We continue our countdown of the top 10 WSL games with a vital game in the relegation battle for Bristol City.
With the Women’s Super League now declared over, we at Her Football Hub are counting down the top 10 games from the WSL season. At number nine is Manchester United 0-1 Bristol City from January 5.
The first WSL game of the new decade did not disappoint in terms of dramatics.
Any Way Necessary
Bristol City earned their first win of the WSL season when they travelled to Leigh Sports Village to face Manchester United.
Casey Stoney’s Red Devils have been the surprise package of the league this season, sitting in fourth at the suspension of play.
They have gone from strength to strength in their maiden WSL season. But that didn’t stop Stoney questioning her side following the defeat.
Embed from Getty Images“We need to make sure that we keep our emotional control,” reflected Stoney. “The way you play teams like that is you move the ball quickly and you keep moving yourselves. You make sure you get in the right areas and when you get in the right areas you need to finish them.”
Manchester United dominated the entire game, having 26 shots on the Bristol City goal.
United even hit the post in the final minute of injury time as Ella Toone’s volley struck the woodwork with a volley.
READ: Opinion: The 10 Best WSL Games of 2019/20 – #10
Sophie Baggaley finished the game with nine saves, the second most in a single game by any goalkeeper in the league this season.
Despite the domination, Bristol City managed to sneak away with all three points at LSV.
Salmon’s Strike
The only goal of the game came at the feet of former United player Ebony Salmon.
A fantastic solo run followed up with an even better finish gave City the lead. She slipped the ball through the legs of England international Mary Earps to eventually earn all three points for the Vixens.
Bristol City put in an incredibly resolute and determined performance in order to hold on to the lead. United pushed hard for the equaliser but it never materialised, with the Robins standing tall in defence.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis victory against the Reds brought Bristol off the bottom of the WSL table, lifting them to 11th for the first time in over a month.
The west country side have since moved into 10th in the table, and have won one other game in the league.
United sit fourth and look set to finish there in their first-ever WSL season.
Watch highlights of the game here or visit the FA Player to watch the full game.
Our top 10 list so far:
10. Chelsea 2-1 Arsenal, October 13, 2019.
9. Manchester United 0-1 Bristol City, January 5, 2020.
