Khadija Shaw’s late brace secured Manchester City an unconvincing 3-0 victory over resolute Leicester at the King Power Stadium, extending their WSL lead to six points. The Jamaica international was wasteful throughout before finally breaking through 16 minutes from time, with substitute Kerolin adding gloss with a stoppage-time third.

City dominated from the start but found Leicester’s defensive block impenetrable for 74 minutes. Shaw spurned multiple gilt-edged chances, hitting the side netting early and looping a header onto the roof of the net after the break. Vivianne Miedema was also repeatedly denied by inspired goalkeeper Janina Leitzig as City racked up 29 shots to Leicester’s two.

The breakthrough finally came when Shaw pounced on Celeste Boureille’s mistake to fire home. She added her second with a header in the 84th minute before Kerolin’s sublime finish in the 94th capped off City’s best-ever start to a WSL season.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Ayaka Yamashita (6/10): Had virtually nothing to do beyond passing to teammates. A training session for the Japanese keeper.

Kerstin Casparij (6/10): Never troubled defensively and got forward freely but didn’t significantly impact proceedings.

Jade Rose (6/10): The statistics of 29 shots to two tell the story. Precious little defending required.

Rebecca Knaak (7/10): Continues proving a handful in the air at both ends. Commanded the backline well.

Leila Ouahabi (7/10): Comfortable in possession and dealt with everything that came her way efficiently.

Midfield

Yui Hasegawa (6/10): Needed more style to her substance but played some nice touches to free teammates.

Laura Blindkilde Brown (6/10): Passing could have been quicker but stopped Leicester’s rare attacks with combative play.

Vivianne Miedema (7/10): Her first-half trickery came closest to unlocking Leicester’s dogged defence before her effectiveness waned.

Attack & Subs

Aoba Fujino (6/10): Ran at Leicester’s defence with wilful abandon but couldn’t bypass their low block.

Khadija Shaw (7/10): Missed a hatful before delivering when it mattered with two crucial goals. You only need a few seconds to have a successful game up front.

Lauren Hemp (6/10): Well shackled by Leicester’s doubled-up defence but assisted Shaw’s second.

Kerolin (8/10) ⭐: Added quality and dynamism off the bench. Got the crucial assist for Shaw’s opener before scoring a sublime late goal.

Andree Jeglertz’s side lacked creativity for long periods but his substitutions, particularly Kerolin, ultimately got the job done despite an unconvincing performance.

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Chloe Kelly has revealed her Arsenal transfer wasn’t just about playing time, it was crucial for her mental wellbeing after reportedly being “miserable” at the end of her Manchester City career.

The 27-year-old England forward spent six months on loan in North London last season before making the move permanent in summer, and hasn’t looked back. Speaking on Arsenal’s ‘Colney Carpool’ series, Kelly opened up about finding happiness at the Emirates while chasing more silverware.

“I came here to find happiness and to win but it has exceeded my expectations,” Kelly said. “I’m really grateful to Arsenal and I have a lot more to give for this club.”

Champions League Glory Still Burning

After winning the Champions League and Euros in 2025, Kelly enjoyed a near-perfect year. But rather than resting on those laurels, the former City star is hungry for more.

“It’s the best competition to play in. To win it was incredible but it makes you hungry for more success,” she explained. “At this club we strive for greatness and we were able to do that last season, but this season we want more.”

Her comments come as Arsenal navigate a difficult start to the current campaign, sitting well off the pace in the WSL title race despite their European success.

Ballon d’Or Recognition

Kelly’s exceptional 2025 earned her a first Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing fifth in the final placings behind Arsenal teammates Mariona Caldentey and Alessia Russo.

The ceremony provided a memorable moment when she found herself just seats away from childhood hero Ronaldinho. “I remember watching clips of him as a young girl and to be in the same room as him just a few seats down, it was special,” Kelly recalled.

Sports Personality Favourite

Kelly is now the frontrunner to win BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2025, with the winner announced on December 18. The award would cap off a remarkable year that’s seen her transform from City misery to Arsenal happiness while collecting major trophies and individual recognition along the way.

Also read: Who is Arsenal’s New Signing? Meet Maurizio Micheli, The Scout Who Discovered Kvaratskhelia and Kim Min-jae

Manchester City forward Mary Fowler has provided an encouraging update on her recovery from the ACL injury she sustained during April’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United.

The 22-year-old Australia international is seven months into her rehabilitation and remains determined to represent her country at the 2026 Asian Cup, despite facing a race against time.

Mary Fowler Targets Asian Cup Return Seven Months Into ACL Recovery

Speaking to Nine Wide World of Sports, Fowler confirmed her rehabilitation has progressed well under the guidance of Manchester City’s medical staff. However, she emphasized taking a cautious approach rather than rushing her return, stating she wants to ensure she comes back in the best possible shape when her body is ready.

Asian Cup Timeline

Fowler has approximately three months to complete her recovery and regain match fitness before the Asian Cup begins on March 1, 2026. The tournament, hosted by Australia, also serves as qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, adding extra significance to the competition.

The Matildas have been drawn in Group A alongside South Korea, Iran and the Philippines. While Fowler acknowledged her desire to participate, she refused to place strict timelines on her rehabilitation, recognizing the importance of not compromising her long-term fitness.

Season Cut Short

Fowler’s injury came at the worst possible moment, halting an exceptional individual campaign where she recorded six goals and seven assists in 17 WSL appearances for Manchester City. She was the only City player to reach double figures for both goals and assists last season, earning inclusion in the PFA WSL Team of the Year for 2024-25.

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The ACL rupture added to Manchester City’s mounting injury crisis, which also sidelined Alex Greenwood, Lauren Hemp, Vivianne Miedema, Bunny Shaw and Jill Roord at various points during the season. Fowler signed a contract extension until summer 2027 in October, demonstrating City’s long-term commitment to the Australian despite her injury setback.

Australia received a boost with Sam Kerr’s recent return from her own ACL injury, providing hope that Fowler can follow a similar recovery trajectory. Fowler joined Australia’s national team camp during the last international window to observe new head coach Joe Montemurro’s tactical philosophy, maintaining her connection with the squad despite being unavailable for selection.

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