Lauren Hemp capped a thrilling 4-2 triumph over Liverpool, helping Manchester City preserve an unbeaten opening to their Women's Super League title defence. The match, played at the Joie Stadium, saw City equal Chelsea's record of 14 consecutive home wins in the WSL – a benchmark set between September 2019 and January 2021 – and left them on the brink of a new milestone should they defeat Arsenal in their next home fixture on October 4. The game was a roller‑coaster.
City were forced to scramble for an equaliser in the first half after Liverpool surged ahead through a defensive mix‑up that allowed Alice Bergström to fire home. Vivien Endemann, who had supplied the opening goal, then volleyed a spectacular finish that slipped past goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, putting the Reds 2-1 up.
Despite the early setback, City responded with a fluid team move that saw Hemp slot home her first goal of the season, restoring parity before the half‑time whistle. Liverpool continued to press, and Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, who is on a remarkable scoring run, levelled the score again when a spill from City keeper Khiara Keating allowed her to tap in from close range. Shaw’s strike marked her fourth league goal of the campaign and cemented her status as the most prolific home scorer in WSL history, overtaking Bethany England with 52 goals.
It also made her the first Manchester City player to find the net in each of the opening three league matches of a season. The drama intensified in the dying minutes of regular time. In the 90th minute, Liverpool captain Grace Fisk inadvertently turned an own‑goal, handing City a 3-2 lead as five minutes of stoppage time were added. Sensing an opportunity to clinch the win, Liverpool pushed a large number of bodies forward, leaving space at the back.
Hemp seized the moment, sprinting down the right flank and calmly slotting the ball past Keating to make it 4-2 and seal the victory. Post‑match, Hemp reflected on her contribution: "I don’t usually score, so it felt great to get on the scoresheet, especially with that last chance. I thought, ‘where am I going to put this?’ but I’m happy we won and that the team showed depth when we needed it." Her comments underscored the depth of City’s squad, a factor that manager Andrée Jeglertz highlighted when he praised the group’s resilience and belief. "Every win is special in its own way," Jeglertz told Sky Sports.
"This was a tough game, we had to adapt to Liverpool’s changes, but we created plenty of chances and the mentality of the team was fantastic. They never stopped believing, and in the end we were the winners." Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor acknowledged the disappointment of falling short but remained optimistic about his side’s progress.
"We attacked the game the way I wanted us to – with intent and aggression. If we keep playing like that, we’ll win many games this season," he said.
He also noted the quality gap that still exists between his squad, which finished 11th last season, and the champions, but praised the improvements in attitude and application shown by his players. The match also featured several notable statistical points. City’s 14‑match home winning streak now matches Chelsea’s record, and an additional victory against Arsenal would set a new benchmark. Shaw’s record‑breaking home goal tally highlighted her importance to the club’s summer recruitment strategy, confirming that retaining her was arguably City’s best business move of the transfer window.
Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh provided a broader perspective, observing that Liverpool had pushed the champions harder than most teams this season. "Very few have been able to challenge Manchester City on their own turf," she wrote.
She also referenced the emotional challenges Liverpool have faced, including the loss of former boss Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, as well as a spate of injuries that have hampered their progress under new manager Gareth Taylor. Marsh praised the performances of newcomers such as Bergström and Beta Olsson, noting that Bergström, a recent arrival from Wolfsburg, looked like a seasoned veteran despite limited WSL experience. She added that for large portions of the match, Liverpool displayed superior pressing, decision‑making, and confidence, only to be undone by a few late lapses in concentration.
In summary, Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the table to five points, while Liverpool remain third with four points after twelve games. The victory not only reinforced City’s dominance but also demonstrated the depth of their squad and the impact of key signings. As the season progresses, the race for the title will likely hinge on whether City can maintain their record‑breaking home form and whether Liverpool can translate their flashes of brilliance into consistent points against the league’s elite. Key moments of the match: - 13': Hemp finishes a brilliant team move for her first goal of the season.
- 19': A defensive error allows Bergström to score for Liverpool. - 28': Endemann’s close‑range volley puts Liverpool ahead. - 39': Shaw smashes the post as City search for a first‑half equaliser. - 45+2': Shaw converts a Keating spill to level the score.
- 60': Keating makes a crucial save to deny Shaw. - 90': Fisk’s own‑goal restores City’s lead. - 90+5': Hemp’s breakaway finish clinches the win.
Both managers highlighted the importance of belief and adaptability. Jeglertz stressed that each victory is unique and that the team must continue to evolve, while Taylor emphasized that Liverpool’s attacking intent is a positive sign for future fixtures. The match, rich in drama and individual brilliance, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting WSL season.