Khadija Shaw Scores Twice as Manchester City Women Beat Brighton 3-2 to Stay Perfect
Manchester City Women beat Brighton Women 3-2 at the Joie Stadium on Sunday, October 18, in the Women's Super League. Khadija Shaw scored twice, and summer signing Niamh Charles scored her first goal for the club. The win keeps the defending champions perfect in the league. They stay top of the table, two points ahead of Chelsea.
All five goals came in a frantic first half. City were three goals up inside 17 minutes. Lauren Hemp set up both of Shaw's goals. For the second one, Shaw held off Caitlin Hayes and Gabby George and headed in another Hemp delivery. A minute later, Charles picked out the bottom-left corner to make it 3-0.
City then took their foot off the gas. Shaw, Hemp and Grace Clinton all came close to a fourth goal before the half-hour mark. Brighton settled into the game and hit back with two goals in six minutes. In the 31st minute, Olivia Garcia tucked home a cross from Fran Kirby. Then Hayes was left unmarked from a corner, and her header beat goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita from inside the box. It was 3-2 before half-time.
The second half was scrappy. City's best chance of a fourth goal was a low effort from Shaw. Brighton goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie also denied her. City held on for another win on home soil.
City head coach Andrée Jeglertz was frustrated at how his side lost control of the game. He said his players let the intensity of their passing and defensive support drop by a couple of percent because they became too comfortable. He said he was slightly annoyed at half-time, but he did not shout. He used the break to remind the squad to do every action at 100%.
Brighton had picked up their first league win of the season against Charlton Athletic last week. They showed good character to come back, but they could not find an equaliser.
The result means City have kept their perfect start to the season. Chelsea, who beat Tottenham 6-2 on the same day, are second. London City Lionesses, who beat Everton 2-1, complete the top three. Shaw is the Jamaican striker who has been in top form for City this season.