Manchester City took another huge step towards their first Women’s Super League title in 10 years as Vivianne Miedema’s double and a Kerstin Casparij goal saw them comfortably beat Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford.
Andree Jeglertz’s side now need a maximum of five points from their remaining three games to be crowned champions for the first time since 2016 after a dominant display against their rivals, who are now officially out of the race.
Two headers from Netherlands international Miedema in as many first-half minutes (17, 19) set the visitors on their way before Casparij tapped in a Lauren Hemp cross at the back post shortly after the break (49) to put the result beyond doubt.
Arsenal and Chelsea are the only sides who can now catch City, but the WSL leaders will be confident of gaining the points they require in their remaining fixtures against Brighton, Liverpool and West Ham, who make up four of the bottom five teams.
United looked lethargic for much of the contest and perhaps understandably so, with this defeat the second time they have conceded three goals at Old Trafford in a week having lost 3-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Marc Skinner’s team now face a challenge to stay in the top three. They are currently second but only three points above Arsenal in fourth, with the Gunners taking on Tottenham live on Sky Sports on Saturday evening.