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Just as Storm Claudia swept through the north-west the previous evening, City swept United away at the their home ground. It was a statement three goal triumph for the City coach's side due to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a result that truly announced their title credentials as they strengthened their place at the top of the table.

Successive Defeats for United

This outcome represented successive league setbacks for Skinner's side for the first time since last May, leaving them a significant margin off the table toppers with their title hopes in serious doubt.

The Red Devils' ability to juggle league and continental soccer with a small team has been a hotly discussed subject since they secured entry to the European competition. Looking at the fixture list, it always felt like this was the week that would seriously challenge this fortitude. Unfortunately for the visitors, they looked weary from start to finish, the landmark win against PSG clearly having left its mark.

Tactical Shifts

The United manager had attempted to make changes with a handful of adjustments. Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Janssen and Galton all added vigor, although the omission of the high-performing Melvine Malard to the sidelines raised a few eyebrows.

Manchester City, in contrast, have fewer loading concerns. The City coach made one change from last week’s win over the Toffees with Hemp making her return to the lineup since healing from injury.

Commanding Opening Period

The pressure started to gather for the United boss and his team from the opening minute. This was a demonstration of the power from City whose dynamic forward line played with and dismantled the opposition with a sublime first half display that saw them net a trio in under half an hour.

This placed City firmly in control and left United all at sea. Before this fixture, United had let in just few in this WSL season but they disintegrated in the wake of City’s offensive ingenuity.

Initial Opportunities

The warning signs came early when Miedema used her power to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to send her shot wide. Hemp was at the heart of everything from the start, taking advantage of the space left by Jayde Riviere down United’s wing. Her deliveries were causing problems and led to an chance for Yui Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg cleared off the line.

The Red Devils had several forays ahead, their direct style giving them choices in the wide areas but they could not challenge Yamashita. City, meanwhile, dominated the ball, taunting their opposition and trying to lure them of their structure.

Goals Galore

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

They added to their advantage with another pair of goals just before the interval. When Rose was allowed to maraud through the center from defense, the field opened up for the hosts. The key Kerstin Casparij received possession on the right side before providing a pinpoint low cross for Shaw to tap home. A short time later, they had a third after a rapid turnover in possession saw Lauren Hemp afforded the opportunity to fire a shot home from range.

After the Break

The clearest adjustment came from the United manager at the break as Melvine Malard came on for Terland but by this time it was too late to shift the momentum of the game. Ex- City player Jess Park came most likely to score, hitting the post, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and failed to produce a single shot on goal.

The hosts, in contrast, could have extended their advantage when a excellent Miedema long ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it mattered little to the hosts. Previously unable to overcome any side who ended above them last season, Jeglertz’s side now have successes against Arsenal and United to position them in a favorable standing after nine matches.