WSL: Man City go top to keep pressure on Chelsea in title race

Her Football Hub

·30 March 2024

WSL: Man City go top to keep pressure on Chelsea in title race

With just five games remaining in the Women’s Super League title race, Manchester City go top of the table after their latest win over Liverpool.

The Citizens cruised to a 4-1 win at Prenton Park, extending their winning run to 12 games. Goals from Lauren Hemp, Jess Park, and a Bunny Shaw brace put City three points clear of Chelsea, who do not return to WSL action until April 17th.

OneFootball Videos

This was Man City’s first game since the announcement that Steph Houghton will retire at the end of the season.

Starting XIs

Liverpool

Laws; Koivisto, Fisk, Bonner, Clark, Parry, Nagano, Holland, Hobinger, Kiernan, Roman

Manchester City

Keating; Aleixandri, Greenwood, Coombs, Fowler, Hemp, Park, Casparij, Shaw, Hasegawa, Kennedy

How it went

It was Liverpool who enjoyed the stronger opening spell. After dominating possession and forcing Gareth Taylor’s side back, the Reds came close to opening the scoring on several occasions. However, with 16 minutes on the clock, it was the visitors who found the opener. Hemp was there to tap in Park’s blocked effort, following a well-worked play from City’s attacking line.

A second for the Sky Blues came just five minutes later as Park threaded the ball through the area to beat Rachel Laws at the back post. From there, City quickly added a third, with Shaw finding the back of the net from a long-range effort in the 24th minute.

Embed from Getty Images

Shaw got on the scoresheet again in second half with 50 minutes on the clock. Heading home Mary Fowler’s corner, the Jamaican international bagged her 19th league goal of the season.

Liverpool were able to find a consolation goal late on following a miscommunication between Man City’s midfield. Taylor Hinds lobbed Khiara Keating to pull one back for the hosts in the 84th minute.

What is next?

Liverpool will face Bristol City away ahead of two difficult home fixtures. The Reds will then welcome title challengers Chelsea, before hosting Marc Skinner’s Manchester United. Meanwhile, Manchester City will welcome West Ham to the Joie Stadium before a trip to face Bristol City.