Georgia Stanway struck either side of half-time, before Nadia Nadim headed home in added time to ensure the score line reflected our dominance and secure our first league win for three games.
After the disappointment of Sunday’s 2-0 semi-final defeat at Chelsea, City provided a convincing reaction which keeps the pressure on the West Londoner’s at the top of the FA WSL table and it was no more than we deserved.
There was a touch of good fortune about Stanway’s goals, the first aided by the inside of the post and the second a deflection, but we were worthy winners, with a professional display in which Ellie Roebuck was rarely called into action.
What happened
While the second half was marked by several wasted chances and near misses, there was decidedly little goal mouth action in the opening 45 minutes.
City dominated the ball, with Stanway and Player of the Match Keira Walsh particularly influential, but still, Sunderland were rarely troubled.
There were a few early warning signs, though, with Stanway flashing an effort wide before Lawley curled one over the bar as it became clear the Black Cats were content to let the hosts dominate the ball.
And after 15 minutes, City’s possession came to fruition.
After a good interchange down the right flank, Stanway picked up the ball and arrowed a low strike across goal, which went in via the post to give City a lead that they never looked like relinquishing.
That goal, however, sparked a frenzied five minutes as City looked to capitalise.
Stanway had a powerful effort, which looked destined for the net, blocked by Victoria Williams, before Jill Scott, in typical fashion, stole the ball from the same defender on halfway and surged forward.
The England midfielder had time on her side and looked to sweep it beyond Rachel Laws, but the keeper made a fine save to palm it round the post and was alert to tip Jen Beattie’s header over the bar from the resulting corner.
The closest the Black Cats came to a goal was Lucy Staniforth’s 25-yard free-kick, which bounced wickedly in front of Roebuck, but Steph Houghton was there to clear the danger.
City restarted with a clear intent of extending the lead, but for all our dominance of possession and chances, a second goal proved elusive until the 87th minute.
Sunderland played their part, providing more of a threat after Abbey Joice was introduced on the left-wing, but they were still restricted to half chances.
Beattie’s crucial interception stopped the substitute’s pass across the six yard box from finding a team-mate, while at the other end City spurned numerous opportunities before Stanway struck again.
Claire Emslie, introduced for Mel Lawley, provided energy down the right and went close several times, as her turn of pace made life difficult for Kylla Sjoman.
The Scot hit the side netting and sent another effort just wide in what was an impressive second half cameo, while Nadim teed up Nikita Parris, whose close-range effort was denied by the woodwork.
There was a growing sense that City’s play would not be rewarded and in the end, it took a slice of luck for the Blues to grab a second.
This time, Stanway popped up on the left of the area and looked to curl one into the far corner, with a deflection taking it beyond Laws’ outstretched palms.
It was a goal that eased any nerves heading into the six minutes of added time, in which we only had 10 players as Houghton limped off injured.
City weren’t finished, though and it was two substitutes, Emslie and Nadim, who combined to add a gloss to the score line, as the latter headed home the Scot’s cross from six yards.
How we lined up
Nick Cushing made three changes to the team that started against Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final, with Abbie McManus, Izzy Christiansen and Nadim dropping to the bench,
They were replaced by Lawley, Esme Morgan and Jane Ross.
Roebuck was in goal, behind a back four of Morgan, Houghton, Beattie and Demi Stokes.
Walsh sat deepest in midfield, with Stanway and Scott just ahead of her, while Ross lead the line up front, with Lawley and Parris either side of her.
What it means
We remain second, three points beyond leaders Chelsea in the FA WSL after they kept a firm grip on top spot with a 1-0 win at Everton.
Up next
Champions League action returns in just four days time, when Lyon visit the Academy Stadium for the first leg of a mouth-watering semi-final clash, which pits former Blue Lucy Bronze against her old Club.
Tickets are on sale now at mancity.com/tickets.
