Khadija Shaw scored two goals and Lauren Hemp added another as Manchester City Women beat Everton Women 3-2 in the final match of the season. The victory saw City end the campaign level on points with Arsenal in fourth, while Everton, who were flattered by the scoreline, finished sixth. There was an emotional atmosphere at the Academy Stadium as Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen, who is retiring, played her final match against her former club.
City put a high press into action early on and Hemp headed on to the top of the bar before Chloe Kelly curled over. Both sides had chances early in the second half, but it was Shaw’s clinical edge that made the difference when the game was simmering. Hemp put City firmly in control with a sumptuous drive off the bar from the right-hand side, and Shaw rounded things off with an emphatic finish, taking her tally for the season to 20 goals.
Everton grabbed late consolations through Lucy Hope, who turned Nicoline Sorensen’s cross in from a tight angle, and substitute Leonie Maier’s bundled effort in the final minute. City showed why they were in the title race at times in the second half, exploiting Everton’s slow build-up with an effective press. Kelly and Hemp were both impressive in wide areas, but it was Shaw’s goals that made the difference.
After the game, manager Gareth Taylor announced that Australia winger Hayley Raso will leave the club this summer. Christiansen received a guard of honour from both teams at kick off and was greeted warmly when brought on as a substitute. Everton may be building something under Brian Sorensen but will need to play with more purpose in the big games if they are to challenge further up the table next year.