Manchester City beat Bristol City 4-0 to make it an impressive 14 consecutive league wins and extend their lead at the top of the WSL table.
With Chelsea out of action this weekend due to their Champions League commitments, Gareth Taylor’s side had the opportunity to put some breathing room between themselves and the London club at the top of the table. Chelsea now need to win both games against Liverpool and Tottenham to get back on the same points tally as their title rivals.
Unfortunately, Bristol City’s race is over and their 3-0 defeat to their title chasers confirms their relegation to the Championship. Lauren Smith’s side only gained promotion last season but the gap in league was clearly visible this season as they went down with two games to go.
How the game developed
It was one-way traffic for most of the first half, but Manchester City failed to express their dominance. In the first 45 minutes the visitors controlled possession with 75% and had an incredible 16 shots to Bristol City’s two.
In the absence of Khadija Shaw, who is out for the rest of the season with a foot injury, Taylor relied on Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler to score their goals. All three, as well as Jess Park, had opportunities to put Manchester City ahead, but most of the attempts lacked power and were comfortable enough for Bristol City goalkeeper Shae Yanez.
The hosts had their own moments. A dangerous cross into the penalty area was destined for Amalie Thestrup, but brave goalkeeper Khiara Keating equalized. Amy Rodgers also almost capitalized on Alanna Kennedy’s loose possession, but the visitors were just able to clear the danger.
The manager needed to remedy Manchester City’s lack of stamina early in the second half. A slight tactical change at the break saw Hemp move up the middle and Kelly go wide.
They needed something special to break the deadlock and Fowler came through on the hour mark with a long-range shot from the edge of the box. Her fierce effort gave the goalkeeper no chance and the tension for Manchester City immediately subsided.
Fowler upped the ante 10 minutes later when she put the finishing touches with a hemp cross. An own goal from Rodgers then put the victory beyond any doubt.
With goal difference potentially the deciding factor in the title race this season, Manchester City continued their hunt for a fourth goal. They duly delivered when Alex Greenwood had a free header from a corner just before the end that went just over the finish line.
TW: Khiara Keating – 7/10 – Some brave goalkeepers created a dangerous cross in the first half that was destined for Thestrup. Had next to nothing to do in the second half but seemed happy in possession.
RB: Laia Aleixandri – 7/10 – Did a good job in two positions when she moved to the center after the half-time change where Kennedy was substituted.
CB: Alanna Kennedy – 6/10 – Almost gave the hosts a chance in the first half and were lucky not to receive a foul as Bristol City looked to capitalize. Substituted at half time.
CB: Alex Greenwood – 7/10 – The passing was pretty lax at times, but on the rare occasions they did get forward, they did enough defensively to minimize Bristol City’s threat. Made sure her teammates stayed calm when things weren’t going their way. Scored the fourth goal shortly before the end.
LB: Leila Ouahabi – 7/10 – Could have had a few assists if the finishing had been better in the first half. For most of the game there appeared to be a threat on the left as the visitors controlled all possession.
DM: Yui Hasegawa – 7/10 – For Manchester City, he looked most comfortable in possession and, as usual, dictated the tempo.
CM: Jess Park – 7/10 – A fantastic run just before half-time saw her get past several Bristol City defenders, but her shot was tame and confidently parried by goalkeeper Yanez. She forced the ball a little too easily on occasion, but did some good for her team against Bristol City’s resilient defence.
CM: Laura Coombs – 6/10 – Too many ball contacts in the penalty area to miss a great chance at the start of the second half. Things continued to work in midfield, but they weren’t a standout performer on the night.
RW: Mary Fowler – 8/10 – He found plenty of space on the right and caused Bristol City problems with some dangerous cuts into the box that were aimed at Chloe Kelly. An incredible performance after an hour to finally put her team in the lead and then with a second to secure victory beyond doubt. Showed so much maturity that he stepped up when it mattered most.
LW: Lauren Hemp – 7/10 – Had the first real chance of the game but couldn’t find the net. Normally composed, it was a disappointing night in front of goal, but she got the assist for Fowler’s second goal.
ST: Chloe Kelly – 7/10 – A quiet night in front of goal after coming into the side in place of Shaw. She looked much more threatening when she was out wide in the second half making things happen.
Substitute
SUB: Kerstin Casparij (HT’ for Alanna Kennedy) – 7/10
SUB: Laura Blindkilde (72′ for Laura Coombs) – 7/10
Subs not used: Steph Houghton, Esme Morgan, Filippa Angeldal, Poppy Pritchard, Laura Blindkilde, Ruby Mace, Katie Startup,
Manager
Gareth Taylor – 7/10 – Adapted well throughout the game to switch strikers and give Bristol City more time to think. The substitutions also paid off in the second half, as the victory was assured in the end.