant First Half

The trouble started to accumulate for Skinner and his side from the opening minute. This was a demonstration of the quality from Manchester City whose dynamic forward line controlled and pulled the visitors apart with a excellent opening period showing that saw them put three past the keeper in just over twenty minutes.

This put the hosts in a commanding position and had Manchester United disorganized. Prior to this fixture, United had let in just six in this league campaign but they disintegrated in the presence of the hosts' attacking flair.

Initial Opportunities

The early indicators came early when Vivianne Miedema used her physicality to muscle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot past the post. Lauren Hemp was at the center of everything from the start, exploiting the room left by Jayde Riviere down United’s right side. Her passes were causing problems and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had several forays forwards, their long-ball tactic giving them choices in the flanks but they could not challenge Yamashita. City, on the other hand, dominated the ball, teasing their opposition and trying to draw them out of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They made their pressure count with almost half an hour played when Fujino won the home team a corner. A delivery to the far post was nodded across goal by Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was Manchester City's 7th headed goal of the campaign.

They extended their lead with an additional two goals just before the break. When Rose was permitted to drive through the midfield from the back, the field widened for the hosts. The key Casparij received possession on the right before providing a accurate low cross for Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a rapid shift in possession saw Hemp afforded the room to strike a effort home from range.

Final Period

The clearest change came from Skinner at the break as Malard came on for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was ineffective to shift the momentum of the contest. Former Manchester City player Park came most likely to score, hitting the woodwork, but the away team were offensively poor and were unable to record a single shot on goal.

The home side, meanwhile, could have increased their cushion when a excellent Vivianne Miedema pass sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it was insignificant to the winning team. Having failed to beat any side who placed above them last season, City's side now have victories against Arsenal and United to put them in a favorable situation after nine matches.