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Just as bad weather hit the northern region the night before, the home side blew Manchester United away at the Etihad. It was a statement three-nil win for the City coach's side owing to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that truly announced their championship potential as they strengthened their position at the top of the table.

Successive Defeats for United

This scoreline represented consecutive league setbacks for Marc Skinner’s side for the first time since last May, putting them seven points off the table toppers with their title hopes severely dented.

Manchester United's ability to manage league and continental soccer with a small squad has been a frequently analyzed topic since they earned a place in the Champions League. Looking at the fixture list, it always appeared this was the matchday that would fully examine this capability. Regrettably for the away side, they looked weary all game, the landmark win against Paris Saint-Germain clearly having left its mark.

Lineup Adjustments

Marc Skinner had sought to rotate the squad with a several adjustments. Ella Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all brought vigor, although the omission of the high-performing Melvine Malard to the bench was questioned.

The hosts, in opposition, have no such fitness issues. The City coach made one change from last week’s win over the Toffees with Lauren Hemp making her first start since healing from a fitness issue.

Overpowering Start

The storm clouds started to build for Skinner and his side from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the quality from Manchester City whose dynamic forward line manipulated and dismantled the opposition with a superb opening period performance that saw them score three goals in 21 minutes.

This put the hosts firmly in control and saw the visitors all at sea. Prior to this match, the away side had conceded just a handful in this WSL season but they disintegrated in the presence of Manchester City's offensive ingenuity.

Initial Opportunities

The early indicators came soon when Miedema used her physicality to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot past the post. Hemp was at the core of everything early on, exploiting the room left by Riviere down United’s right flank. Her crosses were creating danger and led to an attempt for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had several forays forward, their long-ball tactic giving them choices in the flanks but they could not trouble the City goalkeeper. Manchester City, on the other hand, controlled possession, taunting their opponents and trying to draw them out of their organization.

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 back post was headed across goal by Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was City’s 7th header of the season.

They extended their lead with an additional two goals just before the interval. When Rose was able to maraud through the middle from the back, the play widened for City. The prominent Casparij collected the pass on the right side before sending a accurate driven ball for Bunny Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a rapid change in possession saw Hemp given the room to drive a effort home from outside the box.

Final Period

The primary change came from Skinner at the break as Melvine Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was ineffective to alter the outcome of the contest. Former Manchester City player Jess Park came closest, hitting the upright, but the away team were lacking in ideas and did not manage to produce a single shot on target.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have added to their advantage when a superb Miedema pass sent Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it mattered little to the hosts. After failing to beat any side who ended above them the previous campaign, Jeglertz’s side now have successes against Arsenal and Manchester United to place them in a favorable standing after nine matches.