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Much like Storm Claudia tore through the north-west the night before, City swept United away at the their home ground. It was a statement 3-0 victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side thanks to goals from Knaak, Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that clearly signaled their title credentials as they consolidated their position at the top of the table.

Back-to-Back Losses for Manchester United

This scoreline signalled successive WSL losses for the United manager's side for the initial occasion since last May, putting them a significant margin off the league leaders with their title hopes hanging by a thread.

United’s capability to manage league and European football with a small team has been a widely debated issue since they secured entry to the UCL. Reviewing the fixture list, it always appeared this was the week that would truly test this ability. Regrettably for the opposition, they looked tired all game, the memorable win against the French side clearly having taken a toll.

Team Changes

Skinner had sought to freshen things up with a handful of alterations. Ella Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Leah Galton all added freshness, although the omission of the high-performing Malard to the bench was questioned.

City, in opposition, have no such workload issues. Jeglertz made one change from the previous win over the Toffees with Hemp making her first start since returning from a fitness issue.

Overpowering Start

The storm clouds started to accumulate for the United boss and his side from the first whistle. This was a demonstration of the quality from Manchester City whose potent forward line played with and dismantled the opposition with a sublime opening period display that saw them score three goals in 21 minutes.

This put the hosts firmly in control and had Manchester United struggling. Prior to this fixture, United had allowed just six in this WSL season but they fell apart in the face of Manchester City's offensive ingenuity.

Opening Threats

The omens came soon when Vivianne Miedema used her strength to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot past the post. Hemp was at the heart of everything early on, exploiting the space left by Jayde Riviere down United’s wing. Her deliveries were causing problems and led to an chance for Hasegawa that Sandberg scrambled off the line.

The Red Devils had multiple sorties forward, their direct style giving them alternatives in the wings but they could not trouble Yamashita. City, meanwhile, controlled the ball, taunting their rivals and trying to lure them of their organization.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost thirty minutes played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a corner. A ball to the far post was directed across goal by Shaw for Knaak to score. It was Manchester City's seventh headed goal of the term.

They extended their advantage with an additional two goals just before the half-time. When Rose was permitted to maraud through the center from the back, the pitch became spacious for the hosts. The prominent Casparij picked the ball up on the right before delivering a precise low cross for Shaw to bundle home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a quick change in the ball saw Hemp allowed the space to fire a effort home from range.

Final Period

The clearest adjustment came from the United manager at the half-time as Malard came on for Terland but by this time it was ineffective to alter the outcome of the game. Former Manchester City player Park came most likely to score, striking the upright, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and were unable to produce a single shot on target.

The home side, meanwhile, 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. Having failed to overcome any opponent who placed above them the previous campaign, Jeglertz’s side now have victories against Arsenal and United to put them in a favorable standing after nine games.