Manchester City’s Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw dismantled Brighton 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, delivering a performance that has reignited the debate over the greatest striker in Women’s Super League history. Shaw, playing in front of a record 48,876 spectators, netted twice in the first half, adding to City’s growing tally of goals this season.
Shaw’s brace brought her season tally to 19 goals in 18 WSL appearances, a strike rate that places her among the league’s most lethal finishers. The Jamaican international, who joined City in 2023, has already surpassed her previous season’s goal tally, signaling a career-defining run.
Brighton’s defense crumbled under City’s relentless pressing, with Shaw’s first goal arriving in the 12th minute after a quick one-two with Lauren Hemp. Her second, a composed finish following a Hemp assist, arrived just before halftime, sealing Brighton’s fate. City’s midfield dominance, led by captain Steph Houghton, ensured Shaw had ample opportunities to capitalize.
Key Takeaways
- ⚡ Shaw’s brace lifts her season tally to 19 goals in 18 WSL games
- 📊 City’s 4-0 win over Brighton draws a record crowd of 48,876
- 🔥 Shaw’s scoring rate positions her among WSL’s all-time greats
With 10 games remaining, Shaw’s pursuit of the WSL Golden Boot is all but certain, but her sights are set higher. Veteran forward Ellen White, who holds the WSL’s all-time scoring record with 58 goals, has praised Shaw’s technical ability and athleticism, calling her a "once-in-a-generation talent."
Shaw’s rise has been meteoric. Born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, she began her career at Manchester City in 2019 before a loan spell at Birmingham City in 2020. Her return to City last summer coincided with a surge in form, culminating in her being named PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2024. She is now being touted as a Ballon d’Or contender, with her name featuring prominently in early discussions for the 2024 award.
| WSL Striker Rankings (Active Players) | Goals (2024/25) | Season Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw | 19 | 1.06 |
| Sam Kerr (Arsenal) | 14 | 0.93 |
| Beth Mead (Arsenal) | 11 | 0.82 |
| Fran Kirby (Chelsea) | 10 | 0.71 |
Shaw’s physicality and clinical finishing have drawn comparisons to legends like Vivianne Miedema and Kelly Smith, who both left indelible marks on the WSL. But Shaw’s pace and aerial ability set her apart, making her a nightmare for defenders. Her partnership with Lauren Hemp has become one of the league’s most feared combinations, with both players feeding off each other’s movement and creativity.
💡 Pro Tip
Defenders facing Shaw should prioritize cutting off her supply lines to Hemp. Shaw’s isolation in the final third often leaves her vulnerable, but her ability to ghost into space makes her nearly unstoppable when the ball reaches her feet.
The Etihad crowd erupted for Shaw’s second goal, a moment that encapsulated her impact on City’s resurgence under manager Gareth Taylor. Since Shaw’s arrival, City’s attack has transformed from efficient to explosive, with Shaw leading the charge. The win over Brighton extended City’s unbeaten run to 12 matches, keeping them in the hunt for the WSL title.
Shaw’s ambitions extend beyond domestic success. She has already represented Jamaica at the international level, scoring 23 goals in 35 caps, and is now eyeing a breakthrough at a major tournament. With the CONCACAF W Gold Cup later this year and the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the horizon, Shaw’s stock has never been higher.
📋 By The Numbers
- 19 goals — Shaw’s current WSL tally for the 2024/25 season
- 48,876 fans — Record attendance for a WSL match
- 23 goals — Shaw’s international tally for Jamaica in 35 caps
As Shaw basks in the glow of her latest heroics, the question looms: Is she already the WSL’s greatest striker? The numbers suggest a strong case. Her 1.06-goal-per-game ratio this season is the highest among active WSL forwards, and her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments has cemented her legacy. With a Ballon d’Or nomination on the table and a World Cup to prepare for, Shaw’s journey is far from over—it’s just getting started.
