City kicked 2020 off to a flyer with a stunning 4-1 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur.

Pauline Bremer continued her excellent scoring form with a brace, while Ellen White also claimed a goal and two assists with Lauren Hemp completing the rout.

Rianna Dean had halved the deficit for the hosts on the 20-minute mark from the penalty spot but the visitors proved too strong and produced a clinical performance to kick off the New Year.

What happened

Looking to pick up the 2019/20 campaign where we left off, City came flying out of the blocks and almost opened the scoring within two minutes – only for Hemp to fire straight at Becky Spencer.

Nick Cushing’s side would not have to wait long for the opener though, as Bremer bagged her 14th of the season in all competitions, collecting White’s cross with a fine touch before drilling into the far corner.

Within two minutes, the lead was doubled, as White received the ball on the edge of the area before applying the perfect finish beyond Spencer and hand City a dream start.

Tottenham – stunned at first – responded well, halving the deficit with their first attack, as Steph Houghton upended Dean in the penalty area. The Spurs forward stepped up to convert, firing low to Ellie Roebuck’s left.

Our two-goal lead was restored after just seven minutes when Bremer bagged her second with a well-taken first-time effort from Hemp’s cut-back, after the winger had raced clear down the left.

White then had a goal disallowed for offside before Hemp – having been denied twice by Spencer – netted the goal she deserved on the stroke of half-time, finishing off a lovely team move as Bremer and White combined to put the youngster through – and she squeezed the ball home.

Pleasingly, Cushing’s side refused to take our foot off the gas in the second period, seeking to extend our lead.

Chasing her hat-trick, Bremer was unfortunate to curl an effort wide, while White also went close, seeing an attempt saved and another strike the woodwork.

Stand-in right-back Janine Beckie proved a major threat throughout, whipping in a series of dangerous deliveries, which Bremer and Hemp almost capitalised upon.

Keen to make an impact, substitute Georgia Stanway forced Spencer into two smart stops and Anna Filbey into a brave block, while at the other end, Roebuck was largely untroubled but had to be alert to deny Lucy Quinn from distance.

A comprehensive triumph for City and the perfect tonic to kick off the second half of an exciting and intriguing campaign…

What it means

City keep pace with league leaders Arsenal, who defeated Birmingham 2-0.

The Gunners sit top of the table with 30 points from 11 games - three points ahead of City.

Third-place Chelsea remain a point behind Cushing’s side.

Team news

Roebuck took her place in goal, shielded by a backline of Megan Campbell, Gemma Bonner, captain Houghton and Beckie.

Caroline Weir and Keira Walsh protected the backline, employed behind attacking midfielders Hemp and newly awarded MBE Jill Scott. Bremer and White led the line upfront.

Next up…

City welcome Everton to the Academy Stadium in the FA WSL on Saturday 11 January in a 5:30pm kick-off, before travelling to Sheffield United in the Continental Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday 15 January (7:30pm) at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium.

Tickets for all home games are available online or at the Etihad Stadium Ticket Office.