Lauren Hemp capped off a thrilling 4-2 triumph for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending WSL champions preserve a perfect start to their title‑defence campaign. The match, however, was far from a routine win; until the final minute, City’s unbeaten streak at the Joie Stadium and their 13‑game run of victories there hung in the balance. After a hard‑fought first half that saw City scramble for an equaliser, a series of late Liverpool mistakes provided the platform for Hemp to seal the win. City’s recent form now mirrors Chelsea’s historic home‑winning run of 14 matches, a record set between September 2019 and January 2021.
Should they defeat Arsenal at home on 4 October, they will establish a new benchmark for consecutive home wins in the league. The drama intensified in stoppage time when Liverpool captain Grace Fisk inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, giving City a 3‑2 lead with five minutes of added time on the clock. Sensing that a draw was imminent, Liverpool pushed a large number of players forward, leaving gaps for the electrifying Hemp to exploit.
She sprinted down the right flank, received a precise pass, and calmly slotted the ball past former teammate Khiara Keating, restoring a two‑goal cushion for the hosts. The England international had already made a statement earlier in the match, finishing a well‑crafted team move for her first goal of the season.
Her strike came after a sequence of quick passes that broke through Liverpool’s defensive lines, demonstrating her knack for timing runs into dangerous areas. Liverpool, refusing to capitulate, responded with vigor. A defensive lapse allowed Alice Bergström to unleash a powerful shot that found the back of the net, putting the Reds ahead. Shortly after, Vivien Endemann, who had supplied the assist for City’s opening goal, struck a spectacular volley that slipped through Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hands, extending Liverpool’s lead and igniting hopes of a comeback.
Khadija "Bunny" Shaw continued her impressive run of form, scoring her fourth league goal of the season to level the score. After Hemp’s initial attempt was saved by Keating, Shaw pounced on the rebound and tapped the ball home from close range. Shaw’s contribution underscores why retaining her was Manchester City’s most astute piece of business during the summer transfer window.
With this equaliser, Shaw surpassed Bethany England to become the all‑time leading home scorer in the WSL, now boasting 52 goals at the Joie Stadium. She also became the first City player to find the net in each of the opening three league fixtures of a season. Ultimately, it was a game defined by errors and opportunism. City’s resilience allowed them to stretch their lead at the summit to five points, while Liverpool slipped to third place, four points behind the champions.
Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh reflected on the encounter: "Liverpool gave the champions a stern test on their own ground – something few teams have managed this season. The Reds have undergone a remarkable transformation since last year, overcoming the loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, as well as a spate of injuries under new boss Gareth Taylor.
Their progress this season is a testament to the groundwork laid during the off‑season." Marsh continued, "Endemann, despite limited WSL experience, performed like a seasoned veteran, creating genuine problems for the City defence alongside Beta Olsson and Bergström, a superb acquisition from Wolfsburg. For large periods, Liverpool pressed more effectively, made smarter decisions, and displayed greater confidence. Late lapses, however, cost them dearly, but Taylor can take solace in the improvement his side has shown after a disastrous previous year." The match timeline highlighted key moments: Hemp’s opening goal at the 13th minute, Bergström’s equaliser at 19, Endemann’s strike at 28, Shaw’s near‑miss at 39, her level‑bringing goal at 45+2, a crucial save by Keating at 60, Fisk’s own‑goal at 90, and Hemp’s decisive finish at 90+5.
After the final whistle, Hemp spoke to Sky Sports, saying, "I don’t usually score, so it felt great to get on the scoresheet, especially with that last chance. I was thinking, ‘Where am I going to put this?’ but I’m pleased we secured the win. It shows the depth we have in the squad – we needed that energy when we were struggling, and the team delivered when it mattered." City manager Andrée Jeglertz praised his side’s mentality: "Every victory is special in its own way. This match was tough; we knew Liverpool would be a challenge.
Their adjustments forced us to adapt, and while the first half was a bit back‑and‑forth, we created plenty of chances and scored four goals. The group’s belief never wavered, and in the end, we emerged as winners." Jeglertz also lauded Hemp’s impact: "She’s an incredible player – relentless, full of energy, and a true game‑changer. Even when she missed an early chance, she kept pushing and that determination made the difference." Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor remained optimistic despite the defeat: "It’s disappointing to fall short, but I’m proud of how we approached the game.
Our attacking intent was exactly what I wanted. If we keep playing like this, we’ll win many games this season.
We need to improve our finishing in the final third, but the progress we’ve made since last season is evident. The players gave a first‑class performance, and with time we’ll close the gap with the champions." The encounter not only showcased the individual brilliance of players like Hemp and Shaw but also highlighted the evolving competitive landscape of the Women’s Super League, where tactical adaptability and squad depth are becoming increasingly decisive factors in the race for the title.