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Just as bad weather tore through the northern region the night before, City blew Manchester United aside at the their home ground. It was a statement 3-0 triumph for Andrée Jeglertz’s side thanks to goals from Knaak, Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that truly announced their title credentials as they consolidated their position at the league summit.

Back-to-Back Losses for Manchester United

This result signalled consecutive WSL losses for Skinner's side for the maiden instance since last May, placing them a significant margin off the table toppers with their trophy ambitions hanging by a thread.

Manchester United's capability to manage league and continental soccer with a limited roster has been a widely debated subject since they earned a place in the UCL. Considering the fixture list, it always felt like this was the period that would truly test this fortitude. Sadly for the away side, they looked fatigued from start to finish, the memorable win against PSG clearly having left its mark.

Tactical Shifts

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

Manchester City, in contrast, have fewer fitness issues. Andrée Jeglertz made one change from last week’s win over the Toffees with Hemp making her return to the lineup since recovering from a fitness issue.

Overpowering Start

The storm clouds started to build for Skinner and his squad from the opening minute. This was a demonstration of the quality from Manchester City whose potent offense played with and pulled the visitors apart with a excellent first half showing that saw them net a trio in 21 minutes.

This left the home team completely dominant and left United all at sea. Prior to this encounter, United had conceded just few in this WSL season but they disintegrated in the face of the hosts' attacking flair.

Early Chances

The warning signs came early when Vivianne Miedema used her power to muscle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the heart of everything from the start, taking advantage of the gap left by Riviere down United’s wing. Her deliveries were causing problems and led to an attempt for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had several forays ahead, their long-ball tactic giving them alternatives in the flanks but they could not test Ayaka Yamashita. City, on the other hand, dominated possession, taunting their opponents and trying to pull them out of their structure.

Goals Galore

They made their pressure count with almost the first period played when Fujino won the hosts a set-piece. A delivery to the far post was nodded across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was Manchester City's 7th header of the term.

They added to their cushion with another pair of goals just before the break. When Rose was allowed to advance through the midfield from defense, the play opened up for City. The prominent Casparij received possession on the wing before sending a precise low cross for Bunny Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a quick shift in the ball saw Hemp allowed the room to drive a attempt home from outside the box.

Second Half

The clearest change came from the United manager at the interval as Malard entered for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was futile to alter the outcome of the game. Ex- Manchester City player Park came most likely to score, striking the upright, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and did not manage to produce a solitary shot on goal.

The home side, in contrast, could have added to their advantage when a superb Vivianne Miedema long ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it mattered little to the winning team. Previously unable to defeat any opponent who finished above them last season, the manager's side now have victories against the Gunners and United to place them in a commanding position after nine games.