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Similar to Storm Claudia hit the northwest the previous evening, the home side swept United away at the their home ground. It was a statement three goal triumph for Andrée Jeglertz’s side owing to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that clearly signaled their championship potential as they strengthened their position at the top of the table.

Successive Setbacks for Manchester United

This result marked back-to-back league losses for the United manager's side for the first time since last May, putting them a significant margin off the top team with their championship aspirations in serious doubt.

The Red Devils' capacity to manage domestic and continental soccer with a small team has been a frequently analyzed issue since they secured entry to the European competition. Considering the calendar, it always felt like this was the matchday that would truly test this ability. Unfortunately for the away side, they appeared tired all game, the memorable win against the French side clearly having taken a toll.

Team Changes

The United manager had sought to freshen things up with a handful of changes. Toone, Terland, Janssen and Galton all brought energy, although the omission of the in-form Melvine Malard to the sidelines raised a few eyebrows.

City, in comparison, have no such workload concerns. Jeglertz made one adjustment from last week’s win over the Toffees with Hemp making her initial starting appearance since healing from a fitness issue.

Commanding Opening Period

The trouble started to build for Skinner and his squad from the opening minute. This was a demonstration of the power from City whose dynamic attack controlled and pulled the visitors apart with a superb initial 45 minutes performance that saw them net a trio in under half an hour.

This left the home team in a commanding position and had Manchester United struggling. Before this fixture, United had let in just six in this league campaign but they collapsed in the wake of City’s offensive ingenuity.

Early Chances

The warning signs came soon when Miedema used her strength to push Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot off target. Lauren Hemp was at the core of everything early on, using the room left by Jayde Riviere down the visitors' right side. Her deliveries were causing problems and led to an attempt for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had a number of sorties ahead, their direct style giving them options in the wide areas but they could not challenge Yamashita. Manchester City, on the other hand, controlled possession, probing their rivals and trying to draw them out of their structure.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost half an hour played when Fujino won the hosts a corner. A cross to the far post was nodded across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was City’s 7th header of the term.

They increased 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 opened up for City. The prominent Kerstin Casparij picked the ball up on the wing before sending a precise driven ball for Bunny Shaw to bundle home. A short time later, they had a third goal after a quick turnover in the ball saw Hemp afforded the space to fire a effort home from distance.

Final Period

The clearest change came from Skinner at the break as Malard was introduced for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was futile to change the course of the match. Ex- City player Jess Park came nearest, hitting the woodwork, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and were unable to record a solitary shot on goal.

The hosts, meanwhile, could have added to their lead when a superb Vivianne Miedema pass sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it did not affect the result to the hosts. Having failed to defeat any team who placed above them last season, Jeglertz’s side now have wins against the Gunners and United to position them in a commanding position after nine matches.