The champions of the Barclays Women's Super League saved their best for last. Manchester City capped a dominant season with a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham United, delivering a performance that truly befitted their newly won crown. After securing their first league title in a decade just last week, Andree Jeglertz's side showed no signs of complacency, treating fans to a masterclass in attacking football on the final matchday.
At the heart of the action was the unstoppable Bunny Shaw. The recently crowned Women's Footballer of the Year added two more goals to her incredible season tally, bringing her total to a staggering 21. Each strike was met with a wry smile aimed at the travelling City supporters, a subtle nod to the swirling rumors about her future. Despite intense speculation of a potential move to Chelsea, Shaw was fully locked in, proving why she's the most feared striker in the league.
City's set-piece prowess was on full display once again. Jade Rose opened the scoring from a corner, marking the team's 14th goal from such situations this season—a statistic that more than doubles any other side in the WSL. But Shaw was determined to show her class from open play as well. She found space in the box with remarkable ease, creating more chances (3) than any other player on the pitch. Aoba Fujino set her up for a powerful first strike before Laura Coombs threaded a perfect through ball for Shaw to smash home her second.
The afternoon carried a sentimental touch, as Coombs herself delivered a moment to remember. On her final WSL appearance after seven unforgettable years with City, the midfielder looped a brilliant effort over West Ham goalkeeper Kinga Szemik. With nearly two decades in the game, Coombs bows out as a true legend of the league.
Credit must also go to West Ham, who refused to be mere spectators. They pulled one back through a well-worked combination between Ffion Morgan and Seraina Piubel, and young Swiss forward Leila Wandeler forced an excellent save from City's Eartha Cumings. Speaking of Cumings, her performance was a testament to the incredible depth in City's squad. Having not played in the WSL for four years, the goalkeeper stepped up with three top-class saves, proving that champions are built from the bench to the pitch.