Manchester City's Jamaican Jewel Khadija Shaw Cruises to Another Hat-Trick in 5-1 Defeat Against Liverpool
Marisa Walker
The echoes of "Bunny! Bunny!" reverberated through Manchester City's Academy Stadium on Sunday, but it wasn't the Easter Bunny they were celebrating. It was Khadija Shaw, the Jamaican jewel of Manchester City's attack, unleashing another breathtaking hat-trick in a dominant 5-1 dismantling of Liverpool in the Women's Super League.
Early Drama Sets the Stage:
Liverpool struck first, capitalizing on a shaky City defense in the 15th minute. Taylor Hinds' well-placed lob over a stranded Khiara Keating sent a shockwave through the home crowd. However, the lead lasted a mere three minutes. Gemma Bonner, attempting to clear a Shaw cross, inadvertently bundled the ball into her own net, restoring parity and setting the stage for a City masterclass.
The Bunny Show Steals the Spotlight:
From that moment on, it was the Khadija Shaw show. In the 33rd minute, she latched onto a through ball, her first touch settling the ball like a feather before a clinical finish sent the net rippling. Just before halftime, Shaw doubled her tally, rising above the Liverpool defense to head home a perfectly whipped-in cross. The Jamaican's predatory instincts were on full display, her movement off the ball causing constant headaches for the Liverpool backline.
Second Half Symphony:
The second half was a mere formality. Within ten minutes of the restart, Shaw completed her hat-trick, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and firing a low shot past the helpless Liverpool goalkeeper. It was her third treble in her last four WSL appearances, a testament to her lethal form and unerring finishing.
Manchester City's dominance wasn't limited to Shaw's brilliance. Lauren Hemp and Caroline Weir were a constant threat down the flanks, while Esme Morgan conducted the midfield orchestra with poise and precision. Liverpool, despite a spirited first-half showing, simply couldn't cope with the relentless City onslaught.
Shaw's Scintillating Run Leaves City Surging:
This emphatic victory propelled City back into second place in the WSL table, just three points behind league leaders Chelsea. However, it was Shaw's individual brilliance that truly stole the show. The "Bunny" isn't just scoring goals; she's scoring them with panache, precision, and a swagger that belies her age and experience. At 25, she's already one of the most feared strikers in the WSL, and her current form suggests she's only just getting started.
