LUCY BRONZE volleyed a hole into Manchester United’s title hopes with the Red Devils suffering their second loss on the bounce.
The England ace’s strike – and a Cantona-style chip from Caroline Weir – helped consign the visitors to a 3-0 defeat.
And a first-half injury to Leah Galton compounded a luckless night for United with Tobin Heath, Lauren James and Alessia Russo all currently out of action.
Red Devils boss Casey Stoney said: “It’s bitterly disappointing to come here and concede three preventable goals in my opinion and not create much.
“We need to learn very quickly that if you don’t get the basics right at this level you’re going to get punished.
“We were turned over far too easy at times, we played in the wrong areas and made the wrong decisions on the ball, so we’ve got a lot to learn.”
The derby duel started off as a cagey affair before the hosts threatened with a Chloe Kelly cross cleared by Amy Turner in the 15th minute.
But United countered moments later with Ella Toone delivering a perfect long ball to Jackie Groenen, who put through Leah Galton before her pass to Christen Press was hoofed out of danger.
But it was City who would prove the more ruthless in attack with United being undone by a set-piece for the third time in two games.
And it was Bronze – yet to score since November – burying her volley after a corner to put the hosts ahead ten minutes before the half-hour mark.
But the Red Devils refused to be overawed.
And they threatened through Haylee Ladd’s half-volley close to half-time and Christen’s Press low drive early in the second half after a mazy run past Steph Houghton.
But any chances of the visitors getting a foothold in the game were buried courtesy of Lauren Hemp smashing in City’s second with 20 minutes of normal time remaining.
And Caroline Weir notched up the title-chasers’ third with a delightful spin and chip close to the final whistle.
Man City gaffer Gareth Taylor said: “We certainly rate Caroline. She’s a top, top player.
“She has top ability, and hopefully now with the way we are playing we are giving her even more of a platform to showcase her talent.
“And we were saying that last week after Ellen White’s, Chloe Kelly’s and Lauren Hemp’s performances.
“All of the players are really working hard and buying into the team culture we want to achieve.”
The result saw Taylor’s players leapfrog the Red Devils into second spot with City carrying a game in hand.
And it leaves them just two points behind champions Chelsea who take on Bristol City ahead of the international break.
However, Taylor refused to get carried away with the win and believes there could be more twists and turns in the battle for the title.
Taylor said: “We’ve seen with some of the results this season that if you don’t turn up, and you’re not really at it – and sometimes when you do play decent football but don’t score goals – you’re always leaving yourself vulnerable to that potential loss.
“I don’t think anyone could have really seen those results we saw last weekend.
“We are just going to try to keep the focus on ourselves.”
