WSL: ‘Perfect reaction’ as Man City hunt WSL title

Manchester City’s drive for excellence is epitomized by the attitude of Lauren Hemp, who became player of the match after providing two assists and creating 11 opportunities for her team-mates.

Asked how pleased he was, the England winger replied: “Yes, but no goals. I think I need to improve my shooting! But I’m really happy to contribute as much as I can.”

“We’re really pleased. We’ve got a really confident group, everyone is contributing and the substitutes are getting involved too.”

Failure to qualify for the Champions League last season means Manchester City have played 22 games in all competitions this season, while rivals Chelsea will play 25 games, Arsenal 27 and Manchester United 28 games by the end of this weekend.

The squad looks fresh as a result of the extra rest; none more so than star striker Khadija Shaw, who has scored 15 goals in the league this season, surpassing the 12 goals she scored last season.

Despite the Asian Cup on the horizon and the departure of key players such as Yui Hasegawa, they look well equipped to improve. Record scorer Sam Coffey made his debut in this match and impressed in midfield.

On Sky Sports, former Manchester City captain Steph Houghton highlighted his former side’s determination to succeed this season.

“There’s always added pressure when you’re top of the league with a big points difference and as a player you naturally feel it in the first few days after being defeated. [by Arsenal]” he said.

“That was a perfect reaction.”

With six matches remaining, Manchester City needs 12 points to win the championship. If the results go their way, they may even get a win after three matches at Old Trafford on Sunday, March 29.

Maybe that would be enough to satisfy Jeglertz and this group of hungry players.