Jess Park shone brightly as Manchester City secured a crucial victory over rivals Manchester United in the Women’s Super League.
The 22-year-old forward scored twice and provided an assist for Khadija Shaw, propelling City to a 3-1 win and a three-point lead over Chelsea at the top of the table. Despite United’s efforts, including a goal from Hannah Blundell, they couldn’t overcome City’s dominance. With Park’s standout performance and City’s relentless attack, they are poised to challenge Chelsea’s WSL dominance and secure their first title since 2016.
With England manager Sarina Wiegman among the 40,086 watching on, Park enjoyed a hugely successful afternoon in Manchester.
The midfielder, now a regular in City’s side following the anterior cruciate ligament injury to record-signing Jill Roord, proved her credentials as one of the country’s most exciting talents with a mature display.
“The cherry on the cake we were looking for with Jess was goals and assists and she gave us that today, on the big stage,” said City boss Gareth Taylor.
Park forced a strong save out of goalkeeper Earps midway through the first half after United had threatened, with Brazilian Geyse getting the better of Ouahabi down the right-hand side.
Chances had come and gone for the visitors – Nikita Parris was denied by Khiara Keating before Geyse stabbed wide – and Park’s strike from distance was the first real opportunity for City.
That was the catalyst Taylor’s side needed and they began to settle, testing Earps again through Yui Hasegawa before Park’s quick double put them in the driving seat.
United’s frustration at Shaw’s role in Park’s opener was justified but the Jamaican had a goal disallowed for offside moments later when she poked in a deflected rebound.
Shaw, who had earlier gone down claiming a foul from Blundell, with the United defender already on a yellow card, scored her record-breaking goal at the start of the second half as she produced a cool finish.
“‘Bunny’ is just a unique player, she really is,” added Taylor. “Not only does she give us the goal, she’s a big focal point for the team.”
United, to their credit, did not give up in the second half but they had left themselves too much to do and while City must wait to see Chelsea’s response on Sunday, Marc Skinner’s side will be hoping fifth-placed Liverpool don’t overtake them.
It is the latest blow in a disappointing campaign for United, while City look more and more capable of ending Chelsea’s WSL dominance.
