Reflecting on the year, our captain said that the 3-1 victory at Wimbledon’s Plough Lane – as City clinched the trophy for a fourth time – was her standout moment.
In front of a sell-out crowd, City came from behind to triumph, after Sam Kerr had opened the scoring, thanks to a sensational second half display in which Caroline Weir bagged a brace and Ellen White netted her 30th City goal.
On her highpoint of 2022, she said: “I think obviously the Continental Cup win against Chelsea.
“I think in terms of being around that and to show the way that we came back in that second half was really impressive and to beat Chelsea was a great moment for the Club.”
Houghton has had a difficult 2022 as she battled back from an Achilles injury she picked up the start of the year – before missing out on the final England squad for Euro 2022.
She’s overcome those setbacks to further bolster her position as a vital member of the City setup, which is pushing for more honours this term.
Houghton has been happy with the way she’s fought her way back.
She continued: “For me in general, I think overcoming all the adversity, it’s been tough, and I think I’ve had to really show some mental resilience and I’ve had some great people around us that has helped us do that.
“So, I think obviously people think that when you’re in football it’s all good and it’s all positive, but there’s a lot of things that go on that people don’t see.
“So, I’m grateful to have those people around me, and I’m grateful for the Club and for the support. Long may that continue.”
Now, as 2022 soon becomes 2023, what are Houghton’s New Year resolutions?
She added: “Probably not to worry as much. I think I’m a bit of a worrier, and when you are a captain of a team and you want the environment to be really good, I think there’s so many things you can only control.
“I think as I’ve got a little bit older and experienced, you learn to put your energy into certain things, rather than try and spread yourself thin.
“Most importantly is just to enjoy playing my football. I think I don’t want to be stuck in the gym. I don’t want to be doing rehab.
“I want to be on the pitch, and I want to be in and around the team. I feel as well from pre-season onwards I’ve been doing that. So hopefully more of that.”
