How Lauren Hemp masterminded Manchester City to derby day victory over United | OneFootball

Lauren Hemp of Manchester City (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Lauren Hemp was the eyecatching star of the show as Manchester City trounced rivals United 3-0 to stay top of the Barclays Women’s Super League.

City started much the brighter, with the England winger causing all sorts of problems down the left, and WSL record goalscorer Vivianne Miedema hitting the post early on.

But the opener came from an unlikely source, defender Rebecca Knaak’s looping header after Bunny Shaw had nodded a corner across the face of the goal to her.

And Shaw herself added the second two minutes before half-time, sliding in to push the ball over the line.

The pick of the first-half goals was Hemp’s absolute screamer, hit with her left foot just seconds before the whistle for the break.

She celebrated with a strong-arm pose – an appropriate stance for a superlative strike.

Hemp’s contribution was celebrated by fans who gave her a standing ovation as she was replaced by Iman Beney with less than 20 minutes to go.

The game had petered out a little by then, with City fans creating their own entertainment by starting a wave.

The last clear chance was one for Shaw with ten minutes to go after a terrific Miedema tackle at the other end.

Former United player Grace Clinton came on as a late substitute for Shaw, and was met with boos from the Red Devils fans.

Ella Toone: potential injury

There was a worrying incident for United and for the England squad set to be announced next week as Ella Toone fell to the ground two minutes into the second half in evident distress.

The medical team treated her right leg – and eventually patched her up enough to continue, although she was substituted eight minutes from time.

She had started United’s midweek game against Paris Saint-Germain from the bench due to managing what Skinner later referred to as a “niggle”.

Manchester City v Manchester United: the statistics

It was a game that City wanted to win for multiple reasons – not least of which was that United defeated them 4-2 at the Etihad last season. That loss came after winning four and drawing one of their first five home games against United in the Women’s Super League.

It continues City’s unbeaten run in the WSL – now extended to eight on the bounce.

It also ends Manchester United’s 100 per cent record away from home in the league so far this season, having won their previous four matches.

Milestone for Laura Coombs

Before the match, Laura Coombs – who was named on the bench – was presented with a commemorative framed shirt and a bouquet to mark her milestone of 200 appearances in the WSL.