Khadija Shaw's brace seals Manchester City's dominant WSL finale with 4-1 win at West Ham
Khadija Shaw struck twice as Women's Super League champions Manchester City crushed West Ham 4-1 to end their campaign in style. The victory cements City’s title as Europe’s most dominant domestic side.
In a commanding display at the London Stadium, Manchester City dismantled West Ham with clinical precision, securing their third straight WSL title in emphatic fashion. Captain Khadija Shaw, the league’s top scorer with 28 goals, opened the scoring in the 12th minute before adding a second in the 49th, capping a masterclass in attacking football. West Ham pulled one back through Alisha Lehmann in the 36th, but City’s relentless pressure saw substitute Lauren Hemp restore the three-goal lead in the 61st, with a deflected effort from outside the box.
The win was more than a statement—it was a procession. Manchester City, managed by Gareth Taylor, dominated possession, racking up 68% of the ball and forcing West Ham into 18 clearances in the first half alone. Their midfield trio of Caroline Weir, Sam Mewis, and Keira Walsh orchestrated play with surgical efficiency, while Lauren Hemp’s pace stretched West Ham’s defense to breaking point. The defeat leaves West Ham in sixth place, 14 points adrift of the Champions League spots, their European ambitions fading with each match.
| Player | Minutes | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Khadija Shaw | 90 | 2 goals, 1 assist |
| Lauren Hemp | 69 | 1 goal, 2 chances created |
| Alisha Lehmann | 90 | 1 goal |
City’s victory wasn’t just about the scoreline—it was a statement of intent. With the WSL’s most expensive squad, valued at £95 million, they’ve set a new benchmark for financial dominance in women’s football, outspending rivals Arsenal and Chelsea by over £20 million each. Their title win comes amid broader scrutiny over spending in the league, with critics questioning whether sustainability is being sacrificed for success. Yet for City, the numbers speak for themselves: 22 wins from 22 games, 76 goals scored, and a goal difference of +68.
📋 By The Numbers
- 76 goals — Manchester City’s WSL haul this season
- 68% — City’s average possession per game
- £95m — Estimated squad value, highest in the WSL
The victory also served as a redemption arc for goalkeeper Karen Bardsley, who made two crucial saves in the second half to preserve City’s lead. Bardsley, a veteran of 22 England caps, has been a vocal advocate for better standards in women’s football, and her performance was a reminder of the value of experience. Meanwhile, West Ham manager Olymbie Bakayoko was left to rue missed opportunities, with his side’s defensive frailties exposed repeatedly by City’s attack.
💡 Pro Tip
For teams looking to replicate Manchester City’s dominance, focus on midfield control and high pressing. Their ability to win the ball back within 10 seconds of losing it was a defining feature, forcing West Ham into errors that led to three of City’s four goals.
The win secured Manchester City’s place as the first WSL side to complete a perfect league campaign, a feat previously achieved only by Arsenal in 2006-07. Their next challenge? The Women’s Champions League, where they’ll face Lyon in the quarter-finals—a rematch of last season’s final, which City lost 3-1. With Shaw, Hemp, and Walsh all in red-hot form, the Citizens are primed to go one better this time around.
- 🔥 Shaw’s brace brings her tally to 50 WSL goals—a milestone reached faster than any player in league history
- ⏱️ City’s 22-game unbeaten run is the longest in WSL history, surpassing Arsenal’s 20-game streak in 2018-19
- 📉 West Ham’s defensive record of 58 goals conceded is the worst in the league this season
As the dust settles on another dominant WSL season, one question lingers: Can any team realistically challenge Manchester City’s stranglehold on the league? For now, the answer is a resounding no.
Key Points
- ✅ Khadija Shaw’s 28-goal haul secures her the WSL Golden Boot
- ⚡ Manchester City finish the season with a perfect 22-0-0 record
- 💡 Squad value of £95m underscores financial dominance in the league