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Just as Storm Claudia hit the northern region the previous evening, Manchester City swept the visitors away at the Etihad. It was a convincing three goal win for Andrée Jeglertz’s side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a result that firmly established their leadership claims as they strengthened their standing at the league summit.

Back-to-Back Losses for United

This scoreline represented consecutive league defeats for Marc Skinner’s side for the initial occasion since last May, leaving them a significant margin off the top team with their championship aspirations in serious doubt.

The Red Devils' capability to manage league and European football with a thin roster has been a widely debated subject since they qualified for the Champions League. Reviewing the calendar, it always seemed this was the week that would fully examine this capability. Regrettably for the opposition, they appeared weary all game, the memorable win against PSG clearly having taken a toll.

Lineup Adjustments

The United manager had sought to freshen things up with a a few adjustments. Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all provided vigor, although the dropping of the high-performing Malard to the bench was questioned.

The hosts, in opposition, have no similar workload concerns. Andrée Jeglertz made one adjustment from last week’s win over the Toffees with Hemp making her first start since healing from a physical setback.

Commanding Opening Period

The trouble started to accumulate for the United boss and his side from the first whistle. This was a exhibition of the power from Manchester City whose energetic attack played with and dismantled the opposition with a superb opening period display that saw them score three goals in 21 minutes.

This left the home team firmly in control and saw the visitors all at sea. In advance of this match, the away side had conceded just a handful in this WSL season but they collapsed in the wake of Manchester City's offensive ingenuity.

Initial Opportunities

The warning signs came quickly when Vivianne Miedema used her physicality to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot off target. Hemp was at the heart of everything in the beginning, exploiting the space left by Jayde Riviere down United’s wing. Her deliveries were creating danger and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had a number of forays ahead, their straightforward approach giving them alternatives in the flanks but they could not challenge Yamashita. Manchester City, meanwhile, commanded possession, probing their rivals and trying to lure them of their structure.

Triple Strike

They converted their dominance with almost half an hour played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a corner. A cross 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 added to their cushion with another pair of goals just before the half-time. When Rose was allowed to drive through the midfield from central defence, the pitch became spacious for the hosts. The prominent Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the wing before providing a pinpoint driven ball for Shaw to tap home. Shortly later, they had a third after a rapid change in possession saw Hemp allowed the opportunity to drive a attempt home from outside the box.

Second Half

The primary adjustment came from Skinner at the break as Melvine Malard was introduced for Terland but by this time it was futile to alter the outcome of the contest. Ex- Manchester City player Park came most likely to score, rattling the upright, but the away team were lacking in ideas and failed to record a one shot on goal.

The home side, in contrast, could have added to their lead when a excellent Vivianne Miedema pass sent Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it mattered little to the hosts. Having failed to overcome any team who ended above them the previous campaign, the manager's side now have victories against the Gunners and Manchester United to put them in a strong situation after nine games.