The Lionesses winger created chances aplenty as the Seagulls came to visit and probably should've had a few assists to her name
Dario Vidosic's Brighton look exciting. After thrashing Everton last weekend, the Seagulls travelled north to visit title contenders Manchester City and they created plenty of opportunites.
Playing an attractive, albeit risky, style and using players like Barcelona loanee Bruna Vilamala, England youngster Michelle Agyemang and Lionesses veterans Nikita Parris and Fran Kirby, they caused the Cityzens problems throughout a brilliant first half. But good teams are able to pull the rug from right under their opponents just as they start to get on top, and City did exactly that as Khadija Shaw's goal before the break burst Brighton's bubble and eventually secured a 1-0 win in a tough game for Gareth Taylor's side.
None of that is to say City didn't have their own opportunities in this match. Lauren Hemp was particularly electric for the hosts and the entire front five pressed relentlessly, winning the ball in good positions as Brighton committed to playing out from the back. However, Sophie Baggaley in the away goal remained relatively untroubled, Shaw firing wide twice and finding a defender in her way on another occasion, with Jess Park also striking a good chance over the bar.
Unsurprisingly, it was Shaw, last season's Golden Boot winner, who finally took one and gave City the lead on the stroke of half-time, flicking a teasing cross from Kerstin Casparij beyond Baggaley just as Brighton were looking especially dangerous. From there, the hosts grew in confidence and controlled the second half convincingly, though they were unable to extend their advantage despite chances for Hemp, Shaw, Park and Vivianne Miedema. Fortunately, the Seagulls' threat dwindled and one goal was enough to give City their first three points of the new Women's Super League season, after they opened the campaign with a point on the road at Arsenal last week.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Joie Stadium…
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Ayaka Yamashita (6/10):
Unconvincing in her passing at times, though dealt with everything Brighton threw at her.
Naomi Layzell (5/10):
Supported the attack well but, in a more unnatural role, was sometimes caught out of position defensively.
Laia Aleixandri (5/10):
Got dragged out of position a few times and that let Brighton in.
Alex Greenwood (6/10):
Sprayed the ball around brilliantly, most notably with a nice pass out to Hemp in the build-up to the opening goal.
Kerstin Casparij (6/10):
Wasn't on her natural side and still did well up and down the wing, putting in a great ball for Shaw to convert for 1-0.
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Yui Hasegawa (7/10):
Had her work cut out with Brighton's explosive attacking style but did well considering the weight on her defensively in this midfield.
Jess Park (7/10):
Some lovely touches and passes that often sparked City into life, including a great ball through for Shaw which should've ended in a goal.
Vivianne Miedema (7/10):
Some good passing and nice touches, but it was her pressing that really stood out and helped get City into good positions regularly.
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Aoba Fujino (6/10):
Brought lots of energy to the press and honoured her defensive duties admirably.
Khadija Shaw (8/10):
Typically brilliantly No.9 play for the goal. Led the press really well and was a real asset defending set pieces.
Lauren Hemp (8/10):
Brought plenty of energy to both flanks, always carrying a threat with her running and final ball. Created six chances, more than any other player.
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Mary Fowler (6/10):
Added extra energy to the forward line and could've got on the scoresheet after some good pressing, but fired over.
Jill Roord (N/A):
Made her long-awaited return from injury in the closing stages.
Gareth Taylor (6/10):
Had to rejig the defence with Ouahabi missing at left-back and the pieces didn't quite come together in as effective a manner as was needed to deal with Brighton's threats. His chosen front five, meanwhile, executed the press brilliantly to create plenty of opportunities.