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Similar to the recent storm swept through the north-west the night before, the home side swept United away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a convincing three goal win for Andrée Jeglertz’s side owing to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a display that clearly signaled their leadership claims as they consolidated their place at the WSL pinnacle.

Successive Setbacks for Manchester United

This outcome signalled successive WSL defeats for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, leaving them a sizable gap off the table toppers with their title hopes in serious doubt.

Manchester United's capability to balance domestic and European football with a limited squad has been a hotly discussed topic since they earned a place in the Champions League. Looking at the fixture list, it always appeared this was the matchday that would fully examine this capability. Unfortunately for the away side, they appeared tired throughout, the memorable win against the French side clearly having taken a toll.

Lineup Adjustments

Skinner had attempted to make changes with a handful of changes. Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all provided energy, although the omission of the on-form Melvine Malard to the bench caused surprise.

The hosts, in opposition, have no similar workload worries. Jeglertz made one change from their most recent win over the Toffees with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since recovering from a fitness issue.

Dominant First Half

The storm clouds started to build for Skinner and his side from the first whistle. This was a exhibition of the power from Manchester City whose dynamic attack manipulated and dismantled the opposition with a superb initial 45 minutes showing that saw them put three past the keeper in 21 minutes.

This left the home team in a commanding position and saw the visitors struggling. In advance of this match, the away side had allowed just few in this league campaign but they disintegrated in the face of Manchester City's attacking flair.

Opening Threats

The warning signs came early when Miedema used her power to bundle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot past the post. Lauren Hemp was at the heart of everything early on, taking advantage of the space left by Riviere down United’s right flank. Her deliveries were creating danger and led to an attempt for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg cleared off the line.

United had a number of attacks forwards, their long-ball tactic giving them options in the wings but they could not trouble the City goalkeeper. City, on the other hand, dominated possession, probing their opponents and trying to pull them out of their defensive shape.

Scoring Spree

They converted their dominance with almost thirty minutes played when Aoba Fujino won the hosts a set-piece. A delivery to the back post was nodded across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to score. It was Manchester City's 7th header of the season.

They added to their lead with an additional two goals just before the interval. When Jade Rose was allowed to maraud through the middle from defense, the field opened up for City. The prominent Casparij picked the ball up on the right side before providing a pinpoint driven ball for Bunny Shaw to force home. A short time later, they had a additional score after a rapid turnover in possession saw Lauren Hemp afforded the opportunity to strike a attempt home from distance.

After the Break

The most obvious adjustment came from Skinner at the half-time as Malard entered for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was ineffective to shift the momentum of the game. Ex- City player Jess Park came closest, rattling the post, but the away team were lacking in ideas and failed to produce a one shot on goal.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have added to their cushion when a superb Miedema long ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it was insignificant to the winning team. Previously unable to beat any opponent who placed above them in the prior term, City's side now have successes against the Gunners and Manchester United to position them in a favorable standing after the opening fixtures.