Lauren Hemp capped a thrilling 4-2 win for Manchester City over Liverpool, helping the defending champions keep their perfect start to the season intact. The match, which saw City equal Chelsea’s record of 14 consecutive home victories in the Women’s Super League, was a roller‑coaster that almost saw the record broken until the final minutes. City entered the game riding a 13‑match winning streak at the Joie Stadium, but Liverpool pushed them to the brink.
The Reds took an early lead through a defensive lapse that allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, and Vivien Endemann added a second with a crisp volley that slipped past goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita. By halftime the score was 2‑1 to Liverpool, and the atmosphere suggested a possible upset. Manchester City responded with determination. Their first equaliser came after a well‑worked team move that saw Hemp finish the chance, marking her first goal of the season.
The England international’s strike was a reminder of her ability to arrive in the box at the right moment, even after a missed early attempt. Shortly after, Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, who has now scored in the opening three WSL matches – a first for any City player – levelled the score when a spill from goalkeeper Grace Fisk’s save allowed her to tap in from close range. Shaw’s goal also made her the all‑time leading scorer in WSL home games, overtaking Bethany England with 52 goals.
The decisive moment arrived deep into injury time. With the scores locked at 3‑3, a mis‑kick from Liverpool captain Grace Fisk resulted in an own‑goal that put City ahead.
Sensing a chance to seal the win, Liverpool pressed forward aggressively, leaving gaps at the back. Hemp seized the opportunity, sprinting down the right flank and slotting a calm finish past former teammate Khiara Keating, restoring a two‑goal cushion and ultimately clinching the victory. City’s triumph not only preserved their unbeaten run but also tied Chelsea’s record of 14 straight home wins, a milestone set between September 2019 and January 2021.
If they defeat Arsenal at home on 4 October, they will establish a new benchmark for consecutive home victories in the league. Beyond the statistics, the match highlighted several key storylines. Shaw’s continued goal‑scoring form underscores why retaining her was the most astute piece of business for City this summer. Her fourth league goal of the season came against a resilient Liverpool side that, despite the loss, displayed significant improvement under new manager Gareth Taylor.
Taylor’s side, still rebuilding after a difficult previous campaign, showed flashes of quality, particularly in the midfield where Bergström and Endemann created several chances. Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh praised Liverpool’s performance, noting that few teams have pushed the champions so hard on their own turf. She reflected on the club’s recent hardships, including the tragic loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, and a spate of injuries that hampered their early season form.
Nonetheless, Marsh observed that the Reds have already matched the four‑point tally that took Liverpool 12 games to achieve last season, suggesting a possible top‑half finish if they maintain momentum. City manager Andrée Jeglertz lauded his squad’s resilience. He emphasized the depth of the squad, pointing out that the ability to rotate players without losing quality was crucial in a match where the team faced periods of pressure and had to chase the game. Jeglertz also highlighted Hemp’s impact, describing her as an “amazing player” with boundless energy who can change the course of a game.
Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor, while disappointed with the result, remained optimistic. He praised his team’s attacking intent and the belief they showed, arguing that the experience gained against a champion side will serve them well as the season progresses. Taylor acknowledged the gap in quality but stressed that his players have improved markedly since finishing 11th last season, and that continued hard work will narrow the divide. In post‑match interviews, Hemp expressed delight at getting on the scoresheet, especially with a late winner that capped a hard‑fought victory.
She highlighted the importance of squad depth and the energy injected by substitutes, which helped shift the momentum in City’s favour. Overall, the 4‑2 win solidified Manchester City’s position at the top of the WSL table, extending their lead to five points with several games remaining this weekend. Liverpool, despite the loss, remain third, four points behind the champions.
The match served as a reminder that in women’s football, as in any sport, fine margins and late‑game composure often decide the outcome, and both teams now have clear objectives as the season unfolds. Key moments: - 13′: Bergström (LIV) scores after defensive mix‑up.
- 28′: Endemann (LIV) volleys past Yamashita. - 39′: Shaw (MAN) hits the post. - 45+2′: Shaw (MAN) equalises from a Keating spill. - 60′: Keating saves a Shaw effort.
- 90′: Own‑goal by Fisk (LIV) puts City ahead. - 90+5′: Hemp (MAN) scores the winner on the break.
The victory not only keeps City on course for another title but also adds a new chapter to the WSL’s growing narrative of competitive balance, emerging talent, and the increasing visibility of women’s football worldwide.