Manchester City Secure Dramatic 3-2 Victory in Women’s Champions League
Manchester City Women defeated St. Polten 3-2 in a dramatic match in the Women’s Champions League.
Mary Fowler’s late header made sure Gareth Taylor’s team kept their perfect record going. Fans in Austria had something to rejoice about as City triumphed over a difficult contest.
In just the seventh minute, Alanna Kennedy scored the game’s first goal for City in Austria with a magnificent long-distance effort.
Next, Laura Blindkilde Brown nearly doubled the visitors’ lead, but Carina Schluter’s fingertips stopped her attempt. Moments later, Aoba Fujino’s attempt bounced against the post.
Even though they were clearly superior, City was unable to get a second goal and was eventually taken aback by a surprise equalizer for St Polten shortly before halftime.
After being caught in possession inside her own penalty area, Alex Greenwood handed up a corner needlessly, and the captain of City was made to pay for her mistake.
From the ensuing set-piece, the ball pinballed around the box, and Melanie Brunnthaler quickly poked the ball past Khiara Keating to square the score as City failed to clear their lines.
Following the break, St Polten’s impressive play continued as Kamila Dubcova turned brilliantly and fired a shot immediately after the restart, but Fujino’s volley at the back post swiftly negated her goal.
Though Fowler, who also struck the woodwork in the first half, was finally called upon from the bench, Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw, Jill Roord, and Laia Aleixandri eventually headed City into a late lead from an inswinging corner.
Manager of Manchester City, Gareth Taylor:
“I’m just incredibly happy that I received three points. I felt the game was tough on an extremely challenging pitch.
“We did not undervalue it in the slightest. These games, the so-called ones where the object is to simply invade the land of the opponent and win, seem to me to be the hardest by nature.
“Six points out of the two games is a really good start for us.”
Mary Fowler, the Manchester City match winner:
They’re a beneficial side. The wonderful thing about the Champions League is that no team is undervalued.
“They could have easily have won that game out there with the chances they had, so good game, good entertainment and I hope the fans enjoyed that.”
Carina Schluter, goalie for St. Polten:
“It hurts and is quite annoying right now. This kind of outcome should make you joyful, although it can take a few days.
“You just want to win every game, and we played two great halves, were extremely close, and did a great job. Nobody, I believe, anticipated that from us before the game.
We now understand that we don’t have to minimize ourselves as many people believe and that we may pose a challenge to the larger teams. We’re eager to take on the upcoming difficulties and will monitor the situation closely.”
