England look like they have another electric forward coming through the ranks, with the 18-year-old making a real mark in the Cityzens' latest win
If Lily Murphy goes on to become a stalwart for Manchester City and England, then Thursday will be remembered as the night she announced her potential to an audience wider than that inside the Etihad campus. Amid a growing injury list that features Lauren Hemp, Khadija Shaw, Vivianne Miedema and Chloe Kelly, the 18-year-old made her full debut for the visit of St. Polten in the Champions League and, after being the Cityzens' liveliest performer through a goalless first half, her effort just before the hour set the hosts on their way to an important 2-0 victory.
City rarely looked in danger of losing this game, with their opponents struggling to really test their defence – it was just about whether or not they could produce a moment of quality to break down the Austrian side. It looked like Murphy would be the player to do that, given how often she broke through down the left, but it would actually be Aoba Fujino, on the right, who supplied the teasing cross for the teenager to tap in, before repeating the trick just 11 minutes later for Kerstin Casparij to profit from to make it two.
It's a win that leaves City firmly in control of top spot in Group D heading into the final matchday next week, meaning that they will finish there if they can avoid defeat in Catalunya, away at European champions Barcelona. However, they may have to take on that tall task without their captain, Alex Greenwood, whose nasty injury midway through the first half will leave a sour taste in the mouth on an otherwise encouraging night that saw a potential future star make her mark.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Joie Stadium…
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Ayaka Yamashita (6/10):
Had some rather strange moments in possession but nothing that cost her team at goal, at least. Had little to do in terms of shot stopping.
Kerstin Casparij (6/10):
Got forward plenty and although her final ball was poor at times in those important areas, she popped up in the right place at the right time to double City's lead.
Alanna Kennedy (7/10):
A more confident and settled display from someone who has looked out of sorts at times this season.
Alex Greenwood (6/10):
Was having a great game in all areas before being stretchered off.
Leila Ouahabi (6/10):
Like Casparij, she consistently supported the attack, though sometimes lacked the accuracy in her passing that would've made a greater impact.
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Yui Hasegawa (7/10):
A typically good display from the midfielder, featuring quality on the ball and a flurry of well-timed tackles.
Laura Blindkilde Brown (7/10):
Made lots of great runs into the box from deep, elevating the attack, and brought a lot of energy to the table in her pressing.
Jess Park (6/10):
Didn't quite come off for her tonight, with City getting more joy out wide rather than through the middle. Worked hard, still.
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Aoba Fujino (8/10):
Showed lovely footwork with some mazy runs and delivered two perfect crosses to result in two important goals.
Mary Fowler (6/10):
Worked hard and was positive when she got on the ball, just didn't get a ton of service in the No.9 role.
Lily Murphy (8/10):
A really lively full senior debut. Got in behind the defence a lot and caused a real threat from the left, either as a creator or a goal-scoring threat, eventually breaking the deadlock just when City needed it.
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Laia Aleixandri (7/10):
Replaced Greenwood in the first half and settled well into the centre of defence despite the surprise nature of her introduction. Brought her usual quality in possession.
Gracie Prior (N/A):
The youngster got some more minutes under her belt in the latter stages of this game, having started last time out in the Champions League.
Codie Thomas (N/A):
Another teenager who added to her limited top-level experience off the bench.
Gareth Taylor (7/10):
There was little he could do from a team selection perspective, given the injury list he is dealing with, but it was nice to see young Murphy given a run out here and especially nice to see her repay that faith with a great performance. Gave some more young players some experience late on, which could be important if this injury list continues to grow.