Lauren Hemp’s Brace and Late Own Goal Secure Manchester City’s Win Over Liverpool in WSL

Manchester City continued their perfect start to the Women’s Super League season with a hard-fought 4-2 victory over Liverpool. The match was decided late on when Liverpool’s Grace Fisk inadvertently scored an own goal in the 90th minute, followed by a counterattack goal from Lauren Hemp to seal the win.

The encounter, played on 18 September 2026, featured two teams eager to assert themselves early in the campaign. Liverpool showed marked improvement and resilience, pushing the reigning champions in a competitive and entertaining game that showcased attacking football from both sides throughout the 90 minutes.

Lauren Hemp was the standout player for Manchester City, scoring twice to keep her team ahead in a tightly contested match. The pivotal moment came in stoppage time when a dangerous cross from Grace Clinton was deflected by Grace Fisk into her own net, giving City a 3-2 lead. This own goal proved decisive in tipping the balance in favor of the defending champions.

Despite Liverpool’s persistent efforts to find an equaliser as they committed players forward in the final moments, Manchester City capitalised on the counterattack. Hemp added a fourth goal during stoppage time, extending the lead and securing the three points. This late goal somewhat masked Liverpool’s impressive performance and growing competitiveness in the league.

The victory reinforces Manchester City’s position at the top of the Women’s Super League table early in the 2026 season and underlines their status as favourites to retain the title. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s spirited display signals their potential to challenge the established order and improve their standing as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, Manchester City will aim to maintain their winning streak as they prepare for upcoming fixtures, while Liverpool will seek to build on their performance to climb the table. Both teams have demonstrated their ability to produce exciting football, setting the stage for an engaging season ahead.

For more detailed coverage of the match, visit The Guardian.