Knaak's late strike edges Man City closer to WSL title
TL;DR
Rebecca Knaak's late goal secured a 1-0 victory for Manchester City over Liverpool, moving them closer to the WSL title. City is now nine points ahead, while Arsenal has three games in hand that could affect the title race.
Key points
- Rebecca Knaak scored the winning goal for Manchester City.
- Manchester City defeated Liverpool 1-0.
- City is now nine points clear at the top of the WSL.
- Arsenal has three games in hand that could impact the title race.
- A draw or loss for Arsenal means City wins the title.
Rebecca Knaak's late strike saw Manchester City beat Liverpool 1-0 and take a step closer to the WSL title.
Andree Jeglertz's side needed to bounce back after defeat to Brighton last weekend, and made hard work of their victory.
Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk had made a string of wonderful saves - particularly in the second half - but could not keep out Knaak's stooped header in added time.
It sends Man City nine points clear at the top of the WSL, with Chelsea now unable to catch them. However, Arsenal have three games in hand after their Champions League exploits, and if they win all of them, the title race will go down to the final day.
However, if the Gunners draw or lose any of their remaining three fixtures, Man City will be crowned WSL champions without having to kick a ball.
All of the final day games on Saturday May 16 will be shown live on Sky Sports, as Arsenal travel to Liverpool while Man City are at West Ham - their only league game left to play. Sunday's results mean we will have a new WSL champion for the first time since Arsenal in the 2018/19 season.
- How the teams lined up | Live Women's Super League table
- Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW📺
- Download the Sky Sports app | Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp
Man City come through tough Liverpool test
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rebecca Knaak scores a late header to take three points for Manchester City against Liverpool
Man City's final home game of the season saw them welcome back former head coach Gareth Taylor, and it looked like the Liverpool boss - who twice went close to bringing the WSL title back to the club - was going to have a big say in where the trophy ended up.
Also See:
- Watch FREE Women's Super League highlights
- Stream the WSL with no contract
- Live Women's Super League table
- Get Sky Sports
The Reds had the better chances in the first half, with Denise O'Sullivan and Grace Fisk going close early on. Man City had their first shot in the 26th minute, but lagged behind their opponents in the stats after a nervy opening 45 minutes.
But some tactical tweaks at the break saw Jeglertz's side come racing out of the traps, registering four shots in the opening ten minutes compared to three in the entirety of the first half.
Image: Rebecca Knaak celebrates after scoring a late winner for Man City against Liverpool
Lauren Hemp was key in all of Man City's attacking play, but despite linking up well with Khadija Shaw, the latter could not turn home the fizzing crosses.
Falk too had a big hand in keeping the hosts at bay, denying Kerolin and Shaw, among others. Liverpool also offered their own warning at the other end, but Beata Olsson sent her free header wide.
And as six minutes of added time were shown, it was Knaak who diverted a corner past the goalkeeper to put Man City within touching distance of their first leg title since 2016.
Story of the match in stats
What's coming up next?
[
Play Super 6!
Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.](https://super6.skysports.com/)
Q&A
How did Manchester City secure their victory against Liverpool?
Manchester City won 1-0 against Liverpool thanks to a late goal from Rebecca Knaak.
What is the current standing of Manchester City in the WSL?
Manchester City is nine points clear at the top of the WSL after their win over Liverpool.
Can Arsenal still win the WSL title?
Yes, Arsenal can still win the WSL title if they win their three games in hand.
What happens if Arsenal draws or loses any of their remaining matches?
If Arsenal draws or loses any of their remaining matches, Manchester City will be crowned WSL champions.
