The Liverpool FC Women faced the daunting task of taking on a Manchester City side needing wins in their last two matches to ensure they win their first WSL title in a decade. Gareth Taylor’s side technically had nothing left to play for other than pride after they were ensured survival from relegation thanks to Leicester City losing last Monday.
Despite Manchester City having everything to play for and Liverpool not needing to worry about a result, it was the Reds who came out flying. Liverpool generated
three very good chances in the opening five minutes. Aurélie Csillag got on the end of an early cross from Ceri Holland, heading over the bar from just a yard or so out from goal. Denise O’Sullivan immediately pressed the resulting goal kick, taking the ball away and unleashing a shot that forced a diving save from Ayaka Yamashita that was turned past the post for a corner. The Reds had several bites at the apple with a few corners in quick succession. On the second opportunity, the ball fell to Grace Fisk and her side-footed effort was denied by the base of the post.
Liverpool continue to harry Manchester City, not allowing them time on the ball to establish any sort of rhythm through the opening 30 minutes first half. The Reds continued to generate chances, though not so clear cut as the start. Manchester City did start to grow into the match later in the first half, creating a few decent chances but nothing to really trouble Jennifer Falk in net.
The second half started as an inverse of the first half start, with the hosts heavily on top in both possession and opportunities. Jennifer Falk was forced into a couple of very smart saves to keep Manchester City off the scoreboard. Liverpool did get their chances here and there, with Ceri Holland getting a clean sight at goal from just inside the box, but she could not get her effort on frame in the 53rd minute. The match hung on a knife’s edge as both sides pushed for a winner.
As the clock ticked over into extra time, Jennifer Falk again made a spectacular stop to deny Manchester City, but the save resulted in a corner kick. The resulting set piece was swung in, falling to Rebecca Knaak. The centerback pushed the ball towards goal with not too much power on it, but Falk fumbled the ball in her hands and it trickled into the net. It was a gut punch to concede from that effort after making several much more difficult saves.
With just a few minutes of extra time left, Liverpool pushed hard to find a very late equalizer. They managed to get the ball forward several times, but could not get an effort away before the final whistle blew.
It was a tough result for Liverpool to take after playing extremely and having the presumptive champions on the ropes. Unfortunately, Gareth Taylor’s side was yet again bit by not converting on early chances before conceding extremely late to drop points.
Liverpool are still in the hunt for the FA Cup trophy, and they face off with Brighton next Saturday in the semifinals at the friendly confines of St.Helens. The Reds will round out their WSL fixture with a home match in two weeks when they host Arsenal.
