A Nikita Parris hat-trick, a Claire Emslie stunner and an Izzy Christiansen penalty moved the Blues to within one win of sealing second spot in a dominant display at the Academy Stadium.
With Chelsea having clinched the league title the previous night and both third-placed Reading and fourth-placed Arsenal eager to pounce on any slip up, the pressure was on Nick Cushing’s side to return to winning ways in a bid to claim European qualification for the third consecutive season.
The Blues stepped up and produced a confident and professional performance to lift themselves into pole position.
What happened…
Seeking an early goal to calm the nerves against a defence which has proven difficult to breach in recent weeks, City started brightly.
The first chance of the game fell to Steph Houghton on eight minutes, as the skipper unleashed a trademark free-kick, which Megan Walsh saved well.
Emslie – a threat throughout – proved the Blues’ main attacking outlet and was unfortunate to see a cross-shot drag wide before delivering to the near post for Jill Scott, who poked her effort the wrong side of the post.
As the Blues continued to press, Nicola Cousins thwarted Parris with a well-timed challenge, as the winger bore down on goal, having collected Abbie McManus’ neat through-ball.
Scott then headed over the bar from the resulting corner; then volleyed wide of the target.
The hosts came closer and closer to breaking the deadlock and Gemma Evans headed Jen Beattie’s header off the line before Parris’ attempt suffered the same fate shortly after.
There was a heart-in-mouth moment at the other end, as Gemma Evans’ delivery evaded Karen Bardsley – but fortunately for the home side, Cousins could not adjust to direct her header into the empty net at the backpost.
With Yeovil defending in numbers, the half looked to be petering out goalless but Emslie had other ideas and opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, cutting inside and bending a gorgeous effort into the top corner to spark joyous scenes.
As relief descended on the Academy Stadium and buoyed by the opener, the Blues went in search of a second and there was time for another chance before the break when Parris headed wide after Mel Lawley had displayed fine skill to nutmeg her way forward.
Cushing’s side continued where they left off after the break and found breathing space almost instantly.
Emslie’s impressive display heralded an assist as she drove to the by-line and crossed for Parris to slot home with ease.
With City well in control, the hosts relaxed into the game and almost extended the lead as Houghton saw a header saved.
Yeovil almost pulled a goal back against the run of play as Kayleigh Green forced Bardsley into a smart stop at her near post from Libby Piggott’s delivery.
Immediately, at the other end, Georgia Stanway raced clear but the Yeovil defence sprinted back to clear away as the England starlet readied herself to strike.
City put the game beyond doubt on 74 minutes with a stroke of fortune as Parris found herself in the right place at the right time to flick Stanway’s attempted half-volley over the line.
Two minutes later, the Lioness bagged her third of the evening, racing onto Esme Morgan’s delightful through-ball, rounding Walsh and converting with aplomb.
The winger was even involved in City’s fifth, sprinting into the box once again. At first glance, Bow Jackson looked to have poked the ball away but referee Lindsey Robinson pointed to the spot and substitute Christiansen drilled into the corner to complete the rout.
Parris, Christiansen, Ella Toone and Stanway were unfortunate not to add to the tally but five it would finish to provide a welcome confidence boost and keep the Blues’ European hopes alive.
What it means…
City move to 35 points – one ahead of third-placed Arsenal, who won 2-0 at Sunderland.
A victory on the final day for the Blues would cement second spot.
How we lined up…
Cushing made three changes from the side that fell to defeat at Arsenal on Saturday, as Emslie, Lawley and Morgan replaced Nadia Nadim, Jane Ross and the injured Demi Stokes.
Bardsley took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of McManus, Beattie, captain Houghton and Morgan.
Keira Walsh operated in the defensive midfield role, behind Stanway and Scott, while Emslie and Lawley occupied the wings. Parris led the line upfront.
What’s next…
The Blues complete the 2017/18 on Sunday 20 May with the visit of Everton to the Academy Stadium in a 12:30pm kick-off.
Tickets are available and can be purchased via tickets.mancity.com or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.
