Manchester City extended their lead at the top of the Women’s Super League to six points as they overcame a stubborn Leicester City to claim a 3-0 away victory.
A Khadija Shaw double and goal for substitute Kerolin in the final 16 minutes earned City a ninth win in 10 league games this term, their best ever start to a WSL season.
Having already missed six good chances, Shaw finally struck when she pounced on a botched clearance from Celeste Boureille and finished low past Janina Leitzig.
Nine minutes later the Jamaican headed in from Lauren Hemp’s cross to secure maximum points.
Kerolin added a third in injury-time after running onto Shaw’s through ball.
For 73 minutes the highest scoring side in the WSL this term were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and dogged defensive work.
City averaged over 75% possession but failed to convert any of their 14 shots in the first half, the majority of which were off target.
WSL top scorer Shaw cut a frustrated figure as she missed four presentable opportunities before the break, including a far-post sitter that she sliced wide when left unmarked.
Vivianne Miedema was twice denied by smart saves from Janina Leitzig, the second of which came after she got past Leicester captain Janice Cayman with an audacious nutmeg.
It felt like City were running out of ideas, but the second-half introduction of Brazilian winger Kerolin injected much-needed energy.
It was her cross that forced Boureille’s mistake, one which Shaw was only too happy to accept.
City’s six-point lead at the top of the table will be cut to three if Chelsea defeat Everton on Sunday afternoon. Leicester remain ninth in the standings with six points.
