Liverpool Women were beaten 4-2 by Manchester City in the Women's Super League after conceding two goals in the final minutes at the Joie Stadium. The result leaves Matt Beard's side seventh in the standings with four points from their opening three matches, a return that reflects their recent form of one point from the last six available.
Alice Bergstrom and Vivien Endemann had put Liverpool ahead twice in the first half, only for Khadija Shaw to level the scores just before the break. The visitors looked set to earn a hard-fought point until Grace Fisk's own goal in the 90th minute and Lauren Hemp's second of the game in added time secured the points for City.
How the game unfolded
Lauren Hemp opened the scoring for the hosts in the 13th minute, but Liverpool responded quickly. Bergstrom equalised six minutes later, finishing from Vivien Endemann's pass. Endemann then turned scorer herself in the 28th minute, converting after good work from Csilla Kapocs to give Liverpool a 2-1 lead. Khadija Shaw's strike in first-half stoppage time brought City level again.
The second half was a tighter affair with both teams creating chances. Liverpool made a series of changes, introducing the likes of Sophie Clark, Fuka Nagano and Melissa Ramos from the bench to try and influence the game. The decisive moment came when Grace Fisk, under pressure, turned the ball into her own net. Hemp then sealed the win with a close-range finish in the fifth minute of added time.
The table and what's next
This defeat means Liverpool have taken just one point from their last two WSL fixtures, following a 1-1 draw with Tottenham. They now sit five points behind league leaders Manchester City. The immediate focus shifts to the Merseyside derby. Liverpool host Everton at home on Sunday, 27 September. Everton currently occupy fifth place, one spot and one point ahead of Liverpool, making it a significant early-season clash.
Despite the late disappointment, there were positive individual performances. Vivien Endemann was directly involved in both Liverpool goals, scoring one and assisting the other. The team showed they can compete with and hurt one of the division's strongest sides. They will need to harness that attacking threat and tighten up defensively as they prepare for Everton next weekend. A look at the team's full squad and stats will show the depth available for the coming challenges.
Liverpool's next match is at home against Everton on Sunday, 27 September.
The report in full is at liverpoolfc.com
