Lauren Hemp capped a dramatic 4-2 win for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending WSL champions preserve an unbeaten opening stretch to their title defence. The match was a roller‑coaster, with City’s long‑standing record and their 13‑game winning streak at the Joie Stadium hanging in the balance until the final minutes.
City had to claw back an equaliser in the first half after Liverpool surged ahead, and a series of late mistakes from the Reds created the opening for Hemp to seal the victory. By the end, City had matched Chelsea’s historic run of 14 consecutive home wins in the WSL – a benchmark set between September 2019 and January 2021. A win in their next home fixture against Arsenal on 4 October would see them break that record outright.
The climax arrived in stoppage time when Liverpool captain Grace Fisk inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, giving City a 3-2 lead with five minutes of added time on the clock. Sensing a draw, Liverpool pushed too many players forward, leaving a gap for Hemp to exploit. The England international sprinted down the right flank, evaded former teammate Khiara Keating, and calmly slotted the ball past her to make it 4-2.
Hemp’s goal was her first of the season, and it came after a well‑crafted team move that showcased City’s fluid passing and movement. Earlier, Liverpool had taken the initiative and earned a deserved lead. A defensive miscommunication allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, and Vivien Endemann – who had set up the opening goal – followed with a superb volley that slipped through Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hand. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw continued her impressive start to the campaign, adding her fourth league goal to equalise for City.
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 underlines why retaining her was arguably City’s most successful summer signing. With that strike, Shaw surpassed Bethany England’s record to become the all‑time leading home scorer in the WSL, now sitting on 52 goals.
She also became the first City player to find the net in each of the first 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 several games still to play this weekend. Liverpool remain third, four points behind.
Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh offered her perspective: "Liverpool may have lost, but they pushed the champions to the limit on their own ground – a feat few have achieved, as reflected by City’s record‑tying run at the Joie Stadium. This Liverpool side is a far cry from the one a year ago, which was still coping with the tragic loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble. Injuries have also plagued Gareth Taylor’s side, yet the club’s decision to stay the course has paid dividends. The performances we’ve seen so far speak to the quality of the summer signings – Endemann looked like a seasoned veteran rather than a newcomer, while Beta Olsson and Bergström have added a new dimension after their move from Wolfsburg.
"For large periods Liverpool pressed better, made smarter choices, and displayed more confidence. Late lapses, however, cost them dearly, and Taylor can take solace in the fact that his team has moved past a disastrous previous season. It took Liverpool twelve games to collect four points last year; they have already matched that tally and could be eyeing a top‑half finish if they continue this trajectory." Key moments of the game included: - 13' – Hemp finishes a polished team move for her first goal of the campaign. - 19' – A defensive mix‑up at City allows Bergström to slot home.
- 28' – Liverpool surge ahead as Endemann’s close‑range effort beats Yamashita. - 39' – Shaw smashes the post while 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 a Shaw effort. - 90' – An own‑goal from Fisk puts City back in front. - 90+5' – Hemp breaks away and calmly finishes past Keating to seal the win. After the match, Hemp spoke to Sky Sports: "I don’t normally get on the scoresheet, so it felt great to score, especially that last one when I had a bit of a moment to think about where to place it.
It shows the depth we have in the squad – we needed that extra spark when we were under pressure, and the energy from the bench made the difference." City manager Andrée Jeglertz also reflected on the performance: "Every victory has its own flavor. This one was especially tough; we knew Liverpool would be a challenge and they altered their tactics, which forced us to adapt. The first half was a bit back‑and‑forth, and we almost gave them two goals, but we created enough chances to finish with four and I’m proud of the group’s mentality. They never stopped believing and kept pushing, and in the end we came out on top." Regarding Hemp, Jeglertz added: "She’s an incredible talent – her energy and love for the game are infectious.
Even when she missed an early chance, she kept pressing and that resilience makes her a game‑changer for us." Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor offered a measured assessment: "It’s disappointing to fall short, but I’m pleased with how we approached the game. We attacked with intent, which is exactly what I wanted.
If we keep playing like this, we’ll win many games this season. The champions are very clinical when they get the ball in the final third, and that’s an area we need to improve – our finishing and our reaction to their second balls. Remember, we finished 11th last season; we’ve made huge strides, but there’s still work to do.
The attitude and application from our players were top‑class tonight, and that gives me optimism for the weeks ahead." Overall, the encounter highlighted the fine margins that decide matches at the top of the women’s game. City’s ability to recover from setbacks, coupled with Hemp’s decisive strike, ensured they kept their momentum in the title race, while Liverpool demonstrated that they can challenge the best, even if the final result did not go their way.