Lauren Hemp capped off a thrilling 4-2 triumph for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending WSL champions preserve an unbeaten opening to their title‑defence campaign. The match, played at the Joie Stadium, was a roller‑coaster that saw City’s historic 13‑match home winning streak hang in the balance until the final minutes. City entered the game on the back of a record‑equalling run of 14 consecutive home victories – a benchmark set by Chelsea between September 2019 and January 2021. A win against Arsenal on 4 October would see the Citizens break that record and claim sole ownership of the longest home‑winning streak in the league’s modern era.
The drama unfolded early. Liverpool took the lead through a defensive lapse that allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, and a second strike came from Vivien Endemann, who volleyed a beautifully timed effort past Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hand. The Reds’ early dominance gave them a 2‑0 cushion and put City under immediate pressure. City responded with vigor.
A well‑crafted team move saw Hemp finish the build‑up for her first goal of the season, restoring parity before the half‑time whistle. The England international’s strike was a testament to her movement and composure, especially considering it was her first goal since November.
Just before the break, Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, who had already secured the Golden Boot for a third consecutive year, levelled the score. A spill from goalkeeper Grace Keating after Hemp’s initial shot allowed Shaw to pounce on the loose ball and tap home from close range. Shaw’s goal not only equalised the match but also marked her 52nd home goal in the WSL, overtaking Bethany England as the all‑time home‑scoring leader and making her the first Manchester City player to find the net in each of the opening three league fixtures of a season.
The second half was a battle of wills. Liverpool continued to press, creating chances and testing City’s defence. However, a crucial moment arrived in the 90th minute when a mis‑judged clearance by Liverpool captain Grace Fisk resulted in an own‑goal, putting City ahead 3‑2 as the referee signalled five minutes of added time.
Sensing a possible draw, Liverpool pushed a high line forward, leaving space behind. Hemp seized the opportunity, sprinting down the left flank and slipping the ball past Keating, who had previously been involved in the Shaw goal. Her clinical finish sealed a 4‑2 victory and gave City a vital three points.
Post‑match, Hemp reflected on her performance, noting that scoring is not a regular occurrence for her but expressing delight at getting on the scoresheet, especially with the decisive late goal. She highlighted the squad’s depth and the impact of fresh energy that turned the tide when the team seemed to be struggling.
Manchester City manager Andrée Jeglertz praised his side’s resilience, acknowledging the difficulty of the opposition and the tactical adjustments required after Liverpool’s changes at halftime. He emphasized that every win has its own significance and lauded the team’s mentality, stating that the players never stopped believing and ultimately emerged as winners. Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor admitted disappointment but remained optimistic about his team’s attacking intent. He pointed out that the Reds displayed a more mature version of themselves compared to the previous season, where they finished 11th, and that the players’ application and attitude were first‑class.
Taylor stressed the need to improve finishing and final‑third actions, but he was confident that the style of play they exhibited would yield positive results over the course of the season. Statistically, the win extended City’s lead at the top of the table to five points, while Liverpool slipped to third place with four points. The match also highlighted the growing influence of Shaw, whose record‑breaking home‑goal tally underlines why retaining her was a shrewd summer acquisition for the club. Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh offered a broader perspective, noting that Liverpool’s performance, despite the loss, pushed the champions to their limits on home soil – a rare feat given City’s dominant record at the Joie Stadium.
She reflected on Liverpool’s recent hardships, including the tragic loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, as well as a spate of injuries that hampered their progress under new boss Gareth Taylor. Despite these challenges, the Reds have shown a marked turnaround, with players like Endemann, Bergström, and Beta Olsson delivering veteran‑level displays. Marsh also highlighted that Liverpool’s pressing, decision‑making, and confidence were superior for large portions of the game, and that the late errors – such as the own‑goal and defensive lapses – ultimately cost them.
She concluded that if Liverpool maintains this trajectory, they could aim for a top‑half finish or higher. In summary, the match was a showcase of Manchester City’s depth, tactical flexibility, and the individual brilliance of players like Hemp and Shaw. It also underscored Liverpool’s resurgence and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in the Women’s Super League.
The upcoming fixtures, particularly City’s clash with Arsenal, will be pivotal in determining whether the record‑breaking home‑winning streak can be extended further, while Liverpool will look to build on their progress and climb the table as the season unfolds.