It’s been a memorable month for City, with our unbeaten run now stretching to nine matches in all competitions since the start of the season.
This included stellar Champions League victories over Barcelona and St Polten and Barclays Women’s Super League triumphs over West Ham, Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Among a whole host of sparkling individual and collective displays, the following three players have made our shortlist for the latest Etihad Player of the Month prize.
LAUREN HEMP
The England international was at the heart of City’s fine October with precious work going forward and in defensive scenarios.
Hemp scored twice and registered three assists in all competitions, which was central to the Blues remaining unbeaten so far this season.
She broke the deadlock in our 2-0 win over West Ham when she collected Mary Fowler’s pass before poking into the net.
An industrious display followed in our memorable 2-0 win over Barcelona before she provided the assist to Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s first of two strikes at Anfield as we came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1.
Another assist came in our enthralling 3-2 away Champions League win over St Polten ahead of her starring role in our comeback success over Aston Villa to close the month.
Having fallen behind to the Villans at the Joie Stadium, she equalised with a sublime lob before providing Jill Roord for the Netherlands international’s winner.
YUI HASEGAWA
Yui Hasegawa’s importance for Taylor’s team was once again reflected in October with the midfielder continuing her streak of featuring in every game for City so far this season.
She then classily stamped her authority on proceedings across the month with characteristic tough tackling combined with ability to spark attacks of our own.
Perhaps her finest display in recent weeks though was her performance against Barcelona alongside Vivianne Miedema and Jess Park where the midfield battle was crucial.
The Catalan giants had an engine room three of Patricia Guijarro, Keira Walsh and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, but Hasegawa’s ability on the ball and in thwarting attacks went a long way towards our 2-0 success.
KHADIJA ‘BUNNY’ SHAW
After scoring three goals in our final two September assignments, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw continued her sparkling form into October.
She provided the assist for Fowler’s strike against West Ham before finding our vital second goal against Barcelona when collecting Naomi Layzell’s pass, breaking into the box and firing home into an empty net.
Bunny has consistently risen to the fore in times of adversity and that rang true at Anfield when we found ourselves a goal down at the break.
Shortly after the restart she utilised her strength to shrug off her marker and head Hemp’s pinpoint cross into the net before scoring deep into stoppage time to seal three points on Merseyside.
Laia Aleixandri fizzed a pinpoint pass into her path before Bunny again held off the nearest Liverpool defender before unleashing a rocket into the roof of the net – sending our coaching staff, players and supporters alike wild.
So, who gets your vote?
October’s competition is now open, so have your say below with the winner announced next week!
