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At a glance Khadija Shaw strikes late to send Manchester City nine clear at the top Kerolin gives Manchester City lead in first half Isobel Goodwin levels with near post drive after hitting woodwork twice in first half Defeat leaves London City eighth in the table Khadija Shaw struck late on as Manchester City beat London City Lionesses to move nine points clear at the top of the Women's Super League. Shaw pounced on a loose ball in the box in the 86th minute, smashing into an empty net to secure a 13th consecutive win for the league leaders as they put further space between themselves and reigning champions Chelsea in the title race. After hitting the woodwork twice in the first half, Isobel Goodwin's fierce near-post strike midway through the second half seemed to have earned a deserved point for London City in their first home league outing under new head coach Eder Maestre. However, Manchester City showed the resolve of would-be champions with Shaw's late goal. Winger Kerolin had broken the deadlock in the 11th minute for the visitors, racing on to a neat through ball from Vivianne Miedema before slotting a low finish beyond Elena Lete. Goodwin then twice struck the frame of the goal - first racing clear of the visitors' high line only to be denied by a fingertip save from City keeper Ayaka Yamashita, turning the ball on to the post. Minutes later, Goodwin climbed above Rebecca Knaak at the back post to thunder a header off the crossbar. Manchester City controlled proceedings for the most part, spurning several chances to claim a second goal before half-time. The best of those came from a Shaw dart to the byeline but her cutback was cleared before Miedema could turn home. London City began the second half in identical fashion to the first, pushing high and targeting the space in behind opposing right-back Kerstin Casparij. Indeed they fashioned two golden chances before pulling level through Goodwin, but captain Kosovare Asllani blazed over and Wassa Sangare had a close range header blocked by a brilliant defensive recovery from eventual matchwinner Shaw. The defeat leaves London City in eighth place, eight points off the Champions League places. Follow reaction to Sunday's Women's Super League action The relief was palpable among the Manchester City players and staff when the full time whistle blew at Copperjax Stadium. London City had put up one almighty test, but the league leaders had somehow found a way to come through it. They were put under significant pressure for large periods, with London City almost matching them in every markable attacking metric. Manchester City's extra shot on target - four to the Lionesses' three - proved the difference. Of course, it was taliswoman Shaw who popped up with the winner as time looked to be ticking away. With champions Chelsea slumping to defeat at home to Arsenal on Saturday, City knew that a win would extend their sizeable lead at the top. And it took every bit of grit, resilience and winning mentality that they have forged this season under Andree Jeglertz to make it happen. In doing so, they have all but matched Chelsea's start to their title-winning campaign last term. City have 12 wins and a defeat from 13 games - Chelsea had 12 wins and a draw. Both London City and Manchester City created two big chances on Sunday. The visitors took both of theirs. That is what champions do. While London City walked away empty handed from their toe-to-toe tussle with the league leaders, it did provide a marker for how the team are progressing under new coach Maestre. The gameplan was clear from the off - cede possession to Manchester City and hit on the break with pace, and it very nearly came off. The stats showed 29 entries into the final third of the field, 26 touches in their opponents' penalty area and two big chances created from three shots on target. The margins are incredibly fine at the top level though, and sometimes you need your big players to push them in your favour. This was evidenced in the most crushing manner of all - Shaw gobbled up Manchester City's second big chance, after Lionesses' skipper Asllani had fired over the top. Nevertheless, putting the title race frontrunners on the ropes for large spells is a sure sign that Maestre and co are building something good. After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users. Head here to get involved Get the latest WSL news on our dedicated page Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 25th January 2026 at 13: 52 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Eder Maestre Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Andrée Jeglertz Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Eder Maestre Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Andrée Jeglertz Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Women's Super League All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, London City Lionesses 1, Manchester City Women 2. Second Half ends, London City Lionesses 1, Manchester City Women 2. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match because of an injury Kosovare Asllani (London City Lionesses). Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Daniëlle van de Donk. Substitution, Manchester City Women. Iman Beney replaces Kerolin. Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Daniëlle van de Donk. Lauren Hemp (Manchester City Women) wins a free kick on the right wing. Fourth official has announced 6 minutes of added time. Foul by Daniëlle van de Donk (London City Lionesses). Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Daniëlle van de Donk. Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Lucía Corrales. Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Nikita Parris. Goal! London City Lionesses 1, Manchester City Women 2. Khadija Shaw (Manchester City Women) right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner following a corner. Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Elene Lete. Substitution, London City Lionesses. Sanni Franssi replaces Isobel Goodwin. Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Jana Fernández. Corner, Manchester City Women. Conceded by Daniëlle van de Donk. Attempt missed. Khadija Shaw (Manchester City Women) right footed shot from the right side of the box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Vivianne Miedema following a fast break. Offside, Manchester City Women. Kerstin Casparij is caught offside. Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.