'Marvellous' Man City set WSL standard in rampant win

Manchester City manager Andree Jeglertz hailed his side’s “marvellous” attacking display after the league leaders demolished Leicester City 6-0 to restore an 11-point cushion at the Women’s Super League summit.

City, beaten only twice this season by reigning champions Chelsea and Arsenal, responded to last weekend’s shock loss at the Emirates with a ruthless exhibition at the Academy Stadium. The victory lifts their goal difference to +34 and keeps them on course for a second WSL crown with six matches remaining.

Statistics underline the champions-elect’s dominance: 31 shots, 15 on target, an expected goals figure of 4.61 and 232 final-third passes – all competition-highs in 2024-25. Lauren Hemp supplied two assists and crafted 11 chances to earn player-of-the-match honours, though the England winger insisted there is room for improvement. “Yeah, but no goal – I think I need to practise my shooting!” she laughed.

Khadija Shaw took her league tally to 15, eclipsing last season’s 12, while record signing Sam Coffey impressed on her first start. The squad’s freshness, aided by a lighter calendar after last year’s absence from European competition, looks decisive: City have played 22 games in all competitions compared with 25-28 for their nearest pursuers.

Manchester United trail by 11 points, Chelsea by 12 and Arsenal by 13, each with at least a match in hand, yet the chasing trio appear increasingly resigned to fighting for Champions League places rather than the title. Should results align, City could clinch the trophy at Old Trafford on 29 March.

Former skipper Steph Houghton, analysing for Sky Sports, noted the squad’s determination to banish the memory of the Arsenal defeat. “There is always an added pressure when you are top of the league with a big points difference,” she said.

Jeglertz, for his part, sees no need for extra motivation. “I don’t need to motivate these players,” he stressed. “They are fully aware where we are in the league and what we have done.” After 14 wins from 16 fixtures and 47 goals scored, the message from Manchester is clear: the standard has been set, and the rest of the WSL is still chasing shadows.

Women’s Football Weekly returns with new episodes every Tuesday on BBC Sounds.