WSL: Shaw, Hemp On Target As Man City Beat London City Lionesses

Manchester City stayed at the top of the Women’s Super League after a hard-fought 2-1 victory at London City Lionesses on Sunday, with Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp scoring in a chaotic second half at Hayes Lane.

The defending champions were second-best for long periods, particularly before half-time, but found the decisive moments through their forward line.

London City Lionesses produced one of their strongest performances of the season and were left to regret a series of missed chances in front of 5,233 fans at the Copperjax Community Stadium.

A goalless first half was controlled largely by the hosts. Eder Maestre’s side pressed aggressively, pushed City deep and created a string of openings. London City had 12 shots before the break, nine of them from inside the penalty area, but only two were on target. Grace Geyoro was among those who failed to convert, while Jana Fernández, Danielle van de Donk, Izzy Goodwin, Alexia Putellas and Kadidiatou Diani also threatened.

Mary Earps, making her first league start, was important at the other end and produced an excellent double save to deny Rebecca Knaak, pushing the header onto the post before clawing the ball off the line.

City took the lead in the 53rd minute against the run of play. Hemp played a pass through the London City defence and Shaw, the WSL’s leading scorer, waited for Earps to come off her line before rounding her and finishing from close range. It was Shaw’s ninth league goal of the season.

London City responded and equalised in the 72nd minute when Fernández headed in Mapi León’s corner. Their celebrations lasted only two minutes, though, as Hemp diverted Mary Fowler’s cross into the net to restore City’s advantage. Shaw later hit the post before Hemp’s winner was confirmed.

Hemp was named player of the match after scoring the winner and assisting Shaw, earning an average rating of 8.25.

The result keeps Manchester City unbeaten in all competitions, although Andree Jeglertz’s side have drawn all three of their Women’s Champions League matches and were also held by Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in recent games. Their defensive weaknesses were exposed at times by London City, but their ability to punish mistakes proved decisive.

For London City Lionesses, the defeat was harsh on a performance that showed they can compete with the league’s elite. Maestre’s team overwhelmed the champions for much of the first half and continued to create chances after falling behind, but a lack of ruthlessness cost them. Fernández’s header gave them hope, only for Hemp to strike almost immediately.

Manchester City continue to set the pace at the top of the table. London City Lionesses, despite the loss, leave with clear evidence of progress and a display that suggests their season can be built on.