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Much like the recent storm swept through the northwest the previous evening, Manchester City swept United aside at the Etihad Stadium. It was a convincing three goal triumph for the City coach's side owing to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that clearly signaled their championship potential as they strengthened their standing at the league summit.

Back-to-Back Losses for Manchester United

This result signalled back-to-back WSL losses for the United manager's side for the maiden instance since last May, leaving them seven points off the top team with their trophy ambitions hanging by a thread.

United’s ability to juggle league and European soccer with a thin squad has been a hotly discussed subject since they earned a place in the Champions League. Considering the calendar, it always appeared this was the week that would truly test this fortitude. Sadly for the opposition, they seemed fatigued throughout, the historic win against PSG clearly having taken a toll.

Team Changes

Skinner had attempted to rotate the squad with a handful of alterations. Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all provided freshness, although the omission of the in-form Malard to the substitutes caused surprise.

City, in comparison, have no similar fitness issues. Andrée Jeglertz made one adjustment from last week’s win over the Toffees with Hemp making her first start since healing from a physical setback.

Commanding Opening Period

The trouble started to gather for Skinner and his side from the kickoff. This was a demonstration of the quality from City whose potent attack controlled and dismantled the opposition with a sublime initial 45 minutes display that saw them net a trio in under half an hour.

This left the home team firmly in control and saw the visitors all at sea. Before this fixture, the away side had allowed just few in this league campaign but they disintegrated in the presence of Manchester City's creative prowess.

Initial Opportunities

The warning signs came quickly when Vivianne Miedema used her physicality to bundle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot off target. Lauren Hemp was at the heart of everything from the start, taking advantage of the gap left by Riviere down the visitors' wing. Her crosses were creating danger and led to an attempt for Hasegawa that Sandberg cleared off the line.

United had several attacks ahead, their straightforward approach giving them choices in the wide areas but they could not test Ayaka Yamashita. Manchester City, meanwhile, controlled possession, teasing their rivals and trying to lure them of their structure.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost half an hour played when Aoba Fujino won the hosts a set-piece. A ball to the far post was headed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to score. It was City’s 7th goal from a cross of the season.

They increased their lead with an additional two goals just before the half-time. When Jade Rose was able to maraud through the center from central defence, the play opened up for City. The key Kerstin Casparij received possession on the right before sending a accurate ground pass for Shaw to bundle home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a quick turnover in the ball saw Lauren Hemp allowed the space to fire a attempt home from range.

Second Half

The primary substitution came from the United manager at the half-time as Malard entered for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was futile to shift the momentum of the game. Former City player Park came most likely to score, striking the post, but the away team were offensively poor and were unable to record a solitary shot on target.

The home side, meanwhile, could have added to their lead when a delightful Vivianne Miedema pass sent Shaw away only for her to fail to convert but it mattered little to the winning team. Previously unable to beat any opponent who placed above them last season, City's side now have successes against the Gunners and United to put them in a favorable standing after nine games.