Discover how Bunny Shaw’s remarkable performance secured the city’s FA Cup quarter-final berth. Explore highlights and insights on this thrilling match.
Introduction:
Manchester City’s women’s team continues on to be so dominant that it easily defeated Leicester City 3-1 in the FA Cup, topping the quarter-finals. Leila Ouahabi opened the scoring just before the break, while Kerolin Nicoli and Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw preserved the dominance of her side. Nelly Las could only reduce the lead late in the game, as the Blues proved again to be too much to conquer, therefore holding onto silverware on multiple fronts. See also: Phil Foden Stars in Manchester City’s Dominant 6-0 Victory Over Ipswich
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
Coming off their triumph over Arsenal in the League Cup semi-final just 72 hours earlier, Gareth Taylor’s side wasted no time asserting their dominance. City started with attacking intent, pressing high and looking to exploit Leicester’s defense from wide areas. The visitors had early chances through Hlin Eiriksdottir and Hannah Cain, but neither could capitalize. See also: Omar Marmoush’s Hat-Trick Inspires Manchester City’s 4-0 win
City’s first real chance came when Kerolin Nicoli set them up, but the Brazilian fired her shot over the bar. It wasn’t much longer, though, before the home side found their way past the net. A flurry of attempts from Kerolin and Roord saw Fowler blocked, and it was left to Leila Ouahabi. She showed great composure, slotting in to the bottom left corner from inside the box with just her second goal in a City shirt.
Kerolin Nicoli: Doubles The Lead
Kerolin, who had narrowly missed a header minutes earlier, was a constant threat to the Leicester defense. Her persistence paid off before the half-hour mark when she received a pass from Jess Park on the left. Dribbling past her marker, she unleashed a shot that took a slight deflection before looping over Leicester’s goalkeeper, Olivia Clark, doubling City’s lead. See also: Mared Griffiths Shines as United Outclass Wolves 6-0
There was an element of fortune in the goal, but it was well-deserved for the Brazilian, who had been one of City’s liveliest players. She nearly added a second moments later, this time firing a powerful effort that Clark managed to push onto the post. The first half ended with City firmly in control, with Ouahabi and Aoba Fujino also testing the Leicester goalkeeper.
Bunny Shaw’s Instant Impact off the Bench
Gareth Taylor made four changes at halftime to maintain the team’s intensity and keep Leicester on the back foot. Among the substitutes was Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, and it didn’t take long for the Jamaican striker to make her mark.
Fujino, who was instrumental throughout the match, provided a pinpoint cross from the byline, and Shaw rose highest to power a header past Clark. The goal, coming just 15 minutes into the second half, put City in a commanding 3-0 lead and showcased the team’s strength in depth.
With momentum on their side, City continued to press forward. Lily Murphy came close to adding a fourth, curling a shot just wide of the bottom corner, as the Blues looked to put the game beyond any doubt.
Leicester’s Late Response
Despite City’s dominance, Leicester managed to pull one back in the 82nd minute. Ruby Mace played a well-weighted through ball to Nelly Las, who finished clinically past Ayaka Yamashita to give the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, City remained composed, managing the final minutes effectively to secure their progression to the next round.
Aoba Fujino Shines
One of the standout performances of the night came from Japanese winger Aoba Fujino. Playing the full 90 minutes, she was instrumental in City’s attacking play, providing key passes and linking up seamlessly with her teammates. Her assist for Shaw’s goal highlighted her precision and vision, further cementing her importance in Taylor’s setup.
City’s Squad Depth Proves Crucial
Gareth Taylor made two changes from the side that saw off Arsenal midweek, as Ayaka Yamashita starts in goal behind a defensive line of Kerstin Casparij, Rebecca Knaak, Laia Aleixandri, and Leila Ouahabi.
Yui Hasegawa marshaled the midfield, giving Jill Roord and Jess Park freedom to advance and support the attack. The frontline was Mary Fowler, who’s been in top form, with Aoba Fujino and Kerolin Nicoli on the wings.
Taylor’s tactical flexibility and squad depth have been instrumental in City’s recent success. The ability to rotate key players while maintaining high performance levels bodes well as they continue their pursuit of both domestic and cup glory.
Looking Ahead
Having secured a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, City will now focus on the remaining games. The confidence in the squad is high, and with players like Shaw, Kerolin, and Fujino doing well, the fans of City will look forward to more silverware this season.