Why Man City would be foolish to let Shaw leave

It did not go to plan initially on the pitch as Chelsea's dominant start gave them a deserved lead and chances came Shaw's way, which she squandered.

Just before half-time, fear struck over a potential injury as she received treatment for several minutes after a heavy knock.

As she trudged over to the touchline, Chelsea supporters chanted: "Bunny Shaw, we'll see you next season."

But those same supporters were silenced when Shaw's strike flew past goalkeeper Hannah Hampton in the 92nd minute, moments after team-mate Mary Fowler had made it 2-1, and she ran to the corner, knee-sliding and roaring in celebration.

City fans showed their adoration in abundance and Shaw's team-mates urged her to lap up the attention at the end of extra time after her header ensured a 3-2 victory.

It was the perfect snapshot of what Shaw is capable of - even when not at her best, she still scored twice and stepped up in the biggest moments.

"That is what we need a forward to do, to create chances, maybe miss one but move on and continue," said manager Andree Jeglertz.

"Bunny has scored so many goals for this club in so many years and this season also. She has shown she is a great player but also a great team-mate."

• Brighton reach Women's FA Cup final as Liverpool falter
• Unmasking the coach who led Man City to WSL title glory

An audition for Chelsea and anxiety for Man City

While City fans were clearly delighted with the victory - and Shaw's significant part in it - it would have been tinged with anxiety over her future.

Her performance was a showcase of what Chelsea could get if they manage to win the battle to sign her - and of what City stand to lose if they allow her to leave.

She is set to secure a third successive WSL Golden Boot after scoring 19 goals in 21 appearances and she will be City's top scorer for a fourth year in a row.

The 29-year-old is also just one goal away from becoming the first player in WSL history to score 20 or more goals in three different seasons.

On Friday, she was crowned the Football Writers' Association Women's Footballer of the Year.

Would it be a catastrophe if she left City, given they have spent 10 years building a squad capable of winning the WSL and now hope to go on to dominate?

"I wouldn't say the word catastrophic - I always said she is an amazing player for us," said Jeglertz. "She has been very good this year and has scored a lot of goals and has impact.

"Where we are in July, I don't know. It is not up to me. I'm pretty sure that no matter what players are in my squad in July, the club will definitely give me possibilities to win a title next season. Who that is, we'll see later on.

"Of course, I want her in my team but it's not in my hands."

Former Chelsea midfielder Karen Carney still believes Shaw will be at City next season but wherever she is, she will make a difference.

"She changes [the game]. Who else is out there that can guarantee you this?" said Carney.

"Shaw's the difference-maker. Manchester City were out of it and she had missed a few chances but bang! Goal! They were back in the game."

[BBC]

Full reaction to Sunday's dramatic FA Cup semi-finals will be on the Women's Football Weekly podcast with Ben Haines, Ellen White and Jen Beattie. The latest episode will drop on Tuesday on BBC Sounds, with interviews and extra content available on the Women's Football Weekly feed

• Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page