Manchester Metropolis beat Bristol Metropolis 4-0 to make it a powerful 14 league wins on the bounce and prolong their lead on the high of the WSL desk.
With Chelsea out of motion this weekend attributable to their involvement within the Champions League, Gareth Taylor’s aspect had the chance to place some respiratory area between themselves and the London membership on the high of the desk. Chelsea will now must win each their video games in hand in opposition to Liverpool and Tottenham to place themselves again on the identical factors tally as their title rivals.
Bristol Metropolis’s race is sadly run and the 3-0 defeat by the hands of the title chasers confirms their relegation again to the Championship. Lauren Smith’s aspect had been solely promoted final season, however the gulf at school has been obvious this time period as they go down with two video games to spare.
How the sport unfolded
It was a technique visitors for a lot of the first-half, however Manchester Metropolis did not make their dominance depend. The opening 45 minutes noticed the guests management possession with 75% they usually had a staggering 16 pictures to Bristol Metropolis’s two.
Within the absence of Khadija Shaw, who has been dominated out for the remainder of the season with a foot damage, Taylor was counting on Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler to step up with targets. All three, in addition to Jess Park, had alternatives to place Manchester Metropolis forward however most efforts had little energy behind them and had been comfy sufficient saves for Bristol Metropolis goalkeeper Shae Yanez.
The hosts had moments of their very own. A harmful cross into the field was destined to satisfy Amalie Thestrup however some courageous goalkeeping from Khiara Keating stored issues degree. Amy Rodgers additionally practically capitalised on some unfastened possession from Alanna Kennedy however the guests nearly managed to clear the hazard.
A scarcity of leading edge was one thing the supervisor wanted to repair for Manchester Metropolis heading into the second-half. A slight tactical tweak on the break noticed Hemp transfer central and Kelly out extensive.
They wanted one thing particular to interrupt the impasse and Fowler stepped up with a protracted vary strike from the sting of the field on the hour mark. Her ferocious effort gave the goalkeeper no likelihood and the strain immediately eased for Manchester Metropolis.
Fowler stepped up with a second 10 minutes later as she bought the ultimate contact on a Hemp cross. An own-goal from Rodgers then put the win far past any doubt.
As objective distinction could possibly be the deciding issue within the title race this season, Manchester Metropolis continued their hunt for a fourth. They duly delivered as Alex Greenwood had a free header from a nook proper on the dying and it nearly crossed the road.
GK: Khiara Keating – 7/10 – Some courageous goalkeeping within the first half to get a hand to a harmful cross destined for Thestrup. Had subsequent to nothing to do second-half, however did look comfy in possession.
RB: Laia Aleixandri – 7/10 – Did a stable job in two positions as she moved central following the half-time substitution that noticed Kennedy taken off.
CB: Alanna Kennedy – 6/10 – Almost gifted the hosts a gap within the first-half and was fortunate to not concede a foul as Bristol Metropolis regarded to capitalise. Substituted at half-time.
CB: Alex Greenwood – 7/10 – Some fairly slack passing at instances however did sufficient defensively to minimise Bristol Metropolis’s risk on the uncommon events they did get ahead. Ensured her teammates remained calm when issues weren’t going their manner. Scored the fourth late on proper on the dying.
LB: Leila Ouahabi – 7/10 – Might’ve had a few assists if ending was higher first half. Regarded a risk down the left for a lot of the recreation because the guests managed possession all through.
DM: Yui Hasegawa – 7/10 – Regarded probably the most comfy in possession for Manchester Metropolis and, as normal, dictated the tempo.
CM: Jess Park – 7/10 – A incredible driving run simply earlier than half-time to get previous a number of Bristol Metropolis defender however her eventual shot was tame and was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Yanez. Compelled off the ball slightly too simple from time to time, however made issues occur for her aspect in opposition to a resilient Bristol Metropolis defence.
CM: Laura Coombs – 6/10 – Too many touches within the field to squander an enormous likelihood early within the second-half. Saved issues ticking over in midfield however wasn’t a standout on the night time.
RW: Mary Fowler – 8/10 – Discovered loads of area down the proper and precipitated Bristol Metropolis issues with some harmful cut-backs into the field aimed toward Chloe Kelly. Outrageous effort on the hour mark to lastly put her aspect in entrance after which put the win past doubt with a second. Confirmed a lot maturity to step up when it mattered most.
LW: Lauren Hemp – 7/10 – Had the primary actual alternative of the sport however couldn’t hit the goal. Normally so scientific, it was a disappointing night in entrance of objective, however she did get the help for Fowler’s second.
ST: Chloe Kelly – 7/10 – A quiet night time in entrance of objective having stepped into the aspect rather than Shaw. Regarded much more threatening when she was moved out extensive second-half an dmade issues occur.
Substitutes
SUB: Kerstin Casparij (HT’ for Alanna Kennedy) – 7/10
SUB: Laura Blindkilde (72’ for Laura Coombs) – 7/10
Subs not used: Steph Houghton, Esme Morgan, Filippa Angeldal, Poppy Pritchard, Laura Blindkilde, Ruby Mace, Katie Startup,
Supervisor
Gareth Taylor – 7/10 – Tailored nicely throughout the recreation to change the forwards round and provides Bristol Metropolis extra to consider. Substitutions additionally paid off within the second-half because the win was comfortably secured ultimately.
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