Hemp's late strike seals Manchester City's narrow WSL win over London City Lionesses

Lauren Hemp’s 74th-minute finish secured Manchester City a hard-fought 2-1 Women’s Super League win at London City Lionesses’ Hayes Lane ground on Sunday, extending the champions’ unbeaten start to the season and opening a six-point gap over the third-placed hosts.

Khadija Shaw had given City the lead eight minutes into the second half, rounding Mary Earps after Hemp’s through ball before Maria Perez cleared off the line. Jana Fernandez levelled almost immediately with a glancing header, but City needed just 122 seconds to retake the lead — Hemp sliding in to convert Mary Fowler’s cross and settle a contest that could easily have gone the other way.

London City Lionesses were wasteful in front of goal throughout, missing three clear-cut chances before half-time alone. Kadidiatou Diani’s drive was blocked by Alex Greenwood, Fernandez put a far-post volley wide, and Izzy Goodwin’s effort was cleared off the line by Jade Rose. Shaw also struck a post at the other end after her opener, while Nicole Anyomi skied another glorious opportunity for the hosts.

The afternoon featured a notable return for former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, making her first WSL start in 897 days. The 33-year-old, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, produced a spectacular save from Rebecca Knaak — pushing a bullet header against the post and swatting the rebound clear — to justify her selection.

Alexia Putellas, whose Ballon d’Or trophy was on display at Hayes Lane, was influential for the Lionesses throughout, teeing up fellow Spaniard Fernandez for an early chance that drifted just wide.

Elsewhere in the WSL, Arsenal’s difficult season continued as Alessia Russo’s header five minutes from time salvaged a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. Russo cancelled out Chastity Grant’s first-half opener, leaving both sides level on 10 points after eight games.