Women’s Super League: What’s going on at Manchester City?

By Neil Evans.

Perhaps a premature question, given that only two WSL games and an FA Cup match have been played, but Manchester City Women have not swept all before them (so far) as some pundits predicted pre-season. For the record, my preview didn't predict world domination. However, I didn't see them losing all of their games thus far.

As boss Nick Cushing said pre-season, it will take time to gel a brand new squad of players; though you could argue that Notts County have had the same issues and they have hit the ground running. With another 12 WSL games plus a Continental Cup campaign to come, it would be plain daft to write City off. However, there are causes for concern at Sportscity, the purpose built home for a new dynasty. And by a curious twist of fate City face Doncaster Rovers Belles, the team they replaced in WSL1 (rightly or wrongly, depending on your point of view). It is certain that Sue Smith and her girls will be fired up to inflict even more woe on a City side with just one goal to show from three games.

 A lot for City’s women fans to ponder then, but have the performances been that bad? Well, in truth, yes and no. I saw their televised game against Liverpool, in what was always going to be the toughest start to the season possible, and there was precious little to choose between the two sides. The absence of Karen Bardsley in goal might be a factor, and certainly Andrea Worrall looked shaky during both league games. City were expected to dispose of a Bristol Academy side, who had been well beaten by Chelsea in their opening game, and it just didn’t happen. Chances weren’t created and the first goal was defensively very poor. Obviously as a Bristol fan (and their PA announcer) I had faith that my team could bounce back.. well I would say that. And, in mitigation, the FA Cup draw against Chelsea was the toughest tie of the round. But City had home advantage and were beaten 3-1.