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Manchester United sealed another dominant attacking performance in their latest Women’s Super League clash over London City Lionesses. Thanks to a 5-1 victory over the WSL newcomers, the Red Devils sit top of the table.
United’s win came thanks to a Melvine Malard brace, and goals from Maya Le Tissier, Jayde Riviere, and Jess Park.
Starting XIs
London City Lionesses
Lete; Imuran, Kumagai, Kennedy, Fernandez, Zelem, Roddar, Asslani, Corrales, Parris, Goodwin
Manchester United
Tullis-Joyce; Sandberg, Turner, Le Tissier, Riviere, Zigiotti, Miyazawa, Toone, Park, Bizet, Malard.
Riviere marks 50th Man United appearance
Early pressure from Manchester United was rewarded in just the second minute after Jana Fernández brought down Malard in the penalty box. Captain Le Tissier stepped up and calmly slotted her penalty down the middle of the goal. Despite this early dominance, momentum then shifted towards the home side, who saw a flurry of chances fall their way.
In the 13th minute, London City had the opportunity to equalise. Following a free-kick from Kosovare Asllani, Lucia Corrales put in a dangerous cross. Just behind Alanna Kennedy, the Matilda managed to stretch out and scoop the ball towards the United goal. However, a point blank save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce ensured the deadlock remained. Called into action moments later, the US international claimed the ball after Saki Kumagai raised highest from yet another wicked set piece delivery.
United doubled their lead in the 33rd minute. A long ball over the top from Le Tissier stretched the London City backline and found Riviere, who was hugging the touchline. Her cross whipped in and ultimately found its way into the back of the net. There was no better way for her to mark her 50th appearance for the Red Devils.
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London City make Women’s Super League history
United wasted no time after the restart and quickly added their third. Jess Park, growing into her new surroundings, threaded a precise through ball for Malard, who coolly slotted home. The goal carried controversy, with replays clearly showing Malard was stood in an offside position when she received the pass, but the flag stayed down.
The French striker’s second however, was beyond doubt. Anna Sandberg’s pinpoint cross found Malard unmarked, who rose the highest to nod home. This marked her fourth goal in just two WSL goals, equaling her entire tally from last season.
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The visitors, though under pressure, found a historic moment of their own in the 76th minute. A pinpoint delivery from Asllani was met by former United attacker Nikita Parris. The Lioness peeled off at the back post and outjumped Le Tissier to head home London City Lionesses’ first ever top flight goal.
United ever persistent, responded in style to cap off the afternoon. Park, already with an assist, dazzled again. Skipping around the tackle of Kumagai, Park rifled a thunderous strike into the top corner — her first goal since joining the red side of Manchester.
Isobel Goodwin almost reduced the deficit moments later, but her fierce near-post strike cannoned off the underside of the bar, and bounced off the line and away to safety.
Up next
Man United will be action midweek as they aim to overcome a one goal deficit against Brann, to reach their first ever Champions League league phase. Kicking-off at 7pm BST on Thursday, the match will be available to watch on MUTV. Following this, United will be back at home in the WSL as they host Arsenal in a top of the table clash.
London City Lionesses will hope to build on their history-making goal as they travel to Merseyside to face Everton. The match will be available to watch on Sky Sports+ on Friday night, with kick off at 7:30 pm BST.
