Gareth Taylor’s side netted seven for the second successive league game, thrashing Brighton and Hove Albion on the south coast – a fitting salute to the Club’s seven-year anniversary.
The skipper scored twice in the rout, netting from close range before unleashing a trademark free-kick into the top corner, capping her 150th league appearance in style.
Though naturally delighted with her contribution and the manner of victory, Houghton insists City still have not reached a level of peak performance.
“We dominated the game from the first to the last minute,” she reflected, “and played the football we wanted to play.
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“It’s really enjoyable when everything clicks and everybody is doing their bit for the team,” she reflected.
“It’s a long way down to Brighton so to come back with three points is what we wanted.
“We haven’t trained much together and we’ve played three games this week, including 120 minutes on Wednesday in which our stats were scarily high!
“Previously, when we’d played Brighton, it was 0-0, although we’d had a lot of the play.
“We had to make sure we were getting into those positions, putting the chances away.
“We were disappointed to conceded – there’s stuff we can work on.
“The scary thing is that there are still things we can improve on. As players, we’re driving to be the best we can be.”
On her landmark milestone, Houghton expressed her pride.
“I’m massively proud,” she declared. “Remembering the first game in the WSL and looking to now, it’s come such a long way – women’s football has grown.
“To have represented two amazing Clubs in Arsenal and City is a real honour.
“To have played that many games – and be the first person to do so – is special and it’s definitely up there.
“Hopefully, there’ll be more to come!”
Asked where her fantastic free-kick ranks in her collection, Houghton replied: “It’s up there!
“I practice them a lot, especially the day before a game. Me and Alex Greenwood take a lot of free-kicks together and it was nice to see one go in the top corner.
“I believe in myself to take one and it was at a nice range to get one in. When I saw it hit the back of the net, I was buzzing!”
“To score today was nice but ultimately, it was about winning. It was nice to contribute. The team played well.”
Houghton also wished teammate and close friend Jill Scott well, following the midfielder’s loan move to Everton in search of match minutes to aid hopes of making the Olympic squad.
“The dressing room was a lot tidier without Jill!” she joked.
“She’s an unbelievable player. She still plays for City but she wants to go and get more gametime.
“As players and teammates, we’re going to miss her. She’s the joker of the team and a person who pulls everyone together.
“We wish her the best of luck at Everton.”
