Manchester City's Women's Super League title dream seems within reach, but it was a far cry from their expected performance against Leicester on Sunday. Despite the rain-soaked pitch and a Leicester team that played with 11 players behind the ball, Manchester City came out on top with a convincing 3-0 win.
The visitors dominated possession, taking over 75% of the game, and were unlucky not to score more goals in what was ultimately a game well won. Manchester City's strategy, which has seen them whip crosses into the box from open play more often than any other team this season, paid dividends once again. The combination of Lauren Hemp, Aoba Fujino, Leila Ouahabi, and Yui Hasegawa proved to be too much for Leicester to handle.
Khadija Shaw, Manchester City's top scorer with eight goals in the WSL, was instrumental in their victory. Her pace and finishing ability were on full display as she scored two goals and provided an assist, while also demonstrating why she is considered one of the best strikers in the league.
But it wasn't just Shaw who impressed. The likes of Ouahabi, Kerstin Casparij, and Laura Blindkilde Brown all chipped in with key contributions, showcasing a depth to Manchester City's squad that was not apparent last season. The team's 7-1-3 starting lineup on Sunday is a testament to the club's tactical flexibility.
Their title rivals, Chelsea, are still struggling to find consistency, and this may prove to be an opportunity for Manchester City to capitalise on their opponents' mistakes. With no European commitments weighing them down, the Citizens will be able to focus solely on their domestic league campaign, and with a six-point lead at the top of the table, they look set to run riot.
Of course, obstacles lie ahead, but if Manchester City can maintain this form, there's little reason why they shouldn't go all the way.
The visitors dominated possession, taking over 75% of the game, and were unlucky not to score more goals in what was ultimately a game well won. Manchester City's strategy, which has seen them whip crosses into the box from open play more often than any other team this season, paid dividends once again. The combination of Lauren Hemp, Aoba Fujino, Leila Ouahabi, and Yui Hasegawa proved to be too much for Leicester to handle.
Khadija Shaw, Manchester City's top scorer with eight goals in the WSL, was instrumental in their victory. Her pace and finishing ability were on full display as she scored two goals and provided an assist, while also demonstrating why she is considered one of the best strikers in the league.
But it wasn't just Shaw who impressed. The likes of Ouahabi, Kerstin Casparij, and Laura Blindkilde Brown all chipped in with key contributions, showcasing a depth to Manchester City's squad that was not apparent last season. The team's 7-1-3 starting lineup on Sunday is a testament to the club's tactical flexibility.
Their title rivals, Chelsea, are still struggling to find consistency, and this may prove to be an opportunity for Manchester City to capitalise on their opponents' mistakes. With no European commitments weighing them down, the Citizens will be able to focus solely on their domestic league campaign, and with a six-point lead at the top of the table, they look set to run riot.
Of course, obstacles lie ahead, but if Manchester City can maintain this form, there's little reason why they shouldn't go all the way.