A clinical display from the Brazilian star and Vivianne Miedema sends City 12 points clear at the top of the WSL standings.
Manchester City made a resounding statement in the Barclays Women’s Super League title race, thrashing reigning champions Chelsea 5-1 in front of a jubilant Etihad Stadium crowd. The victory City’s 13th consecutive win moves them 12 points clear of the Blues and 11 ahead of second-placed Manchester United.
The Kerolin Show
The afternoon belonged to Kerolin Nicoli. The Brazilian international became the first player in WSL history to score a hat-trick against the reigning champions.
- The Opener: A deflected effort in the 13th minute set the tone.
- The Masterpiece: Shortly after halftime, she produced a breathtaking lob over Hannah Hampton to make it 3-0.
- The Milestone: She completed her treble before the hour mark, capitalizing on a Lauren Hemp cross.
Kerolin now boasts an incredible ten goal involvements in just eight games this season, cementing her status as a frontrunner for Player of the Season.
Clinical City vs. Profligate Chelsea
Despite Chelsea holding 57% of possession in the first half, Sonia Bompastor’s side lacked the clinical edge of the hosts. Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw added a second before the break following a defensive error by Naomi Girma, and Vivianne Miedema put the icing on the cake with a powerful header from a corner to restore the four-goal lead after Alyssa Thompson had grabbed a consolation goal for the Blues.
The Return of Mary Fowler
Beyond the scoreline, the most emotional moment for the City faithful was the return of Mary Fowler. After nearly a year sidelined with an ACL injury suffered in April 2025, the Australian star received a standing ovation as she entered the pitch for the final 15 minutes, looking sharp in her new center-forward role.
WSL Standings Update:
- Manchester City: 1st Place (13 wins in a row)
- Manchester United: 2nd Place (11 points behind)
- Chelsea: 3rd Place (12 points behind)
Laurinda Jocias is a football writer covering English women’s football, including the Women’s Super League. Her work focuses on players, clubs, and the continued development of the women’s game in the UK.
