Weir goal of the season contender sinks United
Caroline Weir was Manchester United’s nemesis for a third season running as the midfielder scored a goal of the season contender to give Manchester City a crucial 1-0 victory against their bitter rivals.
Weir’s long-range chip over Mary earps was even better than the goal she scored in last year’s derby and the rocket shot that won it at the etihad in 2019. Both of those goals were shortlisted for the Puskas award and the Scotland international may have earned herself another nomination yesterday.
it was a record attendance of 5,317 at the academy Stadium and for a long time it looked like the fans would be going home without seeing a goal. But Weir had other ideas, coming on to produce the moment of quality they had all been waiting for.
The midfielder picked up a loose ball, ran forward and chipped into the top corner over the despairing dive of earps.
City boss Gareth Taylor enjoyed Weir’s winner more than the one she scored in last season’s derby. ‘it was a different feeling today,’ he said. ‘Having the supporters here and a full house, record crowd, it just felt amazing.
‘i think that is a better goal than last season as she was under pressure from a couple of United players. To execute that finish under pressure is really difficult.
‘it was a really dominant performance. our pressing was good and we limited United to very few moments. i’m delighted for the players, they deserved that.’
City’s victory has huge ramifications in the battle to finish third and secure a Champions league spot. it moves Taylor’s side to within two points of fourthplaced United and keeps them four behind Tottenham in third. United are still yet to beat their rivals in a league match and deserved nothing yesterday.
‘Today will be a massive fuel for us,’ said United boss Marc Skinner. ‘i’ve asked the players to feel it after the game. They’re devastated by the result, but they need to feel it. That’s the fuel for when you play them next time.’
City were by far the better team and could have been three or four goals ahead at half-time.
The first chance came in the fifth minute when Vicky losada volleyed over from the edge of the box. But an even better opportunity came two minutes later when Jess Park’s pass found lauren Hemp at the back post, only for the forward to somehow tap over the bar from two yards. Hemp met lucy Bronze’s cross but her effort went straight into the hands of earps.
City continued to dominate at the start of the second half as United struggled to build up any rhythm. Park came close to opening the scoring when she cut in from the right before curling a shot on to the post. at the other end, ella Toone tested ellie roebuck before Martha Thomas headed over from a corner.
But United’s resistance was finally broken through Weir’s stunner. United could have equalised when a cross was played into the box but Signe Bruun was unable to apply the finish. MANCHESTER CITY (4-3-3): Roebuck 6; Bronze 6, Kennedy 6, GREENWOOD 8, Stokes 6; Walsh 7, Losada 6 (Weir 75min, 7), Stanway 6.5; Park 7 (Raso 84), White 6, Hemp 7. Scorer: Weir 81. Manager: Gareth Taylor 7. MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1): Earps 6; Thorisdottir 6, Caldwell 6, Batlle 5, Blundell 6; Zelem 5, Ladd 6; Bruun 5 (Fuso 90), Risa 5 (Thomas 64), Toone 6; Russo 6 (Hanson 78). Booked: Caldwell. Manager: Marc Skinner 5. Referee: Kirsty Dowle 6. Attendance: 5,317.