Manchester City 4, London City Lionesses 1.

London City Lionesses put in a spirited performance but ultimately fell to a 4–1 defeat against Manchester City at the Joie Stadium.

Sunday 28th September | Joie Stadium

Goals from Vivianne Miedema, Laura Blindkilde, and a brace from Khadija Shaw sealed victory for the hosts, despite Jocelyn Prêcheur’s side showing plenty of fight and creating chances of their own.

Nikita Parris offered a lifeline midway through the first half with a superb finish, and the London City came close to levelling before the break, only for two second-half penalties to swing the tie firmly in Manchester City’s favour.

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London City began brightly, enjoying long spells of possession and finding rhythm in their passing. However, it was the home side who struck first in the 11th minute,

Miedema ghosting in unmarked to head home from a teasing cross.

Three minutes later, Blindkilde doubled the advantage with a strike from the edge of the area that found its way through a crowded penalty box and nestled into the bottom corner.

London City Lionesses refused to be rattled. On 19 minutes, Parris lashed a powerful effort into the far corner across goal, halving the deficit and breathing life into the contest.

Izzy Goodwin almost levelled moments later, showing blistering pace to outmuscle Alex Greenwood before attempting an audacious lob from distance that only narrowly missed the target.

London City grew in confidence as the half wore on. Parris, full of energy and intent, forced another chance after pressing high up the pitch, though her effort flew just wide.

In added time, Kosovare Asllani glided through midfield and threaded a pass into Parris, whose deflected strike agonisingly trickled inches past the post.

The visitors went into the break with belief they could turn the game around.

Goalkeeper Elene Lete produced a stunning fingertip save in the 51st minute to deny Miedema a second, clawing the ball out of the top corner.

But in the 68th minute, Manchester City were awarded a penalty which Shaw confidently dispatched to restore their two-goal cushion. Shaw converted another from the spot late on, wrapping up the points for the home side.

Despite the result, London City Lionesses remain ninth in the WSL after a challenging start that has included away trips to both Arsenal and Manchester City, as well as hosting Manchester United.

Prêcheur said: “I’ve got a lot of satisfaction from my side despite the result. I congratulate Manchester City for their game and performance.

“We were good in this game, I think we created some doubts in Manchester City, but the penalty gave them the confidence and control of the game.

“At 3-1, we knew it would be difficult to come back, so I respect the decision of the referee, but it is frustrating.

“The calendar is tough, but it is the best way to let us learn and adapt to this league. The gap between the BWSL2 and BWSL is huge. It would be arrogant to this we could close this gap in four weeks.

“We are already proving that we are showing many things, it is now about the response. We need to take the lessons of this game and be ready.”

Parris added: “We’ve come against three of the top four teams, we’ve had to learn quick, and small margins have cost us in games.

“This is the learning curve of the WSL. Ultimately, we’ve got to be smarter and sharper. The players in the WSL don’t give you a minute to breathe, it’s the best league in the world. We knew it was going to be hard and we’re learning quickly.”

Prêcheur’s side now look forward to three consecutive home fixtures, starting with Liverpool before welcoming West Ham a week later, followed by Leicester City in the Women’s League Cup.

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Teamsheet: Lete, Pérez (Roddar 64’), Corrales, Kumagai (Zelem 87’), Asllani, Linari,

Parris (Franssi 87’), Brown (Fernández 74’), Goodwin, Sangaré, Geyoro (Lindström 64’).