Following a disappointing week for both clubs, Manchester City and Leicester met for the quarter-finals of the 2020/21 FA Cup.
Man City’s injury problems had been further compounded by the news that Ruby Mace and Alanna Kennedy would be unable to feature due to cup rules. Leicester too would be forced to be without four of their players.
How it went
Despite their slightly makeshift lineup, the early moments of the game saw the hosts push Leicester for an early opener. The following spell saw chances for both sides as Natasha Flint and Jess Park had opportunities to put their team ahead.
The game continued with chances for both sides, however neither team were able to convert as they went into the break level.
The second half brought an instant turn of fortunes for the hosts as a goal-line scramble allowed Bunny Shaw to put her side ahead just 40 seconds in.
As the game edged towards the hour mark, Vicky Losada doubled Man City’s lead. Shaw then got her second of the game just eight minutes later as she unleashed a thunderous effort into the top corner.
Embed from Getty ImagesMan City were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute as Lauren Hemp was brought down in the box by Esmee De Graaf. The spot-kick was quickly converted by Alex Greenwood, who sent Demi Lambourne the wrong way.
Ellen White almost made it five, however, her shot sailed just wide of the post. Jill Scott then eventually set Shaw up for the fifth after a solo run from the back line that allowed the striker to easily get her hat trick.
Filippa Angeldahl then opened her account for City with a clean strike from inside the area in the 88th minute. The game finished with a resounding victory for the hosts as they managed an instant reply from their embarrassing defeat in the league at the weekend.
Stand out player
Despite her team having four different scorers, Jill Scott was outstanding throughout the game. Playing out of her normal position, her strong performance will surely bring her into contention for a starting place within the squad.
With several well-timed tackles allowing her team to retain their clean sheet, the No.8 was crucial in her team’s victory.
As well as her work in defence, the England international also played her part in the attack. A long run from the heart of defence offered Shaw an easy header to bag her first hat trick for her new side.
Embed from Getty ImagesPost match thoughts
Manchester City head coach seemed positive on the improvement in his team’s performance in the second half.
When asked about whether his team would have any more players available for the next round Taylor seemed unsure.
“Ellie Roebuck might be back by then, Keira [Walsh] should be up to full speed but outside of that, that’s probably going to be it.”
He was also full of praise for Jill Scott: “I thought she read the game so well tonight because that would have been really tough for her playing out of position.”
Manchester City will welcome Chelsea to the City Football Academy for the semi-finals at the end of October, while Arsenal will host Brighton.
Starting XIs
Manchester City
Taieb; Beckie, Scott, Greenwood (c), Stanway, Losada, Angeldahl, Weir, Park, Hemp, Shaw
Leicester
Lambourne; Howard, Tierney, Plumptre (c), Purfield, O’Brien, Smith, Pike, De Graaf, Flint, Sigsworth
