Hemp’s double gave City the decisive edge in a match where Liverpool remained competitive for long periods. Her goals bookended the victory, reinforcing her importance to a side that can turn pressure into goals from multiple areas.
Shaw’s contribution added another layer to City’s attack. The forward’s involvement alongside Hemp meant Liverpool had to manage more than one central threat, while Fisk’s own goal further punished moments of defensive uncertainty.
For the champions, the key number remains 100 per cent: City have maintained a flawless start despite conceding twice.
Liverpool did not simply sit back and absorb pressure. Bergstrom and Endemann’s first-half goals kept the visitors within reach and ensured City could not settle into a comfortable rhythm.
Scoring twice against the reigning champions offers encouragement, even in defeat. The issue was defensive control. Conceding four goals made it difficult for Liverpool to turn their attacking response into a result, particularly against a City side with the depth to sustain pressure across the match.
The 4-2 scoreline therefore points in two directions: City remain ruthless, while Liverpool have enough attacking threat to trouble the league’s leading sides.
Perfect records are built on more than routine wins. City’s ability to survive a high-scoring challenge and still finish two goals clear strengthens their early position as the team to beat.
The next storyline will be whether Manchester City can carry this attacking efficiency into their next WSL fixture, and whether Liverpool can convert promising attacking spells into points against the division’s other contenders.