Merseyside | Record seventh consecutive WSL defeat for Liverpool
Liverpool 1 - 2 Manchester City
Aoba Fujino struck late as City came from behind at Anfield to inflict a club record seventh consecutive Women’s Super League defeat on Liverpool.
Author | William G
Stadium | Anfield

The Japan forward fired home a low drive to send AndrĂ©e Jeglertz’s side second in the table and deepen the Reds’ misery, their losing run in the league now stretching back to the end of last season.
City dominated possession and pinned Liverpool inside their own half for long spells in the first period, but it was the hosts who took a surprise lead seven minutes after the interval when Cornelia Kapocs met Ceri Holland’s superb cross with a firm header.
The advantage lasted only 12 minutes. Iman Beney levelled after Rafaela Borggrafe failed to deal with Khadija Shaw’s header, palming it straight into the Swiss teenager’s path for a composed finish into the roof of the net.
Jeglertz’s side had looked in control for much of the first half as Liverpool sat deep and invited pressure, yet their usual clinical touch in front of goal deserted them. Vivianne Miedema was denied by Borggrafe after capitalising on a defensive lapse from Jenna Clark, before mistiming an acrobatic effort moments later from a Shaw cross.
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Kerstin Casparij and Fujino both tested the Liverpool goalkeeper before half-time, as City repeatedly found space behind the hosts’ high defensive line.
Liverpool emerged with renewed purpose after the break. Mia Enderby’s cross deflected against the post via Casparij before Kapocs stole in at the back post to nod beyond Ayaka Yamashita in front of the Kop.
City’s frustration was clear – Miedema looked bewildered when substituted on the hour – but they were gifted a way back when Borggrafe’s attempted clearance of Shaw’s misdirected header fell invitingly for Beney to slam home.
Just as a draw appeared likely, Fujino’s crisp finish zipped beneath Borggrafe to seal victory for the visitors.
There was late drama when Gemma Bonner thought she had equalised after Yamashita spilled Holland’s free-kick, but an offside flag cut short Liverpool’s celebrations.
Defeat leaves Liverpool second from bottom with five straight losses this term, while City move up to second on 15 points after six matches.
Positives for Liverpool but progress remains slow
That late offside flag denied Liverpool what could have been a valuable point at Anfield. Did they merit it? On the evidence of the first half, probably not. Yet after the break, Gareth Taylor’s side showed a resilience and energy that offered encouragement despite the result.
It was always likely to be a difficult evening against the WSL’s most potent attack, and Liverpool defended with determination for long spells.
Their difficulties, though, persist at the other end. Kapocs’ header was only their second league goal in five matches, while Holland’s free-kick deep into stoppage time was just their second effort on target of the night.
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