In a thrilling derby, Manchester City secured victory by overcoming a deficit to beat Manchester United 3-1 at Old Trafford in the first Women’s Super League encounter between the two teams.
United took the lead in the first half with Katie Zelem’s 21st-minute penalty, but quick goals from Jill Roord and Lauren Hemp turned the tide. City added a third early in the second half when Mary Earps’ kick bounced off Khadija Shaw. Despite being reduced to 10 players after Laia Aleixandri received a second booking, City held on for the win in front of 43,615 spectators.
The result marked a rebound for Gareth Taylor’s City after recent defeats, while it handed Marc Skinner’s United their first WSL loss this season. City now sits third in the table, six points behind leaders Chelsea, while United is a point worse off in fourth.
City dominated the early game with notable efforts from Alanna Kennedy, Shaw, and Alex Greenwood. United’s Earps made crucial saves, including denying Shaw. United’s breakthrough came with a penalty converted by Zelem after Melvine Malard’s shot hit Greenwood’s arm. Despite Geyse’s disallowed goal, City quickly turned the tables with Roord’s equalizer and Hemp’s superb shot.
City’s lead extended in the second half as Maya Le Tissier’s miscalculated pass resulted in an own goal. The match took a turn when Aleixandri received a red card, leaving City with 10 players. Despite United’s efforts during added time, City held firm to secure the win. The victory propelled City to third place, surpassing United in the table.