Manchester City opened up a six-point cushion at the top of the Women’s Super League after eventually breaking down a determined Leicester City side to secure a 3–0 win away from home.
Khadija Shaw struck twice in the final stretch before substitute Kerolin sealed the result in stoppage time, giving City their ninth victory in 10 league matches - the best start they’ve ever recorded in a WSL campaign.
After wasting several clear-cut opportunities, Shaw finally found her moment, capitalising on a miscued clearance from Celeste Boureille and rolling a composed finish into the far corner.
Less than 10 minutes later she added her second, rising to meet Lauren Hemp’s cross with a powerful header.
In the dying moments, Kerolin raced onto Shaw’s perfectly timed pass to add a third and put the game beyond doubt.
For more than an hour, however, City - the league’s highest scorers - were left frustrated.
Despite dominating possession at over 75% and firing 14 attempts before half-time, their accuracy deserted them, with most efforts missing the target altogether.
Shaw alone missed four promising chances, including a close-range effort she sliced wide at the back post.
Janina Leitzig kept Leicester in the game with strong saves to deny Vivianne Miedema twice, one coming moments after the Dutch forward beat captain Janice Cayman with an audacious nutmeg.
The breakthrough only arrived after the introduction of Kerolin, whose direct running injected energy into City’s attack and forced the error that led to the opener.
City’s lead at the summit could be trimmed to three points if Chelsea beat Everton on Sunday, while Leicester stay ninth on six points.
City’s performance wasn’t fluent for long stretches, but their persistence was ultimately rewarded.
Shaw’s brace - including her record-breaking 28th headed goal in the WSL - was a testament to her resilience after a frustrating first half.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Shaw said: “Leicester make it tough in a back five. But I back myself in the box - I just have to stay ready when the ball comes in.”
Kerolin also made a huge impact in her first league appearance since September, offering pace, drive, and a late goal to cap her return from injury.
Manager Andrée Jeglertz praised the mentality of his side: “We created plenty but had to wait. The players stayed calm, stuck to the plan and didn’t let frustration creep in.”
Despite the defeat, Leicester can take confidence from how long they held out.
Rick Passmoor’s side showed organisation, commitment, and bravery, blocking shots and limiting City’s usual fluidity for over 70 minutes.
They pressed selectively and attempted to counter when chances arose - a tactic that may have been rewarded against a less relentless opponent.
If they can combine their defensive structure with sharper attacking transitions, Leicester should be capable of climbing the table in the weeks ahead.
