Manchester City marked their Women's Super League title triumph with a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham United, as Khadija Shaw scored a brace to take her season tally to 21 goals in 22 league matches. The win allowed City to lift the WSL trophy for the first time in ten years.
Shaw's Double Seals Comfortable Win
Shaw, widely regarded as one of the world's best strikers, opened the scoring in the first half and added another after the break. She celebrated both goals in front of the traveling City supporters at Dagenham and Redbridge's ground, raising her hands in thanks after the first and being mobbed by teammates after the second. The Jamaican forward's future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting she may leave the club unless a significant u-turn occurs.
The match itself had little competitive edge, as City had already secured the title following Arsenal's draw with Brighton ten days earlier. However, the champions were determined to end the season on a high note before their upcoming FA Cup final. The result was predictable given City's dominance over West Ham, having won 12 of 14 previous WSL meetings, but the Hammers offered stubborn resistance, having entered the match on a two-game winning streak.
Key Moments
- Jade Rose scored her first goal for City, heading in from a set piece to give the visitors a first-half lead.
- Shaw doubled the advantage early in the second half with a clinical finish.
- Seraina Piubel pulled one back for West Ham, turning in Ffion Morgan's low cross.
- Shaw restored City's two-goal cushion with a low strike into the far corner.
- Laura Coombs added a fourth, scoring in her final league appearance before retiring after a 19-year career.
Managerial Impact
Manager Andrée Jeglertz has been praised for transforming City's culture and tactics since arriving last summer. He inherited a squad full of talent but suffering from staleness under previous boss Gareth Taylor. Jeglertz brought a calm demeanor and fostered a team environment that allowed players to express themselves. Crucially, he found a way to make the partnership between Shaw and Vivianne Miedema work, something Taylor had struggled to achieve. Miedema missed the final weeks of the season as her mother battles cancer, and City's form dipped in her absence.
After the final whistle, players embraced before lifting the trophy in modest surroundings. The victory signals a potential new era for City, but the likely departure of Shaw raises questions about whether they can build a dynasty. As one of the most reliable players in the squad, her exit would be a significant blow.
In other WSL action, Arsenal secured automatic Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win over Liverpool, while Chelsea beat Manchester United 1-0 but will enter the Champions League qualifiers. Tottenham defeated Brighton 2-1, and Everton won 1-0 against Leicester, who face a relegation playoff.
