Player ratings as Mary Fowler steps up in Khadija Shaw’s absence

Manchester City beat Bristol City 4-0 to make it an impressive 14 league wins on the bounce and extend their lead at the top of the WSL table.

With Chelsea out of action this weekend due to their involvement in the Champions League, Gareth Taylor’s side had the opportunity to put some breathing space between themselves and the London club at the top of the table. Chelsea will now have to win both their games in hand against Liverpool and Tottenham to put themselves back on the same points tally as their title rivals.

Bristol City’s race is unfortunately run and the 3-0 defeat at the hands of the title chasers confirms their relegation back to the Championship. Lauren Smith’s side were only promoted last season, but the gulf in class has been apparent this term as they go down with two games to spare.

How the game unfolded

It was one way traffic for much of the first-half, but Manchester City failed to make their dominance count. The opening 45 minutes saw the visitors control possession with 75% and they had a staggering 16 shots to Bristol City’s two.

In the absence of Khadija Shaw, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a foot injury, Taylor was relying on Lauren Hemp, Chloe Kelly and Mary Fowler to step up with goals. All three, as well as Jess Park, had opportunities to put Manchester City ahead but most efforts had little power behind them and were comfortable enough saves for Bristol City goalkeeper Shae Yanez.

The hosts had moments of their own. A dangerous cross into the box was destined to meet Amalie Thestrup but some brave goalkeeping from Khiara Keating kept things level. Amy Rodgers also nearly capitalised on some loose possession from Alanna Kennedy but the visitors just about managed to clear the danger. 

A lack of cutting edge was something the manager needed to fix for Manchester City heading into the second-half. A slight tactical tweak at the break saw Hemp move central and Kelly out wide.

They needed something special to break the deadlock and Fowler stepped up with a long range strike from the edge of the box on the hour mark. Her ferocious effort gave the goalkeeper no chance and the tension instantly eased for Manchester City.

Fowler stepped up with a second 10 minutes later as she got the final touch on a Hemp cross. An own-goal from Rodgers then put the win far beyond any doubt.

As goal difference could be the deciding factor in the title race this season, Manchester City continued their hunt for a fourth. They…