Inside track on City | Polly Starkie | OneFootball

We’re back on the road on Friday night as we make the trip up north to take on Manchester City in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

City have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their 2024/25 campaign, sitting top of the WSL table after six games while they’ve won the opening two games in their UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage campaign.

Ahead of our encounter at the Etihad Stadium, we had a chat with Polly Starkie to get a lowdown on the Citizens…

How would you reflect on City’s excellent start to the campaign in the WSL and Champions League?

Polly: “They have looked the part so far this season. Only dropping points to Arsenal in a 2-2 draw, City have been quietly confident across the WSL and the UWCL. Returning to Europe after missing out last season, City have made their mark, putting eight past Paris FC in the qualifying round. A 2-0 win against holders Barcelona in the first leg of their group stage clash demonstrated City’s grit, depth and talent.

“In the WSL, City have also been dominant. Context is crucial as due to City’s packed schedule, rotation has been essential, preventing Gareth Taylor from playing his best XI every match. However, when necessary, City have grind out results – an example being their 1-0 win against a much-improved Brighton side and their 2-1 victory over Aston Villa after going 1-0 down after 20 minutes.”

Who are the key players to watch this season?

Polly: “The enforced rotation has enabled a wider squad to have their moment in the spotlight. Bunny Shaw, the club’s all-time goal scorer is an obvious pick alongside Lauren Hemp who has recently been named Player of the Month. The pair have been relentless this season, both creating and scoring chances.

“Midfielder Jill Roord made her return to play against Brighton, following her ACL injury in January which kept her sidelined. Roord’s return has been remarkable, slotting straight back into the team and even netting for the side twice since.

“Summer signing Ayaka Yamashita is another player that should be highlighted. Superseding 2023/24 Golden Glove winner, Khiara Keating, Gareth clearly saw something special in Yamashita. She’s already proven her value, keeping four clean sheets and making some impressive saves.”

What impact has Gareth Taylor made at the Club?

Polly: “Gareth has been at Man City since 2020 in what has been an incredibly mixed tenure so far. From winning the FA Cup just months into his post to the departures of Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Caroline Weir and Janine Beckie, to name a few, in the summer of 2022, Taylor’s time at City has been varied.

“However, his groundwork over the past four years is finally coming to fruition. The development of players such as Jess Park and Mary Fowler has been successful and his new signings, particularly over the past two years, have been vital."

What are the ambitions for City this campaign?

Polly: “The hunger for silverware is very much there. City last won a trophy in 2022 – the League Cup – but are keen for more. Often runners-up, the title of serial chokers seems to be following the team.

“This season is City’s prime opportunity. The quality of the league is constantly improving but so are Man City as a club. Of course, competing in four different competitions is no easy feat and the relentless schedule, especially whilst playing in the UWCL poses a number of challenges. “However, four opportunities remain available for the club and finishing empty handed is not an option.”