Keating's Nightmare as Toone Runs Riot: United Stun City in Historic WSL Derby Victory
Manchester City goalkeeper Khiara Keating had a night to forget as Gareth Taylor’s side suffered a humbling 4-2 home defeat to arch-rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
An inspired Ella Toone led the charge for United, who claimed their first-ever away Women’s Super League victory over City at the Etihad Stadium. Despite City dominating possession, United’s incisive, direct play overwhelmed their hosts, and it wasn’t long before the visitors seized a deserved lead.
After an early scare from Leah Galton’s effort, Keating’s misplaced goal kick gifted United possession. A quick sequence of passes sliced through City’s defense, and Toone calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing Keating in the 14th minute to open the scoring.
United doubled their advantage just six minutes later. A deep corner caused chaos in the City box, with Laia Aleixandri failing to clear her lines. The ball ricocheted to Galton, who turned and finished from close range. However, controversy surrounded the goal as replays suggested Elisabeth Terland’s touch in the buildup had played Galton into an offside position.
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Keating’s woes deepened in the 36th minute. A weak pass to Leila Ouahabi was intercepted by Celin Bizet, who set up Toone for her second goal with a clinical finish from close range, leaving City trailing 3-0.
City showed signs of life before halftime. Mary Fowler’s dazzling run and pinpoint cross found Vivianne Miedema, who headed home to reduce the deficit. Moments later, Rebecca Knaak powered in a header from a corner, completing a dramatic comeback to make it 3-2 at the break.
But any hopes of a City revival were dashed seconds into the second half. Keating’s attempted clearance went straight to Terland, who set up Toone to race through and slot the ball into an empty net, sealing her hat-trick and restoring United’s two-goal cushion.
City fought to find a way back, with Fowler and Aoba Fujino delivering dangerous crosses. Jill Roord missed a close-range header, and Miedema was denied by a sharp save from Phallon Tullis-Joyce. United’s defense held firm, securing three crucial points and leapfrogging their rivals into third place.
It was a derby to remember for United – and one Keating will want to quickly forget.
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