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Similar to the recent storm swept through the north-west the previous evening, Manchester City swept Manchester United away at the their home ground. It was a statement 3-0 triumph for Andrée Jeglertz’s side owing to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a display that truly announced their championship potential as they strengthened their position at the top of the table.

Back-to-Back Losses for Manchester United

This scoreline represented back-to-back WSL losses for Marc Skinner’s side for the first time since last May, leaving them a significant margin off the table toppers with their trophy ambitions severely dented.

United’s capacity to manage league and continental football with a thin roster has been a widely debated subject since they qualified for the UCL. Considering the calendar, it always felt like this was the matchday that would fully examine this capability. Regrettably for the opposition, they seemed fatigued all game, the memorable win against the French side clearly having taken a toll.

Lineup Adjustments

The United manager had attempted to make changes with a a few alterations. Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Leah Galton all added energy, although the dropping of the on-form Malard to the sidelines raised a few eyebrows.

Manchester City, in comparison, have no similar loading worries. The City coach made one change from last week’s win over Everton with Hemp making her return to the lineup since returning from a fitness issue.

Dominant First Half

The trouble started to gather for Skinner and his side from the kickoff. This was a show of the strength from Manchester City whose dynamic offense manipulated and tore United open with a superb first half showing that saw them score three goals in under half an hour.

This placed City completely dominant and had Manchester United disorganized. Before this match, the away side had let in just six in this domestic competition but they collapsed in the face of Manchester City's attacking flair.

Opening Threats

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

United had multiple sorties ahead, their long-ball tactic giving them options in the flanks but they could not test the City goalkeeper. Manchester City, on the other hand, dominated possession, teasing their rivals and trying to lure them of their organization.

Triple Strike

They converted their dominance with almost the first period played when Fujino won the hosts a corner. A cross to the far post was headed across goal by Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was City’s 7th headed goal of the season.

They extended their advantage with two more goals just before the half-time. When Jade Rose was permitted to drive through the middle from central defence, the field widened for City. The influential Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the right before sending a pinpoint driven ball for Bunny Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a third after a swift change in possession saw Hemp allowed the opportunity to drive a shot home from outside the box.

After the Break

The most obvious change came from Skinner at the half-time as Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was too late to shift the momentum of the contest. Former Manchester City player Jess Park came most likely to score, hitting the woodwork, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and did not manage to register a single shot on goal.

The home side, meanwhile, could have extended their lead when a delightful Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it mattered little to the hosts. Having failed to overcome any opponent who placed above them the previous campaign, City's side now have successes against the Gunners and Manchester United to position them in a strong standing after the opening fixtures.