Lauren Hemp capped off a thrilling 4-2 triumph for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending champions preserve an unbeaten opening to their title defence. The match, which unfolded at the Joie Stadium, saw City cling to a 13‑match home winning streak that was only saved in the dying minutes of regular time.
The first half was a roller‑coaster for both sides. City were forced to scramble for an equaliser after Liverpool surged ahead, but a resilient performance saw them level before the break.
The second half continued the back‑and‑forth, with Liverpool taking a deserved lead through a defensive mix‑up that allowed Alice Bergstrom to fire home, followed shortly by Vivien Endemann’s exquisite volley that slipped through Ayaka Yamashita's outstretched fingers. City’s response came in the form of an own‑goal from Liverpool captain Grace Fisk in the 90th minute, which temporarily put the home side ahead 3‑2 as five minutes of stoppage time were added. Sensing that a draw was imminent, Liverpool pushed too many bodies forward, leaving a gap that Hemp exploited with a blistering run down the flank. She calmly slotted the ball past former teammate Khiara Keating to restore City’s lead and ultimately seal the victory.
Hemp’s contribution was not limited to the late winner. Earlier in the match she finished a well‑crafted team move to register her first goal of the season, a moment that highlighted her growing confidence and clinical edge. The England international’s performance underscored why she has become a pivotal figure for both club and country.
Khadija "Bunny" Shaw also made headlines, netting her fourth WSL goal of the campaign to equalise after a spill from Keating. Shaw’s strike not only kept City in the contest but also cemented her place in the record books: she now holds the record for the most home goals in WSL history with 52, overtaking Bethany England, and she is the first City player to score in each of the opening three league fixtures of a season. Her continued form validates the club’s decision to retain her after a busy summer transfer window.
The win also allowed City to match Chelsea’s historic run of 14 consecutive home victories in the league, a benchmark set between September 2019 and January 2021. Should City defeat Arsenal on October 4, they will establish a new record for home dominance in the WSL. Beyond the statistics, the match was a testament to the depth of City’s squad.
Manager Andree Jeglertz praised the collective effort, noting that the team’s ability to generate chances even when faced with setbacks demonstrated a strong mentality. "All victories are special in their own way," Jeglertz told Sky Sports.
"This game was tough, but the players adapted, created four goals, and never stopped believing." Liverpool, meanwhile, showed significant improvement compared to a year ago. After a period of mourning the loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, and grappling with a spate of injuries, the Reds have begun to rebuild under Gareth Taylor. Taylor acknowledged the progress, stating that the side’s attacking intent and willingness to press were encouraging signs for the future. "We played the way I wanted us to play," he said.
"If we keep this approach, we’ll win many games this season." Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh highlighted Liverpool’s resurgence, noting that the Reds pushed the champions harder than most teams have managed at the Joie Stadium. She pointed out that Liverpool’s recent form – reaching four points in just twelve games last season – suggests they could aim for a top‑half finish if they maintain their trajectory.
"The three performances so far are a testament to the work done over the summer," Marsh wrote. "Taylor will be pleased with how his team performed after an annus horribilis last year." Key moments of the match included: - 13′ – Hemp finishes a brilliant team move for her first goal of the season. - 19′ – A defensive lapse from City allows Bergstrom to slot home for Liverpool.
- 28′ – Endemann’s close‑range effort beats Yamashita, giving Liverpool the lead. - 39′ – Shaw smashes a shot against the post as City chase an equaliser.
- 45+2′ – Shaw converts a spill from Keating to level the score. - 60′ – Keating makes a crucial save, denying a Shaw attempt.
- 90′ – Fisk’s own‑goal puts City back in front. - 90+5′ – Hemp breaks away and calmly finishes, sealing the win.
Post‑match, Hemp reflected on her performance: "I don’t usually score, so it was nice to get on the scoresheet, especially with the last goal when I had a lot of time. I thought, ‘Where am I going to put this?’ but I’m happy to have helped the team win.
It shows we have depth, and the energy from the bench made a big difference." Jeglertz also praised Hemp’s attitude, describing her as an "amazing player" with boundless energy who never lets a missed chance affect her confidence. He added that Hemp’s determination makes her a true game‑changer for City.
Overall, the victory extended City’s lead at the top of the table to five points, while Liverpool remain third with four points after the weekend’s fixtures. The match illustrated how fine margins and late‑stage errors can decide outcomes in the women’s game, and it reaffirmed Manchester City’s status as the team to beat in the 2024‑25 WSL season. Looking ahead, City will aim to break the home‑win record against Arsenal, while Liverpool will seek to build on their improved performances and continue climbing the table under Taylor’s guidance. Both clubs have shown that with strategic signings, resilient coaching, and a commitment to developing young talent, the competition at the top of the Women’s Super League is set to become even more intense.