Lauren Hemp made a scoring return in her first start since September in the Manchester derby as Women’s Super League leaders Manchester City thrashed Manchester United 3-0 at Etihad Stadium.
Hemp, who picked up an ankle injury on 19 September, was back to her brilliant best with a display that will please England manager Sarina Wiegman going into the upcoming international friendlies against China and Ghana.
The win extends City’s lead at the top of the table to four points, but Chelsea can close the gap when they travel to face Liverpool later on Sunday afternoon.
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A tired-looking Manchester United have fallen seven points off the pace, which will come as a blow following their impressive win over Paris St-Germain in Europe this week.
Marc Skinner’s side do not have long to lick their wounds, with European giants Wolfsburg up next, and they will have to improve if they are to bounce back.
City have enjoyed life under new manager Jeglertz and were sat cosy at the top of the WSL table before kick-off, knowing a win at the Etihad would boost their position.
With new-found fluidity in the side and a welcome return to the starting XI for England winger Hemp, who played 40 minutes from the bench against Everton, City were favourites.
City did not waste any time in confirming their status as the WSL’s team to beat as Hemp announced her return with a sparkling display, causing United problems throughout.
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United on the other hand came into the derby full of confidence, having seen off PSG in their first Women’s Champions League game at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
There were four changes to the starting XI, including the return of playmaker Ella Toone and forward Elisabeth Terland, but from the first minute, they couldn’t match the energy of Manchester City.
“We won’t use it as an excuse. We had an advantage on City last year in that sense.
“We have to design a squad and have an impact in the winter transfer window to support the players, who are giving everything. It wasn’t a lack of commitment,” Skinner said.
