Liverpool Women's unbeaten start to the 2026-27 season ended on Friday night with a 4-2 defeat away to defending champions Manchester City. The result leaves the Reds seventh in the FA Women's Super League standings with four points from their opening three matches.
Gareth Taylor's side had taken four points from their first two games, beginning with a 4-0 win at newly-promoted Charlton Athletic and a 1-1 home draw with Tottenham Hotspur. Manager Gareth Taylor had praised the team's early resilience. "To still be unbeaten is important for us and I think the players deserve a lot of credit for the passion, desire, and quality they are showing," he said.
That unbeaten record was broken at the Academy Stadium. Lauren Hemp opened the scoring for City in the 13th minute, but Liverpool responded quickly. Amanda Bergstrom equalised six minutes later, assisted by Vanessa Endemann, who then put the visitors ahead herself in the 28th minute. Khadija Shaw levelled for City just before half-time, and late goals from Grace Fisk, via an own goal, and Hemp again sealed the win for the hosts.
The defeat means Liverpool have a goal difference of plus two, having scored seven and conceded five so far this campaign. They now sit five points behind league leaders Manchester City. With seven goals scored, the team's attacking stats show promise, but the focus will be on shoring up the defence after conceding five. Attention turns immediately to the Merseyside derby, with Everton visiting Anfield this Sunday, September 27th. Everton currently occupy fifth place, one spot and one point above Liverpool.
Vanessa Endemann, with two goals in three appearances, is the team's top scorer this season. The squad will look to bounce back in front of their home supporters this weekend. The derby kicks off at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.
The report in full is at sports.yahoo.com
