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Much like Storm Claudia tore through the north-west the previous evening, City overwhelmed United aside at the Etihad. It was a statement three goal victory for their manager's side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that firmly established their title credentials as they strengthened their place at the league summit.

Back-to-Back Defeats for United

This result marked consecutive league defeats for Marc Skinner’s side for the maiden instance since last May, putting them a significant margin off the table toppers with their title hopes severely dented.

United’s capacity to juggle domestic and continental soccer with a thin roster has been a widely debated issue since they qualified for the Champions League. Considering the calendar, it always appeared this was the period that would truly test this capability. Unfortunately for the visitors, they appeared tired from start to finish, the historic win against PSG clearly having taken a toll.

Tactical Shifts

The United manager had tried to freshen things up with a handful of changes. Toone, Terland, Janssen and Galton all brought energy, although the omission of the high-performing Melvine Malard to the substitutes was questioned.

The hosts, in comparison, have fewer fitness issues. Andrée Jeglertz made one change from last week’s win over Everton with Lauren Hemp making her return to the lineup since healing from a physical setback.

Commanding Opening Period

The storm clouds started to build for Skinner and his team from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the quality from Manchester City whose energetic attack manipulated and dismantled the opposition with a sublime first half showing that saw them put three past the keeper in just over twenty minutes.

This put the hosts completely dominant and left United all at sea. Prior to this match, United had allowed just a handful in this league campaign but they collapsed in the face of Manchester City's offensive ingenuity.

Opening Threats

The early indicators came soon when Miedema used her physicality to push Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot wide. Lauren Hemp was at the core of everything in the beginning, taking advantage of the gap left by Riviere down United’s right flank. Her passes were causing problems and led to an chance for Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg scrambled off the line.

The Red Devils had a number of sorties forwards, their direct style giving them choices in the wings but they could not challenge the City goalkeeper. Manchester City, on the other hand, dominated possession, teasing their rivals and trying to pull them out of their structure.

Scoring Spree

They converted their dominance with almost the first period played when Fujino won the home team a corner. A delivery to the far post was nodded across goal by Bunny Shaw for Knaak to head in. It was Manchester City's seventh headed goal of the season.

They added to their advantage with an additional two goals just before the interval. When Jade Rose was able to drive through the middle from the back, the pitch widened for City. The prominent Kerstin Casparij received possession on the right side before sending a accurate low cross for Bunny Shaw to bundle home. Four minutes later, they had a additional score after a rapid turnover in possession saw Lauren Hemp afforded the opportunity to drive a effort home from distance.

Final Period

The most obvious substitution came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard entered for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was futile to alter the outcome of the contest. Ex- City player Jess Park came nearest, striking the woodwork, but the away team were creatively abject and were unable to register a one shot on target.

The hosts, in contrast, could have increased their lead when a superb Miedema through ball sent Bunny Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it was insignificant to the winning team. Having failed to overcome any side who ended above them last season, City's side now have wins against the Gunners and United to place them in a strong position after nine matches.