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Much like the recent storm tore through the northwest the prior day, Manchester City swept United away at the their home ground. It was a convincing three-nil victory for Andrée Jeglertz’s side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a display that clearly signaled their title credentials as they strengthened their standing at the WSL pinnacle.

Back-to-Back Defeats for Manchester United

This result signalled successive league losses for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, leaving them a significant margin off the top team with their title hopes in serious doubt.

United’s capability to juggle domestic and continental football with a small team has been a widely debated subject since they earned a place in the European competition. Reviewing the calendar, it always appeared this was the matchday that would fully examine this ability. Sadly for the away side, they appeared fatigued throughout, the landmark win against PSG clearly having had an impact.

Lineup Adjustments

Marc Skinner had attempted to make changes with a handful of adjustments. Toone, Terland, Janssen and Leah Galton all brought vigor, although the exclusion of the on-form Malard to the bench raised a few eyebrows.

The hosts, in comparison, have no such fitness issues. The City coach made one change from last week’s win over the Toffees with Hemp making her first start since returning from injury.

Overpowering Start

The pressure started to build for Skinner and his squad from the kickoff. This was a show of the quality from Manchester City whose dynamic offense manipulated and tore United open with a superb initial 45 minutes display that saw them net a trio in just over twenty minutes.

This put the hosts firmly in control and left United disorganized. Prior to this match, the away side had let in just six in this league campaign but they collapsed in the presence of the hosts' creative prowess.

Initial Opportunities

The warning signs came early when Miedema used her power to bundle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot off target. Lauren Hemp was at the center of everything in the beginning, using the space left by Jayde Riviere down the visitors' wing. Her passes were causing problems and led to an opportunity for Hasegawa that Sandberg cleared off the line.

The Red Devils had a number of forays ahead, their direct style giving them choices in the flanks but they could not test Ayaka Yamashita. City, meanwhile, controlled possession, taunting their opposition and trying to pull them out of their organization.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost the first period played when Aoba Fujino won the hosts a corner. A cross to the back post was directed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was Manchester City's 7th headed goal of the term.

They added to their advantage with two more goals just before the half-time. When Jade Rose was permitted to drive through the center from defense, the pitch widened for City. The key Kerstin Casparij collected the pass on the right side before providing a accurate ground pass for Shaw to tap home. Shortly later, they had a third goal after a swift turnover in possession saw Hemp afforded the opportunity to fire a attempt home from outside the box.

After the Break

The primary change came from the United manager at the half-time as Melvine Malard entered for Terland but by this time it was too late to change the course of the game. Former Manchester City player Park came closest, rattling the woodwork, but the away team were lacking in ideas and were unable to produce a single shot on target.

The home side, on the other hand, could have added to their lead when a superb Vivianne Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it did not affect the result to the winning team. Having failed to beat any opponent who ended above them in the prior term, the manager's side now have successes against Arsenal and United to place them in a favorable situation after the opening fixtures.