Manchester City FC

It proved to be a special night at the Etihad Stadium in the Barclays Women’s Super League as the Blues recorded our 250th professional win.

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw lit the blue touch paper after just 21 seconds when relentlessly hunting down possession, retrieving the ball and coolly slotting home.

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She then doubled our lead less than 15 minutes when the Jamaican met a teasing Lauren Hemp cross to head into the net from close range.

Gareth Taylor‘s side then kept our foot on the gas after the interval and extended our a strong advantage through Jill Roord who venomously fired past Rebecca Spencer after collecting Hemp’s pass.

Then England international grabbed her third assist of the evening soon when playing an inch-perfect pass across the face of goal - allowing Bunny to grab her history making hat-trick.

It meant the clinical striker became the first player to score three trebles against the same WSL opponent and it also moved her to the top of the all-time hat-trick list in the competition’s history with six.

Another clinical display saw Shaw also become the first player ever to score three hat-tricks against the same opponent in Barclays Women’s Super League history

In front of more than 10,000 fans at the Etihad, she needed just 21 seconds to find the opener, before doubling our lead less than 15 minutes later.

Jill Roord got her third in three games to put City three up and out of sight before Shaw completed an historic hat-trick midway through the second period.

It meant a comfortable night for Gareth Taylor’s team as we registered our 250th win as a professional outfit in just 340 outings while we have now gone 11 matches unbeaten across all competitions at the start of the 2024/25 season.

At this early stage, the victory guarantees we’ll see out the weekend in top spot of the WSL no matter what title rivals Chelsea do against Liverpool on Sunday.

What happened

After a spectacular fireworks display and light show as the players lined up in the tunnel, all in the Etihad marked the upcoming Remembrance Sunday with a minute’s silence and sounding of The Last Post.

Once the game kicked off, City incredibly needed only 21 seconds to take the lead with Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw pressing high, taking the ball off Clare Hunt and finishing with aplomb.

Our next major opening came after nine minutes, when Kerstin Casparij dashed to the byline and whipped a dangerous low cross that Aoba Fujino was inches away from converting at the back post.

The City fans in the Etihad didn’t have to wait long to celebrate again however, with Shaw rising above Hunt to nod home Lauren Hemp’s floated cross in the 15th minute.

Spurs improved as the first half wore on, but never to the extent that Khiara Keating’s goal felt truly under threat.

Instead, City still could have added to our tally before the break, with Fujino meeting Hemp’s brilliant cross but failing to keep her header under the bar.

The second half began with City again on the front foot and only a superb diving Becky Spencer save prevented Hemp from registering another Goal of the Season contender.

Hemp could not have gone any closer in the 58th minute, when a sweeping move from right to left ended at her feet in the inside left channel.

Our electric winger stepped onto the ball and hit it with her instep, seeing it strike the inside of the near post before flying across the goal line and colliding with the other post.

The 24-year-old has arguably been the top-flight’s outstanding player so far this term and was again at her flying best in this one, proving a constant thorn in Spurs’ side.

It was her exquisite footwork that eventually brought about City’s third of the night.

Dancing through midfield, Hemp found the pass for Jill Roord, who took one touch and hammered home to continue her excellent form since return from injury.

That momentum swiftly carried us to our fourth as Shaw completed her hat-trick shortly afterwards, with the striker turning Hemp’s cross home.

It marked her 12th goal in just five WSL starts against Spurs and another record broken for our incredible forward.

That goal also signalled Hemp’s third assist in a spectacular performance and led to Taylor rotating his pack ahead of a busy November across domestic and continental fronts.

Teenage winger Lily Murphy was centimetres away from topping the occasion with a special memory of her own but saw her shot rustle the side netting narrowly wide of the near post.

Teams

CITY XI: Keating, Casparij, Kennedy, Greenwood, Ouahabi, Hasegawa, Park (Coombs 77), Roord (Blindkilde Brown 70), Fujino (Fowler 70), Hemp (Kelly 77), Shaw (Murphy 77)

Subs: Yamashita, Prior, Thomas, O’Carroll

SPURS XI: Spencer, Morris, Bartrip, Hunt (James-Turner 46), Buhler, Neville, Naz (Grant 82), Summanen, Spence (Ahtinen 70), Vinberg (Raso 55), England (C) (Thomas 55)

Subs: Heeps, Wang, Gunning-Williams, Csiki

gareth Taylor reaction

I’m pleased we got the result. There were some good parts to our game tonight, and I think there were some things we can be better with.

We have to factor in playing in a different kind of environment for us. The good thing is we play three games here [this season] and the girls will feel ready for the next game because it’s slightly different to what we have at the Joie Stadium.

