Manchester City turned on the style as they followed up last weekend’s Manchester derby success with a 7-0 thrashing of Tottenham.
The opening half was all about Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, who scored three goals in 15 minutes in a ruthless display in front of goal.
The striker grabbed City’s opener in the 23rd minute by heading home Leila Ouahabi’s inviting cross. Spurs goalkeeper Becky Spencer did manage to get a hand on the ball but there was too much power on Shaw’s header.
The 26-year-old was in the right place at the right time again nine minutes later as Jill Roord delivered a low cross from the left. Shaw had to stoop to meet the cross with her head, steering the ball past Spencer to double City’s advantage.
Six minutes later the hat-trick was complete. Laia Aleixandri delivered from the right and Shaw controlled the ball on her chest inside the penalty area before firing a low volley into the bottom corner.
Spurs were stunned. Robert Vilahamn brought on Rosella Ayane for Zhang Linyan at the break as the visitors looked for a way to turn the game around.
However, the City goals kept coming in the second half with three more in 11 minutes. England international Lauren Hemp’s shot from the edge of the penalty area found the top corner before Roord converted Hemp’s cross from close range to make it five.
Despite the goals flying in, Man City goalkeeper Khiara Keating had to stay alert, making fine saves to deny Martha Thomas and Eveliina Summanen, but the flow of goals could not be stopped at the other end.
Hemp was again the provider as her cutback picked out substitute Laura Coombs, who added City’s sixth before she put the finish touch on a stunning evening for City with a brilliant finish into the top corner for the home side’s seventh and final goal in injury time.
The victory sees Gareth Taylor’s side move up to third, one point ahead of Manchester United. They remain six points behind leaders Chelsea and three behind second-placed Arsenal.
Meanwhile, the defeat sees Spurs’ six-game unbeaten run in the league come to an end. They are sixth, four points behind Man City.
Player of the match – Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw
Bunny Shaw netted a first-half hat-trick for Man City against Tottenham
Sky Sports’ Izzy Christiansen:
“Lauren Hemp was excellent. Full credit to her for her performance.
However, the player of the match has to be Bunny Shaw.
“The three goals in the first half were ruthless. It was really good No 9 play with the movement inside the box excellent.
“I’d urge any young striker to watch it back.”
What’s next?
City host Aston Villa on December 9, with the game kicking off at 12pm in a game you can see live on Sky Sports Football.
Saturday 9th December 11:30am
Kick off 12:00pm
Sunday 10th December 6:30pm
Kick off 6:45pm
Meanwhile, Spurs entertain Man Utd on December 10 (kick-off 6.45pm) in another match being broadcast live on Sky Sports!
