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Much like Storm Claudia swept through the northern region the previous evening, City overwhelmed the visitors away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a statement three goal win for Andrée Jeglertz’s side due to goals from Knaak, Shaw and Hemp. It was a performance that truly announced their title credentials as they strengthened their standing at the league summit.

Back-to-Back Losses for Manchester United

This outcome represented successive league setbacks for the United manager's side for the maiden instance since last May, putting them a sizable gap off the league leaders with their title hopes severely dented.

United’s ability to manage domestic and European football with a thin team has been a hotly discussed topic since they secured entry to the UCL. Considering the fixture list, it always felt like this was the period that would seriously challenge this fortitude. Regrettably for the visitors, they looked tired from start to finish, the historic win against the French side clearly having had an impact.

Team Changes

The United manager had sought to rotate the squad with a a few alterations. Ella Toone, Terland, Dominique Janssen and Galton all brought vigor, although the omission of the on-form Melvine Malard to the sidelines was questioned.

Manchester City, in opposition, have no such fitness issues. The City coach made a single alteration from the previous win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her first start since recovering from injury.

Dominant First Half

The trouble started to build for the United boss and his squad from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the power from City whose potent attack controlled and dismantled the opposition with a excellent first half showing that saw them net a trio in 21 minutes.

This placed City firmly in control and saw the visitors struggling. Before this match, United had allowed just six in this domestic competition but they disintegrated in the wake of City’s creative prowess.

Opening Threats

The early indicators came early when Miedema used her power to push Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot off target. Lauren Hemp was at the center of everything in the beginning, exploiting the gap left by Jayde Riviere down the visitors' right flank. Her passes were posing a threat and led to an opportunity for Hasegawa that Sandberg scrambled off the line.

United had a number of sorties forward, their direct style giving them choices in the wide areas but they could not test Yamashita. Manchester City, on the other hand, controlled possession, teasing their rivals and trying to draw them out of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They turned chances into goals with almost half an hour played when Aoba Fujino won the home team a set-piece. A cross to the far post was directed across goal by Shaw for Knaak to score. It was Manchester City's 7th headed goal of the season.

They extended their cushion with an additional two goals just before the break. When Rose was permitted to advance through the middle from central defence, the pitch widened for the hosts. The influential Casparij picked the ball up on the wing before delivering a precise driven ball for Shaw to force home. Shortly later, they had a additional score after a rapid shift in the ball saw Hemp allowed the room to strike a effort home from range.

Second Half

The clearest substitution came from the United manager at the break as Melvine Malard was introduced for Terland but by this time it was futile to shift the momentum of the game. Former City player Jess Park came nearest, rattling the woodwork, but the visitors were lacking in ideas and were unable to register a one shot on target.

The hosts, on the other hand, could have extended their lead when a delightful Vivianne Miedema long ball sent Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it mattered little to the winning team. Previously unable to beat any side who finished above them in the prior term, Jeglertz’s side now have victories against Arsenal and Manchester United to put them in a commanding position after nine games.