Really good start, I think we had opportunities to enhance our lead at 2-0 and also at 4-0 as well.

These are the things as I as a coach I want to push with the girls because when we stick to what we do we’ll see top things. Overall I was really pleased.

Player of the Match

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw

The striker simply loves playing Spurs. While she’s prolific against all opposition, her numbers are jaw dropping when it comes to playing against this half of north London.

It was her pressing that won the ball back 20 seconds in and she was the only City player on the pitch to have touched the ball as it hit the back of the net.

If that was all about hard work and composure, her second typified her physical prowess. Leaping higher than anyone else on the pitch is capable, Shaw powerfully headed beyond Becky Spencer.

Her third made it 12 goals in five Barclays Women’s Super League and saw her become the first player ever to score three hat-tricks against the same opponent.

That’s before you consider she has now passed Vivianne Miedema as the WSL’s record hat-trick scorer, hitting three on six separate occasions.

Fortress Etihad

After five games at the Etihad in our professional history, we have won four and drawn one.

In that time, we have scored 10 goals and conceded just twice.

We’ll next have the opportunity to extend that record when we host Manchester United in January before we host defending champions Chelsea at the stadium in March.

What it means

City have 19 points from our first seven matches in the 2024/25 Barclays Women’s Super League.

We will stay top no matter what Chelsea do at Liverpool on Sunday afternoon and remain at the summit for next weekend’s clash with Sonia Bompastor’s side.

What’s next

City host Swedish side Hammarby at the Joie Stadium in the Women’s Champions League at 20:00 on Tuesday 12 November.

Our next Barclays Women’s Super League outing comes at defending champions Chelsea at 17:30 on Saturday 16 November.

News about Man City v Spurs

Extended highlights | City 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

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Shaw's goals are reward for her hard work, says Taylor

Gareth Taylor says Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's latest hat-trick is just reward for her relentless hard work for the team. Read more

Short highlights | City 4-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Watch the bitesize best bits from Manchester City's emphatic 4-0 success over Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium. Watch more

Bunny Shaw’s stellar stats against Spurs

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw continued her remarkable record against Tottenham Hotspur with a hat-trick in Friday’s 4-0 win at the Etihad Stadium. Read more

Shaw: Team-mates make my job easier!

Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw says her City team-mates play a vital role in her scoring success. Watch more

City record 250th professional win

Manchester City’s 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur was our 250th as a professional outfit. Read more

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The Blues welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium for a 19:30 (UK) kick-off hoping to maintain our unbeaten start to the 2024/25 campaign.

City sit top of the WSL table but face a Spurs side fresh from a late 2-1 win over West Ham last weekend.

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This is our first meeting with the Lilywhites this season, having faced them four times across 2023/24.

Getting the better of them in both league encounters, a stunning Yui Hasegawa strike also saw us win at Brisbane Road by a single goal in the Continental Cup quarter-finals.

However, Spurs got their revenge with a penalty shootout win against City in the FA Cup last eight.

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It promises to be another thrilling encounter between the two teams on Friday evening, with the players carefully creating a playlist of their favourite pre-match songs for you to enjoy ahead of the action.

From Cher to AC/DC, it’s got a bit of something for everyone!

Listen to the playlist here

Tracklisting

Gareth Taylor’s side welcome Spurs at 19:30 (UK) on Friday 8 November in the first chapter of our trilogy of fixtures there in 2024/25.

The Blues will be aiming to extend our unbeaten run to 11 matches in all competitions during the encounter.

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But we’ll have to be at our best to beat Robert Vilahamn’s side who overcame West Ham in their previous outing.

Tickets are available here – and below are a selection of fans’ feelings ahead of tonight as the excitement builds towards kick-off.

“The match day experience for a women’s game at the Etihad is great and family friendly.

“We as a family really enjoy having easy accessible parking before walking over to the players arrival entrance and taking in the sights.

“We enjoy seeing the players arrive, all suited and looking great in their variations of the same outfit and them seeing our support and that we are rooting for them before the match has started.

“We then find our seats and wait for the starting line up to be announced (exciting times), wait for the players to come out and warm up and give them a cheer.

“We enjoy watching the bigger crowds come and support the women’s team, the atmosphere that it brings, and the celebrations from the team when they score.

“We’re also especially looking forward to the Manchester derby at the Etihad in January.”

The Rigley family.

“I’m really looking forward to watching the team at the Etihad for some extra games this season.

“It really demonstrates City’s one club mentality and commitment to the women’s game!

“We always have a fantastic experience, and it’s such a great, inclusive atmosphere for fans, especially families. We absolutely love getting behind the team and being loud and proud! Hoping for a positive result this Friday, come on City!”

