Liverpool are still to win a WSL game at Anfield as Manchester City extended their unbeaten run in a 2-1 victory.
A sensational performance from striker Khadija Shaw secured the win for City, courtesy of an extra time winner to double her tally for the afternoon.
A thrilling game saw Liverpool take the lead thanks to a brilliant strike from Olivia Smith just before the end of the first half. That was Smith’s last real contribution after being substituted at the break following an earlier challenge from City captain Alex Greenwood.
It was Shaw who headed City back into the game in the 59th minute, getting on the end of a perfectly weighted Lauren Hemp cross.
The home side, who were without manager Matt Beard due to illness, appeared to be holding out for a draw but Shaw had other ideas as seven minutes of injury time were added.
Gareth Taylor’s side were clearly not settling for a point, bouyed by their triumphant Champions League clash against Barcelona in midweek where, again, Shaw proved the matchwinner.
The Red’s struggled with several injury stoppages, with Smith’s departure later followed by goalkeeper Rachael Laws receiving a lengthy amount of treatment after a clash with the goalpost during Shaw’s first goal. Mia Enderby eventually replaced Laws in the Liverpool goal.
Although the Reds defended with everything they had, City’s dominance in possession and clinical crosses proved why they are top of the table.
Hemp made her mark with an incredible chance in the first half that saw her drive the ball just centimetres from the goal line. But she proved her worth with a fabulous assist for Shaw’s first goal.
Liverpool were not shy of chances however. After a free kick from Greenwood’s challenge on Smith, Hobinger drove the ball into the box finding Gemma Bonner, who managed to get her head to it but couldn’t find the right angle as it flew over the crossbar.
This was Liverpool’s first loss in the WSL this season, leaving them fifth in the table. Their next game is against Crystal Palace in St Helens next weekend (Sunday 20 Oct).
