KHADIJA SHAW once again showcased her match-winning prowess, scoring twice to lead Manchester City to a thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Liverpool in Women’s Super League (WSL) action on Sunday.
The result saw City climb to the top of the league table with 10 points from four matches.
City found themselves trailing at the break after Liverpool’s Olivia Smith broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a stunning long-range strike. However, Shaw, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz captain, turned the tide for her team with two crucial second-half goals, ensuring City continued their unbeaten start to the season.
Shaw’s equalizer came in the 58th minute, as she rose above the defense to head home from Lauren Hemp’s pinpoint cross. The Jamaican striker remained a constant threat, and she nearly gave City the lead minutes later when her shot rattled the post following another setup from Laia Aleixandri.
Not to be denied her heroics
Despite Liverpool’s resilience, Shaw was not to be denied her heroics. Deep into stoppage time, she latched onto a through ball from Aleixandri before expertly lashing her shot into the top-right corner in the 92nd minute, sending the Etihad crowd into a frenzy.
Reflecting on the match, Shaw admitted it was a challenging contest but praised her team’s belief and determination to see out the win.
“It was a difficult game today. We knew it’d be tough with how Liverpool play, but we were confident in our ability to create scoring chances,” Shaw told mancity.com. “Even when we were 1-0 down, we spoke at halftime and said, ‘Let’s get an early one and put them under pressure.’ In the end, we managed to get the job done.”
Credits the City supporters
Shaw also credited the City supporters for their impact on the team’s mentality, particularly during challenging moments.
“The momentum from midweek carried into this game, and we definitely heard the fans. Their support is massive for us, and we’ll need it throughout the season,” Shaw said. “It helps push us through the difficult moments, and today, we showed that never-say-die attitude.”
City now sit atop the WSL standings, though Chelsea and Manchester United are just a point behind with a game in hand, keeping the title race competitive early on.
