Lauren Hemp capped off a thrilling 4-2 triumph for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending WSL champions preserve a flawless start to their title‑defence campaign. The match, which saw City equal Chelsea’s record of 14 consecutive home wins in the league, was anything but straightforward. Up until the final minute, both the record and City’s 13‑match unbeaten run at the Joie Stadium hung in the balance, forcing the hosts to claw back an early equaliser before capitalising on Liverpool’s late mistakes.
City’s home streak now mirrors the run set by the Blues between September 2019 and January 2021. A victory in their next home fixture against Arsenal on 4 October would push the record to a new high.
The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Liverpool’s captain Grace Fisk inadvertently redirected the ball into her own net, giving City a 3‑2 lead with five minutes of added time still to play. Sensing a potential draw, the Reds pushed too many players forward, leaving space for the electrifying Hemp to sprint down the flank and calmly finish past former teammate Khiara Keating.
Hemp, who had not scored since November, completed a brilliant team move for her first goal of the season, sealing a perfect start for the hosts. Liverpool, however, responded with vigor.
A defensive lapse allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, and shortly after, Vivien Endemann – the architect of the opening goal – unleashed a superb volley that slipped through Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hands, putting the visitors ahead. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw continued her impressive run for a third consecutive Golden Boot, netting her fourth league goal to level the score. After Hemp’s initial shot 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 summer signing. With this equaliser, Shaw surpassed Bethany England to become the all‑time leading home‑scorer in the WSL, now sitting on 52 goals, and she also became the first City player to find the net in each of the opening three league matches of a season.
The match ultimately hinged on errors, and City emerged the better side, extending their lead at the summit to five points with a full slate of games remaining this weekend. Liverpool remain third, four points behind. Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh reflected on the encounter: "Liverpool may have lost, but they pushed the champions to the limit on their own ground – a feat few have achieved, as shown by City’s record‑equalling run at the Joie Stadium. This Liverpool side is a far cry from the one a year ago, which was still grieving the loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, and has been hampered by a cascade of injuries under new boss Gareth Taylor.
Yet the club stuck with its core, and the early-season form signals a continued resurgence that began earlier this year. "Endemann, despite limited WSL experience, played like a seasoned veteran, troubling City’s defence alongside Beta Olsson and Bergström – a superb acquisition from Wolfsburg.
For large stretches, Liverpool pressed better, made smarter decisions and displayed greater confidence. Late lapses, however, cost them dearly, and Taylor can take heart from a season that has already shaken off an ‘annus horribilis’. It took Liverpool twelve games to scrape four points last season; they have already matched that tally and could be eyeing a top‑half finish if the momentum persists." Key moments of the match included: - 13′ – Hemp finishes a fluid team move for her first goal of the campaign.
- 19′ – A defensive mix‑up permits Bergström to slot home for Liverpool. - 28′ – After sustained pressure, Endemann’s close‑range effort beats Yamashita, giving Liverpool the lead. - 39′ – Shaw smashes the post as City hunt for a first‑half equaliser. - 45+2′ – Shaw converts a rebound after Keating spills Hemp’s shot.
- 60′ – Keating makes a crucial save, denying Shaw. - 90′ – Fisk’s own‑goal hands City a late lead. - 90+5′ – Hemp breaks away and calmly slots past Keating to seal the win. After the match, Hemp told Sky Sports: "I don’t often get on the scoresheet, so it felt great, especially with that last chance when I had time to think where to place it.
I’m happy to have contributed and helped the team win. It shows the depth we have – when we were struggling, fresh energy came on, changed the game and got us the result." City manager Andree Jeglertz added: "Every victory is special in its own way.
This one was tough; we knew Liverpool would be a challenge. They altered their tactics, which forced us to adapt.
The first half was a bit back‑and‑forth, and we almost conceded two goals, but we created plenty of chances and ended up with four. I’m proud of the squad’s mentality – they never stopped believing and kept pushing, and in the end we came out on top." Speaking about Hemp, Jeglertz praised her: "She’s an amazing player – full of energy and love for the game.
Even when she missed an early chance, she kept going. She’s a true game‑changer." Liverpool coach Gareth Taylor expressed disappointment but optimism: "It’s a shame we fell short, but the way we attacked was exactly what I wanted – that’s the key takeaway.
If we keep playing like this, we’ll win many games. We need to improve our finishing in the final third; there were moments we could have taken the lead.
We’re still building – last season we finished 11th, and while progress isn’t instant, the attitude and application from the players tonight were first‑class." Overall, the fixture highlighted the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in the WSL and reinforced Manchester City’s intent to dominate the league, while Liverpool showed promising signs of resurgence under their new management.