Bunny Shaw strikes again, but Brighton stun Manchester City in WSL upset

Just when Manchester City W.F.C. appeared poised to edge closer to long-awaited Women’s Super League glory, Brighton & Hove Albion W.F.C. delivered a crushing reality check.

At Crawley on Saturday, City’s pursuit of a first league title in a decade suffered a damaging setback as Brighton stormed back from an early deficit to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory, spoiling what could have been a defining afternoon for the league leaders.

Even another goal from Jamaican star Khadija “Bunny” Shaw could not rescue City from a defeat that reopened questions around the championship race.

Fast start raises title expectations

Manchester City entered the contest knowing victory could place them on the brink of securing the WSL crown.

With only two matches remaining, the visitors understood that three points, combined with a stumble from Arsenal W.F.C. against Leicester City W.F.C. later in the week, could allow them to seal the title without taking the field again.

They initially played with the urgency of a team determined to finish the job quickly.

City struck first in the fifth minute when Kerolin gave the visitors an early advantage, injecting immediate confidence into the title-chasing side.

For long stretches of the opening half, City appeared in control.

But the momentum shifted dramatically just before the interval.

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Brighton flip the match

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Madison Haley capped a flowing Brighton attack with the equalizer that reignited the home crowd and changed the complexion of the match.

That breakthrough fueled Brighton’s confidence, and the hosts returned from halftime playing with far greater aggression and belief.

Only two minutes into the second half, Brighton struck again.

Veteran playmaker Fran Kirby threaded a precise pass into the path of Kiko Seike, who burst forward before firing a powerful finish past the goalkeeper at the near post.

Suddenly, City looked rattled.

Brighton sensed vulnerability and continued to press relentlessly.

Their reward came again in the 65th minute when Haley punished the visitors for failing to clear their lines. After goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita parried her initial attempt, Haley reacted quickest to head home her second goal of the afternoon.

Shaw’s late goal sparks hope, but not a comeback

Trailing by two goals late in the contest, Manchester City desperately searched for a route back into the match.

Shaw provided that spark in the 86th minute.

The prolific Jamaican forward continued her outstanding campaign by scoring her 19th league goal of the season, narrowing the deficit and briefly reviving hopes of a late escape for the visitors.

But Brighton refused to surrender.

The home side defended resolutely through the closing moments to secure only their second-ever WSL victory over Manchester City in 15 meetings.

Title race still in the balance

Despite the setback, Manchester City remain in control of their destiny and can still secure the league title by winning their final two matches.

Yet the defeat served as a painful reminder that nothing in the WSL title race will come easily.

For Brighton, meanwhile, the result stood as one of their most memorable victories of the season, a fearless performance that rattled the league leaders and disrupted what many expected would be another step toward Manchester City’s coronation.