The Citizens 3-0 The Red Devils: Hemp scores in Manchester City comfortable victory.

Similar to the recent storm tore through the northern region the previous evening, the home side blew United away at the Etihad. It was a statement three goal triumph for the City coach's side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a performance that clearly signaled their championship potential as they reinforced their position at the top of the table.

Successive Losses for United

This outcome marked consecutive WSL setbacks for Marc Skinner’s side for the maiden instance since last May, placing them a sizable gap off the top team with their trophy ambitions hanging by a thread.

United’s capacity to juggle domestic and European soccer with a limited roster has been a widely debated topic since they secured entry to the UCL. Reviewing the schedule, it always felt like this was the period that would seriously challenge this ability. Sadly for the visitors, they seemed fatigued throughout, the landmark win against Paris Saint-Germain clearly having left its mark.

Team Changes

Skinner had tried to make changes with a a few alterations. Toone, Terland, Janssen and Galton all provided energy, although the omission of the high-performing Melvine Malard to the sidelines raised a few eyebrows.

City, in opposition, have no similar workload concerns. The City coach made one change from last week’s win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her initial starting appearance since returning from a physical setback.

Dominant First Half

The pressure started to accumulate for the United boss and his side from the kickoff. This was a demonstration of the quality from Manchester City whose energetic forward line manipulated and tore United open with a excellent opening period display that saw them put three past the keeper in under half an hour.

This left the home team in a commanding position and saw the visitors all at sea. Prior to this fixture, the away side had allowed just a handful in this league campaign but they fell apart in the face of City’s creative prowess.

Early Chances

The warning signs came quickly when Vivianne Miedema used her strength to muscle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the core of everything in the beginning, using the space left by Riviere down the visitors' right side. Her deliveries were creating danger and led to an attempt for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had a number of sorties forwards, their straightforward approach giving them choices in the wings but they could not trouble the City goalkeeper. City, on the other hand, controlled possession, teasing their rivals and trying to draw them out of their structure.

Triple Strike

They turned chances into goals with almost the first period played when Fujino won the home team a corner. A delivery to the far post was nodded across goal by Bunny Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to head in. It was Manchester City's 7th headed goal of the term.

They increased their cushion with two more goals just before the break. When Jade Rose was able to maraud through the center from central defence, the play became spacious for City. The prominent Casparij received possession on the right before providing a pinpoint ground pass for Bunny Shaw to bundle home. Shortly later, they had a third goal after a quick shift in the ball saw Hemp afforded the room to fire a attempt home from range.

After the Break

The clearest adjustment came from the United manager at the interval as Malard came on for Terland but by this time it was too late to alter the outcome of the match. Former Manchester City player Park came closest, rattling the woodwork, but the away team were creatively abject and were unable to register a one shot on goal.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have extended their lead when a superb Miedema long ball sent Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it did not affect the result to the hosts. Having failed to overcome any side who finished above them the previous campaign, City's side now have victories against the Gunners and Manchester United to place them in a favorable position after nine games.