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Just as the recent storm swept through the north-west the previous evening, the home side swept United aside at the their home ground. It was a statement three-nil win for the City coach's side owing to goals from Knaak, Bunny Shaw and Hemp. It was a display that truly announced their leadership claims as they reinforced their place at the top of the table.

Consecutive Losses for Manchester United

This result represented back-to-back league losses for the United manager's side for the first time since last May, putting them a significant margin off the table toppers with their championship aspirations severely dented.

Manchester United's capacity to juggle domestic and European soccer with a limited team has been a hotly discussed subject since they qualified for the Champions League. Looking at the schedule, it always appeared this was the matchday that would fully examine this capability. Sadly for the visitors, they appeared weary all game, the historic win against the French side clearly having taken a toll.

Tactical Shifts

The United manager had attempted to freshen things up with a a few changes. Toone, Elisabeth Terland, Janssen and Leah Galton all provided freshness, although the dropping of the in-form Melvine Malard to the bench caused surprise.

The hosts, in opposition, have no such workload concerns. The City coach made a single alteration from the previous win over the Toffees with Lauren Hemp making her first start since recovering from a fitness issue.

Dominant First Half

The storm clouds started to accumulate for the United boss and his side from the opening minute. This was a exhibition of the strength from Manchester City whose energetic attack controlled and dismantled the opposition with a excellent opening period performance that saw them net a trio in 21 minutes.

This placed City firmly in control and saw the visitors all at sea. In advance of this fixture, the away side had let in just a handful in this domestic competition but they disintegrated in the wake of the hosts' attacking flair.

Early Chances

The omens came early when Vivianne Miedema used her strength to muscle Julia Zigiotti off the ball, only to drag her shot past the post. Hemp was at the center of everything early on, using the space left by Riviere down United’s wing. Her passes were causing problems and led to an opportunity for Yui Hasegawa that Anna Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had several attacks ahead, their direct style giving them options in the wings but they could not trouble the City goalkeeper. City, on the other hand, controlled the ball, taunting their opponents and trying to lure them of their defensive shape.

Goals Galore

They converted their dominance with almost half an hour played when Fujino won the hosts a set-piece. A delivery to the far post was nodded across goal by Shaw for Knaak to nod home. It was City’s 7th header of the campaign.

They added to their lead with two more goals just before the interval. When Jade Rose was able to advance through the center from the back, the field became spacious for the hosts. The key Kerstin Casparij received possession on the right side before delivering a precise driven ball for Bunny Shaw to bundle home. Shortly later, they had a third after a rapid shift in the ball saw Lauren Hemp allowed the space to drive a effort home from range.

Second Half

The most obvious change came from Skinner at the break as Malard came on for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was too late to alter the outcome of the match. Former City player Park came nearest, rattling the woodwork, but the visitors were creatively abject and failed to register a one shot on goal.

The home side, in contrast, could have increased their lead when a delightful Miedema long ball sent Shaw away only for her to miss the chance but it mattered little to the hosts. Previously unable to overcome any opponent who ended above them last season, City's side now have successes against Arsenal and United to position them in a commanding standing after nine games.