Shaw hails squad unity in City’s winning streak
REGGAE GIRL Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has underscored the unity in the Manchester City squad which has inspired an imperious run by the north England side, and carried them joint top of the Women’s Super League.
In a top-of-the-table clash last Friday, City edged leaders and reigning champions Chelsea 1-0 away at Kingsmeadow, with the 27-year-old notching a league-leading 14th goal.
The victory, City ’s 11th consecutive in all competitions, took them level with Chelsea on 34 points at the summit.
“Throughout the season we’ve spoken about sticking together as a team, staying humble, communicating and working for each other,” Shaw said.
“As the season’s gone on, we’ve kept on improving and growing as a team. We’re a close group and this is what it’s all about.
“Coming [to Chelsea], we just wanted to get the job done, and that’s what we did.”
The game was entertaining from the first whistle until the decisive goal arrived in the 14th minute.
Jess Park dispossessed Erin Cuthbert just beyond the centre circle, laid off to Shaw on her left approaching the 18-yard box, the Jamaican producing an exquisite low finish with the outside of her right foot.
And though the attention fell on the prolific Shaw after the contest, she was quick to praise Park’s contribution.
“I’ve spoken a lot with Jess about communicating,” said Shaw, City’s Player of the Year last season.
“When she picked that ball up, I was in her ear saying ‘drive it, drive it, drive it’. We’ve done it in training quite a few times, so it’s about repetition.
“Jess did brilliantly to win it and slipped a good ball to me.”