Lauren Hemp capped a thrilling 4-2 triumph for Manchester City over Liverpool, ensuring the defending WSL champions continued their flawless start to the new campaign. The match, which unfolded at the Joie Stadium, saw City cling to a narrow lead until the 90th minute before Hemp’s second strike restored a two‑goal advantage and sealed the win. The game was a roller‑coaster. City had to rally to find an equaliser in the first half after Liverpool surged ahead, and a late own‑goal from Liverpool captain Grace Fisk seemed to hand the Reds a 3-2 lead deep into stoppage time.
Yet the hosts sensed a draw was imminent, pressed forward aggressively, and Hemp sprinted down the right flank, out‑muscling former teammate Khiara Keating to slot the ball home for a dramatic 90+5 minute winner. This victory not only preserved City’s unbeaten run but also matched Chelsea’s record of 14 consecutive home wins in the WSL – a benchmark set between September 2019 and January 2021. If City overcome Arsenal at home on October 4, they will eclipse that mark and claim a new standard for dominance at the Joie Stadium.
Hemp’s contribution was pivotal. After a patient build‑up, she finished a well‑executed team move for her first goal of the season, a precise strike that gave the hosts an early lead. The England international later added a second, capitalising on a Liverpool defensive lapse and confirming her status as a clutch performer in high‑pressure moments. Liverpool, however, displayed resilience and flair.
A defensive mix‑up allowed Alice Bergström to fire home, and Vivien Endemann – who had created the opening goal – volleyed a spectacular effort that slipped through Ayaka Yamashita’s outstretched hand, giving the visitors a deserved lead. Khadija "Bunny" Shaw, who is on a remarkable run for a third straight Golden Boot, equalised when Keating spilled a save from Hemp’s initial attempt, allowing Shaw to tap in from close range. Shaw’s goal marked her as the all‑time leader in home goals in the WSL, overtaking Bethany England with 52 strikes, and she became the first City player to score in each of the opening three league fixtures.
The match narrative was defined by errors and opportunism. City’s late surge, sparked by Hemp’s speed and composure, contrasted with Liverpool’s occasional lapses in concentration that proved costly. In the end, City extended their lead at the summit to five points, while Liverpool remain third, four points behind.
Sky Sports analyst Charlotte Marsh reflected on the encounter, noting that Liverpool pushed the champions harder than most teams have managed at the Joie Stadium. She highlighted the club’s recent hardships – the loss of former manager Matt Beard and kitman Jon Humble, coupled with a spate of injuries – and praised Gareth Taylor’s ability to keep the squad competitive. Marsh also lauded the impact of recent signings such as Bergström, who arrived from Wolfsburg and immediately influenced the game, and Endemann, whose performance belied her limited WSL experience.
Key moments of the match included: - 13′ – Hemp finishes a flowing team move for her first goal of the season. - 19′ – A defensive miscommunication for City allows Bergström to slot home. - 28′ – Liverpool take the lead after Endemann’s close‑range effort beats Yamashita. - 39′ – Shaw smashes a header onto the woodwork as City hunt for a first‑half equaliser.
- 45+2′ – Shaw converts a rebound after Keating’s spill, restoring parity. - 60′ – Keating makes a crucial save, denying Shaw a second goal.
- 90′ – Fisk’s unfortunate own‑goal hands City a 3-2 lead. - 90+5′ – Hemp races down the wing and calmly finishes past Keating to secure the win. Post‑match, Hemp told Sky Sports she rarely finds herself on the scoresheet, so the goals felt special, especially the late winner. She praised the squad’s depth and the energy injected by substitutes, which turned the tide when the team struggled at times.
Manager Andree Jeglertz, speaking to Sky Sports, described the victory as a hard‑fought one, emphasizing the need to adapt to Liverpool’s tactical changes. He highlighted the team’s mentality, noting that the players never stopped believing and kept pushing forward, ultimately emerging as winners. Jeglertz also singled out Hemp’s relentless enthusiasm and work rate, calling her an "amazing player" whose energy can change the complexion of a match.
He admired her resilience after an early miss, noting that it did not affect her confidence. Liverpool boss Gareth Taylor expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, commending his side’s attacking intent and the belief they showed.
He acknowledged the quality gap with the champions but stressed that his team’s improvement over the previous season was evident, and that continued hard work would narrow the divide. Overall, the fixture showcased why Manchester City remain the benchmark in English women’s football.
Their ability to weather setbacks, capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, and rely on match‑winners like Hemp underscores a squad built for sustained success. As the season progresses, the quest for a new home‑win record and the pursuit of further titles will keep City at the forefront of the WSL narrative.