The Citizens 3-0 Manchester United: Hemp on target in City stroll.

Similar to the recent storm hit the northwest the night before, the home side swept the visitors away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a emphatic three-nil triumph for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a result that clearly signaled their title credentials as they consolidated their position at the top of the table.

Back-to-Back Losses for United

This scoreline signalled back-to-back WSL losses for Skinner's side for the maiden instance since last May, putting them a significant margin off the league leaders with their trophy ambitions severely dented.

The Red Devils' capability to manage league and European football with a thin team has been a frequently analyzed topic since they qualified for the European competition. Considering the fixture list, it always felt like this was the week that would truly test this capability. Unfortunately for the opposition, they looked tired all game, the memorable win against Paris Saint-Germain clearly having left its mark.

Team Changes

Marc Skinner had attempted to rotate the squad with a several adjustments. Toone, Terland, Janssen and Galton all added vigor, although the dropping of the high-performing Melvine Malard to the sidelines was questioned.

City, in opposition, have no such workload issues. The City coach made a single alteration from the previous win over the Toffees with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since healing from a fitness issue.

Commanding Opening Period

The pressure started to gather for the United boss and his squad from the first whistle. This was a show of the strength from City whose potent offense manipulated and tore United open with a sublime first half display that saw them put three past the keeper in 21 minutes.

This put the hosts in a commanding position and saw the visitors all at sea. Prior to this match, the away side had let in just a handful in this league campaign but they collapsed in the face of the hosts' attacking flair.

Opening Threats

The warning signs came quickly when Vivianne Miedema used her power to muscle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the center of everything in the beginning, using the gap left by Riviere down the visitors' right flank. Her deliveries were causing problems and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg kicked off the line.

United had several forays forward, their direct style giving them choices in the flanks but they could not trouble Yamashita. City, on the other hand, commanded the ball, probing their opposition and trying to pull them out of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They turned chances into goals with almost the first period played when Fujino won the hosts a corner. A ball to the far post was directed across goal by Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was Manchester City's 7th header of the term.

They extended their cushion with two more goals just before the half-time. When Rose was permitted to drive through the middle from central defence, the field widened for City. The key Kerstin Casparij received possession on the right before delivering a pinpoint driven ball for Shaw to tap home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a quick turnover in possession saw Hemp afforded the space to drive a attempt home from distance.

Final Period

The primary change came from the United manager at the half-time as Melvine Malard came on for Terland but by this time it was too late to alter the outcome of the contest. Ex- Manchester City player Park came closest, striking the post, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and were unable to register a one shot on target.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have extended their cushion when a delightful Miedema pass sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it mattered little to the hosts. After failing to overcome any team who ended above them last season, Jeglertz’s side now have wins against the Gunners and United to put them in a strong standing after nine matches.