Murphy Magic: Manchester City Edge Past United to Reach League Cup Semi-Finals

Manchester City have booked their spot in the League Cup Semi-Finals, with Lily Murphy delivering the decisive goal to secure a hard-fought victory for the Blues!

Manchester United competed in a group stage top of the table clash to claim their place in the quarterfinal for the Subway Women’s League Cup. However, due to Manchester City’s qualification for the Women’s Champions League, City got an automatic qualification for the play-offs.

Earlier in the week, the two sides faced each other within the WSL, when Manchester United claimed the lead in the 14th minute through Ella Toone. They then went on to score two more times before Manchester City were able to get the ball into the back of the net. City went on to score twice before half time, with goals from Vivianne Miedema and newly signed Rebecca Knaak. United started the second half strong, with Ella Toone claiming her hat-trick, securing a 4-2 win over Manchester City.

Kickoff

Mary Fowler kicked off the game for Manchester City at Leigh Sports Village. The first effort came from Fujino, who sped down the right-hand side, but the ball was calmly collected by Tullis-Joyce.

0-1

Manchester City claimed an early lead from Lily Murphy’s outstanding cross to Laura Coombs, who was able to tap the ball past Phallon. Soon after, Fowler dispossessed Millie Turner, creating an excellent opportunity for City. She passed to Laura Coombs, who glided past Maya Le-Tissier but missed the target.

Manchester United had their first strong opportunity in the 24th minute, with Rachel Williams dispossessing Fowler. However, Casparij calmly played the ball away. Soon after, Awujo crossed the ball, hitting Lily Murphy, who cleared it, but it struck Rachel Williams. Williams volleyed the ball wide of the net.

1-1

Keating took a free kick from an offside position, but United quickly gained possession and sent the ball upfield, resulting in their first corner. Ana Sandberg sent it to the back post, which City cleared. The ball was crossed back in by Melvine Malard, and Millie Turner struck it into the net to equalize for United.

1-2

Despite Manchester United gaining momentum, City bounced back in the 45’ +2’. Rachel Williams lost the ball to Mary Fowler, who passed to Murphy. Murphy cut inside past Mannion and slotted the ball into the far corner beyond Phallon.

HALF-TIME

Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City.

Needing an equaliser, Marc Skinner subbed on Dominique Janssen for goalscorer Millie Turner before the second half began.

Manchester City had an early second-half chance with Lily Murphy and maintained possession initially. However, Leah Galton and Kerstin Casparij battled up the wing, creating chances for United.

In the 57th minute, Fujino was subbed off for Jess Park, and Laura Coombs made way for Jill Roord. United’s Malard and Williams were replaced by Terland and Bizet shortly after. United gained a corner from a brilliant team effort. Sandberg’s short corner was headed by Janssen but easily collected by Keating.

Khiara Keating went down in the 73rd minute, giving United the chance to bring on Riviere for Galton. As United’s energy faded, City looked poised for the win. Bizet created an opportunity in the box, but Keating and Terland collided, both going down. A controversial free kick was awarded to City.

While Keating received treatment, United subbed on Ella Toone for Grace Clinton. Due to injury, Yamashita replaced Keating in the final moments. A minimum of 8 minutes of added time was announced, but City controlled possession throughout injury time to see out the victory.

FULL-TIME:

Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City.

Teams:

Manchester United

Tullis-Joyce, Sandberg, Le Tissier ©, Mannion, Clinton, Malard (Bizet, 69’), Galton (Riviere, 73’), Awujo, Miyazawa, Turner (Janssen, 46’), Williams (Terland, 60’).

Manchester City

Keating (Yamashita, 86’), Aleixandri ©, Coombs (Roord, 58’), Fowler, Ouahabi, Casparij, Blindkilde Brown, Fujino (Park, 58’), Hasegawa, Knaak, Murphy.

Referee:

S. Pearson