Manchester City Women have surged to the top of the Women's Super League with a flawless record from their first five games. Their 4-2 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium was the statement win that cemented an early two-point lead at the summit. City have now taken maximum points from their opening quintet of matches, a run that includes a 3-2 win over Brighton last time out. According to our verified data, they sit first in the FA WSL with 18 points from six games played, having scored 19 goals and conceded eight for a goal difference of plus eleven. They hold a two-point lead over Chelsea W.
That win over Arsenal was a dramatic affair. The visitors took the lead twice, first through Lisa Baum and again after halftime via Alessia Russo. City responded each time, with Lauren Hemp and Kerstin Casparij finding the net. Hemp then put City ahead for good before Khadija Shaw sealed the points with a low finish. The result leaves Arsenal, last season's runners-up, facing questions about their title credentials after a faltering start. Their most recent victory was a 3-2 win over Brighton on 18 October, where Shaw scored twice and Niamh Charles also netted.
City's momentum is clear. Their recent form reads three wins and two draws from the last five outings across all competitions, putting them on a two-game winning run. This sequence includes a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid W on 1 October and a 4-2 win over Liverpool W on 18 September. Key to their success has been the form of striker Khadija Shaw, who is the club's top scorer this season with seven goals in six WSL appearances. Her double in the recent 3-2 win over Brighton was key. The team's next challenge is a trip to face Manchester United, who are currently fifth, on 25 October. Manager Gareth Taylor will be demanding his side maintain their intensity in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.
The original report is at equalizersoccer.com
