Rebecca Knaak’s late goal saw Manchester City beat Liverpool 1-0 and move one step closer to the WSL title.
Andriy Jegratz’s side needed to bounce back from last weekend’s loss to Brighton and worked hard for victory.
Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Faulk made a series of excellent saves, particularly in the second half, but was unable to prevent Kunak’s stooping header in stoppage time.
Man City now have a nine-point lead at the top of the WSL, with Chelsea’s win over Leicester late on Sunday cutting their lead to six, but the Blues are unable to catch up with one game remaining.
However, Arsenal still have three games remaining after their performance in the Champions League, and if they win all of them, the title race will take to the final day.
However, if the Gunners draw or lose their remaining three games, Man City will be crowned WSL champions without having to kick a ball.
All final day games on Saturday 16 May will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, as Arsenal travel to Liverpool and Man City take on West Ham. Sunday’s result means there will be a new WSL champion for the first time since Arsenal in 2018/19.
Man City overcome Liverpool’s tough test
Use Chrome Browser for a more accessible video player
Rebecca Knaak’s late header gives Manchester City three points against Liverpool.
Man City welcomed back former head coach Gareth Taylor for their final home game of the season, but it looked like the Liverpool manager, who twice came close to winning the WSL title back to the club, would have a big say in the fate of the trophy.
The Reds had the better chances in the first half, with Denis O’Sullivan and Grace Fisk getting close to scoring early on. Man City had their first shot in the 26th minute but fell behind their opponents in the stats after a tense opening 45 minutes.
However, a tactical tweak towards the end of the first half saw Jeglarz’s side escape from the trap, with four shots in the first 10 minutes compared to three in the entire first half.
Kunak celebrates after scoring the winning goal in Man City
Lauren Hemp was key to all of Man City’s attacking play, but despite linking up well with Khadijah Shaw, the latter was unable to return home a fierce cross.
Falk also played a big role in keeping the hosts at bay, denying Kerorin and Shaw, among others. Liverpool also had a warning at the other end, but Beata Olsson was free to head the ball wide.
And six minutes into stoppage time, it was Knaak who diverted a corner kick past the goalkeeper and brought Man City one step closer to clinching their first leg title since 2016.
Jegratz: This group is special.
“There were a lot of emotions and it was very difficult in the first half. They are good players but they are making things difficult for us,” Man City head coach Andriy Jegrats told Sky Sports.
“The second half was much better. They had chances but we dominated.
“There’s something about this group. We’ll never give up. We’ll always work hard and find a way to win. That determination is always there. That’s why we’re here with the three points.”
“It’s always the case that the opponent does something a little different than we expected. We’ve been through that before. They pressed us hard and they overloaded us in some situations.
“We’ve been working hard since last July. It’s all up to us. We’re not playing the best football ever, but that’s how good teams win games anyway.”
Hemp: We wanted to make a statement.
Sky Sports Player of the Match Lauren Hemp: “They were very good but they caused a lot of problems, especially at the start.
“It’s hard to calm yourself down when you get a goal like that. I thought we improved in the second half, but in the end we deserved it. We’ve worked hard this season and moments like that make it all worth it.”
“But we still have one more game to go to get to the FA Cup final and we have another game next week so the pressure is on, but this team is great and I’m very happy to be a part of it.”
“I wanted to make a statement to the league today because I was very frustrated with last week’s performance.
“We’ve worked hard all week and that’s what this group deserves. It gives us confidence heading into next week’s semi-finals and now we can sit back and watch the next few games unfold.”
