Nikita Parris’ 10th and 11th goals of the campaign, an Izzy Christiansen penalty and an Abbie McManus effort secured victory at the Academy Stadium, as the Blues leapfrogged Chelsea back into top spot, whilst extending 2017/18’s remarkable unbeaten run.
What happened…
With just a point separating the division’s top two, it was crucial City claimed victory in our first home game of 2018. Nick Cushing’s side headed into the clash on the back of seven consecutive away games and with six victories and a draw in the bag.
The Blues leapt into the perfect start inside a minute against Liverpool with a huge slice of good fortune. Upon receiving the ball from goalkeeper Becky Flaherty, Sophie Ingle sought to clear but her intended chip struck Parris in the face and the ball crept over the line.
Spurred on by their early advantage, the hosts went in search of a second. McManus forced Flaherty into a smart stop with a finely-executed piece of skill and volley, while Georgia Stanway fired straight at the Reds shot-stopper from range.
Stanway then went close with a first-time effort that trickled just wide, while Claire Emslie drilled off-target from distance.
City’s dominance reaped rewards after the break.
Christiansen doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, after Caroline Weir upended Parris, for her 13th goal of the season before Parris bagged her second, heading home Emslie’s pinpoint corner.
McManus wrote her name onto the scoresheet with another piece of good fortune, as her initial shot was blocked – only to ricochet off the right-back and bounce over Flaherty.
Liverpool had no response to their rampant hosts. Bethany England’s header over the bar proved the closest the visitors came to netting what would have been a consolation, while City could have extended the lead.
Substitute Jen Beattie’s knock-down but dragged her effort the wrong side of the post. Ella Toone also missed the chance to score her first City goal but blazed over.
How we lined up…
With injuries to Karen Bardsley and Steph Houghton, and with Jill Scott unwell, Cushing was forced to make changes to the side that defeated Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Women’s Cup a week ago, as Stanway replaced Scott while Emslie also came in for Lawley.
Youngster Ellie Roebuck was shielded by a backline of Demi Stokes, Beattie, Jans and McManus. Keira Walsh captained the side in her defensive midfield role, behind Christiansen and Stanway. Emslie and Parris occupied the wings with Nadia Nadim leading the line upfront.
What it means…
City move two points clear of Chelsea with 25 points from nine games, having won eight and drawn one. The four goals against the Reds also increased the Blues’ goal difference to 24 – the best in the division.
What’s next…
City have two trips to Birmingham to contend with – one in the FA Cup (Sunday 18 February, kick-off time to be confirmed) and one in the WSL (Wednesday 21 February, 7:45pm) before title rivals Chelsea visit the Academy Stadium on Saturday 24 February at 12:30pm.
Tickets are available online at tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium ticket office.
