Gareth Taylor, the manager of the Manchester City Women’s team, has praised the influential role played by Khadija Shaw, also known as “Bunny,” as they seek to rejuvenate their season.
Shaw, the Jamaican international and Reggae Girl, made her mark by scoring her first goal of the new campaign in a 2-1 victory over Everton in the FA Women’s League Cup. This match marked her first start of the season.
Shaw is expected to take the field once again when Manchester City, who remain unbeaten, confront Bristol City at the Academy Stadium in the Women’s Super League. Taylor expressed his admiration for Shaw’s impact on the team, both in attack and defensively, as she contributes significantly to their overall gameplay.
Taylor stated, “She’s such an influence and a player the team looks to in terms of setting off everything we do whether it be attacking or without the ball. She brings so much with her personality and the quality she has. It’s fantastic to have her back and nice for her to get off the mark so early in the season.”
Shaw netted 31 goals last season
In the previous season, Shaw made an impressive impact by scoring 31 goals in all competitions, earning her the accolade of City’s Player-of-the-Season. This accomplishment came as Manchester City finished fourth in the league. Following her remarkable club season, Shaw represented Jamaica in the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where the Caribbean team reached the round of 16 before exiting the tournament at the hands of Colombia.
Shaw also featured in the Women’s Gold Cup qualifying playoff against Canada last month, playing a part in the first leg but remaining an unused substitute in the second leg.
Read more on Khadija Shaw:
- Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw scores as Manchester City prevails over Everton in FA Women’s League Cup
- Jamaican Khadija Shaw claims CONCACAF Women’s Player of the Year
- Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, the best striker in women’s soccer
Taylor acknowledged the need to manage Shaw effectively following her international duties. He highlighted that she had missed the season opener against West Ham, came off the bench against Chelsea, and then started and played for an hour against Everton.
Taylor concluded by acknowledging Manchester City’s current standing in the Women’s Super League, where they are positioned third with four points.
