Lauren Hemp capped off a thrilling 4-2 win for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending WSL champions preserve their perfect start to the new campaign. The match, played at the Joie Stadium, saw City teeter on the brink of a draw until the final minutes, when Hemp’s decisive strike restored their lead and sealed the victory. The first half was a roller‑coaster.
City were forced to chase an equaliser after Liverpool took the initiative, but they managed to level the scores before halftime. The second half brought more drama. An own‑goal by Liverpool captain Grace Fisk in stoppage time appeared to give the hosts a 3-2 advantage, but the Reds pressed high, leaving gaps at the back. Seizing the opportunity, Hemp surged forward, out‑paced former teammate Khiara Keating and slotted the ball into the net to make it 4-2.
City’s win not only extended their unbeaten run but also matched Chelsea’s record of 14 consecutive home victories in the WSL, a benchmark set between September 2019 and January 2021. A win against Arsenal on 4 October would see City break that record and set a new standard for home dominance. The England international’s goal was the culmination of a well‑executed team move – her first strike of the season and a perfect opening for the hosts. Earlier, Liverpool had taken the lead through a defensive lapse that allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, followed by a spectacular volley from Vivien Endemann that slipped through Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hand.
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw continued her impressive run, scoring her fourth WSL goal of the season to level the score after City’s early lead. Shaw pounced on a spill from Keating after Hemp’s initial attempt, tapping the ball home from close range. Her goal underlined why retaining Shaw was the most astute piece of business for City this summer.
With that strike, Shaw eclipsed Bethany England’s record to become the all‑time leading home scorer in the WSL, now sitting on 52 goals, and she became the first City player to find the net in each of the opening three league matches of a season. The match was ultimately decided by a series of mistakes and opportunistic finishes. City’s resilience saw them stretch their lead at the top of the table to five points, while Liverpool slipped to third place, four points behind the champions.
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 given 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. Injuries have plagued them, yet under new boss Gareth Taylor they have shown a remarkable turnaround. "Endemann, despite limited WSL experience, looked like a seasoned veteran, causing real problems for City’s defence alongside Beta Olsson and Bergström – a superb signing from Wolfsburg.
For large stretches Liverpool pressed better, made smarter decisions and displayed greater confidence. Late lapses, however, cost them dearly, but Taylor can take heart from a season that began to shed the ‘annus horribilis’ of the past. "It took Liverpool twelve games last season to reach four points; they have already matched that tally.
If they maintain this trajectory they could aim for a top‑half finish or better." Key moments of the game included: - 13′ – Hemp finishes a slick team move for her first goal of the season. - 19′ – A defensive mix‑up allows Bergström to slot home for Liverpool.
- 28′ – Endemann’s close‑range effort beats Yamashita, giving Liverpool the lead. - 39′ – Shaw smashes a header onto the woodwork as City hunt an equaliser. - 45+2′ – Shaw converts a rebound after Keating spills Hemp’s shot. - 60′ – Keating makes a crucial save to deny Shaw.
- 90′ – Fisk’s own‑goal puts City back in front. - 90+5′ – Hemp races down the right, outpaces Keating and calmly finishes to seal the win. After the match, Hemp spoke to Sky Sports: "I don’t score often, so it felt great to get on the scoresheet, especially with that last‑minute chance. I was thinking ‘where am I going to put this?’ but I’m happy we secured the win.
It shows the depth we have – when we were under pressure, fresh energy came on and turned the game around." City manager Andrée Jeglertz, in post‑match comments, highlighted the team’s mentality: "Every victory is special in its own way. This one was tough; we knew Liverpool would be a challenge. Their adjustments forced us to adapt, and the first half was a bit back‑and‑forth. We conceded two quick goals, but we created plenty of chances and scored four.
I’m proud of the group’s belief – they never stopped pushing, and in the end we emerged as winners." Jeglertz also praised Hemp: "She’s an amazing player – she loves being on the pitch, full of energy. Even after an early miss, she kept going.
She’s a true game‑changer." Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor reflected on his side’s performance: "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 asked for. If we keep playing like that, we’ll win many games this season. The champions are quality‑rich; they capitalise on the few chances they get.
Our improvement is evident compared to last year – the attitude and application were first‑class. We’re still a team that finished 11th last season, so progress takes time, but we’re moving in the right direction." Overall, the encounter highlighted the fine margins that separate success from setback in the WSL.
City’s ability to recover from a precarious position, combined with Hemp’s late heroics, reinforced their status as title favourites, while Liverpool’s spirited display suggested they could be a serious contender if they iron out the occasional lapses. The season is still young, but both clubs have provided fans with a compelling glimpse of the quality and competitiveness that defines women’s football at the highest level.