KHADIJA SHAW’S goalscoring exploits for Manchester City continued yesterday with the Reggae Girl captain bagging a brace to help in a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Liverpool in Women’s Super League action yesterday.
The victory moved City to the top of the league table with 10 points from four matches. However, City have played a game more than defending champions Chelsea, and Manchester United, second and third respectively on nine points. Brighton, in fourth, also have nine points but have played four games.
Shaw scored a header in the 92nd minute to squeeze out the winner after Liverpool opened the scoring in the 41st minute through Olivia Smith’s long-range right-footed strike.
Shaw levelled the score with a strike from inside the box in the 58th, clipping her shot into the top-right corner after a through ball from Laia Aleixandri.
Later, Shaw struck the post after connecting with another pass from Aleixandri, and it seemed like City would have to settle for a draw.
However, with time running out, Lauren Hemp delivered a perfect cross that saw Shaw rising highest to give City a dramatic victory.
According to Shaw, while the game was difficult, her team had the confidence to get the job done.
“It was a difficult game today. We knew it’d be a tough one with how Liverpool play, but we knew if we stick to what we’re capable of, we’ll get the opportunities to score.
“Luckily, we got the job done. The thing we have to keep developing and improving is our mentality,” Shaw told mancity.com.
“I think even when we were 1-0 down, we spoke at halftime that once they come out, let’s get an early one and put them on the back foot.
“At times it was difficult, but we managed to get there in the end.”
Shaw also believes that the support of the fans at the Etihad had much to do with the team’s never-say-die attitude, something she hopes for throughout the season.
“The momentum from midweek, they came out, and we definitely heard them,” she said of the fans.
“That’s what we’re going to need going forward for every game. Their support is massive for us and definitely helps us in the difficult moments.”