The Citizens 3-0 The Red Devils: Hemp finds the net in City comfortable victory.

Much like the recent storm swept through the northwest the night before, Manchester City overwhelmed Manchester United aside at the Etihad. It was a emphatic 3-0 victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side owing to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a result that clearly signaled their title credentials as they reinforced their standing at the top of the table.

Consecutive Losses for Manchester United

This outcome represented successive WSL defeats for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, putting them a significant margin off the league leaders with their championship aspirations in serious doubt.

United’s ability to balance domestic and European soccer with a thin team has been a frequently analyzed subject since they qualified for the European competition. Reviewing the schedule, it always felt like this was the matchday that would truly test this capability. Regrettably for the opposition, they seemed weary throughout, the memorable win against PSG clearly having had an impact.

Tactical Shifts

Marc Skinner had sought to rotate the squad with a several alterations. Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Janssen and Galton all provided energy, although the dropping of the high-performing Melvine Malard to the sidelines was questioned.

The hosts, in comparison, have no similar fitness issues. Andrée Jeglertz made a single alteration from their most recent win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her initial starting appearance since recovering from a physical setback.

Commanding Opening Period

The pressure started to accumulate for the United boss and his squad from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the power from Manchester City whose energetic offense controlled and dismantled the opposition with a sublime first half display that saw them score three goals in just over twenty minutes.

This left the home team firmly in control and left United struggling. In advance of this match, the away side had allowed just few in this league campaign but they fell apart in the wake of the hosts' creative prowess.

Early Chances

The omens came early when Miedema used her physicality to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the heart of everything in the beginning, using the room left by Riviere down the visitors' wing. Her crosses were posing a threat and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had several sorties ahead, their direct style giving them options in the wings but they could not test Ayaka Yamashita. Manchester City, on the other hand, dominated the ball, taunting their opposition and trying to draw them out of their structure.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost the first period played when Fujino won the home team a set-piece. A cross to the back post was directed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was City’s 7th goal from a cross of the term.

They added to their lead with two more goals just before the half-time. When Jade Rose was able to drive through the center from the back, the play opened up for the hosts. The prominent Kerstin Casparij collected the pass on the right side before sending a pinpoint ground pass for Bunny Shaw to tap home. Four minutes later, they had a third goal after a swift turnover in possession saw Hemp allowed the room to fire a attempt home from range.

After the Break

The most obvious change came from Skinner at the interval as Malard was introduced for Terland but by this time it was futile to alter the outcome of the game. Ex- Manchester City player Jess Park came closest, hitting the post, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and were unable to produce a one shot on target.

The home side, in contrast, could have extended their lead when a superb Miedema pass sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it mattered little to the hosts. Previously unable to defeat any opponent who finished above them the previous campaign, the manager's side now have wins against Arsenal and Manchester United to put them in a favorable standing after nine matches.