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Much like Storm Claudia swept through the north-west the previous evening, the home side blew the visitors away at the Etihad Stadium. It was a emphatic three goal triumph for their manager's side thanks to goals from Rebecca Knaak, Shaw and Lauren Hemp. It was a performance that firmly established their title credentials as they consolidated their place at the league summit.

Consecutive Losses for Manchester United

This scoreline marked successive league setbacks for Skinner's side for the initial occasion since last May, placing them seven points off the table toppers with their trophy ambitions in serious doubt.

The Red Devils' capability to manage domestic and European soccer with a small roster has been a hotly discussed topic since they qualified for the European competition. Considering the schedule, it always seemed this was the week that would truly test this capability. Unfortunately for the visitors, they looked tired throughout, the memorable win against Paris Saint-Germain clearly having had an impact.

Lineup Adjustments

The United manager had sought to make changes with a handful of alterations. Ella Toone, Terland, Janssen and Leah Galton all added freshness, although the omission of the on-form Melvine Malard to the sidelines caused surprise.

The hosts, in comparison, have no such fitness concerns. Jeglertz made a single alteration from their most recent win over Everton with Hemp making her first start since returning from injury.

Dominant First Half

The storm clouds started to accumulate for Skinner and his squad from the first whistle. This was a demonstration of the quality from City whose energetic forward line manipulated and tore United open with a sublime initial 45 minutes performance that saw them put three past the keeper in 21 minutes.

This placed City firmly in control and had Manchester United struggling. Prior to this match, the away side had let in just a handful in this domestic competition but they fell apart in the face of Manchester City's attacking flair.

Opening Threats

The early indicators came early when Miedema used her physicality to push Zigiotti off the ball, only to pull her shot off target. Hemp was at the heart of everything from the start, taking advantage of the gap left by Riviere down the visitors' right side. Her passes were posing a threat and led to an attempt for Yui Hasegawa that Sandberg kicked off the line.

The Red Devils had a number of forays forwards, their long-ball tactic giving them options in the flanks but they could not test the City goalkeeper. City, on the other hand, commanded possession, taunting their opponents and trying to pull them out of their organization.

Goals Galore

They turned chances into goals with almost the first period played when Fujino won the home team a set-piece. A cross to the far post was headed across goal by Shaw for Rebecca Knaak to nod home. It was Manchester City's 7th header of the term.

They added to their advantage with two more goals just before the interval. When Rose was allowed to advance through the center from central defence, the pitch opened up for the hosts. The key Kerstin Casparij received possession on the right before sending a precise low cross for Shaw to tap home. A short time later, they had a additional score after a rapid change in the ball saw Hemp given the room to drive a shot home from distance.

Final Period

The most obvious adjustment came from Skinner at the half-time as Melvine Malard entered for Elisabeth Terland but by this time it was ineffective to shift the momentum of the contest. Former City player Jess Park came nearest, rattling the upright, but the visitors were offensively poor and did not manage to record a single shot on goal.

The home side, on the other hand, could have extended their lead when a excellent Miedema long ball sent Shaw away only for her to fluff her lines but it did not affect the result to the hosts. Previously unable to beat any opponent who finished above them last season, City's side now have wins against the Gunners and United to position them in a commanding position after nine games.