Although the league season is less than two months in, past experience has proven every point is significant in the WSL; three against fellow title challengers are precious.
The visitors’ deserved sixth triumph of six delivered an entertaining affair, and pleasingly a sixth successive clean sheet.
City were handed a boost even before kick-off as, for the first time this season, manager Cushing had a full-strength squad at his disposal. Lengthy absentees Izzy Christiansen and Megan Campbell returned from injury to take their place on the bench.
The Blues’ boss opted to name an unchanged side from the one that put Doncaster to the sword at the beginning of the month.
With many predicting a two-horse title race between these two, it had been suggested City would be happy with a point in Staines – but as Jane Ross told mcfc.co.uk in her match preview, the visitors had no intention of playing for a point.
Within a minute, Lucy Bronze had created the game’s first chance, driving forward before firing just wide as the hosts were handed a very early warning of things to come.
City started very brightly, pressing high and quickly to ensure the home side had no time on the ball, whilst attacking with purpose at every opportunity.
Ross was unfortunate to see a first-time attempt rise over the top, while a Toni Duggan header suffered the same fate, as the away side continued to press.
Millie Bright was first to create for the hosts, blazing just over a half-clearance.
Duggan then attempted a spectacular half-volley from a difficult angle, which Hedvig Lindahl did well to tip away.
In a rare lapse in concentration, Chelsea’s Drew Spence was allowed clean through on goal but fired straight at Karen Bardsley, before Kosovare Asllani saw shouts for a penalty waved away at the other end.
Just when it looked as though the two sides would head into the break level, City struck.
Asllani showed fine vision to pick out the run of Stokes down the left and the left-back controlled well before drilled across the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.
It was no more than the away side deserved and within minutes of the restart, they had doubled their lead.
There was confusion as to who had the final touch, as Beattie’s header was deflected into the back of the net – but City didn’t care
In a bid to rally her side, Emma Hayes made a double substitution, introducing Jo So-Yun and Gemma Davison – and the move almost paid dividends as the former struck the bar from close range.
Nikita Parris then whipped in a dangerous cross to Ross, who headed just wide before the winger saw two attempts saved.
In a brief spell of hosts’ pressure, the City defence came under the cosh but dealt well, as Karen Carney’s curling attempt and Katie Chapman’s well-saved header were the closest the home side came to halving the deficit since hitting the bar.
Having survived the wave, the visitors regained control and cruised to a potentially pivotal victory.
Next up, it’s Liverpool away on Wednesday 25 May…
