Manchester City close the gap on Chelsea with victory at Brighton & Hove Albion | OneFootball

Manchester City have closed the gap between themselves and Barclays Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea after recording a 4-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Broadfield Stadium.

Gareth Taylor’s side went into this afternoon’s fixture needing a win to level matters at the top of the table after Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Friday evening. The Cityzens were certainly up to the challenge as they eased to victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lauren Hemp opened the scoring for Manchester City in the 27th-minute with an effort from the centre of the box after being assisted by Jess Park.

After bossing the possession in the opening 30 minutes, Manchester City soon doubled their advantage through Mary Fowler. Hemp crossed the ball and the Australian international applied the finish with a close-range shot past home keeper Sophie Baggaley.

Manchester City continued to dominate the possession throughout and they were rewarded with their third goal of the afternoon in the 69th minute through a header from Khadija Shaw, following a Yui Hasegawa delivery.

Laura Coombs completed the scoring for The Cityzens when she netted their fourth goal in the 78th minute. She fired past Baggaley from the centre of the box, helping Manchester City to close the goal difference between themselves and Chelsea to just two.

While they created some good chances and put pressure on their opponents, Brighton & Hove Albion struggled to convert any of their opportunities until added time when Lee Geum-min claimed her second goal of the season.

Manchester City are back in action next weekend when they contest a Manchester derby with neighbours Manchester United at The Etihad Stadium. Brighton & Hove Albion are scheduled to travel to Leicester City.