Manchester City Women capped a dominant title-winning 2025/26 campaign in style with a comprehensive 4-1 victory away at West Ham United Women on the final day of the Barclays Women’s Super League. The champions were clinical in front of goal and showed their quality despite already having the trophy secured.
Match Summary
Manchester City Women took an early lead and controlled much of the contest, though West Ham Women showed resilience with a second-half reply. Khadija Shaw’s brace and further goals from Jade Rose and Laura Coombs ensured a fitting end to a record-equalling points haul for the Sky Blues.
Goals:
- 13’ Jade Rose (Manchester City) – First WSL goal for the club, smashing home after West Ham failed to clear a corner. Assisted by Alex Greenwood.
- 57’ Khadija Shaw (Manchester City) – Tapped home from Aoba Fujino’s pinpoint cross. Assisted by Aoba Fujino.
- 62’ Seraina Piubel (West Ham) – Quick reply, converting from close range after a low cross. Assisted by Ffion Morgan.
- 72’ Khadija Shaw (Manchester City) – Clinical finish for her 21st league goal of the season.
80’ Laura Coombs (Manchester City) – Deflected strike to round off the scoring in her final WSL appearance before retirement.
5 Talking Points From West Ham’s Defeat to Manchester City
1. Champions show their clinical edge once again
Even with the title already in the bag, Manchester City women started brightly and maintained control. Jade Rose’s early goal set the tone, and the visitors’ attacking movement, led by Shaw, Mary Fowler, and Aoba Fujino,repeatedly stretched West Ham’s defence. The Sky Blues’ ability to convert chances efficiently highlighted why they topped the table.
2. Khadija Shaw’s record-breaking season ends on a high
The Jamaican striker delivered yet another masterclass, scoring twice to reach 21 league goals. She became the first player in WSL history to hit 20+ goals in three separate seasons and also notched her 100th goal contribution in just 93 appearances. Her predatory instincts and link-up play were pivotal.
3. West Ham show fight but lack cutting edge
The Hammers, who had picked up some positive results lately, competed well in patches and pulled a goal back through Seraina Piubel shortly after Shaw’s first. However, defensive lapses at set-pieces and transitions proved costly. Goalkeeper Kinga Szemik made several good saves, but the gulf in quality against the champions was evident.
4. Emotional moments and farewells
Laura Coombs capped her final WSL match before retirement with a goal and was warmly celebrated by teammates. The occasion also featured a guard of honour for the champions and a trophy presentation, creating a celebratory atmosphere despite the home defeat. West Ham will now focus on squad rebuilding after finishing 10th.
5. Strong foundations for a potential domestic double
Manchester City Women equalled their best-ever points total and head into the FA Cup final against Brighton at Wembley on May 31 full of confidence.
Manager Andrée Jeglertz’s side demonstrated maturity and depth, even making substitutions and dealing with an injury to Lauren Hemp. This performance underlined their status as deserving champions.
Manchester City signed off the league season impressively, while West Ham can take some pride from their response but must address consistency issues over the summer. A professional display from the champions to close out a memorable campaign.
