Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Women’s Super League title defence with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Liverpool at the Joie Stadium, sealed by a Grace Fisk own goal and Lauren Hemp’s second goal in stoppage time.

Hemp opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing low after being found by Carlotta Wamser. Liverpool responded impressively, however, with Alice Bergström equalising six minutes later before Vivien Endemann put the visitors ahead in the 28th minute.

City restored parity shortly before half-time when Khadija “Bunny” Shaw capitalised on an error by Liverpool goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe. The hosts and champions went into the interval level at 2-2 after a breathless first half.

The second half remained closely contested, with Liverpool holding firm for long periods and threatening to take a point from the champions. City eventually found the breakthrough in the 90th minute when Grace Clinton’s dangerous cross, intended for Shaw, was turned into the Liverpool net by captain Fisk.

With Liverpool committed forward in search of a late equaliser, Hemp completed her brace in the fifth minute of added time. The England winger ran clear from beyond halfway before finishing confidently to make it 4-2.

Key moments
Minute Scorer Score
13′ Lauren Hemp Manchester City 1-0 Liverpool
19′ Alice Bergström Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
28′ Vivien Endemann Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool
45+2′ Khadija Shaw Manchester City 2-2 Liverpool
90′ Grace Fisk own goal Manchester City 3-2 Liverpool
90+5′ Lauren Hemp Manchester City 4-2 Liverpool

The victory gives City three wins from three at the start of the WSL season. The final score slightly overstated the gap between the sides, with Liverpool competitive throughout and leading for much of the first half before City’s late quality decided an entertaining contest.