Lindsey Hewitt

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“I love our match days at the Etihad. It’s a great feeling when you walk out onto the stands knowing you will be singing your heart out with your football family and watching your idols play at the Etihad.

“Being there also means more fans can attend the game. It’s great to see women’s football get bigger and bigger.”

Andrea Brookshaw

“When we play at the Etihad there is always a great family friendly atmosphere and it shows just how much the women’s game has changed for the better.

“It is great to be able to watch the women on the big stage singing them through and being the 12th woman.”

Jennifer Sullivan

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Tickets for City’s WSL showdown with Tottenham Hotspur are available from just £15 for adults and £5 for Under-16s. Visit mancity.com and the Official Man City App for more information.

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Additionally, supporters can also secure their seat for further WSL Etihad clashes against Manchester United (17/18/19 January) and Chelsea (21/22/23 March) through the Hat-Trick Pack at a price of £40 for adults and £12 for U16s.

“It will be exciting to play at such a historic stadium” – Ayaka Yamashita.

“Stepping out at the Etihad…we make it our home” – Lauren Hemp.

Those are the thoughts of just three members of Gareth Taylor’s City heading into Friday Night Football at the Etihad Stadium.

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The excitement in the squad is palpable as we get set to take on Spurs in a 19:30 (UK) kick-off.

City are top of the WSL with five wins and one draw from the opening six games and the Blues will be hoping to make it seven-up in our latest assignment.

Gareth Taylor’s in-form Blues take on Tottenham tomorrow in the first of three games we are playing at the Etihad Stadium across the 2024/25 season.

Our women’s players love the Joie Stadium but taking to the pitch at the Etihad is always a source of excitement and expectation…and this game is no exception.

The likes of captain Alex Greenwood, leading scorer Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw and player of the month Lauren Hemp prepared for the game with a training session this afternoon.

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To get acclimatised to the Etihad ahead of the 19:30 (UK) kick-off, our stars hit the pitch for a session under the watchful eye of Taylor alongside his coaching staff.

In positive news, Ayaka Yamashita and Mary Fowler – who both missed the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace through illness – were involved with preparations cranking up.

The duo missed the trip to Selhurst Park last time out where we recorded a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace.

But Taylor says the pair returned to training this week and are in contention to lock horns with the Londoners on Friday at 19:30 (UK).

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However, the boss also revealed Laia Aleixandri will continue to be assessed to determine if she’s available for selection for City’s meeting with Robert Vilahamn’s side.

The versatile defender was also absent for the Blues during our triumph over the Eagles last time out after sustaining an injury during international duty with Spain.

Before the pause in domestic action, she made nine appearances in all competitions, registering one assist and playing a crucial role in keeping us unbeaten so far.

“Yama and Mary are back,” Taylor declared.

“Laia we just need a bit longer to assess, but those guys are fine.”

Taylor also offered an update on Naomi Layzell and Vivianne Miedema who have both been absent since our 2-0 victory over Barcelona on Wednesday 9 October.

The defender suffered an ankle injury in the success over the reigning European champions and the Netherlands international received successful treatment on her knee last month.

And the boss explained Layzell is nearing a comeback, while Miedema is in fine spirits although there hasn’t been a definitive timeframe for her return.

He added: “One bit of positive news is Layzell is getting closer, we had a positive meeting on her ankle situation, that’s a real positive because she’s a good player for us and her ability to play in a number of positions is really important.

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“We were probably all a bit surprised that the first scan didn’t show what was really going on, particularly with the nature of the movement she made.

“I just spoke to Naomi earlier and she had a really positive conversation with the specialist yesterday. We’re in a position to start loading her up again. Her return will be fairly imminent, which is really positive for us.

“I have spoken to Viv. She was due down in London today to see a specialist to check everything’s coming on fine and that we’re still on target trying to get her back as soon as possible.

“She’s happy, feels good and actually feels she could do more than where she’s at which is a positive sign. We’ll know a little bit more after today but she was in good spirits.

“For us it’s about managing it from day to day, hopefully we get decent feedback today from the specialist dealing with her and we can move to the next target.

“The medical staff are waiting for the green light to be able to push on.”

CITY V SPURS TICKETS

Tickets for City’s WSL showdown with Tottenham Hotspur are available from just £15 for adults and £5 for Under-16s. Visit mancity.com and the Official Man City App for more information.

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Additionally, supporters can also secure their seat for further WSL Etihad clashes against Manchester United (17/18/19 January) and Chelsea (21/22/23 March) through the Hat-Trick Pack at a price of £40 for adults and £12 for U16s.

