PHOTO: MANCITY.COM
Manchester City have had quite the week!
Wednesday night, following Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, the Citizens were crowned champions for the first time in a decade.
Manchester City have been nothing short of ruthless this season, demolishing holders Chelsea 5-1 at the Etihad; a late winner from Iman Beney against Arsenal in October sent them well on their way in the quest for the title.
Knowing they couldn’t do anything to affect the outcome of the Arsenal games, Manchester City had to win against Liverpool on the Sunday before. In a tense game, in which Taylor’s Liverpool defended well, Manchester City eventually found their breakthrough.
In the first minute of added time, Rebecca Knaak was the hero as her diving header snuck into the bottom left corner past Jen Falk, sparking wild celebrations from the City fans and players alike.
Following their title victory, the Citizens faced a tough test away at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup semi-finals, facing holders Chelsea.
Chelsea found their breakthrough in the 8th minute when a low-driven shot from Erin Cuthbert took a deflection before hitting the back of the net. This would be the only goal until after the half-time break. Sam Kerr doubled the lead for the Blues on 59 minutes, further plunging City’s hopes of an FA Cup final in doubt.
Mary Fowler sparked the comeback with a wonderful low-driven strike on 85 minutes, sparking City into life once again. With 7 minutes of additional time Manchester City sensed they could make a comeback.
With momentum shifting, who else but Bunny Shaw to strike home City’s second once again in added time at 90+1 to spark huge celebrations and send the game to extra time?
In the first half of added time, Hampton attempted to take a goal kick quickly. However, the misplaced pass was picked up and intercepted by Yui Hasegawa, and a wonderful ball met the head of Bunny Shaw once again, who nodded City into the lead for the first time of the afternoon.
As the final whistle went, City players, led by their skipper Alex Greenwood, made a beeline straight to their fans and, in incredible scenes, danced around with manager Andree Jeglertz, who has yet again created more history by leading City to their first FA Cup final in four years.