Manchester City edge out Liverpool with narrow victory at The Academy Stadium | OneFootball

Hayley Raso’s late goal helped Manchester City to record a 2-1 victory over Liverpool at The Academy Stadium this afternoon.

Khadija Shaw fired the hosts into the lead but Katie Stengel levelled matters for Liverpool. The contest looked set to end in a draw until Raso delivered the winning goal for Manchester City 15 minutes from time.

The two sides went into the game with contrasting fortunes. Manchester City had won their last three matches in all competitions going into today’s clash without conceding a goal while Liverpool had struggled to maintain their form following their surprise opening day victory against Chelsea.

After a relatively even opening, the hosts took the lead through the Barclays Women’s Super League’s top scorer Shaw. The goal came following a driving run from Lauren Hemp into the heart of the Liverpool defence. The England international forward then laid the ball off for Shaw who produced a clinical finish in front of goal.

Liverpool were by no means out of it and they very nearly had an equaliser through Missy Bo Kearns. The hosts tried to play out from the back but the young Lioness pounced on a loose ball and found herself one-on-one with Ellie Roebuck in the Manchester City goal. However, the Liverpool midfielder couldn’t take the opportunity and shot straight at Roebuck.

That warning went unheeded when once again, Gareth Taylor’s side tried to play through the Liverpool press and instead, Alex Greenwood was dispossessed by Stengel who made no mistake in drawing her side level.

It was something of a tentative start to the second period with neither side really looking to commit too much and leave themselves exposed. It took a roll of the dice from Manchester City boss Taylor to break the deadlock. The home side withdrew UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 heroine Chloe Kelly and replaced her with Raso, a decision which brought real benefit when the Australian international put her team ahead. A through ball found the winger in acres of space in the Liverpool box and although her initial effort was well saved by Rachael Laws, she could do nothing about the rebound which Raso hammered into the roof of the net.

Liverpool didn’t create too much in the second period and very nearly found themselves 3-1 down but for a superb save from Laws to deny Hemp at the back post. The Reds then came agonisingly close to drawing level in stoppage when a Megan Campbell cross was flicked on and the ball rolled across the Manchester City goal-mouth but nobody was able to force it home.

Manchester City held on for the victory which sees them occupy fourth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League table. Next up for The Cityzens is the long journey south to Reading whilst Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Prenton Park.