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. The match seemed on a knife‑edge until the final minute, when a series of late mistakes from Liverpool opened the door for City to clinch the win.
City entered the game riding a 13‑match winning streak at the Joie Stadium and had already matched Chelsea's record of 14 consecutive home victories in the league – a run the Blues set between September 2019 and January 2021. A victory in their next home fixture against Arsenal on 4 October would see City break that record and establish a new benchmark for dominance at home. The drama unfolded in stoppage time. With five minutes added, Liverpool’s captain Grace Fisk inadvertently turned the ball into her own net, giving the hosts a 3‑2 lead.
Sensing a draw was imminent, Liverpool pushed a large number of players forward, leaving gaps at the back. Hemp seized the opportunity, sprinting down the right flank and calmly slotting the ball past her former teammate Khiara Keating to restore City’s advantage.
The England international also delivered an early strike that set the tone for the hosts. After a well‑crafted team move, Hemp finished the play with her first goal of the season, a precise finish that underscored her growing confidence in front of goal.
Liverpool, however, responded with vigor. A defensive mix‑up allowed Alice Bergström to fire a powerful shot into the net, and shortly after, Vivien Endemann – who had supplied the assist for City’s opening goal – volleyed a spectacular effort that beat goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hand, giving the Reds a deserved lead. Khadija "Bunny" Shaw continued her impressive start to the campaign, scoring her fourth league goal to level the match.
After Hemp’s initial attempt was saved by Keating, Shaw pounced on the rebound and tapped the ball home from close range. Shaw’s contribution highlights why retaining her was Manchester City’s most astute piece of business this summer. Shaw’s goal also pushed her past Bethany England to become the all‑time leading scorer in WSL home matches, with 52 goals to her name. She is now the first City player to find the net in each of the first three league games of a season.
The contest was ultimately decided by a handful of errors, and City emerged the better side, extending their lead at the top of the table to five points with a full slate of fixtures remaining this weekend. Liverpool sit third, four points behind the champions. Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh offered her perspective: "Liverpool may have lost, but they forced the champions onto the back foot on their own ground – a feat few have managed, as reflected by City’s record‑equalling run at the Joie Stadium. This Liverpool side is a far cry from the team a year ago.
They have endured tragic losses, including the passing of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, and have battled a spate of injuries under new boss Gareth Taylor. Yet the club’s decision to stand by Taylor has paid dividends, with the team now showing a clear upward trajectory.
"Endemann, despite limited WSL experience, performed like a seasoned veteran, causing real problems for City’s defence alongside newcomers Beta Olsson and Bergström – a superb acquisition from Wolfsburg. For large stretches of the game Liverpool pressed better, made sharper decisions, and displayed greater confidence.
Late lapses, however, cost them dearly, but Taylor can take heart from a season that began with an annus horribilis now firmly behind them. "It took Liverpool twelve games to amass four points last season; they have already reached that mark and, if they maintain this form, a top‑half finish – or better – is within reach." Key moments of the match included: - 13′: Hemp finishes a flowing team move for her first goal of the season. - 19′: A defensive error by City allows Bergström to slot home for Liverpool.
- 28′: Endemann’s close‑range effort beats Yamashita, putting Liverpool ahead. - 39′: Shaw smashes the post as City hunt for an equaliser before halftime. - 45+2′: Shaw converts a rebound after Keating spills Hemp’s shot, restoring parity. - 60′: Keating makes a crucial save, denying Shaw from a second‑half chance.
- 90′: Fisk’s own‑goal hands City the lead once more. - 90+5′: Hemp breaks away and calmly finishes past Keating to seal the win. After the match, Hemp spoke to Sky Sports about her rare goal‑scoring moment: "I don’t usually get on the scoresheet, so it felt great to score, especially the late winner. I thought, ‘Where am I going to put this?’ but I’m happy we got the three points.
It shows the depth we have in the squad – we needed that energy when we were struggling, and the team stepped up when it mattered." City manager Andree Jeglertz reflected on the half‑time talk and the overall performance: "We had periods where we played the ball beautifully. The aim was to press them, move the ball quickly with the right tempo, and we eventually did that. It isn’t always easy, but as long as we finish the job and keep pushing in the right direction, that’s what counts." Jeglertz also praised Hemp’s character: "She’s an incredible player.
Her love for the game and boundless energy make her a true game‑changer. Even when she missed an early chance, she kept going and didn’t let it affect her confidence." Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor accepted the defeat with a measured view: "It’s disappointing to come up short, but I’m proud of 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 quality of City’s players means they capitalise on any chance at the top end of the pitch, and that’s where we need to improve – our final actions and finishing. "We’re a side that finished 11th last season, so closing the gap with the champions won’t happen overnight. Yet the progress we’ve shown – the attitude, the application – is first‑class.
We’re still in a decent position, and with time the gap will narrow." Overall, the match illustrated the fine margins that separate victory from defeat in the Women’s Super League. City’s resilience, Hemp’s decisive strike, and Shaw’s record‑breaking goal combined to secure three points and reinforce their position at the summit, while Liverpool can take solace in a performance that suggests they are well on their way to a stronger second half of the campaign.