Lauren Hemp scores twice as Manchester City beat Liverpool 4-2
Hemp's double helps City maintain a perfect start to their WSL title defence.
Photo by TBD Traveller on Pexels
Manchester City secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Liverpool, with Lauren Hemp playing a pivotal role by scoring twice. The win allowed the WSL champions to maintain their perfect start to the season and extend their impressive 13-match winning streak at the Joie Stadium. However, the match was tightly contested, and City had to fight back to equalise in the first half to keep their winning record intact.
Hemp's first goal came from a well-executed team move, marking her first goal of the season. Liverpool responded strongly, taking the lead through Alice Bergstrom, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up. Vivien Endemann then added to the scoreline with a volley that slipped through the hands of City’s goalkeeper, Ayaka Yamashita, giving Liverpool a deserved advantage.
Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw equalised for City, scoring her fourth goal of the season after a rebound from Hemp's shot. This goal underscored the importance of retaining Shaw at the club during the summer transfer window. The match turned on late errors from Liverpool, including an own goal from captain Grace Fisk, which allowed City to regain the lead late in the game.
In the dying moments, Hemp sealed the victory with a breakaway goal, taking advantage of Liverpool's commitment to attack. Despite the loss, Liverpool displayed significant improvement compared to the previous season, showcasing better pressing and decision-making throughout the match. Their performance indicates a positive trajectory under their current management, suggesting they could aim for a top-half finish this season.
via Sky Sports