Man City women's player ratings vs Liverpool: Bunny Shaw issues perfect response to vile online trolls with stunning two-goal display as Gareth Taylor's side close gap to Champions League places

The Cityzens moved to within two points of Arsenal in the WSL standings with a win in which Jill Roord and Gracie Prior also got on the scoresheet

It's been a tough few weeks for Bunny Shaw. The Manchester City star has only recently returned from an injury than sidelined her for more than six weeks and then she missed the team's recent League Cup semi-final against Arsenal, withdrawing from the squad for her mental well-being after being subject to vile racist and misogynistic abuse. When she marked her first start since early December with a fantastic turn and finish on Sunday, then, at home to Liverpool in the Women's Super League, she was keen to send a message in a high-profile, televised fixture. Raising her fist in the air and bowing her head, it was yet another impactful action from Shaw in a 4-0 win that saw her showcase her remarkable qualities to the max.

Liverpool started well in Manchester, with Leanne Kiernan causing City all sorts of problems at the back, prompting Ayaka Yamashita, Rebecca Knaak and Gracie Prior, making her full WSL debut at 20 years old, to make crucial interventions to keep the Reds out. But two goals from Shaw in 12 minutes towards the end of the first half allowed the hosts to stride away from an opponent that really tested them and made things uncomfortable.

Mary Fowler was the creator of both, taking her up to eight direct goal involvements in her last four WSL outings. For the first, she managed to squeeze the pass through to Shaw who, capitalising on a slack defensive line of Liverpool's, turned and fired the ball into the bottom corner with real conviction before unveiling her powerful celebration. As half time quickly approached, Fowler was able to pick her team-mate out once more, this time with a ball into the box that Shaw converted into an even better turn and finish, giving City some real breathing space.

There was still time for it to become even more comfortable for Gareth Taylor's side, with Jill Roord putting the result beyond doubt on the hour with an emphatic half volley which crashed in off the post, before academy product Prior saw a cross fly into the top corner late on. It was a result that didn't reflect the whole game, one in which Liverpool played well in the first half in particular, but City were ruthless to close the gap on the European spots to two points. That said, there is still a lot of work for them to do in the final eight games of the WSL season if they are to secure Champions League football.

GOAL rates Man City's players from the Joie Stadium...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Ayaka Yamashita (6/10):
Got a big hand on the ball to thwart Kiernan with a big chance in the first half and made some more strong saves later on. Had some iffy moments too, though, including a poor clearance that let Liverpool in early.
Gracie Prior (7/10):
Was strong and composed on her full WSL debut. Got in front of Kiernan well for one potential chance in particular and was even able to get a goal before the day was out.
Laia Aleixandri (6/10):
Started a little shaky but grew into the game and became much more secure as it went on.
Rebecca Knaak (7/10):
Came up with a huge block on the line to prevent Liverpool taking the lead and made a crucial tackle to dispossess Holland just after the break.
Leila Ouahabi (7/10):
Delivered some good crosses and got forward well to support the attack.

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Midfield
Yui Hasegawa (7/10):
Her usual tidy self on the ball, with a little more attacking threat thrown in today as well.
Jill Roord (7/10):
Battled hard in the middle of the park and played some good passes to help City get in behind. Produced a great strike to make it 3-0.
Vivianne Miedema (7/10):
Her intelligent movement allowed team-mates to benefit from the spaces she left. Linked up nicely with Shaw on a few occasions, too.
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Attack
Aoba Fujino (7/10):
A livewire on the right as usual. Unlucky to see a well-hit volley deflect onto the woodwork early on.
Bunny Shaw (8/10):
Only played an hour and scored twice, showcasing her extremely clinical nature. Both efforts were fantastic finishes and her all-round hard work shouldn't be overlooked, either.
Mary Fowler (8/10):
Became the first player in WSL history to register two or more goal involvements in four successive games with two smart assists for Shaw in the first half.

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Subs & Manager
Jess Park (6/10):
Replaced Shaw just past the hour, taking up a place on the left while Fowler moved central. Was lively and provided some nice moments.
Laura Blindkilde Brown (6/10):
Had a good 20-minute run-out to give Miedema a well-earned rest. Moved the ball around well and ensured the energy levels didn't drop.
Kerolin (N/A):
Introduced late on as part of a triple sub and was so close to making it 5-0, only for her effort to be tipped onto the post.
Lily Murphy (N/A):
Took up a spot on the right for the final 10 minutes or so.
Aemu Oyama (N/A):
Got some more minutes under her belt after securing a January move to the club.
Gareth Taylor (7/10):
Trusted Prior to make her full WSL debut in a tricky game and she rewarded that faith by regularly coming up with some big interventions. Injuries meant his hands were tied in other positions but he had a few choices in midfield and the combination of Hasegawa, Roord and Miedema worked well. Nature of the scoreline allowed him to rest some important players in the second half too, which will have been a relief given the injuries in the squad at the moment.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager