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Much like bad weather swept through the north-west the night before, Manchester City swept Manchester United away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a convincing three goal win for their manager's side due to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that firmly established their championship potential as they reinforced their standing at the top of the table.

Successive Losses for Manchester United

This outcome represented back-to-back WSL losses for Skinner's side for the maiden instance since last May, placing them a sizable gap off the table toppers with their title hopes in serious doubt.

The Red Devils' ability to balance domestic and European football with a limited squad has been a widely debated subject since they earned a place in the European competition. Reviewing the calendar, it always felt like this was the week that would seriously challenge this fortitude. Unfortunately for the opposition, they appeared fatigued from start to finish, the historic win against the French side clearly having left its mark.

Team Changes

The United manager had sought to freshen things up with a several alterations. Ella Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all brought vigor, although the omission of the in-form Malard to the substitutes raised a few eyebrows.

The hosts, in contrast, have no such fitness concerns. Andrée Jeglertz made one change from their most recent win over Everton with Hemp making her return to the lineup since returning from a physical setback.

Commanding Opening Period

The trouble started to build for Skinner and his team from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the strength from Manchester City whose potent offense manipulated and tore United open with a superb first half display that saw them put three past the keeper in under half an hour.

This left the home team completely dominant and had Manchester United struggling. Prior to this fixture, United had conceded just six in this WSL season but they collapsed in the wake of the hosts' creative prowess.

Early Chances

The warning signs came soon when Vivianne Miedema used her power to muscle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot wide. Hemp was at the core of everything in the beginning, taking advantage of the room left by Jayde Riviere down the visitors' right side. Her deliveries were creating danger and led to an attempt for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had a number of forays forward, their long-ball tactic giving them alternatives in the flanks but they could not challenge the City goalkeeper. City, meanwhile, commanded the ball, teasing their rivals and trying to lure them of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost thirty minutes played when Fujino won the home team a corner. A delivery to the far post was directed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to head in. It was City’s 7th header of the season.

They increased their cushion with an additional two goals just before the half-time. When Rose was permitted to drive through the middle from the back, the field became spacious for City. The prominent Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the right before sending a precise driven ball for Bunny Shaw to force home. A short time later, they had a third after a quick change in the ball saw Hemp allowed the room to fire a effort home from distance.

Final Period

The primary adjustment came from the United manager at the interval as Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was futile to change the course of the match. Former City player Jess Park came most likely to score, striking the post, but the away team were creatively abject and were unable to record a single shot on target.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have extended their lead when a superb Miedema long ball sent Shaw away only for her to fail to convert but it was insignificant to the hosts. After failing to beat any opponent who placed above them the previous campaign, the manager's side now have victories against Arsenal and United to position them in a commanding standing after nine matches.