Manchester City secured their third consecutive Women’s Champions League group-stage victory against Hammarby. However, the English side anxiously awaits news on the availability of England winger Lauren Hemp for Saturday’s highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea.
Head coach Gareth Taylor revealed after Tuesday’s match that Hemp would miss the game due to a potential, yet unspecific, injury. The young forward, Laura Blindkilde Brown and Aoba Fujino scored second-half goals securing a deserved 2-0 victory for City in Hemp’s absence.
While the English top-flight leaders delivered a performance below their usual high standards, they ultimately achieved a successful result. Their absence of the creative influence of Hemp, who provided three assists in their previous outing and currently leads the Women’s Super League (WSL) with 26 chances created this season, was notable.
“We’ve just got an issue with Lauren that we need to analyse further. It potentially happened during the [Crystal] Palace game,” Taylor explained, “She played in the Spurs game but wasn’t able to tonight, so we’ll take some time, and consult with medical staff to get a clearer picture.” When asked about Hemp’s potential availability for Saturday’s match, he added: “Hopefully yes. There’s opportunity there, so tomorrow we’ll have conversations and assess the situation with our medical team.”
Hemp’s absence on Tuesday came as a surprise. Despite this, City dominated the game. Taylor was keen to praise the performance of his squad players who stepped up. However, this victory wasn’t a straightforward one. The visiting Hammarby team put up a strong fight throughout the match.
Before half-time, Jamaica’s striker Khadija Shaw and Australia’s forward Mary Fowler had both come close to scoring for City. Just under 90 seconds into the second half, England youth international Blindkilde Brown finally broke through with her first Champions League goal – only her second for City since joining them from Aston Villa in January.
The 21-year-old delivered a neat, close-range finish following a move that showcased City’s precise passing. The hosts swiftly moved the ball from right to left, involving Jess Park, Fujino, and Yui Hasegawa before Fowler expertly cut the ball back for Blindkilde Brown. Her teammates erupted in joy as she registered her name on the European scoreboard.
The relentless City offense continued their pursuit of goals and doubled their lead when the Japanese playmaker Fujino met Leila Ouahabi’s left-wing cross. The 20-year-old had earlier struck the post but refused to be denied, eventually claiming her second goal since joining City this summer.
This victory ensures that a win in Sweden next week will guarantee Taylor’s side’s progression into the knockout stages with games to spare.
# Manchester City Triumphs Over Hammarby in Women’s Champions League Amid Injury Concerns for Lauren Hemp
## A Dominant Display Despite Defensive Scare
Manchester City Women secured a crucial victory over Swedish side Hammarby IF in their opening Group B fixture of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. The match, played at the Academy Stadium on Wednesday evening, saw City comfortably dispatching their opponents with a 4-0 scoreline. Despite an early scare, Gareth Taylor’s side demonstrated their attacking prowess and control throughout the game.
### Key Talking Points
* **Hemp Exit Casts Shadow:** A major concern for City fans was the injury sustained by star winger Lauren Hemp in the first half. She left the field shortly before halftime after a forceful challenge, with initial reports suggesting a potential hamstring issue. The severity of her injury remains unclear, casting a shadow over the remainder of the season.
* **City’s Clinical Finishing:** Despite the early setback, City maintained their composure and delivered a clinical performance in front of goal. Hayley Raso opened the scoring with a well-taken strike, capitalizing on a lapse in Hammarby’s defense. Khadija Shaw doubled the lead with a powerful header just before halftime, silencing any doubts about City’s dominance.
* **Second Half Surge:** The second half saw City further extend their advantage with two goals from substitutes. Chloe Kelly added her name to the score sheet with a confident finish, while Mary Fowler capped off the scoring with a beautifully executed volley in stoppage time.
**
| Goalscorers | Team |
|---|---|
| Hayley Raso | Manchester City |
| Khadija Shaw | Manchester City |
| Chloe Kelly | Manchester City |
| Mary Fowler | Manchester City |
## Analyzing the Tactical Performance
Gareth Taylor opted for a familiar 4-3-3 formation, with the dynamic trio of Hemp (until her injury), Raso and Shaw leading the attack. City’s midfield orchestrated play with precision and control, dictating the tempo and creating numerous scoring opportunities. The backline remained solid throughout, effectively shutting down Hammarby’s attacking threats.
### Looking Ahead: A Balanced Perspective
While the victory against Hammarby provides a positive start to their Champions League campaign, City will undoubtedly be concerned about Hemp’s injury.
The extent of her absence remains to be seen, but it could significantly impact City’s squad depth and aspirations in both domestic and European competitions. City’s next challenge comes in the form of an FA Women’s Super League clash against fellow contenders Liverpool. The focus will now shift towards ensuring a swift recovery for Hemp, while maintaining momentum and consistency across all fronts.
