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Just as Storm Claudia swept through the north-west the previous evening, the home side blew the visitors aside at the Etihad Stadium. It was a statement three goal triumph for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that clearly signaled their leadership claims as they strengthened their standing at the WSL pinnacle.

Back-to-Back Defeats for Manchester United

This scoreline marked successive league setbacks for Marc Skinner’s side for the initial occasion since last May, placing them seven points off the top team with their championship aspirations in serious doubt.

United’s capability to juggle domestic and continental football with a limited team has been a widely debated issue since they earned a place in the European competition. Looking at the calendar, it always seemed this was the period that would seriously challenge this ability. Sadly for the opposition, they seemed fatigued all game, the historic win against the French side clearly having taken a toll.

Tactical Shifts

The United manager had tried to freshen things up with a several alterations. Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Leah Galton all added freshness, although the exclusion of the on-form Malard to the bench caused surprise.

Manchester City, in contrast, have fewer fitness issues. Jeglertz made a single alteration from the previous win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since returning from injury.

Overpowering Start

The pressure started to accumulate for the United boss and his side from the opening minute. This was a show of the quality from City whose dynamic attack manipulated and tore United open with a excellent initial 45 minutes performance that saw them put three past the keeper in under half an hour.

This placed City completely dominant and left United struggling. In advance of this encounter, the away side had allowed just six in this domestic competition but they collapsed in the wake of Manchester City's attacking flair.

Opening Threats

The omens came quickly when Vivianne Miedema used her physicality to bundle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot off target. Hemp was at the center of everything early on, taking advantage of the gap left by Riviere down the visitors' right flank. Her deliveries were causing problems and led to an chance for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had several sorties forwards, their direct style giving them options in the flanks but they could not test Yamashita. City, on the other hand, dominated possession, taunting their rivals and trying to pull them out of their organization.

Scoring Spree

They made their pressure count with almost half an hour played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a set-piece. A ball to the far post was directed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was Manchester City's 7th header of the season.

They extended their advantage with an additional two goals just before the interval. When Rose was able to advance through the midfield from defense, the pitch widened for City. The influential Casparij picked the ball up on the right side before providing a precise low cross for Bunny Shaw to tap home. A short time later, they had a third after a quick change in possession saw Lauren Hemp afforded the room to drive a attempt home from range.

After the Break

The clearest change came from Skinner at the break as Melvine Malard came on for Terland but by this time it was ineffective to alter the outcome of the contest. Former Manchester City player Jess Park came most likely to score, hitting the woodwork, but the away team were offensively poor and were unable to register a one shot on target.

The home side, in contrast, could have added to their lead when a delightful Vivianne Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it did not affect the result to the winning team. After failing to overcome any opponent who finished above them last season, City's side now have wins against Arsenal and United to place them in a commanding situation after nine games.