Mary Fowler scored a fine double as Manchester City went six points clear at the top of the WSL with a 4-0 win at Bristol City, who have been relegated to the Women’s Championship.
The absence of Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw showed at times for the league leaders, who had 30 shots at Ashton Gate, but a stunning striker from Fowler (62) finally breached Bristol City’s defences.
The Australian added a second soon after (75), before an unfortunate own goal from Amy Rodgers (77). A late Alex Greenwood goal on the stoke of full-time sealed the win.
It sees Man City add to what could be the all-important goal difference – now 46 to Chelsea’s 39 – although they have played two games more than the Blues, who are back in WSL action against Liverpool on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports.
For Bristol City, it is an immediate return to the Championship – from which Crystal Palace were promoted earlier on Sunday – and they are yet to win at home in the WSL this season.
Man City ease six points clear as Robins relegated
Although Man City saw the better of the possession and shots, most of their first-half efforts went straight at goalkeeper Shae Yanez – Chloe Kelly, who started as the No9 in Shaw’s absence, and Laura Coombs the main culprits.
Bristol City had their moments on the counter too. One of their best came just after half an hour as Ffion Morgan sent a fine cross for the incoming Amalie Thestrup. However, she collided with Khiara Keating, which saw both needing medical treatment, but they were OK to continue.
Man City continued to rack up the chances after the break. Lauren Hemp – who went through the middle for the second half – sliced an effort just wide, before Fowler also had an effort stopped. Laia Aleixandri then nodded over.
And it took a spectacular moment to break the deadlock. Fowler picked up the ball in midfield, turned, and drove to the top of the area. She then unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner.
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Mary Fowler doubled Man City’s lead over Bristol City
Fowler was on target again with another good finish soon after. It was a great run to pick out Hemp’s cross and she helped the ball home with a deft touch.
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Amy Rodgers scored an own goal to extend Man City’s lead
Bristol City’s evening got worse two minutes later as Rogers poked into her own net. Kelly’s cross was nodded back into the middle by Hemp, with the Bristol City player poking out a foot to inadvertently see the ball past her own goalkeeper.
And with the final kick of the game, Man City captain Greenwood sealed the win and, crucially, boosted her team’s goal difference. She powered a header towards the top corner, which Yanez simply could not keep out despite a heroic effort.
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Alex Greenwood scored the fourth goal for Man City to cement Bristol City relegation from WSL
Taylor: We had to improve our body language
Man City manager Gareth Taylor to Sky Sports: “Our second-half performance was very good. We were actually poor in the first half, we were lethargic, we were flat, we were slow in spotting where the spaces were and moving the ball. We adjusted some things at half-time… a few minor tweaks.
“We spoke about body language, about intensity of our play. You have to give credit to Bristol City, they were very good. They slightly adjusted in terms of how they played and worked tremendously hard.
“We had to really find some bits of quality to unlock the door. Mary’s goal is a great goal. She did so well in the second goal as well.
“At half-time I would have been happy with 1-0, so to come away with 4-0 we are really pleased.”
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Manchester City Head Coach Gareth Taylor admitted that his side ‘had to find quality’ to defeat Bristol City.
On body language: “I don’t mind mistakes, I just want players to show positive energy. It’s fine to make mistakes, but don’t slump your shoulders, don’t show everyone you made a mistake.
“When you do that, the energy is not there and the body language is not quite right, we end up getting a first half like we did. It starts from the first 10 seconds.
“We were the opposite of that in the second half. We were so good.
“I’m not saying we’re being disrespectful of the opposition, but people expect you to roll up and win five, six or seven nil. It can happen, but it’s difficult. It’s the hardest thing to score goals and fair play to us, we turned the screw a little bit in the second half.”
Christensen: January transfer window the difference in relegation battle
Sky Sports’ Izzy Christiansen:
“In the first half, Bristol City were excellent. They’ve shown glimpses throughout the season of resilience, team work and they’ve had some real moments of quality.
“But this performance sums up their season. It’s been incredibly difficult for them, it’s sad to see them relegated, but for a team of such young players, it’s invaluable exposure at this level against these players week in, week out.
“The interesting thing is, in January, they were level on points with West Ham, both on five points. West Ham were backed in the transfer window, they bought a wealth of experience into the squad and that bolstered them.
“For Bristol City, they were unable to add much in January and unfortunately, that’s where they’re at tonight.”
Smith: We have to start looking towards next year
Bristol City manager Lauren Smith to Sky Sports: “I think we have been sat at the bottom of the table for the season. It has always been a mountain to climb. Some of the performance we have been very proud of but we haven’t got the results. We haven’t shown up for 90 minutes week in, week out and that’s shown at the end of the season.”
“Amelie [Thestrup] was really making our press effective and having to change her and change the plan a little bit [for the second half] then City came out and were more aggressive. They ultimately found that one and turned the screw a little bit.”
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Following her side’s relegation from the WSL, Bristol City Head Coach Lauren Smith admitted City ‘haven’t showed up 90 minutes week in, week out’.
On the future: “We have to start looking at what next year looks like. We have to continue to build and make sure our fanbase is as incredible next year as it is now. We will be looking to continue this trend and build the excitement.
“We talk about the journey a lot of the time. This is part of that journey for them. We have two more games and many more seasons ahead. Everything they have done this season, they can be proud of and that is experience. If this makes them better, that’s part of the development we do here.”
What’s next?
Bristol City are back on Sky Sports next Sunday as they travel to Chelsea; kick-off 6.45pm. Their final game will see them host Everton on May 18; kick-off 3pm.
It is a huge game for Man City next weekend as they host Arsenal on Sunday; kick-off 2.15pm. On the final day of the season – which could decide the destination of the WSL title – Man City visit Aston Villa; kick-off 3pm.
