Khadija “Bunny” Shaw played a decisive creative role as Manchester City launched the 2026 Women’s Super League campaign with a composed 2-0 victory over Everton at the Joie Stadium.
The result marked City’s 11th win in their last 12 league matches, reinforcing their momentum after the Christmas break and allowing them to maintain a six-point cushion over defending champions Chelsea at the top of the standings.
Everton resistance tests City’s patience
Everton arrived determined to disrupt City’s rhythm and succeeded for long stretches of the opening half. Goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan was particularly influential early, producing a pair of sharp saves to deny both Shaw and Vivianne Miedema as the hosts searched for an opening.
City dominated possession but found progress difficult as Everton remained compact and disciplined in defense.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 26th minute, courtesy of Brazilian forward Kerolin. Given too much space down the left by Maz Pacheco, Kerolin drove toward the byline and struck a low effort from a tight angle. The ball took a decisive deflection off Martina Fernandez, wrong-footing Brosnan and sending City into a deserved lead.
Disallowed equalizer spurs controversy
Everton briefly believed they had drawn level moments later when Fernandez rifled a close-range finish into the roof of the net. The celebration was cut short, however, as Ruby Mace was adjudged to have impeded City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita on the goal line, a decision that proved costly for the visitors.
City removed any lingering doubt in the 63rd minute, with Shaw once again at the heart of the action. The Jamaican striker delicately lifted a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Miedema, who calmly selected her spot and finished beyond Brosnan to double the advantage.
The goal capped a dominant second-half performance and secured all three points for the league leaders.
Numbers that reflect influence
Already the WSL’s leading scorer with 12 goals, Shaw’s assist against Everton brought her total to four for the season, placing her joint third among the league’s top providers. The contribution underlined her expanding influence, not only as City’s primary finisher, but also as a creative force in decisive moments.
Manchester City, composed and clinical, could hardly have asked for a stronger way to begin 2026.
