Manchester City’s Women’s Super League campaign has not started well.
The Citizens, who were considered by many to be genuine title contenders have suffered successive losses and are now six points back of Chelsea.
Gareth Taylor’s team suffered a major setback with their latest result: a 1-0 loss at home against Brighton.
We look ahead to today’s Manchester Derby and see how City could bounce back.
The target is reached
This term, City has been a relatively solid defensively. They are tied with Chelsea and Liverpool in terms of fewest goals conceded, having only four goals scored over six matches.
The team’s inability to score regularly is surprising. With a total of 10, they are some distance behind the most prolific division teams.
City has scored just two goals in its previous three WSL matches. They were blanked at Brighton, despite having an xG score of 2.8.
The Citizens’ xG total of 12.2 has been underperformed throughout the entire season. This is a sign that they are unable to convert their chances.
Taylor, after the Brighton loss, said that “everyone expects us and thinks we will win, and, of course, we do. But it is difficult.”
If you’re not careful and tight in the back, it could happen to anybody.
It’s not nice to lose, and we have lost our home record. But, it is time to get back up and try again.
It’s good to recover from any game. “It’s the ideal game [against Manchester United] for us.”
Influential Individuals
The City team can draw inspiration from a variety of attacking talent.
The England international Chloe Kelly is off to a great start in the WSL season, having scored three goals. She has also been one of her team’s best players.
City’s attack is bolstered by Jill Roord, who was a prolific scorer at Wolfsburg prior to her move this summer.
Khadija, who scored 20 goals in England’s premier league last season, is also at Taylor’s disposal. She has scored only twice this season, which is less than her xG (2.9).
The manager’s job is to find a way of creating more opportunities and getting the quality forwards in the club on their best form.
It is easy to say than do, but it will be crucial for City as they prepare for today’s match at Old Trafford.
Faith is important
City could easily panic after suffering two devastating defeats within a span of one week.
Taylor is no doubt aware that there has never been a WSL champion who lost twice or more in one season.
Citizens’ manager will feel increased pressure after his team is defeated by United. This comes especially after an underwhelming campaign in 2022-23.
It may be necessary to have patience with a team that is still looking for cohesion.
