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Just as the recent storm hit the northern region the night before, the home side overwhelmed United aside at the Etihad Stadium. It was a emphatic 3-0 triumph for Andrée Jeglertz’s side owing to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that clearly signaled their leadership claims as they strengthened their place at the top of the table.

Back-to-Back Losses for Manchester United

This scoreline represented consecutive WSL setbacks for Skinner's side for the initial occasion since last May, putting them a significant margin off the table toppers with their championship aspirations severely dented.

United’s capacity to juggle domestic and continental football with a limited roster has been a widely debated issue since they secured entry to the European competition. Looking at the calendar, it always appeared this was the matchday that would truly test this capability. Unfortunately for the away side, they appeared tired throughout, the landmark win against Paris Saint-Germain clearly having had an impact.

Team Changes

Marc Skinner had sought to freshen things up with a handful of adjustments. Ella Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Dominique Janssen and Leah Galton all brought freshness, although the exclusion of the on-form Melvine Malard to the substitutes was questioned.

City, in opposition, have fewer workload concerns. The City coach made one adjustment from the previous win over the Toffees with Hemp making her return to the lineup since recovering from a physical setback.

Dominant First Half

The pressure started to build for Skinner and his squad from the opening minute. This was a demonstration of the strength from Manchester City whose dynamic offense manipulated and tore United open with a sublime initial 45 minutes performance that saw them put three past the keeper in 21 minutes.

This put the hosts completely dominant and left United struggling. In advance of this fixture, the away side had let in just few in this domestic competition but they fell apart in the wake of City’s attacking flair.

Opening Threats

The warning signs came quickly when Vivianne Miedema used her strength to muscle Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot off target. Lauren Hemp was at the core of everything from the start, taking advantage of the gap left by Jayde Riviere down the visitors' wing. Her deliveries were posing a threat and led to an attempt for Yui Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had a number of attacks forwards, their straightforward approach giving them alternatives in the flanks but they could not test Ayaka Yamashita. Manchester City, on the other hand, dominated possession, taunting their rivals and trying to lure them of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They turned chances into goals with almost half an hour played when Fujino won the home team a corner. A ball to the back post was headed across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was Manchester City's 7th goal from a cross of the campaign.

They added to their lead with an additional two goals just before the interval. When Rose was permitted to drive through the midfield from the back, the field became spacious for City. The prominent Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the right before sending a pinpoint low cross for Bunny Shaw to force home. Four minutes later, they had a additional score after a rapid change in possession saw Hemp afforded the space to drive a shot home from distance.

After the Break

The primary adjustment came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was ineffective to alter the outcome of the game. Former Manchester City player Jess Park came most likely to score, striking the woodwork, but the away team were creatively abject and did not manage to register a one shot on target.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have extended their cushion when a excellent Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it mattered little to the winning team. After failing to beat any opponent who placed above them last season, the manager's side now have wins against Arsenal and Manchester United to position them in a commanding position after the opening fixtures.