Gareth Taylor’s side host the Lilywhites on Friday 8 November with kick-off set for 19:30 (UK).

The Blues are aiming to maintain our unbeaten start to the current campaign which currently stands at ten matches in all competitions.

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And the fixture will be available to watch live on ESPN after the broadcaster reached an agreement with Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) to become the home of the WSL for the 2024/25 season in the United States.

The agreement ensures that every fully produced (57) WSL match is shown on an ESPN platform, which means that sports fans in the U.S. can keep up with live action from the top tier of women’s football in England.

In addition, WPLL have extended their deal with ESPN to broadcast games in South America and the Caribbean.

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In the U.S., most games will stream live exclusively on ESPN+, with a minimum of four fixtures simulcast on an ESPN linear platform this season, beginning with this Friday’s fixture between City and Spurs.

Commentator Mark Donaldson and ESPN’s lead women’s soccer analyst Ali Krieger will cover the clash live on ESPN2 and ESPN+ (English).

Coverage will include 30-minute pre-game, half-time, and post-game segments.

Additionally, ESPN Sur will produce the match in Spanish, so the game will also air in English and select matches in Spanish on ESPN+ in the United States.

Food outlets are available on the East & West side of the Stadium.

There is a range of hot & cold options including vegan & halal options.

City Square and stage will continue to be closed during the 24/25 season as the development of the North Stand and Entertainment District continues apace.

At the West Reception atrium of the Colin Bell Stand, opposite the Bell Summerbee Lee statue, we have live entertainment, music and catering which includes our award-winning ‘Blue Carpet Experience’. The ‘Blue Carpet Experience’ commences approximately 2 hours before kick-off. It’s our free family-friendly event that features guest interviews, live music, DJs, amazing money can’t buy giveaways and much more. The culmination of the Blue Carpet Experience is the team bus arrival which is approximately 90 mins before kick-off!! Come down and take part in the family-themed fun with our enhanced PA system and 2 large jumbo screens!!

On the other side of the stadium opposite the East Stand Atrium, we have the Summerbee Bar as well as lots of different options of catering units, a retail pop shop and live music.

Stadium gates open -2 hours before the match and our pre-match entertainment inside the stadium starts then. Where possible and appropriate we’ll show other matches on the concourse screens too!

Our Blue Carpet Experience takes place outside The Colin Bell Stand entrance and includes our very own unique team arrival. The first team usually arrive about 90 minutes before kick-off. The show is aimed at our family audience and if the little ones want to see their heroes in person, this is the best place to be!

We have prizes and giveaways every week from scarfs to money-can’t-buy experiences.

We also have live music, performers and entertainment with our presenting team, as well as exclusive guests, all shown on our 2 x jumbo screens so everyone has a view! Don’t miss this part of our match day and get up close to our players as they arrive off the team bus!

The Man City Kids Fanzone is a completely free event that runs for two-and-a-half-hours before every home weekend match on the indoor pitch located at City Football Academy.

Join us for loads of free pre-match fun. Get involved with all our activities, meet Moonbeam and Moonchester, snap a photo with the trophies and take part in our competitions to win some exclusive City prizes!

You can redeem up to six tickets per person and the event is available for all fans, you do not need a match ticket to attend. However, the tickets are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Arrive early to allow plenty of time to pass our security checks. Small handheld bags, no larger than A4 size (12”x8”x3”) will be accepted.

Backpacks, holdalls, rucksacks, or other similar items of any size, large or small, will not be allowed into the stadium. Small handheld bags, no larger than A4 size (12”x8”x3”) will be accepted. If you must bring a bag to the stadium that exceeds the allowable size, the bag storage facilities are available on the Orange car park that you can use to securely store your items will be in place until the match has finished.

The bag storage is priced at £10 per item.

In what will be out first of three outings at the arena this term, Gareth Taylor’s side lock horns with the north Londoners on Friday 8 November at 19:30 (UK) – and tickets are available to purchase here.

The Blues are currently enjoying a 10-match streak without loss in all competitions which sees us at the Barclays Women’s Super League summit having played a game more than second-place Chelsea.

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But our task against Robert Vilahamn’s side won’t be easy after they beat West Ham 2-1 in the last outing.

It all points towards a thrilling night under the Etihad lights and to gear up for the occasion, watch a swathe of highlights from our past encounters with Spurs in the video player above!

Tickets for our latest showdown with Spurs at the Etihad Stadium are available from just £15. For more information on how to purchase, click here.

Additionally, supporters can secure their seats for the trio of WSL fixtures to be played at the Etihad through the Hat-Trick Pack at a price of £40 for adults and £12 for U16s.