Manchester City Women continued their dominant form in the Women’s Super League (WSL) with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Returning from injury, Lauren Hemp praised her team’s mentality and backed City to maintain their winning run throughout the season.

Manchester City Secure Eighth Consecutive WSL Victory

The first-ever Manchester derby of the season in the WSL saw City assert complete control, with goals from Rebecca Knaak, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, and Lauren Hemp securing the win. Knaak opened the scoring with a precise header from a corner just before the half-hour mark. Shaw doubled the lead in the 43rd minute, converting a well-delivered cross from Kerstin Casparij. Hemp then capped the dominant first half by firing a stunning strike into the top corner from distance during stoppage time, marking her first start in two months following an ankle injury.

The victory moves City four points clear of second-place Chelsea, who face Liverpool on Sunday, highlighting City’s growing gap at the top of the WSL standings. Manchester United, meanwhile, remain third, seven points behind City, and will need to improve their defensive consistency to challenge for the title.

Lauren Hemp’s Impact and Return

Hemp’s return to the starting lineup was instrumental in City’s attacking display. The England winger linked seamlessly with Vivianne Miedema and Shaw, demonstrating pace, creativity, and clinical finishing. Her contribution underscores her importance in City’s attacking strategy, particularly as the team looks to maintain momentum in the league and in European competitions.

Kerstin Casparij also played a crucial role on the right, providing assists for both Shaw and Hemp, while midfielders Yui Hasegawa and Laura Blinkilde-Brown controlled the center of the pitch and limited United’s attacking opportunities. City’s high press and efficient attacking execution ensured that United failed to register a single shot on target.

Tactical Analysis: City at Their Best

Under Manager Jeglertz, City displayed tactical excellence, combining slick ball movement with intense off-ball pressure. Each goal reflected the team’s efficiency, converting all three shots on target into goals. On both flanks, City exploited defensive lapses, with right-back Jade Rose and winger Hemp taking advantage of space to contribute directly to scoring opportunities.

This performance followed City’s midweek Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders both domestically and in Europe.

Lauren Hemp’s Post-Match Remarks

After the match, Hemp told BBC Sport, “It’s so nice to be back. Today we showed the mentality that I said at the start we needed to show. We got a clean sheet, which was so important for us. It’s exciting. We must stay humble, but we’re in a good place as a team. Hopefully, we can continue this run.”

With City’s attack firing on all cylinders and key players returning from injury, the team looks poised to continue dominating the WSL and maintain pressure on league rivals as the season progresses.