Zhipan Sport

Man City strike late to beat Liverpool and maintain perfect start

Sep 19, 06:06 AM

Manchester City scored twice in the closing stages to secure a thrilling 4-2 win over Liverpool in the WSL, extending their perfect start to three league victories.

Manchester City came out on top of a thrilling Women's Super League encounter against Liverpool, needing two goals in the closing stages to seal a 4-2 victory and maintain their perfect start to the season. The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish, with City twice taking the lead only to be pegged back by a resilient Liverpool side before finally pulling away in the dying minutes. City began the game with intent, dominating possession and pushing forward through fluid passing and dangerous wing play. Their early pressure paid off as they broke the deadlock, but Liverpool refused to buckle. The visitors responded with quick counter-attacks and soon found an equaliser, setting the tone for an open and end-to-end first half. After the break, City regained the lead and appeared to be taking control of the contest. Yet Liverpool's determination shone through once more as they levelled for a second time, briefly silencing the home crowd. With the game entering its final phase, a draw was simply not an option for a side with title ambitions, and City responded by intensifying their pressing and committing more players forward. The decisive moment came through individual quality. City carved out a late chance and converted it to edge ahead once again, before adding a fourth on the counter-attack to put the result beyond doubt. Those two late goals highlighted City's attacking efficiency but also exposed Liverpool's lapse in concentration at the crucial moment. Statistically, City edged the contest in terms of possession, shots and corners, but Liverpool's counter-attacking threat was evident throughout. Their ability to twice come from behind demonstrated real quality, though the closing stages showed there is still room for growth in game management and focus. For City, the win is significant. A three-from-three record keeps them at the top end of the table and builds momentum for a demanding fixture list ahead. The manager praised the team's composure and resolve in adversity, while acknowledging that conceding twice is an area that needs addressing. Liverpool, meanwhile, can take encouragement from their performance despite leaving empty-handed. Their fighting spirit and tactical discipline were on full display, and learning to control games after equalising will be a key lesson. As the season unfolds, this defeat could prove a valuable experience in their development. Overall, it was a match that combined technical quality with high drama. City's late burst underlined their title credentials, while Liverpool's brave display offered plenty of promise for the months ahead. With the WSL growing more competitive by the week, encounters like this only add to the excitement of the campaign.