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Much like the recent storm hit the northern region the night before, Manchester City blew United aside at the their home ground. It was a statement three goal triumph for the City coach's side due to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Hemp. It was a performance that clearly signaled their championship potential as they reinforced their standing at the WSL pinnacle.

Back-to-Back Losses for United

This result marked successive Women's Super League setbacks for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, leaving them seven points off the league leaders with their championship aspirations severely dented.

United’s ability to balance league and continental football with a thin squad has been a widely debated issue since they earned a place in the European competition. Considering the calendar, it always appeared this was the matchday that would truly test this capability. Regrettably for the opposition, they looked tired all game, the landmark win against the French side clearly having left its mark.

Lineup Adjustments

The United manager had sought to rotate the squad with a several alterations. Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all brought vigor, although the dropping of the on-form Melvine Malard to the sidelines caused surprise.

Manchester City, in comparison, have no similar fitness concerns. Andrée Jeglertz made one change from last week’s win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since returning from injury.

Dominant First Half

The trouble started to build for Skinner and his squad from the kickoff. This was a exhibition of the power from City whose potent forward line controlled and pulled the visitors apart with a excellent opening period display that saw them net a trio in 21 minutes.

This left the home team firmly in control and had Manchester United all at sea. Prior to this match, the away side had conceded just six in this WSL season but they fell apart in the wake of City’s creative prowess.

Early Chances

The omens came quickly when Miedema used her physicality to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot wide. Hemp was at the center of everything from the start, taking advantage of the gap left by Riviere down the visitors' right flank. Her crosses were creating danger and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg cleared off the line.

United had a number of attacks forward, their long-ball tactic giving them alternatives in the flanks but they could not trouble the City goalkeeper. City, in the meantime, commanded possession, taunting their rivals and trying to pull them out of their structure.

Goals Galore

They turned chances into goals with almost half an hour played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a set-piece. A cross to the far post was headed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was Manchester City's seventh header of the term.

They extended their advantage with an additional two goals just before the break. When Jade Rose was allowed to maraud through the middle from defense, the field widened for the hosts. The key Casparij received possession on the right side before delivering a accurate ground pass for Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a quick turnover in the ball saw Hemp given the opportunity to drive a shot home from distance.

Final Period

The clearest change came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was too late to shift the momentum of the game. Former City player Park came closest, rattling the woodwork, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and did not manage to register a solitary shot on goal.

The hosts, in contrast, could have extended their cushion when a delightful Vivianne Miedema through ball sent 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 side who ended above them in the prior term, the manager's side now have wins against Arsenal and Manchester United to put them in a commanding position after the opening fixtures.