Manchester City had to come through a major scare against the Austrian underdogs St Pölten to secure a seesaw victory in the Women’s Champions League. Just a week after putting in one of the finest performances in the club’s history to deservedly beat the defending European champions Barcelona Gareth Taylor’s side were given a major wake-up call when they slipped 2-1 behind early in the second half. But, having rested a swathe of first-team big-hitters from the starting lineup, Taylor called in the cavalry in the second half and a late headed winner from the Australia forward Mary Fowler gave them a 3-2 victory that felt inevitable as the early-season Women’s Super League leaders piled on pressure.
The performance will still have given a relieved Taylor plenty to ponder, however, on a night when his side’s defending from set pieces was especially poor, and they demonstrated a frustrating profligacy in front of goal at the other end.
Initially, it had appeared it would be a straightforward night for the English club, especially when Alanna Kennedy went out of character to blast a scorching, long-range strike into the far corner to open the scoring inside the first five minutes. It was the Australia centre-back’s first goal in club football since a win over Birmingham City in May 2022, and her first goal in the Women’s Champions League.
Ironically Kennedy then spurned a chance fans would have expected her to convert, glancing a header wide at the back post from a Fowler corner when only two yards out. Laura Blindkilde Brown also placed wide, rather tamely, from close range with another gilt-edged City chance in a first half when they were being held up by a series of fine saves from Carina Schlüter. The goalkeeper gave St Pölten hope by denying Jess Park, the Japan forward Aoba Fujino and Fowler, before Fowler agonisingly saw a deflected effort hit the crossbar.
The home side then capitalised on some sloppy City defending to equalise, Melanie Brunnthaler tucking in the leveller. Taylor brought on the Jamaica striker Khadija Shaw at half-time – seemingly much earlier than planned – in response to the scoreline, but two more excellent saves from Schlüter kept the scores level before the Austrians – who picked up just a single point in the group stages of last season’s Champions League – took a shock lead whenKamila Dubcova skilfully fire into the corner of the net on the turn. This time it was a deep free-kick which City did not clear, allowing the Czech Republic midfielder to swivel and score in the second phase.
Within four minutes of falling behind, Fujino volleyed in from Chloe Kelly’s perfectly weighted cross to make it 2-2, but Taylor was not satisfied – a triple change introduced A-listers Lauren Hemp, Jill Roord and Laia Aleixandri, and with them came City domination. Eventually, a lethal inswinging corner from Hemp was headed in by Fowler to keep City’s winning start to their Champions League campaign intact.
Taylor’s much-changed starting side included a senior club debut for the 18-year-old Codie Thomas, and the manager will have been encouraged by elements of her performance at right-back. The academy product was given a chance a week after another young City defender, the 20-year-old England Under-23 international Naomi Layzell, had been a surprise star of the victory over Barcelona with a goal and assist.
There was also some cause for encouragement for Kelly, who started the game after being an unused substitute in the wins against Barcelona and Liverpool. Her reduction in game time so far this season had prompted reports that she is considering leaving the club, apparently after falling out with Taylor, but on Tuesday he called the story “a non-event” and said he was happy with Kelly. Her assist for Fujino’s second-half equaliser was vital to the comeback.
A Crucial Comeback
Manchester City’s victory over St. Pölten was a testament to their resilience and depth. Despite falling behind twice, they managed to find a way to win, thanks in large part to their ability to bring on fresh legs and tactical changes. The victory further cemented City’s status as a contender for the Champions League title, despite the challenges they faced in Austria.
A Tale of Two Halves
The match was a tale of two halves. City dominated the first half, creating numerous chances and taking the lead early on. However, they were unable to convert their chances and allowed St. Pölten to equalize before the break. The second half saw a much more even contest, with St. Pölten taking the lead and City eventually finding a way to win with two goals in the last 15 minutes.
The Importance of Substitutes
The introduction of Lauren Hemp, Jill Roord, and Laia Aleixandri in the second half was a turning point in the match. The three players brought a new level of intensity and creativity to City’s attack, and helped to turn the tide of the match. Their impact highlights the importance of having a deep squad with a variety of options available to the manager.
City’s Dominance Continues
The victory over St. Pölten was City’s second consecutive win in the Champions League group stage, following a 2-0 victory over Barcelona in their opening match. The team is now in first place in their group and will be looking to continue their strong start to the season. The win comes on the back of a successful start to the WSL, where they are currently top of the table with seven wins and a draw in eight matches.
City’s victory over St. Pölten was a reminder of their strength and depth, and their ability to overcome adversity. The team will be looking to carry this momentum into their next match against Aston Villa in the WSL on Sunday, 20 October, where they will hope to continue their impressive run of form.
A Night to Remember
The match was a thrilling encounter from start to finish, with both teams playing with intensity and passion. The victory for City was a testament to their resilience, their ability to overcome adversity, and their strong squad depth. The match will be remembered for its dramatic nature, and for the performance of Mary Fowler, who scored the winning goal and was named Player of the Match.
