- Man City beat Liverpool 1-0
- Rebecca Knaak scored late winner
- City are now close to WSL title
Manchester City moved within touching distance of the Women’s Super League title after Rebecca Knaak’s late header sealed a dramatic 1-0 win over Liverpool.
After suffering a setback against Brighton last Saturday, Andree Jeglertz’s side had to win the next one to keep control of the WSL title race.
However, Liverpool made the afternoon difficult for the home side as the visitors weren’t willing to budge at Joie Stadium.
In the end, Rebecca Knaak’s stoppage-time winner proved decisive, with only one win now holding the Sky Blues from securing the title.
Liverpool make life difficult for Man City
The first half was tough as the Citizens barely dominated with 54% possession. The Reds also had taken two more shots at goal than the home side.
Liverpool caused problems early during the half with both Aurelie Csillag and Grace Fisk continuing to pressure Man City’s defence.
Fisk was even close to scoring the opener when she struck the post in the opening five. Reds goalkeeper Jennifer Falk was also an important presence, producing four saves during the whole game.
Later, City took charge, taking three shots during the half. Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp were trying to find a break but couldn’t get through the visitors’ structure.
Rebecca Knaak delivers decisive late moment
Man City increased the pressure after the break, attempting 11 shots with four on target. They also dominated possession at 63%.
Falk proved decisive again for the Reds, who were trying to hold on for a possible point from the clash. Liverpool stand 10th in the league, and it’s safe to say, they aren’t having the best of seasons.
Despite five shots on target from City, the game was moving towards a damaging draw. Only one point from the clash would’ve affected their title chances.
However, Knaak was in the right place at the right time during a stoppage-time corner. The defender headed the set-piece home during injury time, sparking celebrations at the Joie Stadium.
Man City now one win away from WSL title
With 52 points to their name, City are just one win away from the league title. Only Arsenal can catch up with the table toppers as the Gunners have three games in hand.
Chelsea are second but can only secure a maximum of 49 points. The Gunners, on the other hand, stand third with 41 points and can still win the league if Man City fail in their next game.
City will face West Ham United next on the 16th. They have already faced the Hammers twice this season, with the first one ending in a 1-0 win.
The second clash was a goalfest as Jeglertz’s women scored five goals in the Women’s League Cup quarter-final.
Manchester City have won three of their last five WSL games. Despite barely winning against the Reds today, they should be able to finish the job on the 16th to win the league title for the first time since 2016.
