WSL 2022/23 Preview 7: Manchester City
WSL 2021/22 final position: 3rd
Manchester City signed 23-year-old Venezuelan striker Deyna Castellanos from Atletico Madrid in July, a scorer in their final pre-season friendly of the summer - a 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
How we fared last season
7 November 2021: Leicester City 1 Manchester City 4
Manchester City’s array of household names were shocked just moments into their first league visit to Filbert Way when former Manchester United striker Jess Sigsworth gave Leicester a first-minute lead.
The visitors responded though and some of Europe’s most sought-after stars were responsible for the turnaround. Caroline Weir, now of Real Madrid, equalised. Keira Walsh, who this week secured a world-record transfer to European champions Barcelona, put Manchester City into the lead. Georgia Stanway, now of Bayern Munich, set up the third for Lionesses wing wizard Lauren Hemp. Laura Coombs hit a late fourth that reflected the away side’s superiority despite their early setback - Manchester City had 28 shots in this game to Leicester’s 4.
24 April 2022: Manchester City 4 Leicester City 0
It was more of the same on the road as Manchester City racked up another 21 shots on the way to a comfortable victory. Weir and Hemp were again on the scoresheet in the first half with Julie Blakstad adding a third just before the break. Alex Greenwood’s second half penalty made it 4-0, with Leicester’s young side registering just two shots in the game.
When we face them this season
Away: 15/16 October 2022
Home: 4/5 February 2023
What the papers say
‘[Manager Gareth] Taylor has quite a challenge on his hands as he continues to preside over a significant squad overhaul. One familiar face staying put is the former England captain Steph Houghton, and City could do with their influential 34-year-old centre-half showing that the achilles injury that sidelined her for much of last season is firmly in the past.’
Louise Taylor, The Guardian - read Louise’s full Manchester City season preview
View from the stands: Connie Lea
Were you happy with how last season went for Manchester City?
Yes, I was pleased with Manchester City’s overall season. In the early months of the season we struggled, and were below expectations. However we fought back and following the turn of the year we had a very impressive run of wins - which ultimately secured us a third place finish and Champions League qualification. The team also defeated Chelsea in that run of successful wins to lift the Continental Cup which was a joy to see!
Which Manchester City player should we look out for most?
I’m very happy with the recruitment Gareth Taylor and the staff have done across the summer. We have strengthened in areas we needed and brought a range of different players from across the world. I’m very excited to see them throughout the season.
My expectations for this upcoming season are for the girls to have a strong start and continue the form we had towards the end of last season. I would like to remain in as many competitions as possible and hopefully come the end of May, Manchester City will have 3 trophies to their name.
What are your expectations for this season and are you happy with your transfer business so far?
We have a lot of new faces within the team this season so I’m very interested to see how all the players adapt to the WSL. But I’m most looking forward to seeing Deyna Castellanos play for City as she looks a very exciting prospect.
Did any Leicester players impress you last season?
I didn’t watch Leicester City much last season. However, loanee Freya Gregory impressed me. For a young player she played with such confidence and looked very assured in possession.
Lastly, how was Euro 2022 for you?
I loved Euro 2022. I went to quite a lot of the games. I enjoyed experiencing different cultures and mixing with other fans from other countries. It was amazing to see the Lionesses lift the trophy in front of a record crowd at Wembley, my highlight of the year.
Follow Connie on Twitter at @connielea04