There was an expectation on London City Lionesses to live up to the hype and deliver in the Women's Super League's season opener - and they did. Eder Maestre's side showed they are not just a starting XI of superstars but a team who may gel quicker than many expected. They came away from Hayes Lane, in front of a full crowd of 5,402 home fans, with an impressive 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
The scoreline could have been worse for United as London City dominated the first half and showed flashes of individual brilliance, amid a clear structure and intent. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas made her debut and was the glue in midfield while others stole the limelight. US billionaire owner Michele Kang was also present, donning a new match shirt with her name on the back and posing for photos with fans before kick-off.
"It was really fun to win today," said Delphine Cascarino, one of many international stars in the London City squad. "I think we have a chance to do something this season. We are trying to build something huge and achieve big things and I think we have a chance." Find interviews and extra content on the BBC Women's Football Weekly feed The tone was set in the first minute by London City, immediately showing their intent with a strike from Alanna Kennedy in the first minute that won a corner.
They allowed United no time to settle, pressing from the front and taking advantage of the visitors' hesitancy in possession. A flick from Putellas here and there, tenacity from Kennedy and quick feet from Grace Geyoro were all frequently on show. But it was the fluidity of London City's link-up play that caught the eye - a group of superstars looking like a good team in the first game of the season.
"Yeah, I think we were really strong, mostly in the first half," said Maestre. "We are facing Manchester United. You can't imagine you will be dominant for the whole game because they have a lot of good players.
"The team showed how capable we are and what we were trying to create so I'm very proud." London City were a bit of an unknown entity in pre-season given the arrival of several big-name players. Ex-United and England goalkeeper Mary Earps started on the bench alongside fellow new arrival Nicole Anyomi but Spain's Mapi Leon and forward Rosa Kafaji started. Danielle van de Donk, who spent most of last season injured, starred and scored, while Kennedy's header brought the opener when it deflected off Julia Zigiotti.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
