Match reportLiverpool suffer WSL defeat at Manchester City

Captain Taylor Hinds gave the Reds an early lead at Joie Stadium with an audacious chip from outside the area.

But City responded with a hat-trick from Khadija Shaw following a Gemma Bonner own goal, while a penalty from Chloe Kelly completed the scoring late on.

Playing with a strong wind behind them at the start of the match, City were the first to threaten, Shaw’s shot on the turn blocked by Bonner before it had the chance to trouble Teagan Micah.

City forced the first save of the game on 12 minutes, Micah down superbly low to her left to deny a strong effort from Kelly.

The save looked even better just three minutes later as Liverpool took the lead with their first real attack of the encounter.

Emma Koivisto and Missy Bo Kearns helped the Reds get up the pitch and when Sophie Roman Haug challenged on the edge of the box, the ball broke to Hinds, who chipped a lovely effort over the head of home goalkeeper Khiara Keating with her left foot.

The lead was short-lived, however, with City level within four minutes.

A dangerous cross from the right was defended by both Bonner and Jenna Clark at the near post, with Shaw lurking, but the former got the first touch to divert the ball past Micah for an unfortunate own goal.

That inspired City and they almost went ahead a short time later. Grace Fisk left a backpass short and Kelly intercepted but Liverpool recovered to block out first the winger and then Shaw.

The hosts did take the lead shortly after the half-hour mark, however. Micah tried to play out to Fuka Nagano but she was beaten to the ball by Shaw, who fired through the legs of Micah to put her team ahead.

It was all City now, with Shaw volleying just over and Micah denying former Reds midfielder Laura Coombs with a good save.

Liverpool stirred just before the break and a lovely team move saw Marie Höbinger release Kearns on the left, only for her cross to be cut out with Natasha Flint waiting to finish in the middle.

The clock showed six minutes of injury time at the end of the half but it was well into the seventh when Shaw delivered a hammer blow to the visitors’ chances, heading home her second after a short corner, Micah’s hand only able to divert the ball in off the post.

The Reds had the wind in the second half and started well, winning a corner that brought a goalmouth scramble before City eventually cleared.

Kelly had switched wings to the left for the home side and unleashed a powerful drive that only just cleared the crossbar, but it was a temporary reprieve as City stretched their lead 11 minutes into the second half.

Substitute Jasmine Matthews made a great block in her own box but the Reds swiftly gave the ball away. Micah saved a first shot from Shaw but the City striker completed her hat-trick with a simple backheel from the rebound.

It was going to be tough for Matt Beard’s side now amid driving rain and Micah made a great stop to deny Kelly’s header as City threatened to further extend their advantage.

Shanice van de Sanden made an impact as a half-time substitute for Liverpool and they carved out a big chance for Roman Haug, whose close-range hit was saved well by Keating.

Instead it was City who scored again, Kelly converting from the penalty spot after Micah was beaten to a through ball by Lauren Hemp on the edge of the area.

TEAM

Micah, Koivisto, Hinds, Clark (Matthews, 46), Fisk (Fahey, 79), Bonner, Nagano, Höbinger, Kearns (Lundgaard, 73), Roman H. (Lawley, 79), Flint (Van de Sanden, 46).

Unused subs: Laws, Enderby, Daniels, Parry.

NEXT UP

Liverpool are at home for the first time in 2024 next weekend, with Arsenal the visitors to Prenton Park in the WSL.

Kick-off is 4.30pm GMT on Sunday January 28. Get your tickets for the game here.