Why Manchester City’s squad depth will shape their season, according to Kerstin Casparij | OneFootball

Kerstin Casparij (Manchester City website)

Kerstin Casparij was Manchester City’s player of the match on Saturday as they beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Joie Stadium in the Women’s Super League.

Iman Beney came off the bench to score the winner a few minutes from full time – adding to Bunny Shaw’s first-half effort, from a Casparij assist, and one from Casparij herself.

Despite the Gunners pulling goals back through Mariona Caldentey and Chloe Kelly, City took all three points – leaving their opponents in fifth place in the WSL table.

And the Netherlands international says that City are confident they have the players on the bench who are able to change the game when required.

“We all know that the girls starting on the bench are going to be our game changers and our finishers,” she told the club’s official website.

“If we want to be successful throughout the season, it’s going to be the girls who come off the bench and might not always play who will finish games off for us.

“For her (Iman Beney) to come on in a game like today when it’s up and down and we were struggling at times, to put the goal away like she did and celebrate the way she did, she deserves it because she works so hard and is such a bright talent…I’m so pleased for her.”

Kerstin Casparij: I’m on track this season

Casparij has scored two and assisted two so far this season – and could have had another added to her own tally had it not been ruled out for offside on Saturday.

Her attacking contributions have certainly caught the eye this season, and it’s perhaps not surprising that she described herself as “loving” the system brought in by new coach Andree Jeglertz.

“I’ve set myself a clear target for goals and assists, and it’s going well so far, so I’d say I’m on track.

“I just want to keep the momentum going and continue to work on my relationships with our attackers, especially Bunny, and I hope to assist many more goals.”

Manchester City are second in the league after five matches, two points behind leaders Chelsea, and ahead of third-placed Tottenham Hotspur on goal difference.

Their next match in the WSL is on Sunday, 12th October, when they travel to Liverpool.