City enjoyed a spectacular start to 2024, and ended January with a 100% win record in the Barclays Women’s Super League, FA Cup and Continental Cup.
The year began with a 4-0 triumph over Durham in the FA Cup fourth round, and we followed that with an emphatic 5-1 home win against Liverpool in the WSL.
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Gareth Taylor’s side were back at the Joie Stadium three days later in a crucial Conti Cup clash with Manchester United, which we won 2-1 to progress as Group B winners at the expense of our rivals.
And January concluded with a hard-fought 2-0 win on the road at Tottenham Hotspur as our push for the WSL title continued apace.
It was a brilliant month for City with every player deserving recognition, but only three could make our shortlist…
Yui Hasegawa
The Japanese international was once again at the centre of City’s success across January, featuring in all four of our matches.
Her incredible awareness and positional intelligence make her one of the most effective ‘number six’ midfielders in the WSL, with a particular standout performance coming against Spurs in our final match of the month.
She’s made the most interceptions and won possession more times than any other player in the WSL this season, but her quality on the ball has also consistently shone through.
Indeed, it was her incisive pass into Filippa Angeldahl which provided the spark for what would prove the winning goal in our 2-1 win over United.
And a standout January was topped off with a new contract for Hasegawa, who has now committed her future to the Club until the summer of 2027.
Kerstin Casparij
Our Dutch defender has hit top form in the new year, combining searing pace with excellent technical ability out wide.
Another to feature in all of our matches across the month, Casparij has often provided the perfect foil for our wingers, who themselves were directly involved in eight of our thirteen goals in January.
The full-back’s energy and willingness to get forward is complemented by her being a composed presence in our backline, helping City add another two clean sheets to the tally in 2023/24.
At the other end, the 23-year-old was a real standout in the 2-1 win over United, with her effort on goal after a typical lung-busting run in behind allowing Lauren Hemp to tap home what would ultimately prove the winning goal.
Laia Aleixandri
Her second inclusion on the shortlist this season, Aleixandri has been one of City’s most consistent performers across the campaign so far.
Only Chloe Kelly has appeared in more matches this season for Gareth Taylor’s side, with the 23-year-old a commanding presence at the heart of the City defence.
Her aggressive, front-foot style belies a player who’s technical ability is essential in our build-up play, with Aleixandri already providing three assists this season.
But in particularly difficult assignments against United and Spurs, where City had our backs to the wall at times, the defender’s determination and professionalism once again shone through to help us see out the win.
Also shortlisted for the WSL’s Player of the Month award, the Spain international is gaining the recognition her consistent performances deserve.
So, who do you think deserves to win January’s Player of the Month award? The vote is now open!
