Manchester City moved within one win of the Women's Super League title after a dramatic stoppage-time victory over Liverpool, with Lauren Hemp saying the squad wanted to send a strong message in the league following a difficult result at Brighton.
The late success means Manchester City will be crowned champions if they defeat West Ham on 16 May, which would bring a first league title in 10 years after finishing second six times since that previous triumph.
Hemp was clear about Liverpool's display and the emotional impact of the finale, telling Sky Sports: "Liverpool were very good, they caused us a lot of problems, especially at the start. It's so hard to compose yourself when a goal like that goes in, Hemp told Sky Sports. We were pushing in the second
half, we took the level up massively, we were creating so many chances, and in the end, we deserved it. We've worked so hard this season, and moments like that make it worth it. We've still got more to go, we've still got a game next week to get us into a final, and the pressure gets piled up, but this team is incredible, and I'm so pleased to be part of it. "
Before facing West Ham, Manchester City focus on an FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea next Sunday, while Liverpool meet Brighton in the other semi-final, adding extra weight to the psychological value of this league win for both clubs.
For long spells at Joie Stadium, it appeared Arsenal might benefit most, as Liverpool restricted Manchester City throughout normal time, defended deep, and frustrated the hosts by limiting clear opportunities despite sustained pressure.
Liverpool goalkeeper Jennifer Falk played a central role in that resistance, producing several key interventions, including a one-on-one save from Kerolin and an instinctive stop to tip Khadija Shaw's powerful close-range header over the crossbar.
The deadlock finally broke one minute into second-half added time when Falk could not keep out a diving header from Germany defender Rebecca Knaak, whose effort squeezed into the bottom-left corner and triggered relieved celebrations from Manchester City players and staff.
This result followed Manchester City's 3-2 defeat at Brighton, which came during a spell of two slip-ups in four league games, with one draw and one loss, after dropping points just once in the previous 15 matches, which had produced 14 wins.
Statistically, Hemp was central to Manchester City's attacking threat, creating three chances, the joint-highest figure on the pitch alongside Liverpool's Ceri Holland, while also attempting five dribbles and completing four, more than any other player involved in the match.
Lots of love @okx pic.twitter.com/qqCn0xSxKJManchester City Women (@ManCityWomen) May 3, 2026
Reflecting on the wider impact of the victory, Hemp added: "It gives us confidence going into the next game, she continued. We wanted to make a statement in the league today, because we were so frustrated with last week's performance. We've been working hard all week, and it's what this group deserves. Now we can sit back and watch a few games unfold. "
The stoppage-time breakthrough, the response to the Brighton setback, and Hemp's influence across creative and dribbling metrics leave Manchester City controlling the WSL title race, while also carrying momentum into the FA Cup semi-final and the decisive final league fixtures.
