Khadija Shaw scored a hat-trick as Manchester City Women demolished West Ham United 5-0 in the Barclays Women’s Super League on Saturday. This strengthens their title credentials ahead of a key week.
Shaw broke the deadlock seven minutes before half-time, finishing from close range after a pass from Carlotta Wamser. She doubled the lead eight minutes after the restart, heading home a cross from Lauren Hemp. Aoba Fujino then drove from midfield to score a low shot in the 60th minute, before substitute Iman Beney added a fourth eight minutes later. Shaw completed her treble in the 74th minute, converting an assist from fellow substitute Grace Clinton.
Defensive foundation for attack
While the attack flourished, the defensive unit provided the platform. Goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita made important saves, including one from a Leila Wandeler header, to preserve the clean sheet. The back line, marshalled by Jade Rose and Knaak, limited West Ham to only two shots on target despite some early pressure from Viviane Asseyi and Wandeler. City’s dominance was reflected in the statistics, with 20 shots to the visitors’ 13 and 55 per cent possession.
West Ham head coach Rita Guarino praised her team’s first-half display but acknowledged the second-half collapse. “We should not lose confidence and will focus on bouncing back next week.” She confirmed that defender Hawa Cissoko is being assessed after being forced off in the second half, adding to the team’s injuries.
This result was part of a recent run of three wins and two draws in the last five matches, including a 2-1 win over London City Lionesses W on 1 November and a 1-1 draw with Manchester United W on 25 October.
The result extends Manchester City’s recent form to three wins and two draws in their last five matches across all competitions. Shaw’s three goals take her personal tally to nine in eight WSL appearances this season, underlining her status as the league’s top scorer. The team now turns its focus to a key UEFA Champions League group stage fixture away to Inter Milano on Tuesday evening. Attention will then shift to a key domestic clash away to league leaders Chelsea W on Saturday 14 November.
