United scored two first-half goals to put the game beyond Liverpool by the halfway mark, as Taylor’s side again struggled for fluency and goal threat – of the eight efforts they registered, only one hit the target.
Liverpool have problems at the opposite end, too, conceding at least two goals in each of their last five WSL home games (12 in total). They are one of two sides, along with West Ham, who remain pointless.
Hinata Miyazawa scored a thumping opener in the fourth minute, lashing a volley beyond debutant goalkeeper Rafaela Borggrafe before Ella Toone fired home from Elisabeth Terland’s smart cutback in first-half stoppage time. United are the league’s leading scorers with goals via six different players.
“The players are really gelling,” Marc Skinner told Sky Sports. “The spirit is exactly where I want it to be right now, it’s a magical part of being a Manchester United team.”
Taylor, meanwhile, offered a frank assessment of his side’s efforts: “We need to look at the first half, it’s not acceptable if we want to try to do something at this club,” he said. “Our flatness effectively handed the game to them. The basics of football were lacking.”
Man Utd are keeping pace at the top for now but face a real test of their title credentials when they host Chelsea next Friday. Sonia Bompastor’s side remain the only team with a 100-per-cent league record so far.
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw scored twice from the penalty spot as Man City beat London City 4-1 at the Joie Stadium.
The Jamaica international converted both in the second half. The first was awarded after a handball against Saki Kumagi, before Wassa Sangare was penalised for hauling Shaw to the floor inside the area.
The City striker slotted both into the far-left corner, with London City now conceding four penalties in their last three WSL matches.
The hosts were in command from the get go, scoring two early goals in three minutes. Vivianne Miedema was left unmarked to nod home a Kristen Casparij’s cross, before Laura Blindkilde Brown sent a low shot through legs to beat helpless goalkeeper Elene Lete.
Former City forward Nikita Parris offered her new side a lifeline with a well-taken reply when Grace Geyoro tapped into her path and she beat Ayaka Yamashita with a curling half-volley – but it was merely a consolation.
The win sees Man City into the top three, with London City unable to capitalise on their first ever WSL win against Everton last weekend.
Source: Lovinghananews.com
