Man City dealt massive blow in WSL top 3 battle that is huge for Man Utd
Manchester City suffered a shock setback in the WSL run-in on Sunday, falling to a defeat to Liverpool that all but guarantees Manchester United a top three finish – and Champions League qualification – and leaves Gareth Taylor’s side in serious dangerous of missing out.
Having experienced major player turnover last summer, City overcame a woeful start to the campaign that saw them lose their opening two WSL games to go then go 14 unbeaten – including a statement victory over Chelsea. Even since a defeat to Arsenal last month, they scored 10 times over two matches against West Ham and Reading in response.
This weekend’s game against Liverpool was expected to be more of the same. The Merseysiders have generally struggled against the big four sides on their return to the WSL, aside from a surprise opening day win over Chelsea, and have been thrashed by both Arsenal and United in 2023.
But Liverpool’s performance against Chelsea in midweek was a warning sign. Matt Beard’s team went ahead very early in that one and were only a late Sam Kerr goal away from claiming a point. They similarly took the lead on City’s visit to Prenton Park through veteran striker Natasha Dowie. But although that was cancelled out by Lauren Hemp in the first half, Liverpool rallied to re-claim the advantage through Missy Bo Kearns right after half-time and never relinquished it.
City’s WSL title hopes, which have grown throughout the season, are virtually over. But more concerning is that they are in perilous danger of missing out on the top three altogether and failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2015.
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As it stands, City sit six points behind Manchester United in the WSL table and each only have two games left to play. Even if City win both remaining games, which includes the derby against United at Leigh Sports Village later this month, they cannot get more points than their rivals already have.
But as a result of United’s vastly superior goal difference, which is 17 higher than City’s, only an utterly incomprehensible swing in the final two games could get them ahead.
City could finish the weekend also behind Chelsea, who are hosting Everton in Sunday’s late kick-off. Chelsea will also still have two games in hand on City after that game is played. Arsenal are three points behind City but have two games in hand of their own and a goal difference that is five better.
The Gunners must still travel to Chelsea before the end of the season. But even defeat in that one might not matter in their battle with City if they win their three other games, because of the goal difference. However, City at least have a more reasonable chance of reeling in that gap.
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