Man City 3-0 Manchester United: Hemp on target in City stroll.

Just as the recent storm hit the northern region the previous evening, City swept the visitors aside at the Etihad. It was a statement 3-0 victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a performance that firmly established their title credentials as they strengthened their standing at the top of the table.

Consecutive Defeats for Manchester United

This result signalled successive WSL losses for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, leaving them seven points off the top team with their title hopes severely dented.

The Red Devils' capability to manage league and continental soccer with a small squad has been a frequently analyzed issue since they earned a place in the Champions League. Reviewing the schedule, it always appeared this was the week that would seriously challenge this fortitude. Regrettably for the visitors, they looked tired all game, the memorable win against the French side clearly having left its mark.

Tactical Shifts

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

The hosts, in comparison, have fewer loading concerns. Andrée Jeglertz made one adjustment from the previous win over Everton with Hemp making her first start since returning from a fitness issue.

Commanding Opening Period

The pressure started to build for Skinner and his side from the first whistle. This was a demonstration of the quality from City whose dynamic attack controlled and pulled the visitors apart with a sublime opening period display that saw them put three past the keeper in just over twenty minutes.

This put the hosts firmly in control and saw the visitors struggling. Prior to this encounter, United had conceded just few in this league campaign but they disintegrated in the wake of City’s attacking flair.

Opening Threats

The warning signs came soon when Miedema used her physicality to muscle Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot off target. Lauren Hemp was at the center of everything from the start, taking advantage of the room left by Riviere down United’s right flank. Her crosses were creating danger and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had several sorties forwards, their long-ball tactic giving them choices in the flanks but they could not trouble Yamashita. City, meanwhile, commanded possession, teasing their rivals and trying to draw them out of their defensive shape.

Scoring Spree

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

They increased their advantage with another pair of goals just before the interval. When Jade Rose was allowed to maraud through the middle from the back, the pitch opened up for City. The prominent Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the wing before providing a accurate ground pass for Bunny Shaw to tap home. Four minutes later, they had a additional score after a swift change in possession saw Hemp allowed the space to fire a attempt home from range.

After the Break

The most obvious substitution came from the United manager at the half-time as Melvine Malard came on for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was too late to change the course of the match. Former City player Jess Park came nearest, striking the woodwork, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and failed to produce a one shot on goal.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have added to their cushion when a delightful Vivianne Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it did not affect the result to the winning team. Having failed to beat any team who finished above them last season, the manager's side now have wins against the Gunners and Manchester United to place them in a strong standing after the opening fixtures.