Lauren Hemp capped off a thrilling 4-2 win for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending champions preserve a perfect opening to their title‑defence campaign. The match, which unfolded at the Joie Stadium, was a roller‑coaster that saw City’s long‑running unbeaten streak at the venue threatened right up until the final minutes. City entered the game riding a 13‑match winning run at the Joie Stadium and an overall unbeaten run that matched Chelsea’s record of 14 consecutive home victories in the Women's Super League (WSL) – a benchmark set between September 2019 and January 2021.
A victory in their next home fixture against Arsenal on 4 October would allow City to eclipse that record and claim the longest unbeaten home run in league history. The first half was a tightly contested affair. Liverpool surged forward early and forced a defensive mix‑up that allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, giving the Reds the lead.
Shortly after, Vivien Endemann – who had supplied the initial goal – struck a spectacular volley that slipped through the outstretched fingers of goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, extending Liverpool’s advantage to 2‑0. City appeared to be on the back foot, but they responded with determination. Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, who has been on a remarkable scoring run, reduced the deficit when she pounced on a spill from City keeper Khiara Keating after Hemp’s opening shot.
Shaw’s close‑range finish marked her fourth league goal of the season and continued her streak of scoring in the first three WSL matches – a first for any Manchester City player. Her goal also pushed her past Bethany England to become the all‑time leading home scorer in the WSL, now sitting on 52 goals. The breakthrough came just before halftime. After a fluid team move that saw City dominate possession, Hemp found space on the left flank, accelerated past a weary Liverpool defence and calmly slotted the ball past Keating to make it 2‑2.
It was Hemp’s first goal of the season and her second of the match, a perfect book‑end to a half that had seen the hosts fight back from a two‑goal deficit. The second half began with both sides creating chances, but it was Liverpool who struck again in the 28th minute.
Endemann, having already impressed with her earlier volley, capitalized on a defensive lapse and tucked the ball home, restoring Liverpool’s lead at 3‑2. The goal seemed to set the tone for a potential upset, and the Reds pressed hard for the remainder of the period. However, City’s depth and resilience began to show.
In the 39th minute, Shaw’s effort clanged off the post, a reminder that the visitors were still dangerous. As the clock ticked towards the 90th minute, tension mounted. In added time, Liverpool’s captain Grace Fisk inadvertently turned a cross into her own net, handing City a 3‑2 lead and sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. The drama was not over.
Five minutes of additional time were displayed, and Liverpool, sensing a draw, pushed a large number of bodies forward in a desperate attempt to equalise. The gamble left them exposed at the back. Hemp seized the opportunity, sprinting down the left wing, beating Keating’s retreating line, and calmly slotting the ball into the empty net to restore City’s two‑goal cushion at 4‑3. City held on for the remaining seconds, securing a 4‑2 victory that not only kept their unbeaten start intact but also extended their lead at the top of the table to five points.
Liverpool, despite the loss, remain in third place, just four points behind the champions. Post‑match analysis from Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh highlighted the significance of the result. She noted that Liverpool had pushed the champions to their limits on their own turf, a feat few teams have managed in recent years.
Marsh also reflected on Liverpool’s turbulent season, mentioning the tragic loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, as well as a spate of injuries that have hampered the Reds under new boss Gareth Taylor. Despite these challenges, Liverpool’s performance demonstrated a marked improvement from the previous year, with players like Endemann and Bergström showing the poise of seasoned internationals. Marsh praised City’s depth, pointing out that Hemp’s late goal underscored the squad’s quality and the manager’s successful summer signings. She also highlighted Shaw’s historic achievement of becoming the highest‑scoring home player in WSL history and the importance of retaining such talent for City’s long‑term ambitions.
In the player interviews, Hemp expressed delight at finally getting on the scoresheet, admitting she does not score often but was thrilled to contribute a decisive goal. She praised the team’s depth and the energy injected by substitutes, emphasizing how those contributions turned the tide.
Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz described the win as “tough but rewarding,” acknowledging Liverpool’s tactical adjustments and the need for City to adapt quickly. He lauded the squad’s mentality, noting that the players never stopped believing and continued to push forward, ultimately emerging as winners.
Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor accepted responsibility for the defeat, noting that his side had executed the game plan well and that the performance gave him confidence for the rest of the season. He highlighted the need to improve the final third and convert chances into goals, especially against top‑tier opposition. Taylor also reminded fans that Liverpool finished 11th last season, and the progress shown this year is a testament to the hard work and improved attitude of the squad. Overall, the match served as a reminder that in the WSL, margins are thin and games can swing dramatically in the final minutes.
Manchester City’s ability to weather Liverpool’s pressure, capitalize on opponent errors, and rely on the firepower of players like Hemp and Shaw cements their status as the team to beat. As the season progresses, both clubs will look to build on the lessons learned – City aiming to extend their record‑breaking run, and Liverpool hoping to convert their promising displays into points that could see them climb higher in the table. The win also adds another chapter to City’s growing legacy in women’s football, with the club now poised to break Chelsea’s home‑winning record and further solidify their dominance in the league. Fans can look forward to the upcoming clash with Arsenal, a match that could see City set a new benchmark for home success in the WSL.